Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
Large fish in a small pond
Huntsville may be a small pond in the world of commercial real estate. But soon, that could very well change. Many have speculated why no nationally branded firm maintains a physical office in Huntsville. Today, industry insiders tell OTR that a national player is in the final stages opening a brick-and-mortar office within the city. What’s more is that they are reportedly focused on capturing the top local talent to lead the charge — including some of the dynamite young up and comers — which could set up a big fish fry in Huntsville’s commercial real estate market.
I dream of Ikea
Speaking of major players, it turns out that a viral social media post purportedly showing some official indication from global furniture icon Ikea was bound to open a new full-size location in Huntsville, was bogus. We’ve had our ear to the ground about a possible development on this front for years — and we’ve since learned to not get our hopes up.
Congresswoman Alvarez?
Andrea Alvarez, the outspoken Huntsville City District 3 school board member, has recently built a reputation on social media for trolling federal and state officials. Many spectators now believe she is vying to become one of them. A new page she has created points to her interest in issues well above those of the board. Political insiders say she has been testing support for higher office through tactics typically used in the deepest blue strongholds, like Portland and Seattle. While her posts are increasingly lighting up Facebook with comments, a local school insider tells OTR, “She has been a net negative on the way we operate. People do not want a keyboard warrior at the next level.”
Purple district no more?
A 33-year-old contender for our dearly beloved Alabama Senate District 2 – a seat currently held by 81-year-old Tom Butler (R-Madison) – officially announced his bid for office this week. John Roberts, by all accounts, with a lot of hype behind his candidacy, is the frontrunner in the race to replace Butler. According to insiders, some candidates who were previously speculated to jump in the race, learned of how intensely Roberts planned to work his bid, and became discouraged by hearing of how much groundwork he put in to build support for it. No matter how many politicos we have asked – no one can give a good reason why Roberts will not be inaugurated in 2027.
Dream big
The City of Huntsville is continuing to collect community ideas for the historic Depot property downtown. Officials say they’re thinking adaptive reuse, maybe restaurants, retail, or public space. The public? Historically more inventive. When officials asked for ideas for the old Johnson High campus, one resident floated a tilapia farm. No word yet on whether fish farming has resurfaced, but stay tuned.
UFO Days coming soon
Mark your calendars – Fyffe’s annual UFO Days celebration gets underway Aug. 23. The free family fun day celebrates the 1989 mass UFO sighting that made national news and earned Fyffe the nickname “UFO Capital of the South.” Dozens of residents, including the police chief, reported seeing strange lights and a banana-shaped object in the sky. Organizers of the event in DeKalb County say to expect live music, food vendors, inflatables, arts and crafts, and, of course, plenty of references to unidentified flying objects.
