City of Huntsville rolls out master planning process for Historic Depot site

HUNTSVILLE – All aboard!

Hoping to take advantage of a city landmark before the “train leaves the station,” Huntsville officials are asking the community for input on using the historic Huntsville Depot property downtown.

The city is embarking on a master planning process for the depot and the surrounding 7-acre property. The public is invited to help determine civic and community uses that will preserve the site’s legacy while activating it for future generations.

“This is a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Huntsville’s most iconic and historic sites,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “We want the community’s ideas on how we can celebrate its heritage while creating a vibrant public space that serves our residents and visitors alike.”

Completed in 1860, the Huntsville Depot is the oldest surviving railroad depot in Alabama and one of the oldest in the United States. Located on the Norfolk Southern Railway line, the depot is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and the National Register of Historic Places.

As part of the planning process, the city’s Urban and Long-Range Planning team is seeking community input through the following opportunities:

• Survey
  Complete the Depot Master Plan Public Input Survey, open through July 14 at HuntsvilleAL.gov/depot.
• Public input sessions
  Attend one of two public input sessions at The Roundhouse: July 15 from 5–7 p.m. and
  July 16 at 10 a.m.
  Additional public meetings will be held throughout the planning process.

The depot property includes the historic Depot building, baggage platform, and associated outbuildings; a 1980s reproduction roundhouse and turntable; a Victorian-style house reproduction, open-air pavilion, and green spaces; and parking areas and a greenway connecting to Gateway Park and downtown.

While the depot’s historic integrity will be preserved, the city  said its interior offers potential for adaptive reuse, such as restaurant, retail, office or civic space. The roundhouse and shop building may also support expanded uses, the city said.

The site’s greenway connection will remain an integral part of the redevelopment, linking the depot to nearby parks, memorials, and the downtown core.

All ideas collected during the public engagement process will be evaluated for their financial feasibility, operational sustainability, and ability to serve the public good. The city is also exploring multi-use concepts and potential public-private partnerships to ensure a vibrant and lasting future for the property.

“Whether you envision a public park, event space, commercial hub, or something entirely new, we want to hear from you,” said Dennis Madsen, manager of Urban and Long Range Planning. “The best plans are those shaped by the people who will enjoy them most.”