HUNTSVILLE – It was only a matter of time before Huntsville administrators and developers turned a collective northward as the city continues to expand.
With the rapid growth in north Huntsville, the Huntsville City Council agreed at its regular meeting Thursday night to greenlight a resolution to engage Smith Gee Studio to develop a land use plan for the area where Bob Wade Lane and the under-construction Northern Bypass intersect with Memorial Parkway.
The area is already seeing new projects with a groundbreaking last month for Food City, which will anchor the Gateway Commons development. New residential projects are also in plans along with future objectives to continue State Highway 255 on the east side of Memorial Parkway.
“Our efforts will identify the highest and best uses for this area to include new residential and retail projects,” said Shane Davis, director of Urban & Economic Development. “In addition, we are very much interested in the opportunity to develop an area that could be used for a new commercial/industrial park.
“With all the recent industrial projects that have been achieved over the past 5-6 years, the city and Madison County are in need of new industrial sites for future job creation.”
According to the city, the agreement calls for Smith Gee Studio to conduct zoning and site analysis, followed by a concept plan that conveys proposed street infrastructure, building placement, parking balances, open spaces and development patterns.
Development program options for the area could include grocery and outparcel stores, big box retail and small shops, mixed-use or multifamily facilities, restaurants and hotels. Other options may include additional open space and public connectivity opportunities.
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