Mill Creek redevelopment: What’s next for the transformative project?

HUNTSVILLE – After years of planning, the redevelopment of the area surrounding Butler Terrace and Johnson Towers – commonly known as Mill Creek – will soon begin following notice of a $50 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant. 

Awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the grant complements commitments from the city of Huntsville, Huntsville Hospital and private and nonprofit partners, resulting in a comprehensive project valued at over $350 million.

The Mill Creek redevelopment aims to establish mixed-income housing, essential services such as health care and child care facilities, and retail amenities. It will also incorporate extensive infrastructure enhancements, including new streets, vibrant public art installations, and the development of Mill Creek Park.

Innovative housing initiatives

A revolutionary approach to workforce, family and senior housing is at the heart of the Mill Creek project, with plans to introduce approximately 580 residential units. Huntsville Hospital intends to contribute a 125-unit development for its staff, bringing the total to over 700 units comprising replacement, affordable and market-rate housing.

The first phase is slated to commence within 10-12 months and includes the construction of an 84-unit Universal Design building at the intersection of Governors Drive and 1st Street. This building will become the residence for occupants of the aging Johnson Towers. Universal Design buildings are crafted to be accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities, featuring adjustable countertops and wheelchair-friendly doorways. The goal is for occupancy by Johnston Towers residents by 2027.

Phase 2 focuses on the establishment of a 100-unit senior housing development, also off 1st Street. Phase 3 expands the initiative with 151 units of family housing, including a substantial development along Governors Drive between Seminole Drive and 1st Street, and another family housing complex along Harden Avenue between 1st Street and a newly designated street.

Phase 4 will introduce an additional 172 family units south of Clinton Avenue off Seminole Drive, separated by a new street. The fifth and final phase encompasses 73 units to be constructed at the intersection of Brahan Avenue and Indiana Street, as well as the completion of a linear park.

Completed and ongoing milestones

The grant award marks a significant milestone for the project, catalyzing substantial infrastructure improvements along Governors Drive, west of Memorial Parkway. These enhancements encompass upgraded streetscapes and pedestrian amenities. Ground was recently broken on a new Food City store on Governors Drive, enhancing local food options for residents of the Mill Creek and Lowe Mill communities.

Additionally, the Pedestrian Access and Redevelopment Corridor project is expected to begin by the end of this year. It will bolster downtown flood mitigation and feature a 1,400-foot cable suspension bridge spanning from the future Mill Creek Park over Memorial Parkway. This bridge will provide safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists residing in the Mill Creek and Lowe Mill neighborhoods.

There are also plans to convert the Martin Luther King Jr. building at the intersection of Binford Drive and Vernon Avenue into a versatile “Smart Space” facility. It will feature early learning classrooms catering to infants through Pre-K, a food pantry, and both indoor and outdoor recreational areas. 

Further initiatives in the planning stages include greenway and multiuse path connections to Brahan Spring Park and John Hunt Park, alongside collaborative long-term planning between the city and the housing authority.

Soon, Huntsville will introduce an affordable housing manager within the city’s Community Development Office. This role will spearhead the development and implementation of strategies, policies and plans to meet the community’s housing needs. The manager will collaborate closely with stakeholders to establish affordable, secure and sustainable housing options.

Looking ahead

The redevelopment is scheduled to span approximately eight years and will unfold in multiple phases. Here’s an overview of key project milestones:

• 2025
  Small business grants and commercial façade renovation grants will be available for Mill Creek businesses and non-profits to apply for micro-grants aimed at enhancing business operations and physical improvements.
• 2026
  Infrastructure improvements are slated, including the enclosure of Broglan Branch, finalization of plans for Mill Creek Park and issuance of project permits.
• 2026-27
  Efforts to bolster small business operations will commence, including tasks such as painting, minor repairs, signage, awnings and landscaping. The Catalyst Center for Business Entrepreneurship will provide small business workshops, complemented by small business credit courses offered by local banks. Work on the repurposed “Smart Space” within the MLK Building should begin within this timeframe.
• 2028-2030
  Placemaking and public art initiatives will kick off, featuring sidewalk art installations, artistic bike racks, illuminated pillars with artist-designed screens, art displays in community spaces, and murals on parking garages.
• 2031
  Installation of Mill Creek Park amenities is scheduled, including new trails with lighting and benches, playground equipment, a splash pad and gathering spots equipped with tables and barbecue grills. Additional amenities will comprise open recreation areas and a dog park.
• 2032
  Completion of public art installations is anticipated.
• 2033
  The City of Huntsville and Huntsville Housing Authority will submit a final grant report to HUD, marking the culmination of the redevelopment efforts.