HUNTSVILLE — A mixed-use development is planned for the former Hollywood 18 movie theater on South Memorial Parkway in Huntsville, according to a marketing flyer from Crunkleton Associates.
The site is adjacent to Joe Davis Stadium, which is undergoing renovations to convert it to a football/soccer facility.
The development, called Stadium Commons, will feature a multi-family residence, retail shops, restaurants, and an on-site hotel.
The 14-month stadium remodeling will convert a single-use baseball facility into a multisport venue ready for football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and ultimate Frisbee. The field will be artificial turf to maximize flexibility and accommodate intensive daily use. Seating capacity will be reduced from 10,000 to 6,600 to allow for open terraces and better visibility for patrons.
The renovation is expected to wrap up in time for spring play in 2023.
“This is a renovation of the entire stadium,” said Ricky Wilkinson, director of General Services, in a news release from the city. “A state-of-the-art scoreboard, audio-visual system, infrastructure for media broadcasts, new field lighting, updated seating and new concession areas are among the changes.”
The property will also include fresh landscaping, a new athletic storage building, new and renovated restrooms and locker rooms, and significant changes to the façade.
“An important aspect of our design process has been the advice received from coaches, band directors and TV broadcast teams from Huntsville City Schools, in addition to implementing the standards required for professional soccer as we pursue that opportunity,” said City Administrator John Hamilton in the news release. “We need a stadium that is smaller, approximately 6,000 seats, and provides amenities and entertainment value beyond the competition on the field.”
Outfitting a 1980s-era stadium with new design trends and modern amenities found at professional and collegiate-level facilities has been challenging for designers, but the city has high expectations for the public’s enjoyment of the “new” Joe.
Officials anticipate elevated food and beverage offerings and year-round multi-use opportunities will bring increased use and improved value to the community. The venue will also offer a variety of seating options, including field-level group boxes, the city’s news release said.
“We are excited to start the second life of this important venue,” Hamilton said. “The young generations of today will get the chance to build lasting memories of The Joe like their parents and grandparents did during the first 40 years of the stadium’s life.”
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
