Bridge Street developers talking about Phase III

Bridge Street's developers, Los Angeles-based O&S Holdings, are talking about Phase III of the Research Park mixed-use project. But Phase II's only announced tenant (Sports Authority) won't open for another year! An O&S spokesperson told The Times that the two additional tenants will be announced soon. As for phase III, plans are leaning toward a second hotel and more retail.

Battle Discusses Vision for Downtown

This is exactly what Huntsville needed-- a mayor who supports real downtown growth. Mayor Battle told a group of young professionals yesterday about a plan by the Huntsville Housing Authority to build townhomes and lofts that go for $600-1000 a month. You're probably asking, "Does this mean more public housing?" Not exactly. These new homes will probably be built on HHA-owned land (like Councill Court) by a company that specializes in affordable housing developments, like Philadelphia-based Pennrose Properties.

He also expressed support in relaxing the height limits (possibly for his "signature tower" he keeps talking about) and placing buffer zones between residential areas and the CBD.

Huntsville Times article

Watercress layout... and is that a Kroger logo?

I was looking at the City of Huntsville GIS Department's Development Map earlier today, and stumbled on this proposed layout of the commercial portion of the Watercress development at 72 West and Jeff Road. In the middle is what appears to be an outline of a shopping center. And in the middle of that is a big black blob. Now, I don't want to fuel any rumors here, but does that look like a Kroger logo to anyone else?

If you need a closer look, check out the development map for yourself at
http://www.hsvcity.com/gis/dev_map/development_map.pdf

Another Kroger being renovated

The Kroger at Drake Avenue and Memorial Parkway will be renovated, with work probably starting early next year. This will be the third Kroger in the area to be renovated in the past year. The most noticeable changes shoppers will see are expanded Nature's Market (organic), deli, bakery, and wine sections, plus a slightly new interior and exterior design.

Copeland's redevelopment on hold

Real estate company Crye-Leike has scrapped plans to build a 3-story office building on the site of the old Copeland's restaurant at the corner of Airport Road and South Parkway. The building would have housed the company's regional headquarters, and was part of what seemed to be an aggressive expansion into the Huntsville region. However, that expansion has been scaled back due to the housing slump, and the Copeland's site is now up for sale again. According to the Times, the site has "received a lot of interest from restaurant and hotel operators." We'll see about that.

Huntsville Hotel Boom Update, November 2008

Time for another update to the Huntsville Hotel Boom list. Once again, if I haven't heard any updates on a hotel proposal, I haven't changed it.

Madison:
Limited-service, extended stay hotel in WaterStone (proposed)
Best Western Inn and Suites (proposed)
La Quinta Inn and Suites (under construction, Late 2008 opening)
2 hotels at the DeBartolo development (proposed, possibly dead)
Hotel at Madison Lakes (proposed)
Comfort Inn and Suites (approved by planning board)

West Huntsville:
Cambria Suites (proposed)
Hyatt Place at Providence (delayed, possibly dead)
Hotel(s?) at Redstone Technology Park (proposed)
Sleep Inn and Suites (under construction, opening 2009)

South Huntsville/Hampton Cove:
Hampton Inn and Suites-Hampton Cove (under construction, early 2009 opening)
Possible hotel in Jones Valley (proposed)

East Huntsville:
Hotel in Harris Hill development (proposed)

Downtown:
Courtyard/Residence Inn by Marriott (under construction, 2009 opening)
Spring Hill Suites by Marriott (under construction, 2009 opening)
Holiday Inn replacement by John Q. Hammons (proposed)

Limestone County:
Hampton Inn and Suites- Athens (under construction, 2009 opening)
Hotel/convention center at Sweetwater development (approved, 2010/2011 opening)