Huntsville updates

[DruidCity]

Fortunately, it should not be "either-or" on the highway projects.

The east-west road in north AL would presumably be publicly financed.

For the north-south deal,

Folsom said he envisions a mixture of toll roads and "other innovative financing"

[ViperHavocStars]

So some of my cousins and I are planning on touring Huntsville as if we were "visitors" due to the high gas prices and just to get to know Huntsville better. Where's the best places to go? I have made a fairly good list myself, but I feel I may have left something out. I wasn't sure if I should post in the Alabama Attractions thread or not since this is just for Huntsville and maybe Decatur and Madison.

[marvingardns]

So some of my cousins and I are planning on touring Huntsville as if we were "visitors" due to the high gas prices and just to get to know Huntsville better. Where's the best places to go? I have made a fairly good list myself, but I feel I may have left something out. I wasn't sure if I should post in the Alabama Attractions thread or not since this is just for Huntsville and maybe Decatur and Madison.

At least include a walk through Mooresville.

[Huntsvillenative]

Originally Posted by ViperHavocStars

So some of my cousins and I are planning on touring Huntsville as if we were "visitors" due to the high gas prices and just to get to know Huntsville better. Where's the best places to go? I have made a fairly good list myself, but I feel I may have left something out. I wasn't sure if I should post in the Alabama Attractions thread or not since this is just for Huntsville and maybe Decatur and Madison.

Definitely visit the US Space & Rocket Center. Also go downtown to the Art museum, the Children's Museum and spend a gorgeous afternoon in the Big Spring park and walk around the old historic district. There's also Monte Sano national park to see the beauty of nature.

One thing Huntsville lacks is tourist attractions for both lcoal out of towners. We need something like a classy city zoo or an amusement park that would bring more tourists to the area. Hopefully the new billion dollar projects in Madison will lead to those types of tourist attractions. For kids and young adults, there's not much to do here.

[BKOTH97]

The Botanical Gardens are awesome and they always have some special program going (primarily focused toward Kids). My family and I have spent many weekends at the Botanical Gardens going through the scarecrow trail, Christmas Lights, Easter egg hunts, the Dinosaurs, etc. The Butterfly house is the biggest in the United States and the Children's garden is excellent.

[TimCity2000]

Also, take a stroll through one of (y)our many historic districts... like Twickenham.

[gkcooper]

Originally Posted by Huntsvillenative

Definitely visit the US Space & Rocket Center. Also go downtown to the Art museum, the Children's Museum and spend a gorgeous afternoon in the Big Spring park and walk around the old historic district. There's also Monte Sano national park to see the beauty of nature.

One thing Huntsville lacks is tourist attractions for both lcoal out of towners. We need something like a classy city zoo or an amusement park that would bring more tourists to the area. Hopefully the new billion dollar projects in Madison will lead to those types of tourist attractions. For kids and young adults, there's not much to do here.

I would also include Bridge Street, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Cathedral Caverns, and if you are up to a 1.5 hour trip, High Falls Park in Geraldine is a must.

[Huntsvillenative]

Originally Posted by gkcooper

I would also include Bridge Street, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Cathedral Caverns, and if you are up to a 1.5 hour trip, High Falls Park in Geraldine is a must.

I can't believe I forgot about Bridge Street. That's my favorite place to go now in H'ville. Absolutely breathtaking!

[jmanhsv]

Hey, sorry to change the subject back to development news, haha, but has anyone here heard anything about a grocery store at Zierdt and Martin? Also, any ideas on chains that would locate there? The only chain that's expanding here is Publix, but they already have a store 3 miles away. I really doubt that Kroger is expanding here anytime soon.

[BKOTH97]

Originally Posted by jmanhsv

I really doubt that Kroger is expanding here anytime soon.

From what I understand, the development at Jeff/Slaughter and 72 is supposed to include a Kroger. This is the development on the old Monrovia Golf Course. It looks like they are getting ready for some major site prep work.

[-=skywalker=-]

Originally Posted by ViperHavocStars

So some of my cousins and I are planning on touring Huntsville as if we were "visitors" due to the high gas prices and just to get to know Huntsville better. Where's the best places to go? I have made a fairly good list myself, but I feel I may have left something out. I wasn't sure if I should post in the Alabama Attractions thread or not since this is just for Huntsville and maybe Decatur and Madison.

Burrett Museum is a must, has some great views looking down on Huntsville...also while you're up there, Monte Sano STATE PARK (not a National Park) is neat to visit...I go hiking there a lot. It just depends on what kind of attractions you're looking to visit really, I'm more of a nature & history buff so I lean to visiting places like that. If you're up for a drive just out of town, there's Guntersville State Park (beautiful at sunset) and further to the southeast is Little River Canyon NATIONAL PARK.

[ViperHavocStars]

Thanks for the responses on the "local touring". The only thing I didn't have wrote down was Mooresville and High Falls Park. We thought about going to Guntersville, but not sure yet. I would rather spend everyday at Monte Sano or Big Spring Park. As for attractions, we do need something like a zoo or something related.

[-=skywalker=-]

Originally Posted by ViperHavocStars

Thanks for the responses on the "local touring". The only thing I didn't have wrote down was Mooresville and High Falls Park. We thought about going to Guntersville, but not sure yet. I would rather spend everyday at Monte Sano or Big Spring Park. As for attractions, we do need something like a zoo or something related.

If you're going to consider High Falls Park, i'd suggest stopping by Guntersville State Park...it's on the way to High Falls Park...also, a slight detour can get you to Buck's Pocket State Park as well...all are within 15-20 miles of each other.

[HSVTiger]

Hays Nature Preserve in SE Huntsville just past the Publix at Hampton Cove
is outstanding. It's on the way to Guntersville.

http://www.ci.huntsville.al.us/recreation/hayesnature/index.php

http://www.hamptoncoveequestrian.com/Aboutus.html

[HSVTiger]

Meeting on the Harris Hill development that is rumored to have a Super Target, Best Buy, theaters, hotel , residential.

By JOHN PECK
Times Staff Writer [email protected]
Developer to explain what is planned if OK'd

A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Wednesday over a proposed retail and residential development at the base of Chapman Mountain. It will be at 6 p.m. at City Hall, City Councilman Mark Russell said.

According to a flier, developer Cole Walker of United Properties will explain what is planned if the property is rezoned.

The City Planning Commission will consider a rezoning request May 27 to rezone some 250 acres of the so-called Harris Hills property. The property is south of U.S. 72 near the Moores Mill Road intersection.

"My purpose for having this meeting is to let the neighborhood know what the plans are," Russell said Monday.

Preliminary plans announced late last year call for a hotel, shops, restaurants and office space. The land would be rezoned from Residence 1A and Residence 2A and Neighborhood Business C-1 to Residence 2B and Highway Business C4. Russell said the change would allow more multiple-family options.

Traffic planners are making major changes to the intersection of Moores Mill and U.S. 72. One road project involves extending Moores Mill to the south side of U.S. 72 and connecting to an access road that would be built to the east of Old Gurley Road and on the west to High Mountain Road.

[HSVTiger]

By MARIAN ACCARDI
Times Business Writer [email protected]
Developer says houses will follow LEED certification

Construction will begin this fall on a 371-house development in northwest Huntsville that the developer said will include the city's first certified green homes.

Nashville-based Parkside Homes held a ground-breaking ceremony Monday for the Anslee Springs community on Indian Creek Road. Parkside said 64 percent of the houses will be built to meet the requirements for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, silver certification.

With energy and construction material costs continuing to climb and with growing concerns over global climate changes, "We've got to start building responsibly," said Randy Chastain, president of Parkside Homes.

A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources and creates less waste, according to the U.S. Green Building Council, which developed the LEED rating system. The benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced so-called greenhouse-gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins.

"The product we have fits Huntsville very well," said Joey Smith, president of Stonebridge Development in Franklin, Tenn., developer of Anslee Springs and Chastain's partner in the project.

Houses in the 83-acre project near Douglass Road - west of Alabama 53 - will range in price from about $230,000 to $330,000, with most less than $300,000, Chastain said. The houses will range in size from 1,300 square feet to 2,900 square feet.

Land development starts this month, and lot reservations will convert to contract to buy in late July.

Anslee Springs will feature four styles of houses in all, with three styles available initially. The first phase, expected to be completed in about two years, will have 117 houses.

The three housing types in phase one are:

"Cottage" - ranging from 1,300 to 2,100 square feet and available in one, one and a half and two stories. They will have alley access to rear garages. Prices will range from the $230,000s to the $280,000s. The cottages will be LEED-certified.

"Courtyard" - ranging from 1,800 to 3,100 square feet, built around private courtyards and available in one or two stories. Floor plans will include a private courtyard with ponds, waterfalls, outdoor fireplaces and grills. Prices will range from the $290,000s to the $330,000s. All courtyard homes will have environmentally friendly upgrade options available.

"Carriage" - range from 1,700 to 2,900 square feet, with recessed garages. The houses will circle the development and are designed for residents who want a more conventional backyard. Prices will range from the $250,000s to the $280,000s.

About 73 townhouses are planned for the fourth and final phase, Chastain said, and those will be LEED-certified. Total buildout is expected to take five to six years.

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

Apple store under construction at Bridge Street, the steel framework to
support the stainless steel facade.




photos by Aaron

well the stainless steel panels are going up and half of the Apple logo was exposed today. Inside you could see they still have a way to go but some
counter/displays appeared to be in place. I would say maybe 3-4 weeks till opening.

[wompem]

Originally Posted by ViperHavocStars

Thanks for the responses on the "local touring". The only thing I didn't have wrote down was Mooresville and High Falls Park. We thought about going to Guntersville, but not sure yet. I would rather spend everyday at Monte Sano or Big Spring Park. As for attractions, we do need something like a zoo or something related.

How about Harmony Park Safari around New Hope? My wife likes the zebra ans stepson loves the Watoosi!

http://www.800alabama.com/things-to-do/alabama-attractions/details.cfm?id=4010

[HSVTiger]

New interchange under construction at Huntsville International Airport.



The estimated $10.7 million project encompasses three phases. Phase one will provide site grading, drainage, and gravel base for the access road and connecting loops. Phase two of the project will complete paving of the three-lane roadway and connecting loops on the west and east sides of Glenn Hearn Boulevard. The loops will enable inbound traffic on Glenn Hearn Boulevard to travel east on James Record Road by crossing under Glenn Hearn Boulevard traffic, thereby eliminating an at-grade crossing. In addition to International Diesel, a number of other tenants will be able to utilize the new industrial access road – including LG Electronics, Raytheon, Turner Universal, Perez Services, and Parfums de Couer, Ltd., which accounts for more than 1,500 employees. The third and final phase of the project will include widening the Glenn Hearn Boulevard outbound bridge over the new industrial access road. In addition to this project, the Airport Authority is working with the city of Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal to widen and upgrade portions of James Record Road and Martin Road from Laracy Drive to Redstone Arsenal Gate 7 at Zierdt Road to accommodate the anticipated growth from BRAC.

[HSVTiger]

Bike riders get attention

By JOHN PECK
Times Staff Writer [email protected]
Plans also include wider shoulders for road projects

City leaders hope to make Huntsville a more bicycle-friendly community with more sign markers and a map showing the city's 148 miles of designated bikeways.

The city is also including wider shoulders in downtown road-widening projects and soon hopes to install bike racks on the courthouse square.

James Moore, bikeways coordinator for the City Planning Commission, outlined the improvements Monday night to Huntsville's Spring City Cycling Club. He also gave an update on planned greenway extensions, including a proposal to extend the Aldridge Creek greenway north from Mountain Gap Road.
The bike route maps are targeted for July. Moore said he hopes to distribute them through places such as bike shops, libraries, tourist attractions and other outlets.

Huntsville bikeways were established in the mid-1970s with updates in 1981, 1992, 2001 and 2006. The system has evolved from simply a shared arrangement on roads to one that interconnects with greenways and city transit buses outfitted with bike racks.
Only about 30 miles of bikeways have numbered marker signs. The problem: lack of money.

"At some point in the next year or so, we hope all 148 miles will be signed," Moore said.