Huntsville updates

[HSVTiger]

Remember the downtown Constellation project that is always going to break ground next month? Well the wait continues and I have my doubts..there is always an excuse..

Constellation - The planned Constellation hotel/retail/condo development at South Memorial Parkway and Clinton Avenue is a project that developer Scott McLain said he's "working on every day." Construction on a 153-room SpringHill Suites should begin any day, he said.

McLain added that he's in talks with a half-dozen firms that could open a "green grocer" at the site, and that three restaurant sites are available. The first office building has two prospective tenants, he said, but needs a third before it can move forward.

[David1502]

For those on this thread who are waiting for a vibrant Downtown Huntsville with outdoor dining and trendy shops - Huntsville has that now - it's just not Downtown, it's on the West side, in The Village of Providence and Bridge Street Town Centre.

Last night, I couldn't believe the crowds at Providence. Mellow Mushroom had people waiting out the door and the other restaurants, all had a healthy business with diners eating outside at Tony's Little Italy, Cheeburger - Cheeburger and Phuket's. Grille 29 had a good crowd as well. HSV has never had this outdoor dining atmosphere before.

The icing on the cake is a new store called Kalou's which is going in the old Pelico Joe's location and will offer Fresh Produce, Groceries, Gourmet Deli and Wine. How upscale trendy is that! - (A Whole Foods would be better!!).

Also, Bridge Street offers a similar dynamic with outdoor dining at Cantina Laredo and P.F. Chang as well as upstairs at the Melting Pot.

It is hard to see how there can be much more market share for Constellation and is understandable about why the project continues to be delayed. The demographics just aren't there. Most of the business travelers to this area want to be near the Arsenal and CRP - why should they stay Downtown? They are the ones who are keeping the restaurants like Connors and Grille 29 busy during the week. Conventions at Von Braun(which are sporadic) are what keeps the Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn in business.

Another factor hurting Constellation is the residential demographics. Other than Twickenham, and Old Town, there just aren't many neighborhoods in close proximity which can support better restaurants. Time will tell how well Constellation performs, but it has some tough competition now.

[HSVTiger]

Good points and true but Constellation is starting from scratch just as those
other projects did. Huntsville's downtown demographics will change as this project and the Medical District/ North downtown projects come on line.
The height limit repeal will also help, I believe Mclain at one time or another said Bridge Street and Providence would not work either, he just needs to do it
or not. If he waits until the "time is right" it will be too late. The office tower should already be under construction to help lure in the third tenant.
The VBC is constantly busy and the new overhaul/remodel should only cause an increase. It's a classic chicken /egg syndrome which comes first? Since it's not my money I say be aggressive and go for it

[HSVTiger]

Looks like site prep is beginning for something on the vacant lot on University across from Walmart (in the Old Winn Dixie shopping center).

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by David1502

For those on this thread who are waiting for a vibrant Downtown Huntsville with outdoor dining and trendy shops - Huntsville has that now - it's just not Downtown, it's on the West side, in The Village of Providence and Bridge Street Town Centre.

Last night, I couldn't believe the crowds at Providence. Mellow Mushroom had people waiting out the door and the other restaurants, all had a healthy business with diners eating outside at Tony's Little Italy, Cheeburger - Cheeburger and Phuket's. Grille 29 had a good crowd as well. HSV has never had this outdoor dining atmosphere before.

The icing on the cake is a new store called Kalou's which is going in the old Pelico Joe's location and will offer Fresh Produce, Groceries, Gourmet Deli and Wine. How upscale trendy is that! - (A Whole Foods would be better!!).

Also, Bridge Street offers a similar dynamic with outdoor dining at Cantina Laredo and P.F. Chang as well as upstairs at the Melting Pot.

It is hard to see how there can be much more market share for Constellation and is understandable about why the project continues to be delayed. The demographics just aren't there. Most of the business travelers to this area want to be near the Arsenal and CRP - why should they stay Downtown? They are the ones who are keeping the restaurants like Connors and Grille 29 busy during the week. Conventions at Von Braun(which are sporadic) are what keeps the Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn in business.

Another factor hurting Constellation is the residential demographics. Other than Twickenham, and Old Town, there just aren't many neighborhoods in close proximity which can support better restaurants. Time will tell how well Constellation performs, but it has some tough competition now.

Last Saturday evening downtown was hopping, sold out Keith Urban concert at the VBC, a wedding/reception at the Art Museum, people OUTSIDE dining
at Cotton Row on the square as well as Sam and Gregs pizza, all the clubs were gearing up and people all over Big Spring Park.
Concerts in the Park start tonight
http://blog.al.com/thebus/2009/06/concerts_in_the_park_start_ton.html

Monday - Hot Soup, DiscOasis
June 8 - Reunion, Cristina Lynn & Chuck
June 15 - Juice, TBA at Joe Davis Stadium
June 22 - Mike Cole and the Convinced, Wing and a Prayer
June 29 - Trio El Camino, Coolbone Brass Band
July 6 - Ashleigh Marie, Rocket City Chorus
July 13 - Abstract Band, Toy Shop
July 20 - Olde Towne Brass, Huntsville Concert Band
July 27 - Jeff Crabb and First Flight, Groove
Aug. 3 - Full Circle, Madison Community Band
Aug. 10 - Mike Ball and the Madison Mountain Band, Latin Rhythms Band
Aug. 17 - Sharon Hancock Band, The Purple Ravens
Aug. 24 - Bob Walters Banned, The Flashbacks
Aug. 31 - Mohr 4, Rocket City Brass
Sept. 7 - Out & Runnin', Rocket City Jazz Orchestra

Not only will downtown support Constellation it will thrive. It also has Parkway/I-565 access(same as Parkway Place) so getting to it won't be a problem. Right now the thing that is hurting it is the delay in construction.

[HSVTiger]

And at Bridge Street Concerts in the Courtyard

http://www.bridgestreethuntsville.com/events.html

Every Tuesday | 6 to 8 pm
Westin Huntsville Courtyard

Live Music. Great Food.
Free Admission.
May 19
Snarky Puppy
May 26
The Jason Albert Band
June 2
Brent Morgan
June 9
Rudy Mockabee
June 16
Ashleigh Marie
June 23
Dave Anderson
June 30
Microwave Dave
July 7
Winner of Fox 54 Pavement Performer Competition

[ThatGuy]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

Looks like site prep is beginning for something on the vacant lot on University across from Walmart (in the Old Winn Dixie shopping center).

Looks like drainage work. Could just be an attempt to make that site more attractive to potential buyers/tenants.

What that shopping center really needs is a better way to get back to Research Park after lunch. Then the whole thing would fill in with restaurants.

[HSVTiger]

These guys are opening their first Alabama store in the old Huntsville West shopping center, corner of University Dr. and Sparkman..

http://www.essexretailoutlet.com/

[HSVTiger]

New flights coming..

Sept. 2 start set; airport will have 3 nonstops to city

Travelers to Chicago will have more options available in September when a United Airlines affiliate begins offering two daily round-trip, nonstop flights to Chicago.

Huntsville International Airport officials said Monday that United Airlines will begin offering the flights Sept. 2 on 50-seat regional jets operated by Mesa Air Group as United Express.

The proposed schedule will have two flights daily from Huntsville to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and two flights from Chicago to Huntsville.

Huntsville has daily nonstop flights to 11 U.S. cities, including Chicago. American Airlines offers one daily nonstop flight to Chicago after dropping a second flight in October.

[HSVTiger]

Grocery opening at Providence, not the hoped for Earth Fare (maybe Constellation for them) but this should be a welcome addition, they say more info will be coming

Kalou's Market & Cafe'

The Village of Providence will be the home of Kalou's, a full service grocery store and cafe'! Kalou's will be converting the Market Street Cafe' and Pelican Joe's space for their operations.

[ThatGuy]

Is there any room left at Burritt Museum for a Scenic Overlook-type restaurant? There has to be SOME place on the mountain that would work...

[SpawnOfVulcan]

There are many places. But, I don't think that Burritt would be the place for it. Of course, maybe if they tried to stay with the whole rustic theme of the museum, it could possibly work out.

[jonnie256]

I havn't been on here in a while so here are a couple ?'s

What is going on with the Madison hospital deal off hwy72? Are they still gonna build one in madison?

When are they going to start building the walmart on 72 west in front of madison bowling center and east of Jimmy's?

What was decided on the height limit issue? And is the constellation hotel developers waiting for them to decide the height limit for what hotel they can decide to design and build? thanks

[HSVTiger]

Governor Riley wants roads built, too bad he can't be re-elected. Another big key is all the parties involved are in agreement..
from the HSV Times..
Those in Thursday's meeting included Ronnie Chronister, deputy to Army Maj. Gen. James Myles, commanding general of Redstone; Garrison Commander Col. Robert Pastorelli; Battle; Madison Mayor Paul Finley; Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie; and representatives of Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions and U.S. Reps. Parker Griffith and Robert Aderholt.

"We were proud that we came together as a team ... and were able to present our top road priorities," said Redstone spokeswoman Kim Henry. "We're looking forward to state support on these future infrastructure projects."

Riley gave an overview of the plans during his annual state update luncheon hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

With all parties now seemingly in agreement on area road priorities and financial obligation, "in five years, we can have it solved," Riley said.

Those priorities are:

South Memorial Parkway, $31.5 million
Northern Bypass, $30 million

Martin Road, $18.5 million

Winchester Road, $15.1 million

University Drive, $14 million

Zierdt Road, $6 million

Rideout Road, $1 million

"But everything Gov. Riley said, he said with a caveat. We have to get with the highway department about changing the priorities on some of these projects."

So if it doesn't happen ALDOT will take full responsibility for failure. If it does happen they get credit for a job well done.

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by jonnie256

I havn't been on here in a while so here are a couple ?'s

What is going on with the Madison hospital deal off hwy72? Are they still gonna build one in madison?

When are they going to start building the walmart on 72 west in front of madison bowling center and east of Jimmy's?

What was decided on the height limit issue? And is the constellation hotel developers waiting for them to decide the height limit for what hotel they can decide to design and build? thanks

It might be easier to scroll back a few pages to find answers but the quick answers would be

yes
soon
no limit, no

[stewdog1]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

Governor Riley wants roads built, too bad he can't be re-elected. Another big key is all the parties involved are in agreement..
from the HSV Times..
Those in Thursday's meeting included Ronnie Chronister, deputy to Army Maj. Gen. James Myles, commanding general of Redstone; Garrison Commander Col. Robert Pastorelli; Battle; Madison Mayor Paul Finley; Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie; and representatives of Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions and U.S. Reps. Parker Griffith and Robert Aderholt.

"We were proud that we came together as a team ... and were able to present our top road priorities," said Redstone spokeswoman Kim Henry. "We're looking forward to state support on these future infrastructure projects."

Riley gave an overview of the plans during his annual state update luncheon hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

With all parties now seemingly in agreement on area road priorities and financial obligation, "in five years, we can have it solved," Riley said.

Those priorities are:

South Memorial Parkway, $31.5 million
Northern Bypass, $30 million

Martin Road, $18.5 million

Winchester Road, $15.1 million

University Drive, $14 million

Zierdt Road, $6 million

Rideout Road, $1 million

"But everything Gov. Riley said, he said with a caveat. We have to get with the highway department about changing the priorities on some of these projects."

So if it doesn't happen ALDOT will take full responsibility for failure. If it does happen they get credit for a job well done.

I was disappointed not to see the County Line Rd./I-565 Intersection on that priority list. That is badly needed to relieve Wal-triana and for further growth West and North West of Madison.

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by stewdog1

I was disappointed not to see the County Line Rd./I-565 Intersection on that priority list. That is badly needed to relieve Wal-triana and for further growth West and North West of Madison.

I think those are already in the pipeline and are scheduled to begin soon along with I-565/Greenbrier Rd improvements.

[jonnie256]

They are building a CHEDDARS in front of walmart on University drive,its like an upscale ruby tuesdays from what I hear....

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by jonnie256

They are building a CHEDDARS in front of walmart on University drive,its like an upscale ruby tuesdays from what I hear....

looks nice if it is
http://www.cheddars.com/

big menu
http://www.cheddars.com/CHD/06/menu.html

[stewdog1]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

I think those are already in the pipeline and are scheduled to begin soon along with I-565/Greenbrier Rd improvements.

Let's hope so. I know I've seen on the Madison master plan that construction is due to start Winter of 2010. But I don't know if that means January 2010 or December 2010.

But I'll believe it when I see it.