Why Campus 805 represents everything that is right with Huntsville

Huntsville is home to numerous iconic locations, including the well-known such as the Space and Rocket Center, the underrated such as Parkway Place and those on the rise such as Campus 805.

Campus 805 represents Huntsville’s growth into one of the most well-known mid-size cities throughout the country. Its fascinating history, exciting businesses and more demonstrate our city’s ability to repurpose space for the benefit of the local community.

For more details about why Campus 805 is a symbol of Huntsville as a city trending upward, read below:

Background

If you weren’t aware, Campus 805 was home to academic institutions for over fifty years before it became one of Huntsville’s premier hangout spots. It initially served as an extension for college classes, rebranded as Butler High School and finally transformed into Stone Middle School.

However, Stone Middle School closed in 2009 due to reduced enrollment and to provide more funds to other institutions. After it was decided to transform the property into an entertainment venue, many questions arose as to how to do it respectfully.

The decision to refurbish the school building and accentuate its academic aesthetic has preserved its educational history and provided a hangout atmosphere unlike any other in Huntsville.

Businesses

Arcadia Tattoo is a great place to consider for those getting a tattoo or piercing for the first time. (Arcadia Tattoo Huntsville / Facebook)

As a reclamation project, Campus 805 has been successful and become the new home for several beloved businesses, including the following:

Arcadia Tattoo
Gravity Games
Huntsville Ballroom
Rocket City Lasers
X-Golf Huntsville

Each of these businesses brings extra fun and value to many Huntsville hobbyists.

I can especially attest to Arcadia’s top quality, as it is where I got my ears pierced last year. If you want to get a tattoo or a piercing, I highly recommend checking them out.

Events

Check out Campus 805’s exciting lineup of events for this week. (Campus No. 805 / Facebook)

While Campus 805 maintains consistent value because of its terrific businesses, its weekly events are another reason it has become a popular hangout destination.

On a normal week, you can expect anything from trivia nights to happy hours. Right now, you can also take advantage of several unique holiday events such as this week’s Hoppy Holiday Market and Ugly Sweater karaoke.

Food + drink

In my opinion, Hops N Guac has always delivered some of the best deals on delicious tacos in Huntsville. (Hops N Guac / Facebook)

In addition to businesses for hobbyists, Campus 805 has some tasty restaurants and treat offerings to boot, which include the following:

Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza
Hops N Guac
Pizelle’s Confections
Straight to Ale
Yellowhammer Brewing

From my experience, Hops N Guac serves some of the best tacos in the city. Straight to Ale has also been the site of many hangouts with friends from school.

Hangouts

Finally, Campus 805 has become a needed third space for congregating informally. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and an aesthetic that calls back to simpler times, Campus 805 simultaneously feels like home and evokes the excitement of nightlife.

Whether you choose to stop by for a drink or dinner, check out one of its many terrific weekly events or have a fun get-together after work, Campus 805 has really established itself as an iconic Huntsville destination.