New Mill Creek Neighborhood Initiative construction set for 2026

The City of Huntsville is set to begin construction on the new Mill Creek Neighborhood next year, according to city officials. The project, which sits between Governors Drive and Clinton Avenue with an eastern border of Seminole Drive, will cost approximately $400 million.

Here’s what we know:

More on the Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative

Mill Creek is a partnership with Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA) that will invest $350 million into a mixed-income community with workforce housing, medical and childcare services and retail options.

Huntsville received a $50 million grant from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) last year as part of the Mill Creek project.

Mill Creek phasing plan e1753889669896 — The project will be completed in five phases. (City of Huntsville)

The project will happen in five phases:

Phase 1 includes the construction of an 84-unit Universal Design building located at the intersection of Governors Drive and 1st Street. This building will become the new residence for occupants of Johnson Towers by 2027.
Phase 2 focuses on the establishment of a 100-unit senior housing development, also located off 1st Street.
Phase 3 expands the initiative with 151 units of family housing, including a substantial development along Governors Drive between Seminole Drive and 1st Street, and another family housing complex along Harden Avenue between 1st Street and a newly designated street.
Phase 4 will introduce an additional 172 family units located south of Clinton Avenue off Seminole Drive, separated by a new street.
Phase 5 encompasses 73 units to be constructed at the intersection of Brahan Avenue and Indiana Street, as well as the completion of a new linear park.

The inclusion of a park is something Dennis Madsen, manager of Urban and Long-Range Planning for the City of Huntsville, said is a key element to the project.

“Another key part is about the atmosphere that you have. It should have quality streetscaping, quality public spaces. A big part of this and the city’s participation is the Mill Creek Park.”

Dennis Madsen, manager of Urban and Long-Range Planning

Plans call for part of the park to include a capped area over the concrete culvert that currently divides the site. The city has already been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to overhaul the culvert so that it can accommodate a park.

This project is expected to take 10 years to complete.

Get caught up on the project with these previous reports:

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