See what neighborhood received a prestigious $50 million grant

Choice Neighborhood Implementation grant, HUD, Tommy Battle and Devyn Keith — From left, Jennifer L. Collins, HUD Regional Administrator for Region 4, Mayor Tommy Battle, Huntsville Housing Authority Executive Director Antonio McGinnis and District 1 City Council Member Devyn Keith pose with a $50 million check from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. (City of Huntsville)

The Mill Creek neighborhood was recently awarded $50 million to transform and revitalize its housing for innovation and affordability. Wondering how and why this large grant was awarded to one neighborhood in Huntsville? Keep reading to find out.

Why this neighborhood?

Big Spring Park50 edited — Mill Creek spans around 27 acres near downtown Huntsville (Hville Blast)

Mill Creek surrounds Butler Terrace and Johnson Towers, and is a neighborhood project area located on West Memorial Parkway among Governors Dr, Clinton Ave and Seminole Dr.

These funds are from the Choice Neighborhood Implementation (CNI) grant given by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The aim for this is to revitalize and transform the 27-acre site into a multi income community with workforce housing, retail option, medical and childcare services.

“This prestigious grant will significantly aid us in furthering our mission of developing and preserving a high standard of safe and affordable housing for qualifying individuals and families, ensuring these opportunities are free from discrimination. We look forward to leveraging this support to create vibrant, inclusive communities and enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

Tony McGinnis, Executive Director of Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA)

This project will take around 8 years to complete, with construction divided out into 5 phases, totaling 705 new mixed-income units. This will replace the “distressed public and assisted housing” with completely new, high-quality units.

Mill Creek phases — 5 phases and 705 units for the new Mill Creek (City of Huntsville)

Who’s in on it?

The awarding of this prestigious CNI grant would not have been possible without the project’s 27 partners and stakeholders. In particularly, Huntsville Hospital—who contributed $27 million to be able to operate a health care clinic on site.

Other contributors include McCormick Baron Salazar, Arts Huntsville, Urban Strategies Inc. and over a dozen more.

“We are so excited to bring healthcare to this development and just as excited to offer our employees efficient access to housing. This project checks all the boxes and we’re incredibly proud to be part of it.”

Jeff Samz, CEO of Huntsville Hospital

It’s an honor to have been awarded the CNI grant, and goes to show the attention Huntsville is receiving as well as its plans for the future. We’re only blasting off from here.

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