Huntsville residents will soon have more parking options near popular spots like the Von Braun Center and Big Spring Park.
City Approves Contract to Design New Parking Lot
The Huntsville City Council approved a contract worth over $121,000 with Croy Engineering. They will design a new parking lot at the southwest corner of Monroe Street and Holmes Avenue. This site is next to the $375 million Front Row mixed-use development. That project is currently under construction on the former Coca Cola plant property at Monroe Street and Clinton Avenue.
The contract covers the design of parking spaces, landscaping, and lighting. The city will manage this parking area. It will sit beside parking for Front Row’s office and residential tenants.
Parking Lot to Support Downtown Events and Visitors
Shane Davis, Director of Urban and Economic Development, told the council the city made a lease agreement with the Front Row developers. They will use the land, which is now just red clay, to provide public parking during construction.
“We asked for a parking lease so we could use this space at a very low cost,” Davis explained. “This will create extra parking for downtown events, festivals like Panoply, and the Von Braun Center.”
He made it clear that the city is not building parking for the Front Row development itself. Instead, the city will control the lot and can charge fees or offer free parking at times.
The lot will have over 340 parking spots plus about 60 on-street spaces. This will help reduce parking struggles during busy events.
Front Row Development Increases Need for Parking
Site work on Front Row began last year. The project covers more than 11 acres and will include 545 upscale residential units, 36,000 square feet of premium office space, and 47,000 square feet of retail. Some retail, including restaurants, will serve visitors attending downtown venues like the Von Braun Center.
The development features two six-story buildings with a central green space. This area will offer outdoor dining, community events, and public art.
Retail space should open by the end of this year. Apartments and offices will be ready for move-in by 2026. Plans for a boutique hotel, office high-rise, and luxury condos will come later.
Front Row is a joint venture between Ascend America and Essex Capital Partners.
New 400-space public parking lot approved in downtown Huntsville to support events and Front Row development.
Sign up for the Homely Huntsville newsletter to stay up to date on Huntsville.
