City of Huntsville and Huntsville Housing Authority award $50 million HUD grant
The City of Huntsville and the Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA) were awarded a prestigious $50 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation (CNI) Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
This grant will facilitate a major revitalization project in the area surrounding Butler Terrace and Johnson Towers, now known as the Mill Creek neighborhood. The overall investment in this project is projected to be around $350 million.
The Mill Creek redevelopment aims to create a vibrant mixed-income community that will include:
- Mixed-income housing: Replacing existing public housing with new, high-quality, and energy-efficient units that will accommodate a variety of income levels.
- Workforce housing: Including a commitment from Huntsville Hospital to build 125 units specifically for its employees.
- Medical and childcare services: Providing essential amenities within the neighborhood.
- Retail options: Enhancing the neighborhood’s offerings and creating local economic opportunities.
- Infrastructure improvements: Such as new streets, improved utilities, and the restoration of Mill Creek itself.
- Community assets: Including green spaces, neighborhood parks, and public art installations.
The Mill Creek project aligns with the three core goals of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative: transforming the neighborhood, improving housing, and enhancing opportunities for the residents.
The City of Huntsville (CoH) is working in partnership with the Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA) on this ambitious project. CoH and HHA has also engaged partners like Urban Strategies Inc. (USI) for people-oriented services and McCormack Baron Salazar Inc. for housing construction and management. Construction on the project is anticipated to begin in early 2026.