Huntsville Downtown Development Initiative

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Presented by:

Donna LambLamb Commercial Services

Small Business/Investment Real Estate SpecialistsBuilding Your Business is Our Business

Big Spring Partners, Inc. is the non-profit entity that works with the City of Huntsville - on revitalization and redevelopment of downtown Huntsville.

Mission for the New Downtown Development Initiative

To market and promote property in downtown Huntsville, with special emphasis on the central Downtown business area (Downtown Core), and to assist the City in the promotion and growth of the Downtown Core.

In carrying out this mission, the advice of Big Spring Partners Downtown Development Stakeholders will be utilized to the maximum extent available from the committee, as an entity and as individual members.

Downtown Development Initiative Mission:

Goals and Objectives

Downtown Development Initiative Goals and Objectives

Marketing Goals Administration Goals

Prepare an annual downtown-focused economic development and marketing plan to market development opportunities. This plan shall include an advertising and public relations program.

Develop a target list of desirable companies for relocation or new growth in the Downtown Core.

Actively recruit targeted prospects during the year.

Work with City Planning Dept/Zoning Board to assure adherence to Downtown Master Plan with consideration given to more modern approaches, placing Downtown parcels/buildings in a better development light.

Develop working relationship with established entities interested in Downtown; and build consensus in approaching growth issues.

Advise City officials of any non-compliance issues for covenants/zoning regulations by Downtown occupants.

Provide Mayor with year-end report

Downtown Development Initiative Goals and Objectives

Management Goals Promotion Goals

Monitor and advise City officials on the physical condition and appearance of the Downtown Core.

Work with property owners and City staff to resolve concerns and complaints in a timely manner.

Work with developers in the design phase of their projects to help guide compliance with master needs of Downtown.

Promote Downtown through preparation of news releases and organize events to publicize groundbreakings, grand openings, and expansions in cooperation with the City's communication staff.

Work with business prospects to identify project requirements; develop and present an effective response on behalf of the City.

Establish and maintain contact with members of government, business and industry on local, state, and national levels as would benefit funding access for Downtown development.

Importance of a Successful Downtown Development Initiative

Downtown Revitalization Benefits EveryoneSource: “The Case for Downtown

Revitalization” Wichita, Kansas (2009)

WHY focus on downtown development?Other cities that have embarked on focused downtown revitalization are producing benefits.*

These benefits include:

Increased private investment Increased property tax revenue New and retained jobs Increased tourism revenue Improved perceptions

* Based on a review of case studies and related data from Chattanooga, TN; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Louisville, Kentucky.

Why People Are Attracted to Downtown Huntsville

“I like being able to work in a clean, safe environment that combines an atmosphere of southern hospitality with the professional character that helps me conduct business.”

- Kyle Findlay, Financial Advisor

Blue Creek Investments

J.F. Drake State Technical College is pleased to be a part of downtown Huntsville because of the opportunities afforded our students to interact with the business communities that represent many of the areas that our students will enter upon graduation.

The downtown location also provides students with convenient access to shops, restaurants, banks, parks, museums, and city and county services. There is also an advantage for local residents who have found it convenient to enroll in classes they might otherwise never have considered.

Helen T. McAlpine, Ed.D.,President

I enjoy being able to get out and walk around the park and downtown as a mini-getaway from the work day.

Tim Lewin, General Manager

Huntsville Embassy Suites Hotel & Spa

I live and work in the Downtown area....the atmosphere and quaintness are qualities I enjoy.  The surroundings have a very calming effect during works hours and after hours. I would recommend it to all!

Anna Parvin, Customer Service Manager

Huntsville Utilities

Downtown: Our New Businesses

Harris IT Services

Since recently opening its Huntsville office at 216 West Side Square,  Harris IV has won a major contract. They will be expanding on Redstone Arsenal.

OP4G

An internet-based research organization, OP4G allows members to earn money while supporting their favorite non-profit.  The company recently opened its Huntsville office at 125  North Side Square.

Arthritis Foundation, North Alabama

After operating out of the living room of its local director Sarah Oglesby for the past year, the Arthritis Foundation has a much more visible home in the former Regions Bank Building, 216 West Side Square.

Hutcheson Enterprises

A recent addition to downtown Huntsville, Hutcheson Enterprises relocated downtown and moved into the SIRSI building. They currently house 40 to 50 employees and provide financial services to businesses in the area. There is additional space available for lease in the Sirsi building.

Global Recruiters

Part of a rapidly growing network of executive search professionals, Global Recruiters of Huntsville recently moved into the historic building, located at 125 North Side Square.  Their goal is to offer world-class permanent placement services by providing leading companies with top-performing talent, under the most demanding deadlines, and who meet and exceed expectations.

Nexus Energy Center

Now residing in Westside Court, Nexus Energy Center brings a forward-thinking green initiative to the downtown landscape. "I love being here on the square," says Ruchi Singhal, owner of Nexus Energy Center.  "The park is so pretty!"

Style Salon

Glenn Mitchell, owner of Style Salon is famous for her appearance on Bravo's "Shear Genius" and for being a finalist for the North American Hairstylist Award in the fashion forward category. Construction of her new salon is underway at 301 East Holmes.

Our Partners and Supporters

Thank you to the following companies who have generously committed to fund $5000 a year for two years for the Downtown Development Initiative!

CityScapesEPICMcLain Coldwell BankerSchrimsher PropertiesSolid EarthThornton PropertiesTriad PropertiesWest Huntsville Land Co.

Downtown Stakeholders

Could you be the next downtown stakeholder?

Downtown Revitalization Benefits Everyone!Questions?

Visit us online at www.downtownhuntsville.org

Ways You Can Get Involved…

Become a financial stakeholder

Locate your business downtown

Work, play, live, or eat downtown

Like us on FacebookHuntsville’s Downtown Development Initiative