Huntsville/Madison Development News (Redstone Arsenal: boardwalk, remote, defense)

[RocketDawg]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

Is that the existing building that was used to give Covid shots? If so, a renovation of it is a double edged sword. There are some not-for-profit organizations, such as the woodcarvers, who use the building for their annual shows or large get-togethers. The area has few affordable meeting places, and loss of that one would be a big blow. Change is part of a growing economy, but the flavor of Huntsville will be lost when the small and diverse aspects of life are lost.

If I recall correctly, it's on the west frontage road just north of the mobile home dealer.

Did the Army National Guard move to a new location, or just leave town?

[djmaxwell]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

Is that the existing building that was used to give Covid shots? If so, a renovation of it is a double edged sword. There are some not-for-profit organizations, such as the woodcarvers, who use the building for their annual shows or large get-togethers. The area has few affordable meeting places, and loss of that one would be a big blow. Change is part of a growing economy, but the flavor of Huntsville will be lost when the small and diverse aspects of life are lost.

I believe you are referring to the Jaycee Community building

[harry chickpea]

Originally Posted by djmaxwell

I believe you are referring to the Jaycee Community building

You are right! Thank you for the correction!

[AU HSV]

Athens area is busy, 5000 plus homes

The City of Athens issued 49 permits for home construction since June 27, according to Southern Exposure reports. That number isn’t surprising. As of the spring, about 2,000 plats had received final approval, with another 3,300 meeting preliminary approval, according to City Planner Matthew Davidson.

https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2...l-process.html

[MisterEd51]

Originally Posted by RocketDawg

If I recall correctly, it's on the west frontage road just north of the mobile home dealer.

Did the Army National Guard move to a new location, or just leave town?

The City Council voted Thursday to approve a contract with Lee Builders to transform a former National Guard armory into the Raymond W. Jones Community Center. The state previously named the facility in Jones’ honor, recognizing his service in World War II.
...
Located near the Steve Hettinger Drive entrance on the east side of John Hunt Park, the former armory closed in 2017. The City later acquired the property from the state.

City of Huntsville to transform former armory into community center
https://huntsvillebusinessjournal.co...munity-center/

Here is rendering from the Huntsville Business Journal article



Based on that information here is Google Maps satellite view (large building just left of center):



And here is Google Maps street view:




To confuse things the Fort Jackson M. Balch Armory at the corner of Airport Road and Leeman Ferry Rd. is designated as Alabama National Guard Armory on the Google Maps satellite view.

[btcaub]

Originally Posted by AU HSV

More details on Space Command coming to Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal . It’s a big deal, big numbers and a cool looking preliminary building. They have been working on this for two years while Colorado has been blaming everyone else.

https://www.waaytv.com/news/air-forc...985a38055.html

Thank you for sharing the article, but pretty sure those conceptual drawings are a bunch of bunk. First off the layout drawing with the parking areas doesn’t match any areas in or near the location on Redstone. In fact it sort of looks like Petersen AFB in Colorado,

Second, doubt that ultra modern building with all that glass will ever be built here. First off that would take some serious a/c in a building that is going to have a ton of computers in it. Additionally, someone is going to have to relook the footprint and dimensions of the facility if large swaths of the workforce will be teleworking.

[btcaub]

[AU HSV]

Originally Posted by btcaub

you don't think the military would actually show the actual plans for the HQ right now? The only thing that is probably correct is the site next to the Toftoy throughway which gives easy quick access north and south.

[pathrunner]

Originally Posted by dijkstra

At least they still haven't built any skyscrapers or tall buildings and blocked the view of Monte Sano mountain with ugly weird shaped concrete and glass buildings. lol

Change is inevitable though. It does bring some nice amenities along with it. We have a pretty nice amphitheater and shopping/dining/entertainment areas now along with downtown finally coming together. It isn't all bad when an area grows and develops.

Yes I absolutely love Huntsville's downtown and it seems like what they're doing to the outlying areas of downtown is really going to be great. It'll sort of complete the city but then they should stop! And yes, no tall monolithic futuristic looking glass mirrored buildings that block views.

[btcaub]

Originally Posted by AU HSV

you don't think the military would actually show the actual plans for the HQ right now? The only thing that is probably correct is the site next to the Toftoy throughway which gives easy quick access north and south.

I have insider info, the Toftoy location is the preferred site.