Huntsville’s $350 million MidCity development is coming together, with the first phase of the multi-use entertainment and residential complex expected to be completed by the end of next year.
One of the first components, the $20 million Topgolf, opens Friday, while the Camp at MidCity, an entertainment venue, opened in August.
Taking shape at the site of the former Madison Square Mall, MidCity is one of the largest commercial real estate developments in the U.S.
Alabama-based RCP Companies is overseeing the development. RCP co-founder Max Grelier said the support and interest shown in MidCity from the city and community has been “truly unbelievable.”
“Several years ago, we envisioned an amenity-rich, walkable, mixed-use development to replace a declining regional mall,” he said. “Now, it’s coming to fruition – at the right time and at the right place with MidCity.”
The Camp is set to open full-time early next year featuring Alchemy Coffee Lounge
Here’s how the MidCity development is taking shape. RCP announced this week it has:
*Finalized a lease for the 26,000-square foot MidCity Adrenaline Zone adjacent to Topgolf. The entertainment center will feature a 45-foot climbing wall and a multi-purpose event lawn for recreational and competitive events. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2018.
*Four restaurants are close to final approval. One is described as a “celebrity-driven” venue backed by “one of country music’s most beloved acts,” with live music on 7,500 square feet. The other three are described as “first-to-market” restaurants. More information is expected to come early next year.
*MidCity developers have finalized an agreement with a boutique hotel to overlook MidCity Park. Negotiations are underway with another boutique hotel concept.
*Developers have entered a joint agreement with a Dallas-based multi-family developer to build 380 residential units along MidCity Drive over retail and restaurants.
“Our intention with MidCity is to create a vibrant, authentic place that inspires social interaction, celebrates our regional culture and provides residents and visitors from outside the area opportunities to share memorable experiences,” Grelier said.
Previously announced aspects of MidCity include:
MidCity Park: 38-acre public park with an 8,500-seat community amphitheater, a lake and kayak center, bike and running trails, and an outdoor recreation retailer.
Back Street and West Park Promenade: Shops and restaurants, residential apartments above retail, connection to MidCity Park.
Area 120: High-tech technology office space ideal for research, development and creative companies, a public plaza and meeting hub, and a science and tech accelerator.
Residential District: Trail connection to MidCity Park, adjacent to shops and restaurants, distinctive architecture and amenities.
The Point and Jake’s Mews: The “heart” of MidCity Huntsville with a hotel, outdoor performance venue, farm-to-table dining, sidewalk cafes, a food hall and specialty shops
At least 70 percent of the businesses will be new-to-market, developers have said.