Huntsville Business Journal

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VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2

February 2019

REAL ESTATE

COVER STORY

Matt Curtis Counting His Blessings After a Stellar Year

The real estate market is booming and, as a result, Matt Curtis has a lot of blessings to count.

By Lori J. Connors - Page 4

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Page 8

Think Madison Has Changed Dramatically in the Past Decade?

You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet!

Today, many of those major target areas such as Town Madison, the U.S. 72 corridor and County Line Road are marching toward completion.

By Kimberly Ballard - Page 12

ADDITIONAL STORIES • Multi-Use Development Planned

for Former Coca-Cola Plant Site

By Bud McLaughlin • Page 3

• Huntsville’s Winning Sports Strategy:

Build It and They Will Come

By Kimberly Ballard • Page 6

• If You Thought 2018 Was

Exciting, Wait Till You See What’s Coming This Year!

By Lori J. Connors • Page 10

• Chuy’s Opening First Huntsville

Location in Spring

By Bud McLaughlin • Page 14

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HUNTSVILLE

BUSINESS JOURNAL Vol 2, Issue 2 February 2019 600 Boulevard South Suite 104 Huntsville, AL 35802

2

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

No Wall Divides Huntsville as Neighbor Helps Neighbor During Shutdown She’s recently divorced and lives in a 1-bedroom apartment.

Her ex-husband has custody of their children – though she sees them every weekend.

Due to our recent political climate, the dad – a government contractor – has been furloughed with a mortgage payment and kids to feed.

Mom reached out to her neighbors and friends via Facebook asking if they had “any extras in their pantry” to help make sure the kids are fed while her ex works – at a temp job – to keep a roof over their heads. And he feels lucky to have the job.

The friends and neighbors have answered with bags and boxes of canned goods, toiletries and other items to help during this stressful time.

This, unfortunately, is happening in all parts of Huntsville and Madison

County and affecting all walks of life – supervisors, engineers, production workers, administrative personnel and custodial workers.

If you notice, I didn’t say “federal workers.” These folks work for companies that contract with federal agencies. They are furloughed because there is no money to pay them due to the shutdown. But, unlike federal workers, the contractors don’t receive back pay.

So, not only are some of our families, friends and neighbors in need of some help now, they will be until the shutdown ends and the money starts flowing.

In the meantime, help is coming from other directions.

Several banks and credit unions are offering furlough loans at 0 percent or a low percentage rate and some temp services have short-term

EMERGENCY CARE WITH

employment opportunities.

Huntsville Utilities is asking customers who may have difficulty paying their bills due to the shutdown to give them a call, and they’ll work with customers and explain their options.

In a gesture reflecting the school’s mission, Oakwood University’s farm gave away fresh fruit, vegetables and grain last month to federal furloughed workers.

The website of the Huntsville/ Madison County Chamber has a news article on the agencies and businesses that are stepping up at www. hsvchamber.org.

(Bud McLaughlin is editor of the Huntsville Business Journal. He can be heard at 6:30 a.m. Wednesdays on the Fred Holland Show on WTKI 105.3FM and 1450 AM.)

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Lori J. Connors

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by EVENT Publishing, PO Box 14219, Huntsville, AL 35815. For advertising information call 256.533.8078, e-mail todd@eventhuntsville.com, or visit us on the web at www.huntsvillebusinessjournal.com.

For editorial information contact editor@huntsvillebusinessjournal.com ALL CONTENTS ©2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OR USE IN WHOLE OR IN PART OF THE CONTENTS WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS PROHIBITED. HUNTSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF EVENT PUBLISHING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. UNSOLICITED PHOTOGRAPHS OR ARTICLES ARE SUBMITTED AT THE RISK OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER OR AUTHOR. EVENT PUBLISHING ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR THE RETURN OF ANY UNSOLICITED MATERIALS AND MAY USE THEM AT ITS DISCRETION.

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February 2019

3

REAL ESTATE

Multi-Use Development Planned for Former Coca-Cola Plant Site

For some time, there have been questions and rumors about the site of the former Coca-Cola plant on Clinton Avenue.

Now, the questions have been answered and rumors dispelled.

Rocket Development Partners

of New York City owns the 13-acre property and have a vision for its use.

“There’s going to be a mixed-use development on the site,” said Mitch Rutter, a principal with Rocket Development. “It will be heavily residential with some office components. We’re not going to over-

load with retail.

“It will be a live-work facility ... modeled after The Gulch area of Nashville.”

He said some of the residential units will be “geared toward artists’

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and musicians’ housing” because of its proximity to the Von Braun Center and Museum of Art. Rutter suggested that some companies with their main offices in Cummings Research Park may opt to also open an office in the project “to help with their recruiting.”

He did not dismiss the possibility of a hotel also being built at the corner of Clinton Avenue and Monroe Street, “if the right hotel came along.

We’re not going to be building or operating it.”

Rutter credited Mayor Tommy Battle and city officials for being “very practical” and said the city’s team was a major factor in developing the project here.

“It’s not by chance; we have a process (on project decisions) … and

By Bud McLaughlin

study econometrics,” he said. “Huntsville is blessed with triangulating factors: job growth with good wages; population growth; and the leadership team.

“They have a long-term Huntsville vision. That long-term plan, which includes the Von Braun Center expansion, renovation of Pinhook Creek, greenways and bikeways, is geared to accelerate the growth of downtown.”

Rutter said his company has retained Huntsville architect Paul Matheny and Urban Design Associates, who developed the city’s long-term plan.

“We’re very focused to create the density to bring people who want to live and work here,” he said. “It’s really very exciting.”

Advertorial

4

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

REAL ESTATE

Matt Curtis Counting His Blessings After a Stellar Year

By Lori J. Connors The real estate market is booming and, as a result, Matt Curtis has a lot of blessings to count.

Over the past 13 years, Matt Curtis Real Estate has grown rapidly. In 2018, the agency received the following distinctions: Huntsville Chamber of Commerce Service Business of the Year, Nationally Ranked Website by Real Trends and, for the past two years, Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in the Nation (No. 17 in 2018).

“2018 has been one of the best years – inventory is at an Matt Curtis of Matt Curtis Real Estate, LLC all-time low; growth rate is up Photo by Steve Babins at 10 percent,” Curtis said.

“Although nationally the market will start to slow down, Huntsville-Madison can anticipate 5 to 10 years of solid growth. This has been the busiest January we’ve ever had.”

After graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in computer engineering, Curtis started out selling test equipment for National Instruments

to the Army and NASA. Then, after landing his biggest sale, he was offered a job at Woodland Homes. During his stint at Woodland, he honed his business acumen for real estate.

For Curtis and his team, giving back is important.

“For the past three years, we have been building homes in Nicaragua,” he said. “For every 100 homes sold, we build a home in Nicaragua for a family living in unsafe conditions.

“2019 will be our fourth year. There have been 65 houses built to date, with the 20 more being built this year, that’s 85 houses by the end of the year. Habitat for Humanity is also involved with the mission. The way it’s been usually, is that half the funding comes from donation, the other half coming from builders.”

However, this year there will be twenty houses built this year. Just the turbulence is affecting funding as well as the Curtis family.

“We usually go once a year and I was planning to take my family this year,” Curtis said. “But due to safety concerns, we had to cancel our trip. It was sad not to be able to go.”

In addition to the Nicaragua effort, the Curtis team supports local community projects.

“We have funded numerous charitable initiatives including 88.1 WAY-FM’s local concerts and a new gym for Madison Academy,” Curtis said.

And, there is also a love of sports and supporting the local teams.

“It’s a good, fan-based experience for the family,” Curtis said. “Huntsville Havoc, Rocket City Trash Pandas, we are big fans.

“We have already bought our box seats for the 2020 (Trash Pandas) season.”

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February 2019

5

REAL ESTATE

It’s a Seller’s Market in Area Real Estate

By Lori J. Connors

Everywhere you look, there’s well-plowed red clay, the evidence of cleared land. Huntsville-Madison County is bursting at the seams with growth.

With the new Mazda Toyota plant, along with a host of other companies setting up shop in the area, coupled with the projected growth on Redstone Arsenal, it’s no surprise that developers and the real estate community are busier than ever, just to keep pace with the rapid expansion.

Along with those jobs that are coming to town, people are following. Those people will need a place to live.

With low inventory coupled with high demand, it’s clearly a seller’s market.

“There are lots of new developments, the new home market is going well,” said Barry Oxley, executive officer of the Madison County Home Builders Association. “However, it takes time for homes to be available – from developing the infrastructure – sewer, utilities, flood plains. It’s a good six to nine months after the infrastructure is set before the homes are built.”

But, he did say, remodeling and rehabbing homes is growing.

“The remodeling marketing is also doing well,” Oxley said. “The older generation is staying in their current homes and are remodeling instead of moving.

Usually X number of homes become available for sale, but the remodeling market has changed that.”

Adding to that is the “tear down” movement, he said. Older homes in established neighborhoods such as Blossomwood, Five Points and the Lowe Mill area are being leveled and new homes are being built on the sites.

For the home owner, this is a good time to consider selling. With a low inventory of available houses, sellers control the market.

“Last month (December) has been indicative of the entire year of 2018,” said Cindi Peters Tanner, president of the Huntsville Area Board of Realtors.

“What we have seen has been a reduction in inventory. With fewer homes available on the market, what this means is that it tightens up the market for buyers.

“Low inventory means there are qualified buyers making multiple offers, which is a great thing for sellers.”

And buyers must act quickly because houses are on the market for just a few weeks.

“There’s been a reduction in average days on the market,” Tanner said. “Currently, houses are now on the market an average of 49 days. This is a great market to be in with all the economic enhancements; the city is funding the growth.”

But, she cautions that sellers also need to be realistic.

“When it comes to home selling, listen to your Realtor and they’ll work with you to create an effective marketing plan,” Tanner said. “By doing that, you will be more successful in selling your home.”

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPORTS / BUSINESS

Huntsville’s Winning Sports Strategy: Build It and They Will Come It’s all about attracting more visitors to Huntsville and the unspoken strategy so far has been very successful: Build it and they will come.

The city built a $22 million Huntsville Aquatic Center and it has attracted national swim competitions and swim events since it opened in 2017.

Huntsville has a prestigious swimming history, and when the Aquatic Center replaced the old Brahan Spring Park Natatorium, it was designed to pay tribute to great Huntsville swimmers of the past, such as olympians John Piersma and Margaret Hoelzer.

Known for its light and happy atmosphere, the Aquatic Center seats 1,400 spectators and features a high-tech ventilation system that keeps chlorine fumes at a minimum. The facility has two 50-meter competition pools; the original natatorium Legacy Pool used for swim instruction, competition training, and as a therapy pool; and the original dive well for diving competitions, all under one roof.

Parents from more than a dozen swim groups have visited the Aquatic Center. The Huntsville

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“The Huntsville Aquatics Center hosted three major swim meets with measurable economic impact of more than $3.5 million in eight months”

Swim Association is expected to bring in three or four potential new events; and in 2019, at least two swim competition organizations have made visits and are considering Huntsville for their upcoming events.

“The Huntsville Aquatics Center hosted three major swim meets with measurable economic impact of more than $3.5 million in eight months,” said Mark McCarter, Conven-

February 2019

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SPORTS / BUSINESS

tion Sales Manager at the Huntsville/Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau and author of the Huntsville City Blog, “The impact shows up in visitor lodging, meals, shopping, and other purchases.”

The Southeastern Short Course Swimming Championships, for example, brought in 1,100 swimmers with a delegation of 90 from the Huntsville Swim Association. The Southeastern Long Course meet led to a $1.5 million economic impact; while the Jack Frost Invitational brought more than $550,000 into the economy. Visitors from those events spent 3,600 nights in local hotels and motels.

From water to ice, Huntsville has a legacy with hockey and figure skating dating to 1963. Huntsville built the Benton H. Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex on Leeman Ferry Road some 16 years ago. It is used for figure skating, hockey, curling and public skating. The Huntsville Havoc and UAH Chargers hockey teams use the Iceplex as their practice rink.

The facility has hosted national and regional competitions in figure skating and hockey, drawing thousands over the years to Huntsville.

McCarter will partner with Ralph Stone, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission, to represent Huntsville at a half-dozen national shows in 2019, where sports and event organizations seek world-class sites and facilities for hosting their events.

“A lot of hard work goes into reaching out to

these groups, but once they see Huntsville’s unique facilities, they want to come here, and there is a discernible economic impact to them doing so,” said McCarter.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are building a $46 million baseball stadium for 2020, and if current enthusiasm is any key, people will come from all over North Alabama to see the team play and spend money on tickets, concessions, and team wearables.

Over at John Hunt Park, a $9 million park renovation is underway on a multi-sports complex designed to attract world-class cross-country races.

The tracks will have multiple configurations that will accommodate a 10k race for men and women at the high school and collegiate level.

There will be a rugged, four-mile mountain bike trail that accommodates competition; new competition-level soccer fields; and an 18-hole disc golf course.

The Huntsville Tennis Center with its six hard courts and 24 clay courts will be getting an additional six hard courts to boost the Center’s current propensity for attracting tennis tournaments.

Furthermore, now that beach volleyball is an Olympic and NCAA sport, John Hunt Park will get a $3.6 million beach volleyball court project with 12 “beach” courts. As a carrot to attract beach volleyball tournaments, they will be

“A lot of hard work goes into reaching out to these groups, but once they see Huntsville’s unique facilities, they want to come here, and there is a discernible economic impact to them doing so,”

building a 150 foot-by-30-foot pavilion, locker rooms, concession stands, and spectator amenities, which add an extra incentive for attracting crosscountry and volleyball events to the facility.

While there are two soccer fields at John Hunt Park, there will soon be two more. However nearby Merrimack Park has 12 soccer fields and is popular with youth and church group meets. Merrimack is also getting four lacrosse fields with artificial turf and a new field house that will open in the spring.

Finally, movies such “Game of Thrones” and “The Hunger Games” have sparked a growing interest in archery. The Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Conservation funded 80 percent of the Huntsville Community Archery Park at Southside Park on Chaney Thompson Road. The Madison County Commission provided the remaining 20 percent funding and Huntsville City is responsible for the general maintenance of the facility.

“From a sports commission standpoint, it will help us meet our mission,” said Stone. “We hope to host competitions that bring individuals into Huntsville to drive economic impact.”

With sports organizations actively looking for sophisticated facilities and stable supporting infrastructure for their competitions, Huntsville’s quality of life standard is reflected in our facilities, enticing competitive sports events to Huntsville – if they will just build it!

“We hope to host competitions that bring individuals into Huntsville to drive economic impact.”

Photos and Plans of John Hunt Park

8

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

COVER

Love by The Numbers: This B

By Lori J.

If you were shopping for Christmas swag in hopes of scoring big post-season discounts, you might have taken notice.

In almost a blink of an eye, retailers moved quickly in preparation for Valentine’s Day. By the end of the first week of the new year, inventory on the shelves had magically transformed from tinsel and tree lights to pink and red hearts.

Valentine’s Day is a BIG deal in the United States. From all walks of retail, customers are faced with an endless array of love-inspired offerings to suit every taste and budget.

Each year, Valentine’s Day spending in Photo credit Shutterstock.com the U.S. for sweethearts, kids, friends, coworkers, and even the family pet translates into billions of dollars. BILLIONS. According to the National Retail Federation, last year’s Valentine’s Day spending contributed roughly $19.6 billion to the U.S. economy. Those numbers were the second-highest since 2013; topped only by a record $19.7 billion spent in 2016. Given a stable economy, Valentine’s Day 2019 spending could easily match or exceed $20 billion.

Source data: National Retail Federation (12/2018)

For Valentine’s Day in particular, shoppers seem to prefer the in-store “brick and mortar” approach to gift buying: 35 percent visit department stores, 32 percent shop at discount stores, 19 percent prefer browsing specialty stores, and 17 percent will stop by the florist’s shop on their way home from work. Even if it means waiting in a line that circles the building.

What Are They Buying?

The top five categories of Valentine’s Day gifts are candy, greeting cards, dining out, flowers, and jewelry. The table below illustrates the percentage purchased and total dollars spent in each category.

Purchase Percent Billions Spent Candy 55% $1.8 Greeting cards 44.9% $1.0 Evening out 35.2% $3.7 Flowers 35.6% $2.0 Jewelry 19% $4.7 Source: https://www.thebalance.com/happy-valentines-day-retailers-feeling-the-love-3306043 (12/2018)

Who’s Buying?

There’s nothing like the blush of young love.

Whether it’s to impress a mate or to woo a potential one, 60 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 24 and 67 percent of those between the ages of 25 and 34 celebrate Valentine’s Day with gusto, spending more than the older folks.

In fact, just half of those between ages 55 and 64 and only 44.7 percent of those 65+ celebrate Valentine’s Day. Most Valentine’s Day gift purchases are for a spouse or significant other. The other top gifting categories include family members, kids’ classmates and teachers, coworkers, and pets.

The $19.6 billion spent in 2018 translated into an average of $143.56 per person. All Valentine’s Day gifting is not created equal, however.

Men spend almost twice as much as women do.

On average, guys spend $196.39 on their beloved, while the ladies spend only $99.87.

Where Are They Buying it?

As the first gift-centric holiday of the new year, big spending on Valentine’s Day provides a hefty boost to the economy. Despite the ease and convenience of the Internet, only 29 percent of shoppers order Valentine’s Day gifts online.

Candy 81 percent of American consumers love their chocolate and it’s not surprising that candy is the No. 1 Valentine’s Day gift of choice.

With projected sales reaching $1.8 billion, half of U.S. consumers will select from an infinite assortment of candy – from heart shaped Sweet Tarts for the kids to fine chocolate confections for their sweet patooties. The great thing about candy is that it can be purchased practically anywhere, at any price point – from grocery stores to high quality confectioneries – yet it’s still inexpensive when compared to flowers, fine Pizzelle’s Confections / dining, or jewPhoto by Steve Babin elry.

For the past six years, sisters Caitlin Lyon and Michelle Novosel Pennell have owned and operated Pizzelle’s Confections at Lowe Mill.

“Valentine’s Day is literally a line of guys,

February 2019

9

STORY

Business of Valentine’s Day

. Connors

may vary, but most couples will spend a romantic evening out on Valentine’s Day, whether it be savoring fine wine and a fancy meal at an upscale restaurant or a sit-down meal without the kids at a fast food establishment.

Pizzelle’s Confections / Photo by Steve Babin

lined up at the door,” said Lyon. “It’s also the one time of year where we can pre-box a variety of candy and it will sell.”

Pennell said, “Valentine’s Day is one week of craziness! We hope that people will come out and enjoy.”

At Pizzelle’s, most Valentine’s Day purchases are men buying for their wives or girlfriends.

There are also dads or moms buying for their kids and gift purchases for friends and coworkers.

In preparation of the big day, Lyon said, “we plan to increase volume and add more of what we already have along with seasonal flavors, like our chocolate and strawberry mini-cakes.”

Awarded the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s 2018 “Local Creative of the Year” award, Pizzelle’s Confections uses fair-trade chocolate and local, seasonal ingredients for its eclectic mix of edible art and culinary adventurousness.

Cards Valentine’s Day cards are still popular and represent close to 45 percent of sales. Greeting card purchases include fancy romantic cards for one’s sweetie, as well as those packs of cards parents often buy for their kids’ teachers and classmates. Despite being a high-volume item, Valentine’s Day cards are very inexpensive, thus generating a mere $1 billion in revenue.

A Night on the Town Valentine’s Day dining translates into 35 percent of purchases and approximately $4 billion in generated revenue. Tastes and budgets

Flowers With close to $2 billion in revenue generated from domestically cut flowers, bouquets represent 38 percent of Valentine’s Day sales in the U.S. “Valentine’s day is probably the busiest single day of the year for us. Men buying for their wives or girlfriends; if there’s a child, they buy a valentine for them, too,” said Karen Bowers, longtime sales clerk at Albert’s Florist in Huntsville. “People often wait until the last minute, so it gets pretty hectic.”

Co-worker Carol Moore said, “The phones ring off the hook, there’s a line out to the street.

If Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, it’s even busier.”

Jewelry Despite representing only 19 percent of Valentine’s Day purchases, jewelry generated nearly $5 billion in revenue in 2018.

“Valentine’s Day is a big day for us,” says Karen Boehme, co-owner of Meyer and Lee Fine Jewelry. “But it’s not an anniversary gift purchase, where thousands might be spent on a special piece of jewelry, like a diamond necklace or ring.

It’s usually less expensive, like a pair of earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace.”

Jewelry remains mostly a traditional, genderbased purchase –a man buying jewelry for his lady love.

“Men will often tell us that their wife doesn’t like jewelry,” Boehme said. “This is where we

might suggest more traditional ‘staples,’ pieces that have timeless appeal and can be worn as part of an everyday look or for special occasions, such as a strand of pearls or diamond studs.”

Meyer and Lee Fine Jewelry / To dispel the Photo by Steve Babin bad rap of husbands being last minute shoppers, she said there is a strategy to their purchase habits.

“Wives often manage the household budget so, to avoid suspicion, men will come in beforehand to place the order, then make the actual purchase closer to the date.”

Don’t Forget Fifi or Fido It’s obvious that we Americans have quite the love affair with our fur-babies.

In 2018, Valentine’s Day statistics show that man’s best friend is getting even more love over the past decade. According to a recent NRF survey, about 20 percent of US consumers plan to give their pets a Valentine’s Day gift.

It’s no secret that pets are already a big business 364 days of the year. Add $6 million in heartshaped squeakies and dog treat sales on Feb. 14 and that’s a significant heart-shaped boost to the economy.

Huntsville’s Purveyor Restaurant / Photos by Steve Babin

10

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

By Lori J. Connors If You Thought 2018 Was Exciting, Wait Till You See What’s Coming This Year It’s an exciting time to be living and working in Huntsville-Madison County! There are commercial properties popping up, as far as the eye can see. This means new business ventures that translate into new jobs and a big boost to Huntsville-Madison County.

Here’s a list of some of the hottest properties and their tenants.

Stovehouse Reimagined by Stovehouse Properties and Crunkleton Commercial

Real Estate Group, the 10-acre Westside complex will soon be home to an enticing variety of business ventures. Its Governors Drive location is conveniently located to downtown Huntsville, I-565, and Redstone Arsenal.

• Oxyx Aerospace Athens-based Onyx Aerospace has been serving commercial and government agencies for the past eight years. As an Alabama-based HUBZone, Onyx anticipates its new location will positively impact the surrounding Huntsville community.

• Spur This staffing company provides a winwin in the “gig” economy for employers who need “a little extra help” and job seekers looking for “one-and-done” jobs.

• Mazzara’s and Pourhouse Coming in

March, entrepreneurs Matt Mell and Stephanie Kennedy-Mell will be launching two new ventures, Mazzara’s Italian Kitchen and Pourhouse.

Mazzara’s will feature freshly-made pasta, traditional Italian entrees, and desserts. The Pourhouse, is a laid-back bohemian, yet upscale, and ‘comfortably swanky’ bar.

• Kamodo Ramen and Oh, Crepe! For those fans of Asian cuisine, I Love Sushi partner Chao Fang will feature two Japanese-inspired restaurants. Kamodo Ramen gives customers a variety of options to create the perfect meal. Diners get to combine various noodles, sauces, vegetables and meats to create their own unique entrée. Oh, Crepe! will delight the palate by incorporating Japanese flavors into traditional crepes.

Merchant’s Square At the corner of Bob Wallace and the Parkway between the Whole Foods-anchored Shops at Merchant Walk and Parkway Place, Merchant Square offers a tasty assortment of restaurants, along with popular retailers, such as Ulta and Huntsville’s J. Whitener. There will be a crossaccess between Merchants Square and Shops at Merchants Square, allowing customers to walk and shop easily in both places.

• Brass Tap Featuring upscale craft beer, sports TV, and hosting live entertainment, the Tampa-based bar chain will make its debut the early part of 2019.

• Char Restaurant Defined as a contemporary Southern-style steakhouse, Char has locations in Nashville, Memphis and Jackson, Miss. Char opened its first restaurant 17 years ago and is owned by 4Top Hospitality.

• CHOPCHOP Fresh Salads Opening in February, CHOPCHOP is a local fast-casual eatery focused on serving fresh, seasonal salad bowls and co-owned by Yunus Hasan.

• Chuy’s Fans eagerly await the March 2019 opening of the new Huntsville location. Founded in 1982, the Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant expanded its operations

throughout the southeast region. In 2010, it made its way into Alabama by way of Birmingham.

• J. Whitener Boutique The women’s specialty clothing, jewelry and shoe store receives new shipments weekly of the latest fashion.

• Hand & Stone This massage and facial spa brings its services to the Rocket City. Hand & Stone offers professional massage, facial and hair removal services seven days a week – with extended hours.

MidCity Huntsville Located on University Drive near Research Park Boulevard, MidCity Huntsville is the third fastest growing development in the United States.

Developed by RCP and already home to TopGolf, MidCity Huntsville will soon feature a variety of dining, entertainment, lodging, and experience-themed enterprises.

• Highpoint Climbing Gym In early 2019, the Chattanooga-based High Point Climbing and Fitness will open.

• REI Equipment Co-op REI, the Seattle-based member-owned coop that features top outdoor gear from major companies will be this fall.

• Dave & Busters Those of you who have made the pilgrimage to Nashville for the D&B experience,

February 2019

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

mark your calendars! Dave & Busters is coming in July. This 26,500-square foot food and entertainment mecca has a state-of-the-art sports bar and hundreds of arcade games.

• Pies and Pints This specialty pizza and craft beer restaurant will be coming this summer. Owner Rob Lindeman has 15 stores in Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, Virginia, Kentucky, and Alabama.

• Wahlburgers Later this year, Wahlburgers will be a part of MidCity. The 4,000-square-foot full-service bar and restaurant is owned by brothers, actors Mark, Donnie, and Chef Paul Wahlberg.

• Aloft Managed by Yedla of Huntsville, Marriott’s Aloft Hotel will open late 2019.

CityCentre at Big Spring Located on Williams Avenue, near the Von Braun Center and Big Spring park. Once completed, the $100 million, mixed-use development will feature a tantalizing assortment of dining and lodging options.

• The AC Hotel Huntsville Downtown The first AC Hotel by Marriott in Alabama is taking reservations ahead of its spring opening.

The six-story hotel is the first tenant for CityCentre at Big Spring. The AC Hotel Huntsville Downtown includes 120 guest rooms, AC Lounge, AC Library, co-working space, event space and three meeting rooms named for the city’s mill heritage – Lincoln, Lowe and Merrimack.

• The Gemini Kitchen + Cocktails Coming in early 2019, The Gemini Kitchen + Cocktails combines Southern Fried Hospitality with polished-casual ambience, all designed to

get your

bakery features baked goods with a European-meets-Southern-flair.

provide a quality dining experience.

The Avenue

Located at 201 Jefferson Street in downtown Huntsville, The Avenue is bordered by Twickenham and Old Town. A variety of restaurants, parks, and entertainment venues are all within walking distance.

• Melt The Birmingham-based restaurant is scheduled to open in March. Owners Harriet Despinakis and Paget Pizitz describe their entrees as “classic comfort food with a twist.”

• The Moon Bakeshop Opening in early 2019 and owned by Thom and Maddie Watkins, this family

Town Madison Located along I-565 between Wall-Triana Highway and Zierdt Road, Town Madison is a 563-acre modern, walkable, urban community that provides a new experience for living, shopping, working, dining, and entertainment connecting people with their environment in a more meaningful way than traditional developments.

The development will be home to the Rocket City Trash Pandas minor league baseball team, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Hotel, the Home2 Suites by Hilton as well as restaurants and apartments. The buzz for 2019 is the arrival of Duluth Trading Co., noted for its original television commercials and apparel for men and women who “lead a hands-on lifestyle and who value a job well-done.”

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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Think Madison Has Changed Dramatically in the Past Decade?

You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet!

ultimately update the full comprehensive plan to reflect all the changes. Let’s face it, Madison has changed dramatically in 11 years.”

While Madison Mayor Paul Finley’s State of the City address last month focused solely on what to see from Town Madison in 2019, there are several road improvements and infrastructure projects in the works for 2019.

By Kimberly Ballard MADISON — The City of Madison adopted a long-term master growth plan in 2012 that looked at key development or opportunity areas where it should invest its energies in infrastructure, and advocate for private investment.

Today, many of those major target areas such as Town Madison, the U.S. 72 corridor and County Line Road are marching toward completion.

“A long-range plan like the one we adopted took two years to put together and typically has a shelf life of ten to twenty years, depending on the City,” said Mary Beth Broeren, director of Development Services for Madison. “This was not a full, comprehensive plan update like that one significantly updated in 2008, but in 2012, was a targeted look at areas where the city could affect change and get a positive economic return.

“In three years, the Town Madison will become Town Madison; a lot of County Line Road will be filled in; and it will be time to reassess things and

Madison Mayor Paul Finley addresses addentees at the National Cyber Summit (cir 2017)

Madison will continue to widen portions of Hughes Road with turn lane improvements onto Browns Ferry Road and the new Publix at that intersection.

Sullivan Street will be widened from Madison Boulevard up to Keyser Street in preparation for downtown’s new Avenue Madison, a multipurpose development underway between Sullivan and Short Streets.

The widening of Zierdt Road to four lanes is almost complete from Madison Boulevard to Martin Road, but the construction of multi-lane interchanges

February 2019

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

outside Redstone Arsenal Gate 7 at Martin Road West are still underway.

In terms of infrastructure, the city is building a multi-use walking path on one side of Wall Triana from Mill Road up to Gooch Place in a heavily residential area that really needs it.

And city officials are excited about a new greenway in the early stages of development in the far west part of the city. It will be called the Oakland Spring Branch Greenway and reaches into an area where there is new residential growth.

In the meantime, there is construction all over the city.

Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken is renovating the old Bison’s Café on Madison Boulevard in front of Publix at the Zierdt Road intersection. The family-friendly concept out of Chattanooga has a full bar and two expanded open patios for outdoor dining, serving southern fried chicken, buttermilk-fried pickles, and Mississippi Delta homemade hot tamales with coleslaw and crackers. They will open in April.

Family Security Credit Union is building a location on Madison Boulevard, just west of Faith Memorial Park Cemetery. They will be moving from their location on Lime Quarry Road.

SportsMed Orthopedic is about to break ground on a 20,000 square-foot facility on Hughes Road, a great addition to that area, which has become a successful medical core for Madison with several medical offices, buildings, and private medical and dental practices surrounding them.

Sometimes referred to as the Downtown Madison Sealy Project, a new multiuse development modeled after The Avenue in downtown Huntsville will facilitate a huge expansion of downtown on the south side of Main Street. A Huntsville Utilities sub-station at that location is currently being dismantled, and a new one is being built on the other side of the street.

The 226,415 square-foot upscale mixed-used Avenue Madison development will provide 174 luxury apartments and nearly 9,000 square feet of retail space on the north side of Sullivan Street. A connector road will create easy access between Short Street and Sullivan Street and include 21 additional parallel parking spaces for retail patrons.

Downtown Madison, which has previously offered very little in terms of apartment leasing, will offer luxury living, dining, and retail options in the

heart of downtown within walking distance of the historic downtown train depot.

Expect there to be a lot activity throughout 2019 at Madison’s premier Town Madison development.

As construction continues on the $46 million Trash Pandas baseball stadium, there will be dozens of ground-breaking and “Opening Soon” events at the 563-acre development this year. With 700,000 square feet of office space; over 1 million square feet of retail space; 700 new hotel rooms; over 1,200 luxury apartments; and 300 single-family homes to fill – we will be watching as Madison’s skyline continues to evolve and the $100 million worth of new road construction needed to accommodate takes shape!

“It is a good problem to have but a challenge nonetheless, that we have a shortage of contractors, electricians, and other construction-related labor in our area because of all the development,” said Broeren, “The bad news is that prices have gone up because there is so much work available, but getting bids and tapping into the jobs and labor pool is getting harder as there are just not enough laborers out there to do the work.

“It really affects small businesses who need tenant improvements or for property owners looking to build, remodel, or renovate. The shortage slows those projects down and it can be frustrating,” Broeren said. “And when we look at those monster-sized Toyota facilities just getting started, you have to ask, ‘Where will they get all the electricians they will need?’”

13

14

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

DINING

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A Southwest-based restaurant is bringing its Tex-Mex fare to southwest Huntsville.

Chuy’s Tex-Mex Restaurant will open its first Huntsville location this spring in the Shops at Merchants Square at the intersection of South Memorial Parkway and Bob Wallace Avenue.

Founded in Austin, Texas, in 1982, Chuy’s features fresh made-

from-scratch Tex-Mex recipes in a fun, eclectic atmosphere.

“We’re so excited to bring Chuy’s to Huntsville,” said Gil Minor, local owner and operator for Chuy’s in Huntsville. “Since opening stores in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, we’ve received so many requests to open in the booming Huntsville area and we are thrilled to give Huntsville their own home for fresh Tex-Mex.” The eatery is known for its funky décor including an Elvis Shrine, metal palm trees, and a hubcap-covered ceiling. In fact, the Chuy’s motto is “If you’ve seen one Chuy’s, you’ve seen one Chuy’s!” because each restaurant’s décor is unique and no two restaurants are the same.

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15

Business Briefcase Turner Construction Begins Renovations at TMDE Lab Turner Construction’s Huntsville office recently began renovation work at the 76,000-square-foot U.S. Army TMDE Activity’s Army Primary Standards Lab at Redstone Arsenal for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The facility is used for primary-level calibration and repair of Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) that the Army uses for its vehicles, weapons and equipment.

“As the agency responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the Army and its military systems, this renovation is crucial for us,” said George Condoyiannis, chief of construction for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District.

“The renovation includes updating laboratory spaces to keep up with stateof-the-art, high-tech army equipment that have significant calibration needs.”

The $27,223,895 renovation takes place while the building remains occupied Turner is working with the architects and engineers at Atlanta-based HDR Architecture. Completion is slated for January 2021.

Ad4! Group Celebrates 15th Anniversary Ad4! Group has turned the big 1-5!

The Huntsville-based full-service advertising and marketing agency is celebrating 15 years in business.

Owner Felica Sparks opened Ad4!

Group in 2004 with one goal in mind, to change the reputation of marketing agencies. Sparks said the agency’s focus would be the return on investment of every client.

“That’s why at Ad4! Group, the focus is ‘Communication that Counts!’” she said. “My goal is to be able to provide our clients with top-notch strategies and products that help bring customers in their doors and, most of all, increases their bottom line.

“We want to help make your marketing dollars work for you.”

Since its opening, Ad4! Group has worked with all facets of the business community including non-profits, small businesses, large businesses, and community initiatives.

“We have been blessed over these

past 15 years to have had the ability to work with such an amazing variety of people in this community,” said Sparks, “and we look forward to what the next 15 years have in store.”

Maynard Cooper & Gale Adds Three to Huntsville Office Maynard Cooper & Gale has announced the addition of three team members to the firm’s Huntsville office.

Attorney Philip Johnson joins the litigation practice and patent agent Erin Gaddes and technical advisor Badhri Ragunathan join the intellectual property practice.

“We are excited to grow our office and expand our services with the addition of these bright and talented individuals,” said Daniel Wilson, managing shareholder. “They possess technical skill sets and industry knowledge that will benefit our IP and litigation practices, and we are pleased to have them on board.”

Windham Named COO of HudsonAlpha Long-time local business and community leader Danny Windham has been named chief operating officer of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

Windham brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to HudsonAlpha, serving as president and COO at Adtran (2005-07) and CEO at Digium (2007-18).

“I have great admiration for the founders and leaders of HudsonAlpha,” said Windham. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to work alongside such a talented team and help ensure the institute’s mission endures for years to come.”

He is involved in the entrepreneurial community — as a mentor and board member — and has supported the development of several startupss.

“Danny is well-known to the Huntsville research and technology community for his leadership, advocacy and wisdom,” said Dr. Rick Myers, HudsonAlpha president and science director. “We are honored and excited to have him join the HudsonAlpha team.”

Watson Succeeds Roark as CEO of Torch Technologies John Watson has been named president and CEO of Torch Technologies, succeeding Bill Roark who is now CEO of Starfish Holdings, the parent company of Torch Technologies and other Starfish holdings.

Watson has served as president of Torch since 2013. This transition has occurred over the past two years, with Roark moving away from his full-time involvement with Torch and toward leadership of the Starfish Holdings enterprise.

“We have selected a strong, proven leader for Torch at a time when Torch is in a very strong position as a rapidly growing employee-owned small business,” said Roark, a co-founder of Torch. “Since John became president…, he has continually grown the company in multiple locations, broadening our capabilities and solutions.”

Watson joined Torch in 2009 as vice president of corporate development.

“I joined Torch in 2009 because I wanted to be a part of a company that not only had an established reputation within the community and with customers for its ethics and values, but also had vast possibilities for growth and innovation,” said Watson. “Today it is even more clear to me that Torch is that company. I am honored that Bill and the Torch Board have placed their faith in me to continue to lead Torch in this capacity.”

Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken Opening in Madison MADISON — An old Down in the Delta family recipe for fried chicken is coming to Madison in April.

Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken will open in the renovated Bison’s Bar & Grill building at 8020 Madison Boulevard, in front of Publix near Zierdt Road intersection. It will be Champy’s fourth location in Alabama.

“I am a world-traveled foodie and Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken is among the best fried chicken recipes in the world,” said managing partner Eugene Jung.

Jung, his brother-in-law David Harris and co-partner Michael Creek-

more are refurbishing the building, replacing the floors and removing the booths to make more room for tables.

They are expanding the dining room, the bar and the front and side patios, adding roll-up tarp awnings as protection against weather events.

The menu includes salads, Southern favorites such as fried green tomatoes, buttermilk-fried pickles, and Mississippi Delta homemade hot tamales with coleslaw and crackers.

Trash Pandas Emporium Reopens They’re ba-a-a-ack!

After shattering every known Minor League Baseball record for brand popularity in 2018, the Rocket City Trash Pandas have reopened the Trash Pandas Emporium at Bridge Street Town Center.

The store closed after the holiday season but club officials decided to reopen, due to popular demand. Highin-demand merchandise, previously unavailable, will now be on the shelves and racks. The store will also have updated information on ticket packages and seating options.

Though the team has yet to play an inning, the Trash Pandas have sold more than 32,000 items at the Bridge Street location. This is combined with 3,470 online orders, most for multiple items, from around the world since Oct. 27. The sales shattered the old Minor League Baseball record of 1,022 for three months, set by the El Paso Chihuahuas.

“North Alabama not only chose a nickname that numerous national publications have called the best in sports, but our community has come out in record numbers to support their brand,” said BallCorps Managing Partner and Trash Pandas’ CEO Ralph Nelson.

“It is amazing and unprecedented to see this level of support more than 16 months before the first pitch.”

Although the Emporium is closed this month, merchandise is available online at TrashPandas.milbstore.com.

Season ticket information is available on the Trash Pandas website www.

TrashPandasBaseball.com or by calling 256-325-1403.

16

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

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