Huntsville is Happening

We asked Chad Emerson, the executive director of Downtown Huntsville, what got the Rocket City’s downtown revitalization ramped up and how he and others are helping it grow leaps and bounds by building on its past and furthering its hope for the future.

What initiated your interest in downtown revitalization? 

Chad: Downtown Huntsville has an amazing past to celebrate while also having great modern amenities, like unique local businesses and beautiful public spaces, that make downtowns successful.

What do you see as the city’s greatest strengths?

Chad: The beautiful built environment and the beautiful natural environment. We’re fortunate to have a state park and land trust with over 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails right next to Downtown.  We also have an amazing artisan and maker mindset which leads to innovations in spades.

What would you like visitors to downtown Huntsville to take away from their visit(s)?

Chad: The mixture of great architecture, great outdoors, great innovation and great artisanship is unique among cities this size and is a real gem for Southeastern cities.

Approximately what percentage of the revitalization effort is dedicated to new development versus preserving existing structures?  

Chad: It’s a close mix. Fortunately, we have very low vacancy among our existing structures so we can focus on quality and not just quantity.

Is being pedestrian-friendly a major concern of your overarching plan?

Chad:  We’re focused on being pedestrian-friendly, pet-friendly and bike-friendly. We certainly welcome motor vehicles, but we really emphasize and celebrate the human scale of great downtowns.

Thanks Chad!