HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
The City of Huntsville hired retail specialist, The Shopping Center Group, to perform an economic development study on four strategic areas that the city says are important in gaining new retail investment.
The areas include North Huntsville along Memorial Parkway, Jordan Lane, University Drive, and South Huntsville along Memorial Parkway.
The study will focus on the four areas and identify opportunity site for development and redevelopment.
"The completion of this retail recruitment study will allow us to further our efforts in the retail development of key areas within our community," said Mayor Tommy Battle. "Our economic development and planning departments will be using the results of the study to work with property owners, brokers, and retailers to recruit new business in these four strategic areas."
Urban Development Director Shane Davis says the study will take about 90 days to complete and it will be updated through 2014.
"We have major corridors that have suffered through the recession and a decade of road construction," said Shane Davis, Director of Urban Development. "We believe these corridors are still a vital part of our urban infrastructure, and we look forward to pursuing what might be possible."
The $69,500 contract with Atlanta-based The Shopping Center Group, to be paid in three installments over a two-year period, will be presented to the City Council this week for approval.
"Developers have multiple options in today's marketplace, and we need every tool in our tool chest to showcase the numerous opportunities in Huntsville," said Michelle Jordan, director of economic development. "Even with good data and models through these studies, it will still take teamwork and a strong effort with our community partners to help revitalize these important core areas of our city."
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