In addition to the Downtown Core, there are a variety of distinct districts surrounding the city center that, while unique in identity, complement the Downtown experience because of their proximity and connectivity. We refer to these as the “Districts of Downtown.”
One of these districts lies directly north of Downtown Huntsville and offers some of the most dynamic development opportunities in the Rocket City Center. The Lincoln Mill District is primed for new (and renewed) growth in the next several years. While there are many reasons for this opportunity, we’ve identified 5 reasons why this district is poised for a revitalized experience.
Reason #1: Connectivity
The Lincoln Mill District is situated between the Downtown Core and several important regional assets just to the north. In particular, Lincoln Mill serves as the link between Alabama A&M University and Downtown Huntsville. The Lincoln Mill link also connects Downtown to other community assets like Drake State Community and Technical College as well as the Lee High School campus, home to New Century Technology High School and the Creative & Performing Arts high school magnet program.
The Lincoln Mill District provides a direct connection between these key educational facilities and the central business district. Connecting community assets allows the assets to better complement each other both geographically and in terms of commerce.
Reason #2: Public Investment
In addition to the state and local educational investments, the Lincoln Mill area is also the epicenter of important City and County investments. For instance, the City has invested significant resources into two multi-modal thoroughfares in Lincoln Mill. The Meridian Street corridor serves as a main transportation route through Lincoln Mill with traffic lanes as well as bike lanes and sidewalks. The City is also completing another north/south link through Lincoln Mill with the new Church Street extension, which will further enhance the connectivity and ease of travel for cars, bikes, and pedestrians between Lincoln Mill and the Downtown Core.
Meanwhile, just west of Lincoln Mill, the County is constructing its new County Service Center at Oakwood and Memorial Parkway—making the Lincoln Mill area a destination for many county services like licensing and permits.
Reason #3: Ease of Access
The Lincoln Mill District not only offers convenient access between North Huntsville and Downtown Huntsville. It also offers convenient regional access since two different I-565 interstate exits are located in the district. Travelers from throughout North Alabama can easily live, work, and play in Lincoln Mill via the Andrew Jackson/Oakwood and Washington Street interstate exits. Indeed, Lincoln Mill is a quick, convenient drive to regional assets like Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park, and even Huntsville International Airport.
This means that, if you locate your business or residence in the Lincoln Mill District, you can quickly get to almost all of the other employment and shopping destinations throughout Huntsville.
Reason #4: Unique Local Destinations
The revitalization of the Lincoln Mill District is just about to happen—it's actually in progress. Several key shopping and employment destinations are currently found in the Lincoln Mill District. These include Brooks & Collier indoor and outdoor furnishings, Mad Malts Brewery, Preservation Co. vintage goods, and Holtz Leather, among others.
This means that you can find some of the most original artisan goods anywhere in North Alabama right in the core of the Lincoln Mill District. Lincoln Mill is also home to the Lincoln Mill Office Complex which is home to some of the most innovative companies in the city including DHI Members Mission Multiplier and EngeniusMicro.
Clearly there is already a strong base of interesting and innovative entrepreneurs in the Lincoln Mill District with many more likely on the way!
Reason #5: Federal Designations
Another advantage of locating your business or developing a project in the Lincoln Mill District is that much of the district falls with the Opportunity Zone program as well as HUBZone designation. These federal programs can create great value for your business or development while also lifting up the Lincoln Mill area as a whole.
Learn more about Opportunity Zones HERE.
Learn more about HUBZone designation HERE.