Compiled by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
New construction in the Huntsville area soared to more than $509.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, according to building permit data from Madison, Limestone, and Morgan counties.
Three major projects each exceeded $10 million in value, with the Huntsville Hospital Madison Street Tower expansion leading the way. Other significant developments included new facilities in Redstone Gateway and Cummings Research Park.
Here’s a breakdown of permits issued in Q1 by jurisdiction:
- Huntsville: 381 permits totaling $281.8 million
- Madison County: 508 permits totaling $121.9 million
- City of Madison: 101 permits totaling $83.9 million
- Athens: 97 permits totaling $41.4 million
- Decatur: 85 permits totaling $30.3 million
- Priceville: 5 permits totaling $213,000
Top Builders and Major Projects
Robins & Morton Group
Robins & Morton is handling the largest project of the year—a $112 million expansion as part of Huntsville Hospital’s $150 million Madison Street Tower development. This five-story addition will add 154,000 square feet of clinical space, including:
- A Cardiothoracic ICU supported by a record-setting $10 million private donation
- A new Neuro ICU
- Three floors of acute medical care space
- 120 new private patient rooms
- An improved emergency department entrance
Once completed, the hospital will increase its total capacity to 931 patient beds, converting 70 existing rooms into private ones. Construction is expected to span two years.
Robins & Morton is also building a 28,000-square-foot facility at 9700 Advanced Gateway, which will house both office and high-bay space.
Davidson Homes
The top homebuilder for the quarter, Davidson Homes, secured 106 permits worth $25.8 million. The company is active in areas across north Alabama, including Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Toney, Hartselle, and Harvest, with homes starting in the $250,000 to $500,000+ range.
Brasfield & Gorrie
Known for major commercial and institutional projects, Brasfield & Gorrie is working on:
- A $25 million, 125,000-square-foot building at 8500 Redstone Gateway, managed by COPT Defense Properties
- Continued work on Stadium Commons near Joe Davis Stadium
Past local projects include facilities for NASA, HudsonAlpha, Bryant Bank, Alabama School of Cyber Technology, and several Redstone Gateway buildings.
Lennar Homes
Lennar Homes received 97 permits totaling $22 million and is the lead builder at Clift Farm in north Madison. Its homes, typically priced between $280,000–$400,000, are also found in Athens, Madison, and Meridianville.
Turner Construction
Turner is behind a $16.5 million project at 905 Mark C. Smith Drive in Cummings Research Park. The permit was issued to the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber. Turner also led construction on the city’s new City Hall.
Edward Rose Associates
The Michigan-based developer received eight permits valued at $14 million for continued work on the Signature Pointe Apartments in Athens.
Woodland Homes
Woodland Homes was issued 28 permits totaling $13.5 million for construction across its 15 communities in Madison, Athens, and surrounding areas. Most homes are priced above $400,000.
Fite Construction
Fite Construction in Decatur received three permits worth $8.1 million, two of which were for renovations to the Nucor Towers and Structures facility. Fite is also behind projects at John Hunt Park, Town Madison, and in downtown Decatur.
Not Included: Ongoing Mega Projects
Ongoing projects that began before 2025, like the $375 million Front Row mixed-use development near the Von Braun Center, are not included in the Q1 totals. ARCO/Murray National Construction, Huntsville’s top builder for the past two years, is leading that development.