SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Business and property owners in Huntsville’s Mill Creek redevelopment area may qualify for nearly $25,000 in exterior building improvements through a new City-funded program.
The Mill Creek Façade Improvement Grant Program provides up to $24,999 in project costs for each eligible property. Owners must contribute 10% of the approved cost before construction begins, while the city will cover the remaining 90%.
Funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program. The Huntsville City Council also approved a contract naming Strozier Construction Company as the project’s general contractor.
“This is a tremendous opportunity that the city is excited to offer through the support of HUD,” Community Development Manager Scott Erwin said.
Eligible projects may include exterior painting and surface cleaning; repairs to windows, doors and framing; new exterior lighting; signage; awnings and canopies; masonry repairs; and siding improvements. Funding may also be used for building-code corrections and upgrades that improve accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Commercial property owners and operators may apply, along with owners of mixed-use buildings that include commercial space on the ground floor.
Properties must be located within the designated Mill Creek boundaries. The eligible district extends from Holmes Avenue and Interstate 565 south to Bob Wallace Avenue and is bordered by Triana Boulevard and Memorial Parkway.
City officials are encouraging interested owners to apply promptly. Applicants may begin through the City’s Neighborly Software portal or email comdev@huntsvilleal.gov to request a pre-application consultation with the Community Development Department.