Huntsville Seeks Development Proposals for Johnson High Property
Published on December 1, 2017
The City of Huntsville is seeking proposals to redevelop the former Johnson High School site north of Winchester Road.
A Request for Proposal was issued today by the City’s Urban Development team. Their goal is to attract a developer or development team committed to creating a distinctive and sustainable mixed-use development on the Johnson site.
“Some of the most beautiful property lies in northwest Huntsville, and we believe the former Johnson High site has enormous potential,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “With the growth we are seeing in our northwest corridor, we believe the site is ripe for new investment.”
The City is committed to finding a project that respects the environment and provides value to the community.
The 47-acre site includes the vacant school building, which is temporarily being used as the City of Huntsville’s Public Safety Training Center, and various athletic fields not planned for re-use by the City. The Johnson High gymnasium is scheduled for renovation and use as a public amenity operated by Parks & Recreation.
This property is located within an established residential neighborhood, and the City Council representative for District One, Devyn Keith, says the City is committed to finding a project that respects the environment and provides value to the community.
“We have had four public meetings on potential uses for the Johnson property that led us to this point,” said Keith. “It may have taken us a while since we started, but want to be certain that whatever happens here is successful and contributes to the vitality and quality of life. That is our charge first and foremost, so we want to ensure it is done right.”
Dennis Madsen, the City’s Long Range Planner says the City is open to a broad range of uses and building types, “but any proposal must demonstrate sensitivity and compatibility to the surrounding residential neighborhoods.”
The project elements outlined in the RFP may include, but are not limited to:
• Market-rate residential
• Neighborhood retail and restaurant space
• Neighborhood-scale medical clinic
• Small offices
• Parking
• Open space/recreation fields/on-site water retention
• Educational and cultural facilities
• Non-commercial agriculture
• Advanced manufacturing
The City welcomes and encourages collaborations or joint ventures and partnerships to strengthen the development team. All proposals must include a timeline for commencement of construction as well as full build-out and occupancy.
Deadline for submission is April 2, 2018.
View the RFP for Johnson High Property HERE
“This RFP is a promise kept, and I’m looking forward to seeing the responses to this unique opportunity,” said Keith. “It represents another step in our ongoing effort to enhance quality of life through private market redevelopment. There’s new momentum in North Huntsville and our doors to development are wide open.”
