City announces targeted funding for Mill Creek storefront upgrades
The City of Huntsville has opened a new funding opportunity aimed at improving the exteriors of commercial and mixed-use buildings in the Mill Creek corridor. The Huntsville City Council on Thursday approved a contract with Strozier Construction Company to serve as general contractor for the newly established Mill Creek Façade Improvement Grant Program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Under the program, eligible property owners can receive up to $24,999 per property to cover permitted exterior improvements. The city will cover the bulk of project costs, while owners must provide a 10% contribution of the project total prior to the start of construction. City staff said applications are now available online and that pre-application consultations can be scheduled through the Community Development Department.
What the grants can pay for
The scope of eligible work is focused on visible, exterior improvements intended to enhance commercial corridors and improve accessibility. Approved uses include painting and cleaning; window and door repairs; exterior lighting; signs and awnings; masonry and siding repairs; and accessibility upgrades. The program is limited to commercial or mixed-use buildings with ground-floor commercial space located inside the defined Mill Creek area.
- Eligible properties: Commercial or mixed-use buildings with ground-floor commercial tenants within the Mill Creek boundaries.
- Maximum grant: $24,999 per property.
- Owner contribution: 10% of the project cost, due before construction begins.
"This is a tremendous opportunity that the City is excited to offer through the support of HUD," Community Development Manager Scott Erwin said. "We encourage eligible property owners to submit applications quickly to be a part of this project."
Where the program applies and how to apply
The grant area is geographically defined. The boundary stretches from Holmes Avenue and Interstate 565 on the north down to Bob Wallace Avenue on the south, and runs between Triana Boulevard and Memorial Parkway. Property owners who believe they fall within those limits can apply online or call the city’s Community Development Department to set up a pre-application consultation.
| Program feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding source | HUD Community Development Block Grant |
| General contractor | Strozier Construction Company |
| Maximum award | $24,999 per property |
| Owner contribution | 10% of project cost (due before construction) |
Local impact and next steps
City officials are presenting the program as an opportunity to improve curb appeal, support small business vitality and address accessibility needs along an important corridor. For property owners, the limited award amount and required owner contribution mean the program is best suited to projects such as storefront refreshes, weatherproofing repairs, signage upgrades and modest accessibility work rather than major structural overhauls.
For community stakeholders, the program represents a chance to coordinate private investment with public funding to make targeted improvements that could attract customers and improve neighborhood perception. The city’s encouragement for quick applications suggests officials expect demand; interested owners should contact the Community Development Department to confirm eligibility and arrange the required pre-application review before construction can begin.
Additional program details, application materials and contact information are available through the City of Huntsville’s Community Development Department online. Property owners who qualify are advised to act promptly to secure funding and schedule work with the designated general contractor.
