A $52 million offer

It’s been a busy week in Huntsville, and we’ve got a lot to cover!

Author

Andrew Smith
May 17, 2024

Happy Friday,

The weather has been absolutely perfect the last couple of days, hasn’t it?

It comes just in time, too, with most schools in the area letting out for summer next week. Here’s to hoping it stays that way so I can enjoy some time at the pool.

I digress, it’s been a busy week in Huntsville, and we’ve got a lot to cover! Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find in this week’s newsletter:

  • AAMU’s offer to buy BSC

  • The city is seeking to improve two main roads

  • A few new restaurants opened this week

Let’s get to it!

This Email is Sponsored By Hays Farm

It’s no secret that Huntsville is growing, and prime real estate is filling up fast.

One of the hottest areas in town is Hays Farm, located behind Publix in South Huntsville.

In addition to great homes, the development includes acres of walking trails, ball fields, and a $5 million city park.

Hays Farm is getting ready to open a new phase of their neighborhood, The Forest, and they expect lots to sell fast.

If you even think you might be interested in living there, they’re holding an open house on June 1, so you can tour their Design Studio, meet the designer, and learn more about the new phase in The Forest.

I’ve been out to Hays Farm numerous times, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite areas in town.

If you plan to attend, you’ll need to RSVP for the event.

Blast Off

Alabama A&M Bids $52 Million on Birmingham Southern Campus

Earlier this week, Alabama A&M put in an official offer of $52 million to purchase the Birmingham-Southern Campus.

If the offer is accepted, AAMU would retain all of BSC’s staff and faculty and would operate as a standalone campus under the AAMU umbrella.

AAMU expects to be able to place 1,000 students on the BSC campus by Fall 2025 and hopes to grow that number to 3,500 students by 2029.

In Huntsville, AAMU is expecting enrollment to be over 7,000 students in the fall and recently welcomed its largest freshman class.

BSC will be entertaining all offers for the campus before making a final decision.

Taking Flight

City of Huntsville Seeking $22 Million in Grants to Improve Roads

The City of Huntsville is seeking just over $22 million in grants to improve stretches of Holmes Avenue and Governors Drive. If approved, the money would be used to improve the downtown link to UAH, upgrade access to the Medical District, and fund a study to figure out how to improve traffic flow on Governors.

Seoul Good Is Now Open at Stovehouse

A new Korean fried chicken restaurant opened its doors earlier this week at Stovehouse. Seoul Good serves Korean fried chicken and has a fun pink K-pop vibe. Be sure to try their Black Pink Wings, which are breaded with squid ink and covered in a sweet pink dragon fruit sauce.

Just Love Coffee Opening a New Location in South Huntsville

A new coffee shop is coming to South Huntsville! Earlier this week, Just Love Coffee announced it would be opening its second location in town, off of Bailey Cove near Casa Blanca. We don’t have an opening date yet, but renovations are already underway!

Culver’s in Hampton Cove is Now Open

The new Culvers in Hampton Cove is officially open for business! The chain started in Wisconsin in 1984 and recently announced four locations in the Huntsville/Madison area. Be sure to try the custard of the day!

Explore The Rocket City

Friday, May 17

  • Concerts on the Dock: Come listen to live music at Lowe Mill from 6-9 PM. Admission to the concert is free, but you will have to pay $10 to park. Feel free to bring food and drinks or purchase something there. More info.

  • Guided Homeschool Hike for Teens at Wade Mountain Nature Preserve: Join the Land Trust of North Alabama at 12 PM for a guided hike at Wade Mountain Nature Preserve. The hike will be around 3 miles and is completely free. More info.

  • Downtown Food Truck Rally: Head to Big Spring Park for a food truck rally from 5-9 PM. There will be yard games and live music, too! More info.

  • Live Music at Stovehouse: The Beasley Brothers will be performing live at Stovehouse starting at 7 PM.

Saturday, May 18

  • Huntsville City FC Home Game: The game will kick off at 7 PM against Atlanta UTD 2. Tickets.

  • Bailey Cove Farmer’s Market: The market is located at St. Thomas Episcopal Church and will be open from 8 AM-12 PM.

  • The Village of Providence Farmer’s Market: The market is located at The Village of Providence Town Center and will be open from 9 AM-2 PM.

  • Lowe Mill Outdoor Market: The perfect market for pickers and art lovers! It will be open from 11 AM-4 PM at Lowe Mill.

  • Monrovia Friends of the Library $0.25 Book Sale: The Monrovia Public Library is holding a $0.25 book sale. It will be open for Friends of Library members from 9-10:30 AM and then open to the public from 10:30-4 PM. More info.

  • Rosie's Plaza Spring Festival: The 5th annual Rosie’s Plaza Spring Festival will be from 11 AM -2 PM in the Big Rosie’s parking lot. There will be free snow cones, door prizes, live music, shopping, and more. This is a free event. More info.

  • Steve Miller Band at The Orion: The Steve Miller Band will perform at The Orion for the 2024 Huntsville Classic, which benefits the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Doors open at 6:15, and a limited number of tickets are still available.

  • Guided Hike at Blevins Gap North: Join the Land Trust of North Alabama at 2 PM for a guided hike at Blevins Gap Nature Preserve. The hike is approximately 0.75 miles and is completely free. Registration is required.

  • Foraging Hike at Harvest Square: Join the Land Trust of North Alabama at 11 AM for a foraging hike at Harvest Square. The hike is approximately 2 miles and is completely free. Registration is required.

Sunday, May 19

  • The Market at MidCity: If you like farmer’s markets, you’ll want to check out The Market at MidCity this Sunday from 12-4 PM. It’s one of the biggest in town, with 45 vendors!

  • Music at Madison: John Tinger will be playing live music at the Madison Public Library from 2-3 PM.

  • Live Music at Back Forty Beer Company: 5ive O’Lock Charlie will be playing live music at Back Forty Beer Company from 2-5 PM.

  • Rocket City Bluegrass Jam: Where are my bluegrass lovers at? If you want to play or listen to bluegrass music, head to Straight to Ale from 4-8 PM. More info.

  • Ghost Tour: Ghost Hunter’s Dustin Pari will be hosting a live show full of ghost stories at Mars Music Hall. Tickets.

Monday, May 20

  • Monday Trivia at Coop: There will be live trivia at the Coop. Sign-ups start at 6:30, and you can bring a team of up to 8 people. More info.

  • Live Music at Stovehouse: Cheryl Llewellyn will be playing live music at Stovehouse from 6-9 PM.

Tuesday, May 21

  • Trash Pandas Home Game: The first pitch against the Montgomery Biscuits will be thrown out at 6:35. It’s also Elvis Tribute Night. Tickets.

  • Master Gardener Spring Series: The Downtown Huntsville Library will be hosting a Master Gardener class on Roses at 1 PM. This is a free event. More info.

  • Mixx Madness at The Camp: The Gospel Show will be performing at The Camp from 7-10 PM. There is no cover charge for this event. More info.

  • West Coast Swing Dance Lesson: The Rocket Westies will be giving free West Coast Swing Dance lessons at the Electric Belle at Stovehouse. More info.

  • Trivia Night at Urban Cookhouse: It’s Tuesday Night Trivia at Urban Cookhouse. It’s free to play and starts at 6:30. More info.

  • Trivia Night at Pourhouse: There will be live trivia on the Stovehouse lawn from 6-8 PM. The theme is New Girl. More info.

Wednesday, May 22

  • Trash Pandas Home Game: The first pitch against the Montgomery Biscuits will be thrown out at 6:35. It’s also Volleyball Night. Tickets.

  • Live Music at Grimaldi’s: Brandon Elder will be playing live music at Grimaldi’s from 6-8:30 PM.

  • Live Music at Rhythm on Monroe: Jeremy Williams will be playing live music at Rhythm on Monroe from 6-9 PM.

Thursday, May 23

  • Trash Pandas Home Game: The first pitch against the Montgomery Biscuits will be thrown out at 6:35. It’s also $5 Margarita Fill Up Night. Tickets.

  • Greene Street Market: Shop local and enjoy produce, snacks, desserts, and more from local vendors. The market will be open from 3-7 PM. More info.

  • Thursday Night Trivia: Head out to The Brewers Cooperative for a night of trivia and prizes. The event starts at 7 PM. More info.

Let’s Vote

Do you think AAMU should buy BSC?

We will share the results next week!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s newsletter! I’m always looking to improve the weekly email, so if you have any ideas or feedback, please hit reply and let me know!

Talk soon,
Andrew Smith

P.S. If you own or work for a local business and would like to sponsor an upcoming email, please hit reply and let me know!