Essex Capital and Ascend Property Group announced the closing of $115 million in construction financing for Front Row, a new mixed-use development in Downtown Huntsville, Alabama. Located 2 hours South of Nashville, the development will transform the site of the former Coca-Cola plant into a premier live-work-play destination. The 11-acre project is located at 500 Clinton Avenue, at the corner of Clinton Avenue and Monroe Street.
Shown for context only.
Financing for the project is provided by Banco Inbursa – a subsidiary of Mexico-based Grupo Financiero Inbursa, a separate group led by Alabama-Based Keel Point, and Opportunity Alabama (OPAL).
Designed by Torti Gallas + Partners, Front Row will create a vibrant one-of-a-kind experience Downtown. The Project will feature 545 multifamily residences, chef-inspired restaurants, Class A office spaces, a boutique hotel, and an active and accessible urban plaza for community events and programming.
Front Row is located across from the Von Braun Center, the downtown sports, entertainment, and convention campus and marks a landmark addition to Huntsville. The development’s construction mirrors the city’s major growth initiatives within this district and beyond, sharing a similar timeline to other adjacent developments and expansion projects. This includes the recently announced Riverwalk and the forthcoming pedestrian Skybridge projects which connects downtown with the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment district. Here’s the quick rundown:
Front Row
500 Clinton Avenue
| What’s Now: | Vacant Lot |
| What’s Next: | Mixed-Use |
| Developers: | Essex Capital |
| Ascend Property Group | |
| Architects: | Torti Gallas + Partners |
| Matheny Goldmon | |
| Residential: | 545-units |
| Office: | 36,000 SF |
| Retail: | 47,000 SF |
| Broker: | Crunkleton Associates |
| Contractor: | ARCO/Murray |
| Owners Rep: | The VOREA Group |
Shown for context only.
Front Row will consist of two six-story buildings housing the residential, office, and retail component with a central urban green space for outdoor dining, community activations, and public art. With construction beginning in January 2024, the team is projected to deliver occupiable retail space in late 2025. Apartments and office space are to follow and be move-in-ready by early 2026. Additional phases, including plans for a boutique hotel, a Class A office tower, luxury condos, will be disclosed at a future date.
Front Row is the result of meticulous planning with the City of Huntsville while navigating global challenges and holding fast to the needs of Huntsville’s current and future residents. The team’s success in securing complex financing amid turbulent credit markets is a testament to Huntsville’s strong leadership and the incredible opportunities the city offers to business owners and its burgeoning residential community alike. Front Row credits Huntsville’s leaders with the city’s dynamic growth and the launch of this project.
Be sure to subscribe for more on this and other Developments In & Around Huntsville!
