Affiliates of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., Silverstein Properties, Essex Capital, and Ascend Property Group celebrated the groundbreaking of the Front Row development project. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, city officials, project partners, and local community groups comprised the more than two hundred people in attendance at the event, which took place at the development site located at 500 Clinton Avenue in downtown Huntsville.
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, which included a presentation of Front Row’s $250,000 donation to the Huntsville Housing Authority, was the event reception. The afternoon’s reception continued with cocktails, food, and live music at the Mars Music Hall, situated directly across from the Von Braun Center.
“Given Huntsville’s amazing trajectory, expectations from commercial and retail tenants and residents alike are higher than ever for the places they choose to live and work— we are confident Front Row will stand out and raise the bar,”
Mitch Rutter, CEO of Essex Capital.
“We’re redefining the live-work-play paradigm, prioritizing top-tier amenities. Combining an elevated residential and retail experience in a prime location with park-like surroundings connecting the many vantage points within the city of Huntsville introduces an unprecedented offering to the downtown community.”
Daniel Shields, President of Ascend Property Group.
“We are thrilled to be part of this transformative development for Huntsville,” s “Front Row will help ignite the city’s growth and ongoing evolution into a vibrant urban center.”
aid Chris Milner, Chief Investment Officer – Real Assets, Cantor Fitzgerald Asset Management.
Front Row marks a landmark addition to Huntsville, bringing innovative modern design to the city. The project consists of an 11+ acre mixed-use development featuring an anticipated 545 residential units, 36,000 SF of Class-A office space, and 47,000 SF of retail space. The development includes two six-story buildings containing residential units, commercial space, and a retail component with a multi-use urban green space lined by retail and restaurant patios, community activations, and public art.
Front Row
500 Clinton Avenue, Huntsville AL
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 |
Cantor and Silverstein launched an opportunity zone business in early 2019 to invest in, develop, and manage a diversified portfolio of institutional quality commercial real estate assets. The firm has an emphasis on multifamily properties located in qualified opportunity zones in the United States.
“Front Row is at the center of Huntsville’s redefined downtown core and another good example of the Qualified Opportunity Zone Program stimulating investment,”
Ashley Lin, Vice President, Silverstein Properties
Front Row will cement the core of downtown Huntsville at the intersection of the Von Braun Center development and additional key areas such as Big Spring Park, Fountain Circle, University of Alabama Huntsville, and the Downtown Greenway. The retail space is expected to be delivered in late 2025. Apartments and office space are to follow, by early 2026.
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