Huntsville Historic Depot Master Plan
Reimagining the Historic Depot Grounds
The City of Huntsville is developing a master plan for the historic Huntsville Depot and its surrounding property. The landmark 1860 depot building, located on the Norfolk Southern Railway line in downtown Huntsville, is the oldest surviving railroad depot in Alabama and one of the oldest in the U.S. It is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and the National Register of Historic Places.
The 7-acre depot site includes the historic railroad depot building, its baggage platform and related outbuildings, a 1980s reproduction roundhouse and turnstile, a reproduction Victorian-style house, outdoor pavilion, green space, parking lots, and a greenway segment connecting Gateway Park at Meridian Street to downtown Huntsville.
The City’s Urban Planning team is requesting public input on new civic uses for the historic site and its buildings.
Public Input Opportunities
TAKE THE SURVEY
What do you want to see at the Historic Depot site? Please take our survey through July 14.
Depot Master Plan Public Input Survey
JOIN US IN PERSON
The City of Huntsville will host two Public Input Sessions to review survey results and discuss proposed uses for the historic Huntsville Depot building and surrounding property. Please join City planners on Tuesday, July 15, from 5 -7 p.m., and on Wednesday, July 16 at 10 a.m., at the Roundhouse, 398 Monroe Street NW, Huntsville. Additional public input sessions will be held throughout the public planning process.
Key Considerations
FEASIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
The City welcomes public comment to help determine the best civic use for the depot property. Ideas have ranged from a public park and recreation complex to restaurant/retail options and other commercial uses. The City wants to explore all options before identifying a financially feasible and sustainable plan for this public amenity. Multi-use plans and public-private partnerships will be considered.
The map, below left, depicts the structures and features on the depot property. The aerial view, below right, shows the depot site’s proximity and greenway connections to Veterans Park, Gateway Park and Big Spring Park.
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HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE DEPOT
The Huntsville Depot, located on the Norfolk Southern Railway line in downtown Huntsville, is the oldest surviving railroad depot in Alabama and one of the oldest in the U.S. Completed in 1860, the depot served as eastern division headquarters for the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. It is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and National Register of Historic Places. (Wikipedia source). While the fabric and integrity of the 1860 depot will be protected, its interior has ample space that could be repurposed into retail/restaurant, office or commercial use.
For more details, review the timeline of the History of the Huntsville Depot and The Huntsville Depot – Where Alabama rails meet Huntsville’s roots.
HISTORIC BAGGAGE PLATFORM AND OUTBUILDINGS
These structures are connected to the historic Huntsville Depot and are also protected by historic covenants. They are presented divided into three separate units, but the interiors could be combined into one functional space.
GAS STATION BUILDING
The former gas station building has been modified throughout the years and the City has determined its structure is not suitable for renovation and needs to be demolished. Located adjacent to the Greenway, there are numerous possibilities for the site to better serve the public.
ROUNDHOUSE
This reproduction roundhouse has served as a popular rental venue for gatherings, weddings, receptions and fundraisers. It was originally designed and built to house old train cars as part of a transportation museum.
TURNTABLE
Designed to offload train cars to move in and out of the roundhouse, the reproduction turntable is no longer operational and would have no functioning role in reimagining the depot grounds.
SHOP BUILDING
This small, wood-frame structure was one of three built in the 1980s to accompany a proposed transportation museum theme. This is the only remaining building and has been used for a multitude of purposes. It now serves as a bridal dressing room for weddings at the Roundhouse.
GREENWAY
A greenway segment through the Depot grounds connects with Gateway Greenway, which leads to the Lumberyard and the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial. The greenway also extends across Monroe Street to the Spragins Street bike path, extending pedestrian access to Big Spring Park. It will remain as part of the greenway in the new master plan.