City of Huntsville Launches Master Planning Process for Historic Depot Site
Published on June 24, 2025
Public Invited to Help Shape the Future of 165-Year-Old Landmark
The City of Huntsville is embarking on a visionary master planning process for the historic Huntsville Depot and its surrounding 7-acre property in downtown Huntsville. As one of Alabama’s most treasured landmarks, the City is inviting the public to help determine new civic and community uses that will preserve the site’s legacy while activating it for future generations.
Completed in 1860, the Huntsville Depot is the oldest surviving railroad depot in Alabama and one of the oldest in the United States. Located on the Norfolk Southern Railway line, the Depot is listed on both the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and the National Register of Historic Places.
“This is a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Huntsville’s most iconic and historic sites,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “We want the community’s ideas on how we can celebrate its heritage while creating a vibrant public space that serves our residents and visitors alike.”
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Public Input Opportunities
As part of the planning process, the City’s Urban and Long-Range Planning team is seeking community input through the following opportunities:
Take the Survey:
Share your vision by completing the Depot Master Plan Public Input Survey, open through July 14 at HuntsvilleAL.gov/depot.
Join Us In Person:
Attend one of two public input sessions to review early survey feedback and contribute ideas:
Tuesday, July 15 | 5 – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 16 | 10 a.m.
The Roundhouse, 398 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801
Additional public meetings will be held throughout the planning process.
Site Overview
The 7-acre Depot property includes:
- The historic Depot building, baggage platform, and associated outbuildings
- A 1980s reproduction roundhouse and turntable
- A Victorian-style house reproduction, open-air pavilion, and green spaces
- Parking areas and a greenway connecting to Gateway Park and downtown
While the 1860 Depot’s historic integrity will be preserved, its interior offers potential for adaptive reuse, such as restaurant, retail, office or civic space. Other on-site structures like the roundhouse and shop building may also support expanded uses under a new vision.
The site’s greenway connection will remain an integral part of the redevelopment, linking the Depot to nearby parks, memorials, and the downtown core.
Feasibility and Long-Term Sustainability
All ideas collected during the public engagement process will be evaluated for their financial feasibility, operational sustainability, and ability to serve the public good. The City is also exploring multi-use concepts and potential public-private partnerships to ensure a vibrant and lasting future for the Depot property.
“Whether you envision a public park, event space, commercial hub, or something entirely new, we want to hear from you,” said Dennis Madsen, Manager of Urban and Long Range Planning. “The best plans are those shaped by the people who will enjoy them most.”
