New community hopes to be center of attention

A ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for this afternoon will mark the latest milestone for Providence, a west Huntsville development that may one day rival Hampton Cove.

Designed as a walkable, self-contained community, Providence is modeled after anti-sprawl neighborhoods such as Seaside, Fla.

"It's kind of a lifestyle choice," said Bob Martignoni, who helped design the development and is one of its first residents.

Mayor Loretta Spencer, members of the Huntsville City Council and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce were expected to attend the official opening of 7 Town Center Drive, the building that serves as a focal point for the new community.

The building that houses offices and three restaurants - Cheeburger Cheeburger, Sweet Dreams Cafe and Tony's Little Italy - actually opened a couple of weeks ago.

"I've been down here almost every weekend," said Martignoni, who moved into his new house in early July. "It's something unique, the ability to walk ... to have pizza and a couple of beers."

Co-owner David Slyman said Providence's design has generated a lot of interest.

"It's surpassing our wildest expectations," he said. "I think this is a trend you're going to start seeing nationally, the old way of developing we're bringing back, traditional values like neighbors talking to neighbors."

So far, 144 lots have been sold, he said.

Ten houses are occupied with another 50 under construction. The 300-acre development eventually could have as many as 1,000 houses, condominiums and loft apartments.

'Little like New York'

Tony Carney, manager of Tony's Little Italy, said the development reminds him of home.

"It's like a little New York," he said. "You walk to shop, you walk to school. You don't need to drive."

But for the time being, with only 10 houses occupied, it's the customers who fill the parking lot who are keeping Carney busy.

"We've got a one-hour wait every weekend night," he said.

A grocery store is also planned.

Slyman said he has two possible tenants lined up but declined to identify them.

Whoever it is will rent space in Providence's Main Street Lofts. That building, which will include shops and condos, will mark Slyman's next milestone.

"We expect to break ground within 45 days," he said.