364 homes set for city's southwest

Prices would start at $150,000 for 'inner area' project

Thursday, January 18, 2007

By JOHN PECK

Times Staff Writer john.peck@htimes.com

A large farm field in southwest Huntsville may begin sprouting a new commodity this spring - rooftops.

A local developer wants to turn 140 acres near Drake Avenue and Triana Boulevard into a 364-lot subdivision. The property abuts McDonnell Elementary School, with Redstone Arsenal forming its southern boundary and Triana Boulevard its east.

City officials believe the proposed Griffis Glen may be the largest subdivision approved in old west Huntsville in decades.

"It's a great investment in the inner area of the city," City Councilman Bill Kling said.

Sandra Steele, president of Enfinger-Steele Development in Huntsville, said homes will be about 2,000 square feet with an asking price starting at $150,000. Construction could begin by spring on the 39-lot first phase. The entire project could take about five years.

"I'm impressed someone is going to build there,'' said Ed Starnes, chairman of the city planning subdivision committee. "We need more affordable housing. Not everyone can afford a half-million-dollar house."

The subdivision panel forwarded the proposal to the city Planning Commission, which meets Tuesday. Plans call for 364 single-family, detached homes on most of the site and commercial development on land fronting Triana.

Kling said the development will be a good shot in the arm for the southwest, which is home to the city's garbage incinerator, aging apartment complexes, halfway houses and a rescue mission.

Steele said the area has seen a "rebirth" lately with a new soccer complex, a planned renovation of Merrimack Mall and other improvements.

"There hasn't been an opportunity for new housing for so many years there," she said. "We're hoping there will be a demand with it being only four miles from downtown Huntsville and right at the door to Redstone Arsenal."



364 homes set for city's southwest Prices would start at $150,000 for 'inner area' project Thursday, January 18, 2007 By JOHN PECK Times Staff Writer john.peck@htimes.com A large farm field in southwest Huntsville may begin sprouting a new commodity this spring - rooftops. A local developer wants to turn 140 acres near Drake Avenue and Triana Boulevard into a 364-lot subdivision. The property abuts McDonnell Elementary School, with Redstone Arsenal forming its southern boundary and Triana Boulevard its east. City officials believe the proposed Griffis Glen may be the largest subdivision approved in old west Huntsville in decades. "It's a great investment in the inner area of the city," City Councilman Bill Kling said. Sandra Steele, president of Enfinger-Steele Development in Huntsville, said homes will be about 2,000 square feet with an asking price starting at $150,000. Construction could begin by spring on the 39-lot first phase. The entire project could take about five years. "I'm impressed someone is going to build there,'' said Ed Starnes, chairman of the city planning subdivision committee. "We need more affordable housing. Not everyone can afford a half-million-dollar house." The subdivision panel forwarded the proposal to the city Planning Commission, which meets Tuesday. Plans call for 364 single-family, detached homes on most of the site and commercial development on land fronting Triana. Kling said the development will be a good shot in the arm for the southwest, which is home to the city's garbage incinerator, aging apartment complexes, halfway houses and a rescue mission. Steele said the area has seen a "rebirth" lately with a new soccer complex, a planned renovation of Merrimack Mall and other improvements. "There hasn't been an opportunity for new housing for so many years there," she said. "We're hoping there will be a demand with it being only four miles from downtown Huntsville and right at the door to Redstone Arsenal." © 2007 The Huntsville Times © 2007 al.com All Rights Reserved.