However, it isn't the only spot in Huntsville set for a facelift.
Big changes are also coming to the city's medical district. On a site where public housing once sat, developers hope a sprawling complex of condos, shops and office space will be built in its place. Ted Matzos of Papou's Restaurant says there are several reasons why he chose to open his Greek restaurant in downtown Huntsville 6 years ago. “Downtown has the beauty and the ambience of downtown and that is what attracted me to come downtown,” said Matzos. Matzos and other business owners hope those same things will attract more shoppers to the downtown area. They've formed a group called Downtown Huntsville, and their mission is to promote revitalization in the area.
“If you're in a strip mall or somewhere, you don't have that unique, atmosphere,” explained Matzos.