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On the heels of its successful redevelopment of the downtown entertainment district, Trussville has approved plans for a new mixed-use development at the site of the old Hall’s Motorsports property across the railroad tracks from the existing entertainment district.
The project is a public-private partnership that will transform the 35,000-square-foot former motorsports building into a retail and dining hub, with long-term possibilities including a boutique hotel and pedestrian bridge.
The project, spearheaded by Seay Construction, will repurpose the vacant building along with adjacent land in a public-private partnership with the city. Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat described the effort as a “win-win-win” for the city.
“The building was going to be vacated. It wasn’t something that was in high demand,” Choat said. “These guys bought it, sat on it for the last year or so, and worked on a plan with the city.”
The city will participate in revenue sharing, allowing developers to recoup initial investments through sales tax revenue. Additional city involvement may come later to address infrastructure needs, such as road improvements.
The new development aims to complement, not compete with, the city’s original entertainment district. The city will be looking for new businesses to attract for the new development. Choat said he expected some higher-end dining options to move into the space.
“This will be all new business coming to Trussville,” Choat said. “It will be things that we have already discussed, maybe like a higher or a little more upscale dining experience for others.”
One long-term goal is to establish a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to connect the two districts, creating a more walkable environment for visitors.
Beyond retail and dining, developers are considering adding high-end townhomes to the project, as well as a larger event space and possibly a hotel in the future.
“If we did get a little boutique hotel for the downtown area, or something like that, that would be more of a destination for people to come and visit,” Choat said.
In return for sharing some of the tax revenue, the city will be adding more revenue than it currently collects and adding amenities for residents.
“Immediately, it fills a vacant space,” Choat said. “But that building has an opportunity to produce a lot more opportunities for citizens and a bigger tax base for the city.”
The surrounding area may also see additional investment, with developers already acquiring land nearby for future projects.
“It’s kind of a long-range plan,” Choat said. “They’re starting with that 35,000-square-foot building to renovate and build out, get filled up, see how it goes, and then move forward after that.”
