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Ikea Huntsville grand opening set for Feb. 25

Ikea US announced it will open the store, its first in Alabama, on Feb. 25 with a grand-opening celebration.

Business

It&#x27;s official: Huntsville&#x27;s Ikea store will be open within a week. Why it matters: Ikea has long been among the city&#x27;s most-desired retailers, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announcing last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" data-vars-content-id="1ba8a082-7758-4d5e-92c8-3538a16c77ff" data-vars-headline="Ikea Huntsville grand opening set for Feb. 25" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" target="_self">announcing last summer</a> its plan to bring a new, smaller-format store to University Drive near GigaParts.

Inside Huntsville's new smaller-format Ikea

The grand opening of Ikea's first Alabama location is on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Development

After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="months of" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" data-vars-content-id="3580d4e1-04ed-4988-814f-056567a76daf" data-vars-headline="Inside Huntsville&#x27;s new smaller-format Ikea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" target="_self">months of</a> anticipation, Ikea opens Wednesday on University Drive. Why it matters: Ranking high among Huntsville&#x27;s most-wanted retailers, Ikea is bringing its new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smaller-format store" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-u-s-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-first-location-in-alabama-on-february-25-pubf3895110/" data-vars-content-id="3580d4e1-04ed-4988-814f-056567a76daf" data-vars-headline="Inside Huntsville&#x27;s new smaller-format Ikea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-u-s-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-first-location-in-alabama-on-february-25-pubf3895110/" target="_blank">smaller-format store</a> to the Rocket City, targeting the rapidly growing area for its first store in Alabama.

"A living museum:" Joy McKee Arboretum takes root

Huntsville plans to open the arboretum in May, weather permitting.

News

Construction is underway at John Hunt Park on the Joy McKee Arboretum, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly named to honor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/huntsville-approves-naming-of-arboretum-for-longtime-landscape-director-joy-mckee/" data-vars-content-id="c488d2bc-bbf6-4051-bc2c-0a0715a7063c" data-vars-headline="&quot;A living museum:&quot; Joy McKee Arboretum takes root" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/huntsville-approves-naming-of-arboretum-for-longtime-landscape-director-joy-mckee/" target="_blank">newly named to honor</a> a longtime steward of Huntsville&#x27;s green spaces.Why it matters: City landscapers saw an opportunity to preserve history, support native trees and urban canopy, give visitors a nature break and educate the public in an unused corner of the park.

Senate bill targets police staffing in Huntsville, Montgomery

Senate Bill 298 would require police departments in Alabama's Class 3 municipalities to have two sworn officers for every 1,000 residents by Oct. 1.

A bill introduced in the state Legislature aims to set minimum staffing levels for Huntsville and Montgomery police departments.Why it matters: If passed, the bill could lead to a state takeover of local law enforcement, though Huntsville leaders say the city already meets the bill&#x27;s requirements.

Front Row opens leasing, targets June move-ins

The sprawling mixed-use development has launched its official website.

Business Brief

The Residences at Front Row is getting ready to sign its first leases for a targeted June move-in date. Why it matters: The sprawling mixed-use development under construction across from the Von Braun Center has been years in the making and is expected to help transform that &quot;gateway&quot; into downtown.

City greenlights Pinhook Creek park transformation downtown

Huntsville leaders envision a grass- and tree-lined stream beside concrete sidewalks, benches and other amenities.

Culture Brief

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;skybridge&quot; part" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/11/skybridge-parc-project-development-huntsville-alabama" data-vars-content-id="24a58f2d-2a8b-4632-a7b1-358c3edf25bb" data-vars-headline="City greenlights Pinhook Creek park transformation downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/11/skybridge-parc-project-development-huntsville-alabama" target="_self">&quot;skybridge&quot; part</a> of an ambitious project underway in Huntsville may grab headlines, but a contract recently approved by City Council could have just as big an impact downtown.Why it matters: Essentially a stream restoration project for a prominent stretch of Pinhook Creek downtown, the contract is the first step in transforming it into a 13-acre linear park and greenway.

Sofia's targets Jan. 24 opening in South Huntsville

The restaurant is bringing authentic Mexican and Spanish-inspired flavors handed down from the Villarreal family's roots.

Sofia&#x27;s Roadside Cantina opens its doors Jan. 24. Why it matters: Sofia&#x27;s is bringing its flavor to the rapidly growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hays Farm area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/05/hays-farm-park-gives-south-huntsville-a-gathering-place" data-vars-content-id="0b7e6552-e4fd-4ae4-9013-73b6b68e88e9" data-vars-headline="Sofia&#x27;s targets Jan. 24 opening in South Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/05/hays-farm-park-gives-south-huntsville-a-gathering-place" target="_self">Hays Farm area</a> in South Huntsville, aiming to build an inclusive, community-focused restaurant.

Exclusive: MidCity unveils major expansion with new music venue and tech hub

In plans shared first with Axios, developer RCP Companies plans to build a new music venue, two hotels, a tech campus and more.

MidCity will build a new music venue, two hotels, a tech campus and more as part of a $300 million, 12-acre expansion.Why it matters: The public-private partnership is defining what mixed-use developments in Huntsville can be: an &quot;18-hour district,&quot; where people can find an apartment, start a new company or catch a show.

Eli Lilly makes Alabama history with $6B Huntsville plant

Eli Lilly plans to start work next year on a facility that will produce orforglipron, officials announced Tuesday in Huntsville.

Eli Lilly chose Huntsville for its newest manufacturing plant — a $6 billion project and the largest single-site investment in Alabama history.Why it matters: The project aims to transform Huntsville, and the state, into a world leader in biopharma manufacturing.

How Browns Ferry powers the region — and stays prepared

As data center construction and economic development increase the demand for power, suppliers like TVA are planning more generation.

The Tennessee Valley Authority stays ready for anything at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant. Why it matters: Just how the juice gets to our wires can often fade into the background, but the third largest nuclear power generator in the country has been steadily and safely keeping the lights on in the Valley for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="50 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tva.com/the-powerhouse/stories/browns-ferry-celebrates-50-years" data-vars-content-id="a428ff92-fd6d-4c2c-8027-84e7f906023e" data-vars-headline="How Browns Ferry powers the region — and stays prepared" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tva.com/the-powerhouse/stories/browns-ferry-celebrates-50-years" target="_blank">50 years</a>.

Target-Home Depot project starts North Huntsville's next chapter

The North Village Town Center, set for a 2027 opening, will include restaurants and other stores.

North Huntsville is getting a $240 million retail center, anchored by a Super Target and Home Depot, at the corner of Bob Wade Lane and Memorial Parkway.Why it matters: The new project signals a North Huntsville boom.

The how and why of Huntsville's annexation spree

Huntsville has added 2,257 acres in annexations this year, per city data.

Huntsville is growing quickly — not only in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/25/huntsville-population-growth-trend" data-vars-content-id="e08dab13-e66b-4380-a014-317c72e161c9" data-vars-headline="The how and why of Huntsville&#x27;s annexation spree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/25/huntsville-population-growth-trend" target="_self">population</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="employment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/21/huntsville-drone-facility-pdw-defense-tech-us-military" data-vars-content-id="e08dab13-e66b-4380-a014-317c72e161c9" data-vars-headline="The how and why of Huntsville&#x27;s annexation spree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/21/huntsville-drone-facility-pdw-defense-tech-us-military" target="_self">employment</a>, but in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="square footage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/07/10/council-weighs-1-000-acre-annexation-tonight" data-vars-content-id="e08dab13-e66b-4380-a014-317c72e161c9" data-vars-headline="The how and why of Huntsville&#x27;s annexation spree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/07/10/council-weighs-1-000-acre-annexation-tonight" target="_self">square footage</a>. Why it matters: The city has added 2,257 acres in annexations this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per city data" data-vars-click-url="https://maps.huntsvilleal.gov/server/rest/services/Boundaries/CityAnnexationsByYear/MapServer" data-vars-content-id="e08dab13-e66b-4380-a014-317c72e161c9" data-vars-headline="The how and why of Huntsville&#x27;s annexation spree" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://maps.huntsvilleal.gov/server/rest/services/Boundaries/CityAnnexationsByYear/MapServer" target="_blank">per city data</a>, making it larger in land area than Chicago and raising questions about city services and strategy.

Huntsville's budget highlights: Public safety, roads

Mayor Tommy Battle introduced the budget Sept. 11. City councilors are set to vote on it this week.

Huntsville&#x27;s upcoming budget prioritizes public safety and infrastructure as the city continues growing while revenues stay relatively flat.Why it matters: The City Council will vote on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Budget-Book-09-16-25v7withMayorLetter.pdf" data-vars-content-id="21be740f-df5d-40ce-bf76-ce3c1b64ab96" data-vars-headline="Huntsville&#x27;s budget highlights: Public safety, roads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Budget-Book-09-16-25v7withMayorLetter.pdf" target="_blank">the budget</a> Thursday, solidifying those priorities over the next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1.

Development 🏗️

Front Row opens leasing, targets June move-ins

Inside Huntsville's new smaller-format Ikea

City greenlights Pinhook Creek park transformation downtown

Sofia's targets Jan. 24 opening in South Huntsville

Exclusive: MidCity unveils major expansion with new music venue and tech hub