There’s a renaissance going on in the Historic Lincoln Mill area just off downtown Huntsville.

The latest project will be is the historic Lincoln Mill property on Meridian Street. Developers plan to introduce several amenities to the 220,000-square-foot complex that will usher in a new era for the property, Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate and Lincoln Revival LLC, said in a statement Tuesday.

The restoration will also help bridge the gap between downtown and the north Huntsville educational corridor, further connecting Drake State Community & Technical College and Alabama A&M to the city center.

According to the statement, updates will be made to the property’s overall look and usability, and on-site food, beverage, and retail options will be added. Phase one of redevelopment began in May and the project is expected to be completed late next year.

“Our vision is to enhance the beauty of this historical landmark,” said Wesley Crunkleton, principal of Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate and owner/developer of Lincoln Mill. “Lincoln Mill is an exciting undertaking because of its history—it represents Huntsville’s industrial past and technology-driven future. All of our developments take on their own identities and we can’t wait for Lincoln Mill to do the same.”

Located minutes from downtown Huntsville, “Lincoln Mill stands apart in its ease of accessibility, proximity to the city’s main business district, and its unmatchable architecture, design, and historical influence,” the statement said. These features combined make it the ideal candidate for a revitalization—one that will showcase its distinctive spaces, its ability to further serve the community, and connect the area of downtown with north Huntsville’s educational center.

“One of the greatest features of Lincoln Mill is its location,” said Crunkleton. “It’s situated in a growing retail corridor on Meridian Street that is already home to some of the city’s most popular businesses, such as Preservation Company, Holtz Leather, Brooks & Collier, and the coming L’Etoile Patisserie.

“Restoring Lincoln Mill is the next step in activating the district, adding connectivity, and further opening the area to new business opportunities housed in one-of-a-kind spaces.”

What began in 1900 as Madison Spinning Co., eventually grew into one of the area’s largest and most productive textile mills. Over its lifetime, Lincoln Mill has seen growth, despair, rebirth, and transformation—giving way for industrial and scientific advancements that helped shape the City of Huntsville.

LIncoln Mill 9 3 20 1 Photo Through the renovations, Lincoln Mill will provide an attractive work environment, while preserving its legacy. The facility is being updated with amenities that reflect its tenants’ requests, aimed at improving the site’s function, productivity, tenant retention, and overall comfort.

“Phase One of the project will consist of exterior improvements such as painting, lighting, landscaping, and adding additional parking,” said Crunkleton. Interior improvements will include direction signs, updated lobbies and an improved, larger elevator.

When Phase Two begins, attention will be focused on the historic Dye House, Crunkleton said.

“The Dye House is an integral part of the property’s history,” he said. “It sits abandoned at the front of the site and we plan to utilize the space to house retail along with one or two food/beverage concepts that will benefit the campus and its tenants.

“All will be updated while maintaining the site’s historic integrity and vibe.”

The project team includes Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate, Matheny Goldmon, Joe Still Building Co., and Lanier Ford.