It is perhaps the most glaringly empty lot in Downtown Huntsville, but it will not be for long.

The 11-acres on Clinton Avenue directly across the street from the Von Braun Center will soon be transformed into a $325 million mixed-use development featuring a mix of residential, retail, restaurant, bar, and commercial office space.

Rocket Development Partners based out of New York City just closed on the former Coca-Cola bottling site after being unanimously approved by the Huntsville City Council for development this past June.

The development fits perfectly into the 2016 Downtown Huntsville Master Plan to drive economic growth, promote walkability and connectivity, while contributing to downtown’s vibrancy.

The first phase of the project will include an estimated 40,000 square-feet of retail space, 500 upscale apartments with full amenities, and up to 50,000 square-feet of Class-A dynamic office space, surrounding a large greenspace, envisioned as downtown’s social epicenter.

The developers are also planning an expansive Class-A, 200,000 square-foot office tower that could also include an upscale hotel.

“A milestone like this brings us one step closer to building a community-focused development for this historic Huntsville property,” said Mitch Rutter, principal of Rocket Development Partners. “The city’s momentum and growth, as evidenced by the latest U.S. Census results, has created an exciting and undeniable energy that we look forward to enhancing.

“We feel confident our development will contribute to Huntsville’s impressive growth and provide entertainment activations that draw more people to experience downtown.”

Dan Shields, also a principal of Rocket Development Partners, said Mayor Battle’s administration, along with the City Council and community partners, all played a role in bringing downtown Huntsville’s master plan to life and they are happy to be a part of it.

“Our development will also serve as an integral part of the city’s master plan, thanks to the support of city officials who are helping make our vision a reality,” said Shields. “We plan to keep our community partners informed, engaged, and excited as the project progresses.”

Rocket Development Partners expects to break ground in 2022.

Rocket Development Partners is a joint venture comprised of the principals of Essex Capital Partner, a New York-based real estate investment and development company; and Ascend Property Group, a boutique real estate finance, investment and development firm focused on revitalizing emerging and growing real estate markets across the United States.

Leasing opportunities are available by contacting Rocket Development Partners at info@rocketdevpartners.com.