Last week, RCP Companies officially broke ground on Anthem House, a $110 million mixed-use development in MidCity.

This dynamic new development is designed to provide Huntsville’s expanding skilled workforce with a residential-meets-hospitality solution, including modern, efficient layouts, as well as vibrant, hotel-like surroundings and amenities. RCP leadership was joined by representatives from City of Huntsville, Huntsville City Council, Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, Cummings Research Park, and 50+ community members for a groundbreaking ceremony.

Featuring 330 apartment units, 35,000 square feet of creative office space and 32,000 square feet of street-level retail, Anthem House was named as a nod to MidCity’s music theme. The development plays into the district’s energy, only steps from live music, dining, shopping, entertainment, and community events.

“Anthem House is a lifestyle opportunity blending residential and hospitality for an innovative hybrid product appealing to Huntsville’s expanding workforce,” said RCP Co-Founder Max Grelier. “It’s boutique, social and invites an open door to MidCity. The loft warehouse aesthetic feels refined, seamless, and stylish, all while being in the center of the action.”

“Our goal with Anthem House is to deliver a unique in-demand product that’s not currently offered in the market – a multifamily project that delivers living experiences like no other to meet the residents’ needs, whether it’s more like a hotel, extended stay, or classic apartment space.”, shared Nadia Niakossary, Senior Director of Development, RCP Companies, with the Huntsville Business Journal.

“With Huntsville’s workforce growing significantly every day, Anthem House provides best-in-class living for contract and traveling workers and those that prioritize location and amenities over more space than they would know what to do with.”

When asked about the overall feeling at RCP Companies now that ground has been broken on such a huge project Niakossary stated that “we’re excited that the project has reached this milestone in the development process to get another beautiful building out of the ground at MidCity! It takes a lot to ensure that we are delivering Huntsville the novel environments it wants but doesn’t have access to.”

“It’s a great feeling to be able to celebrate breaking ground on Anthem House with all those that have had a hand in the process up to now along with stakeholders and partners in our great community.”

Under the direction of Parts and Labor Design, a nationally renowned firm based in New York, Anthem House will offer an engaging hospitality experience complete with a cocktail bar, indoor and outdoor co-working spaces, lounge, game room, fitness, and yoga center.

From vibrant common rooms to quiet workstations, each space is designed with a modern industrial feel and ample outdoor access to bring together residents and community members at any point throughout the day or night.

“Millennials and Gen-Z are shifting consumer preferences and generating increased demand for hospitality features within real estate projects, including more amenities, event opportunities and group activities which bring residents together,” added Grelier. “Anthem House’s unique multifamily hospitality product, embedded in the MidCity District, is well-positioned to fill this gap.”

The OPAL Fund, a nearly $19M Qualified Opportunity Fund, is an equity investor in Anthem House. The OPAL Fund was raised in 2021 by a benefit corporation subsidiary of Opportunity Alabama to catalyze investment in meaningful projects while seeking attractive risk-adjusted return for investors.

According to Lindsay Edwards, Chief iInvestment Officer at Opportunity Alabama, this project is well aligned with the company’s investment profile.

“Anthem House – which will redevelop a vacant former mall site with critically needed residential units, retail, and office space in one of the hottest job markets in the US – was a great fit for the OPAL Fund’s impact, risk and return profile.”

Anthem House is a partnership between MidCity developers, RCP and Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Real Estate Initiative, which focuses on investing in real estate developments located in regional startup hubs located outside of Silicon Valley, New York City and Boston.

“We are very excited to be expanding our presence in Huntsville, which we believe is one of the most unique up-and-coming cities across the country,” said Starling Cousley, partner at Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Real Estate Initiative. “There’s a lot to like about the city’s growth trajectory, but most importantly, it has an abundance of local visionary leaders like RCP who are the boots on the ground, making change happen every day. We believe MidCity will be a game changer in elevating Huntsville as a top mixed-use district in the region.”

Anthem House project partners include Todd Halamka + Partners (architect), ARCO Murray (general contractor), Parts and Labor Design (interior design) and Lincoln Property Company (leasing and property management). RCP expects full project completion by early 2025.