In just a few short years, Huntsville’s downtown has evolved from a sleepy Southern town square to a vibrant city center.

Aaron Hase, managing partner at Downtown Storage, grew up in Huntsville and remembers the days when Bubba’s was one of only a few dining options downtown.

“Now we are covered up with great restaurants and bars,” said Hase.

A few stalwarts have had a front row seat to this transformation.

The Kaffeeklatsch, easily one of the most recognizable fixtures of the downtown city streets, has anchored the heart of Huntsville since 1976. Today, the shop is managed by Joanna Weand.

Weand said that owners Grant and Kathryn Heath looked at cities throughout Alabama and ultimately “chose to set up shop in Huntsville as it was known for having the most traveled population of people, who were possibly more open to the coffee shop concept in 1976.”

The Kaffeeklatsch took off decades before coffee shops dotted the city. For this reason, Weand said, downtown’s daytime pedestrian traffic made it a clear choice of location.

Day and Night Downtown:

A decade ago, it seemed as though they “rolled up the sidewalks” downtown at the end of the workday. Those days are in the rearview mirror.

Roosevelt & Co., an upscale men’s clothing shop, has been located in downtown Huntsville for eight years. Amanda Sadler, co-owner, said that downtown has a lot to offer — day and night.

“We love being near the heart of it all for the weekend fun and being super close to the workplace while you are working during the week,” Sadler told the Huntsville Business Journal.

Concerts in the Park, Downtown Art Walks, and the Greene Street Market are just a few of the ongoing events that now bring residents downtown after the work day is over.

Hase agreed that downtown’s hours are changing.

“A lot of stores downtown don’t fully appreciate how much traffic they are missing out on when they close early in the afternoon, or if they aren’t open on the weekends,” said Hase. “The smart stores are staying open later and later at night, and it’s paying off.”

On a recent weekday evening, downtown was lively — with diners spilling out onto the sidewalks, families playing cornhole on Jefferson Street, and couples catching photos in the golden light.

All of this was set against a backdrop of leafy oak trees, colorful murals, and historic brick storefronts.

A Unique Experience:

Walkability, a mix of restaurants and shops, and the uniqueness of the vendors make Downtown Huntsville distinctive from all other corners of the city.

Caleb Shaw and Anna Rojas are co-owners of One Man’s Vintage, located in the Clinton Row Shops.

In late August, they hosted a grand re-opening of their store. Shaw was blown away by the community’s response.

“We had a line of over 20 people waiting for us to open — the first people had been waiting for almost 2 hours by the time we opened the doors,” said Shaw.

Shaw described the level of support from the vintage community as feeling “surreal.”

“The downtown experience is unique because of its mix of history, culture, and community,” said Shaw. “People come here not just to shop, but to explore and experience the energy. It feels like we’re part of something bigger.”

Challenges Facing Downtown:

Multiple shop owners related that inflation, which is being felt by producers and consumers alike, is a current challenge faced by business owners.

“Inflation has definitely increased the costs of doing business for us,” said Weand. “Mostly on the accessories we carry and operational needs.”

As a business incubator, Clinton Row Shops purposefully keeps “rents below the average, to give startups and new concept stores strong footing to get up and going,” said Hase.

Rising operating costs are being offset by the increasing number of shoppers downtown.

“Being in the city center means we have a constant flow of people who support local businesses, so it balances out,” said Shaw.

While inflation is being felt all over the city, and far beyond, some challenges are particular to the downtown area.

“From our customers’ perspective, finding parking can be a challenge,” said Weand.

While parking can be tight downtown, customers are more willing than before to park and walk.

“Just a few years ago people wouldn’t stop if they couldn’t park right out in front,” said Hase.

That is changing as residents and visitors are finding more spots to explore on foot.

Shop Small. Shop Local.

Downtown business owners agree on the value of keeping retail dollars circulating in the Huntsville economy by shopping small and shopping local.

“Local, small businesses are the backbone behind the American Dream,” said Roosevelt & Co.’s Sadler. “When you shop local, you don’t only boost the local economy, but you also help build a cohesive community. When you choose to shop small, you boost the businesses that bring a unique fingerprint to the character of your city.”

Locally-owned and operated businesses serve to differentiate Huntsville from any other city across the nation.

“They are what makes the city unique in its experiences for locals and out-of-towners — it’s what will keep people coming to a city,” said Weand.

Hase challenged folks to compare Downtown Huntsville to any other neighborhood in the city.

“Here’s how I see it, Downtown Huntsville wins,” said Hase. “In Huntsville, it’s the hottest place to live, work, eat, drink, or just be. Period. I’ll argue any of those categories with anyone, and they’ll lose.”

Plan your visit to Downtown Huntsville online at https://www.downtownhuntsville.org/.

Photo Credit: Hunter Balthazor