Makers of MidCity District

In this episode of The Makers of MidCity Podcast, we sit down with David Hale and Chef Smoosh of Blue Oak BBQ to talk about the journey of bringing the New Orleans barbecue favorite to Huntsville’s growing MidCity District. The conversation dives into their early days working at Blue Oak in New Orleans, what it was like relocating to Huntsville, and the challenges of opening and operating a restaurant in a brand-new market. David and Chef Smoosh share stories from Blue Oak’s first year ...

In this episode, David Wilson of RCP Companies discusses the rise of Huntsville’s multifamily housing market and what comes next. With more than 30 years of experience tracking the apartment sector, David explains the “perfect storm” that drove Huntsville’s apartment boom, from record occupancy and rapid rent growth to the surge in new development across the city. The conversation also explores how MidCity has grown into a high-density mixed-use district with more than 1,000 residential units...

In this episode, we recap a milestone year of intentional growth at the MidCity District — from 40,000+ SF of new retail leases and incoming restaurants to fitness concepts, bars, and major project deliveries. 2025 also welcomed hundreds of new residential units while continuing to expand MidCity’s role as a cultural hub. The Orion Amphitheater celebrated its 100th show with Mumford & Sons and hosted over 165,000 guests from around the world across concerts and community events. We also e...

In this episode of Makers of MidCity, we sit down with Drew Stewart, Sustainability Manager at The Orion Amphitheater, to explore what it really takes to operate one of the Southeast’s premier live music venues with a net-positive environmental impact. From nearly one million reusable cups and zero waste to landfill, to on-site gardens supplying fresh garnishes for drinks the same day they’re harvested, Drew shares how sustainability at The Orion goes far beyond what most guests ever see. The...

In this episode of The Makers of MidCity Podcast, we sit down with Dennis Madsen, Manager of Urban and Long-Range Planning for the City of Huntsville, to explore how collaboration between city planning and private development is redefining growth in Huntsville. From the transformation of the former regional mall site into the vibrant MidCity District to the city’s long-term investments in walkability, greenways, and transit-oriented development, this conversation highlights the power of proac...