Madison Spirit Several of the pioneers of the land that became the City of Madison had connections to Huntsville's earliest prominent persons. As mentioned in the August 29 article, James Tribble and his wife Ann Echols in 1839 sold land, where Bob Jones High School is now located, to William Echols. Echols was a contemporary and neighbor of LeRoy Pope, often called the Father of Huntsville. Pope entered into land transactions with Robert Payne and Payne's father-in-law, Henry Brown, who was a brother-in-law of LeRoy Pope. Henry lived in Huntsville, and Robert Payne purchased several lots in Huntsville.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox will speak about the city's economic, social and urban development tonight at real estate honor fraternity Rho Epsilon's monthly meeting.

His presentation, "Building a Bridge to the Future," will address proposed economic development projects, including the growth of the University, planned downtown revitalization, riverfront development and overall residential and commercial expansion.

ALABAMA HAS done well creating an attractive business climate for companies looking to build new plants or offices, coming in fifth in a national survey.

Site Selection magazine surveyed corporate real estate decision-makers and found only North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and Virginia to be more attractive than Alabama.

Area builders and realtors were invited to this "Grand Opening" event. Representatives from the Engineering Design team were on hand to answer questions along with literature detailing this new development. Lunch and snacks were served throughout the day as guests came and went from the hours of 10 am until 3 pm. New contacts were made and commitments to purchase 15 lots. "That to us is a good start," stated Rusty Strickland one of four partners in the project. The event went beyond our expectations with a steady crowd all day long.

The largest building permit issued during the week of Oct. 22-26 in the city of Huntsville went to Jim Parker Building Co., $8 million, for alterations to a building for the University of Alabama in Huntsville at 501 John Wright Drive.

Other permits valued at more than $20,000 were:

The Robins & Morton Group, $3.47 million, an addition to a building for Huntsville Hospital, 101 Sivley Road.

E-Tech Construction Inc., $1.4 million, an addition to a building for Progress Bank, 201 Williams Ave.

Romach Inc., $1,177,000, alterations to a building for Advocat Diversicare, 4320 Judith Lane.

Brasfield & Gorrie, $800,000, alterations to a building for Fairway Investments, 7696 U.S. 72 West, Suite 200.

Blalock Building Co. Inc., $750,000, alterations to a building for Huntsville Shores LLC, 301 The Bridge St., Suite 101.

Fredco Construction Inc., $325,000, an addition to a building for Kreme Kastle Inc., 210 Jordan Lane.

Thompson Fisher Inc., $310,000, alterations to a building for Huntsville Shores LLC, 300 The Bridge St., Suite 140.

North Alabama Railroad Museum Train Excursion, 694 Chase Road, 90-minute train rides at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., $12, children under 12 $8, 851-6276.

Rocket City Railfest, model train show with operating layouts, Jaycees Building, 2180 Airport Road, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $5, ages 12 and under $1, 881-1661.

"Our Magnetic Earth," speaker Cassie Lofts, followed by star party with telescope viewing if weather permits, Von Braun Astronomical Society Planetarium in Monte Sano State Park off Nolen Avenue, 7:30 p.m., $3, children 11 and under $2, members free, vbas.org or 539-0316.

 Privett and Associates, owned by Angela Treadway, has joined All Four Real Estate, Inc. in promoting and selling properties in the Cullman, Jasper and Arley areas. Privett and Associates marketing has specialized in pre-construction condos, new construction homes and waterfront properties for several years across the south east.

Mayor addresses growth in State of the City

Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer says residential and retail developments are booming during her State of the City address Wednesday and the timing was no mistake.

It's on the eve of the Bridge Street opening. The mayor says at least 16 stores will open Thursday. Others are close behind.

Last year's address was held on the eve of the Embassy Suites grand opening.

MADISON - Dozens of Madison homeowners' associations are stepping up their efforts to form somewhat of a "super" homeowners group through which to share ideas and pass along vital city information.

A meeting was held Sunday in the Walden community clubhouse to introduce officers and meet city officials.

staff reports Huntsville Times
Chamber to decideon roads, schools,utilities necessary

The Madison County Commission has awarded a 14-month, $650,000 contract to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce to develop a plan to identify the roads, schools and utilities needs for BRAC.

Chamber Chairman Evans Quinlivan said the chamber is uniquely suited to handle the services called for in the contract.