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 rest...

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 ho...

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...

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 har...

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 walkabil...

In this episode of Makers in MidCity , we sit down with serial entrepreneur Chase Morrow, co-founder of Techs in the City. With five startups (and four exits) under his belt, Chase shares his journey from growing up in Huntsville to creating a platform for real, unfiltered conversations about the tech scene in the South. We dive into the mission behind Techs in the City—building authentic, collabo...

In this episode of Makers of MidCity , host Clark Dunn sits down with Nick Goss, Senior Associate at CBRE and retail leasing advisor for MidCity District. From life as a touring musician to becoming a commercial real estate broker, Nick shares his unique journey and how it’s shaped his approach to building intentional retail environments. They explore what it takes to create a successful mixed-use...

In this episode of The Makers of MidCity, we sit down with Huntsville native and Atlanta-based hip-hop artist Translee to talk about his journey in music, his deep roots in the 256, and how the local creative scene continues to evolve. From his early days growing up in Huntsville to being signed by T.I.’s label, Translee shares how the city shaped his sound and how today’s artists no longer have t...

In this episode of The Makers of MidCity , Amanda Welch, the social media manager and content creator behind The Camp and MidCity District, shares her journey from local supporter to becoming the voice of one of Huntsville’s most exciting destinations. She breaks down how she balances the playful, community-driven energy of The Camp with the evolving and mature brand of MidCity, how real-time cont...

In this episode of The Makers of MidCity, hosts Clark Dunn and Nadia Niakossary sit down with Adam Dean, Talent Buyer and Production Manager for MidCity District and The Camp. Adam shares his journey from Auburn University to curating live music experiences in Huntsville, and how The Camp has become a launching pad for up-and-coming artists—some of whom have gone on to share stages with national a...

In this episode of The Makers of MidCity Podcast , we sit down with Joanna White, the new Managing Director of the Apollo Coalition. With deep roots in Huntsville’s nonprofit, arts, and small business communities, Joanna shares how her journey has led her to spearhead an initiative that’s shaping the soft layers of MidCity and beyond. The Apollo Coalition, launched in partnership with RCP Companie...

In a competitive multifamily market, what does it take to lease up a property before it’s even complete? Briana Goodloe, Senior Business Manager for Willow Bridge, joins us to share how Metronome at MidCity reached an impressive 96% pre-leased and 93% occupied status. From a coffee at The Camp to a thriving residential community, Briana discusses how trust, strategy, and hospitality played a pivot...

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we sit down with Sierra Peña, Director of gBETA Huntsville (@gener8tor), to talk about the power of community and how the right connections can make all the difference for founders. Since 2018, RCP Companies and gener8tor have been working together to create a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs in Huntsville. From...

Great spaces aren’t just built—they’re experienced. In this episode, Anthony Rossi, Director of Property Management for RCP Companies, shares how a hospitality mindset is shaping the future of real estate development. From revitalizing old malls into vibrant, walkable communities to ensuring every space feels like it has always belonged, Anthony discusses the importance of seeing a place through t...

In this episode, we sit down with Yunus Hasan, Co-Founder of HX Brands, to explore the remarkable partnership between his company and the visionary team behind MidCity. Yunus shares the journey of bringing Tous Les Jours , a beloved Korean bakery, to Huntsville, making it the first franchise in Alabama, and how the MidCity District played a pivotal role in making that dream a reality. He also delv...

From iconic moments like Billy Strings joining Leftover Salmon on stage at WhistleStop to the thrill of back-to-back events across the district, 2024 was unforgettable.  This year wasn’t just about the events—it was about progress. With new buildings going up, exciting restaurants opening their doors, and multi-family living spaces coming to life, MidCity is truly becoming the place to live, work,...

In this latest episode of The Makers of MidCity, Mike Gross, Multifamily Asset Manager at RCP Companies, delves into Huntsville's apartment boom since 2020, attributing it to the city's surge in job growth and the resulting demand for housing to accommodate new residents. With many newcomers opting to rent initially to get a feel for their new community, the multifamily market in Huntsvi...

In this episode of The Makers of MidCity Podcast, we chat with Henry Family Farms about growing up surrounded by food, family, and the art of cooking. Discover how a passion for farm-to-table experiences has influenced their journey and shaped their role in our community and as a regular vendor at the Market at MidCity. https://www.henrysfamilyfarm.com MidCity District Socials https://www.midcityd...

Local artist Asé Selah, featured as our next guest on The Makers of MidCity Podcast, shares his vision for the future of MidCity: more galleries and deeper connections with North Huntsville and the Downtown districts. As MidCity continues to grow, Ase's artistic contributions are shaping the community's creative landscape. His impact is already undeniable, and it's only just beginni...

In this episode, we interview Chef Lauren from Tamarind Island Grille. We discuss Chef Lauren's background, her journey from New York to Huntsville, Alabama, and her experience running a restaurant and catering business. We also talk about the menu creation process, popular dishes, and the future of Tamarind Island Grille. Chef Lauren's passion for cooking and her dedication to providing...

In this episode of the Makers of MidCity podcast, host Clark Dunn and Nadia Niakossary Sr. Director of Development for RCP Companies interviews Rodney Hall, a prominent figure in the recording studio business. They discuss the evolution of the recording studio industry, the impact of technology on music production, and the importance of preserving the music legacy of the region. They also touch on...

Cody Morgan of Octo Hospitality discusses the challenges and opportunities of the hospitality industry, the importance of creating a welcoming and diverse atmosphere, and the need for continuous training and improvement. She also touches on the unique aspects of the Huntsville community and the goal of offering fresh and innovative experiences to customers.  MidCity District Socials https://www.mi...

Brian Manley, graphic designer and creative director of MidCity District and the camp, discusses his background and the creative process behind designing for MidCity. He talks about his love for music and how it influences his design work. The conversation also touches on the connection between the camp and Mid-City District, the importance of creating a physical space for people to gather and tel...

Olivia Christian, the marketing director for TVG Hospitality operator of the Orion Amphitheater, discusses her background and the process of marketing the venue. She talks about the excitement of seeing a world-class venue being built in her hometown of Huntsville and the importance of community engagement and sustainability. Olivia shares her passion for creating a comfortable and accessible expe...

Remy Gross, co-founder of RCP Companies, discusses his background in real estate development and entrepreneurship. He shares his passion for supporting entrepreneurs and the work he does with the Apollo Foundation and Generator. Remy emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and finding the right people to build a successful business. He highlights success stories from the Generator...