MADISON – Madison Mayor Paul Finley gave a glimpse into what is around the corner for the city at his State of the City Address during Connect 2020 on Friday night.

Held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Connect 2020 included the annual State of the City Address and gala event celebrating the past year and future of Madison. It was presented this year by Facebook and hosted by the Madison Chamber of Commerce. Next year, Connect 2021 will be held at the new Toyota Stadium in Town Madison.

Announcing two major developments, Finley gave an update on some businesses who will soon locate to Town Madison. He also announced a major change for a facility that has been in the news a lot over the past couple of years.

Three Springs youth facility on Brownsferry Road had been a troubling presence in Madison due to multiple escapes of juveniles housed in the detention center. The facility was eventually closed in August of 2019 after the city revoked their business license.

Referencing the multiple escapes at Three Springs, Finley said that it scared the city. “We are going to change that,” he said. “The city will be purchasing the Three Springs facility and all 33 acres that come with it. Over the next four to five years we will be turning that into a community center that takes our city to the next level.”

Finley said the city will pay to purchase the facility partially by selling the old Madison Public Library, which is located on Plaza Blvd within feet of the library’s new location.

Finley said the current facility includes over 22,000 sq ft. with 33 acres, plus 14 acres across the street for greenway development.

“Can you imagine moving our senior center there,” Finley asked.

“It has gyms, outdoor basketball, there is a pool and there are meeting rooms,” he continued. “The ability for our community to now have space.”

Finley used a few examples of community organizations that could greatly benefit from having shared space at the complex. He said the Enrichment Center needs offices. “They help our schools with counseling.” He also said the local post of the American Legion could also use some of the space the center would create.

Finley said the National Children’s Advocacy Center could possibly use part of the space to open a branch in Madison.

“This community center is going to be something that is special to our community,” Finley added.

The second major announcement made by Finley was in relation to the much anticipated Town Madison development. Finley said that along with the popular upscale restaurant J. Alexanders coming to Town Madison this year, Outback Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Marriott hotel and The Hub will be joining them.

The Hub will be new to North Alabama. It is most widely known as the popular dining spot at Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., in the 30A vacation district.

Finley said the Marriott will have more than 200 rooms. It is the fifth hotel announced at Town Madison.

“The matrix we put in place to fund the stadium had three hotels. We have five coming to Town Madison so far,” Finley said. “The Pro Player Park will have 12 fields. That is actually in Huntsville city limits. It’s exciting for Mayor Battle because that means more fields on the west side. It’s exciting for us because that means people will need places to stay. “

The Outback and Panera restaurants will be on the project’s east side along Zierdt Road. The Marriott will be near Toyota Field, home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Opening day for the minor league baseball team will be April 15.

“When you talk about where we are headed in the next five to ten years, Town Madison is going to continue to build out,” Finley said. “One of the biggest things that will happen to help all of that is the full interchange coming at I-565.”

Of course, there was a lot of talk during Connect 2020 about the upcoming opening day at Toyota Stadium, the $46 million baseball stadium and multi-use venue in Town Madison. “Our most anticipated economic driver is the Rocket City Trash Pandas,” Finley said.

Trash Pandas CEO and owner Ralph Nelson said Toyota Stadium and the partnership between the Trash Pandas and the city, other area governments and the community has been a model for how new minor league ballparks should be built.

“We are managing growth throughout the city and the Madison community is growing stronger,” Finley said. “We have a lot to look forward to in 2020.”