• 75°

Mayor unveils major retail development

Connect 2011
Madison Mayor Paul Finley addresses the crowd during the Madison Chamber of Commerce's annual Connect 2011 event at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration.

Madison Mayor Paul Finley announced plans for a major retail development and the expansion of the Insanity Sportsplex during his annual State of the City address during the Chamber of Commerce’s Connect 2011 event at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration.

The new development will be anchored by a major retailer, which is believed to be a Super Target, although details have not been finalized.

“I can’t say the name of the retailer, but the TARGET date for opening is summer of 2012,” Finley said to an eruption of laughter and applause.

The 266,000-square foot “Shoppes of Madison” is expected to be built near the site of the new Madison Hospital off Balch Road.

In addition to the major retailer, the Shoppes are also expected to include various sit-down restaurants, a major home décor store and other retailers.

Finley said the new development would bring more jobs to Madison and create more jobs in the area.

“The economic downturn took a lot of people down with it,” Finley said. “We’re going to invest money to make money.”

In addition to The Shoppes, Finley also announced that the Insanity Sportsplex will soon be expanding to occupy the vacant buildings on the property.

The renovated sportsplex is expected to include a two-story laser tag room, go-karts, a rock-climbing wall, a roller rink and meeting facilities.

“We need it and it’s going to enhance our community,” Finley said.

Among other topics Finley covered during the event, he touted the new high school being built off County Line Road, the new Madison Hospital, the city’s growth plan and the Hogan Family YMCA.

“The Hogan YMCA has been a major, major difference maker in Madison,” Finley said. “That is a gamechanger.”

Since it’s opening, Finley said the Hogan YMCA has increased from 2,200 members to more than 6,000.

The YMCA is also the new home to the Madison Chamber of Commerce, the host of Connect 2011.

Lou Galipeau, the chamber’s manager of investor relations, said Friday’s Connect 2011 attendance was more than 500, up 100 from last year.

Madison Chamber President Michelle Nesin also spoke during the event, announcing that the chamber gained 149 new members during the past year, pushing the overall membership from 315 to 649 in just two years.

“The future is so bright I’ve got to wear shades,” Nesin said.

Laura Vaughn contributed to this report.

James Clemens High School

Students Neyan Sezhian, Erik Wu originate James Clemens Math Tournament

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones bests rival James Clemens in Game 1 of weekend series

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – April 17, 2024

Events

Check out the 2024-25 edition of “Explore Huntsville-Madison”

Bob Jones High School

Business, Army groups offer scholarships

Bob Jones High School

Optimists award teacher grants, essay winners

Liberty Middle School

Kristen Brown named finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year

Madison

Journey Math Team makes mark in 2 tourneys

Bob Jones High School

Artwork by Charity Stratton on exhibit at library

Harvest

Madison City Community Orchestra to present ‘Eroica’ on April 20-21

Events

Orion Amphitheater kicks off its third concert season tonight

James Clemens High School

James Clemens HOSA overshadows conference competitors

Harvest

It’s Spring! Plant sale returns to Huntsville Botanical Garden

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones AFJROTC aces first try at obstacle course

Discovery Middle School

Clifton, Francois earn grants to enhance study of German

Bob Jones High School

Fantasy Playhouse summer camps to open in Madison

Discovery Middle School

Hogan Family YMCA to celebrate Healthy Kids Day

Bob Jones High School

Students in grades 3-5 to compete in Bob Jones Science Challenge

FRONT PAGE FEATURED

James Clemens Football Hosting Annual Mattress Sale

James Clemens High School

James Clemens baseball hot at the right time

Discovery Middle School

Register for Summer Spotlight Theatre Camp at James Clemens

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones hails as section’s top team at Scholastic Chess Championship

James Clemens High School

James Clemens leads at Student Council Association conference

News

Messiah Lutheran’s Rummage Sale turns ‘discards into disaster relief’

x