Annie Merts Center: Site Development in Huntsville for a Historic Renovation

For decades, the Annie Merts Center served Huntsville as the home of Huntsville High School and later a middle school. Located in the heart of the Twickenham Historic District near Randolph Avenue, the nearly 100-year-old building is now being transformed into luxury condominiums. Before residents could move in, the property needed a complete site transformation and every phase of that work needed to be coordinated around a building with significant historic value.

A Historic Site with Modern Needs

It’s amazing to be a part of a historic renovation like this one. Projects in established neighborhoods come with their own set of challenges. Space is tight, neighbors are close, and the work has to support a building that was never designed with modern utilities and infrastructure in mind. Our team followed historic district rules by respecting the existing limestone walls that are prominent, historical features of this area as we completed our work.

While the development team focused on preserving the building’s architectural character, our role was to modernize utilities and prepare the ground around it for everything that followed.

Our Scope of Work

Grounds Control’s scope covered the full range of site development in Huntsville’s historic district, starting with demolition of the existing paved site. From there, our team completed:

• Complete site work and grading
• Storm drainage installation
• Sanitary sewer and water installation
• Concrete work
• Asphalt paving and striping
• Landscaping

Each of these phases depended on the one before it. Underground sewer and water had to be in place before concrete and paving could begin, and drainage had to be right before the site could be finished. Careful coordination across multiple phases kept the work moving and kept the site ready for the next trade.

The Finished Project

Our team is better at moving dirt than taking a million photos, so we don’t have in-progress photos to share, but here is an image of the completed project.

Today, the former school’s historic classrooms have been transformed into high-end condominiums, and residents are moving into one of Huntsville’s most recognizable landmarks. We’re proud that the work beneath the surface helped make that possible.

Ready to Start Your Project?

If your project requires demolition, underground utilities, paving, or complete site development in Huntsville or anywhere in North Alabama, we’d be glad to help. Reach out using our website contact form and share a few details about your project.