1,800 new homes coming to growing area of Huntsville
Community would be near $240 million shopping center under development.
Mason Reed 
North Huntsville is set for a massive residential transformation. A Phoenix-based developer, Suncrest, has unveiled plans for Harris Farms, an expansive 1,800-unit housing community that promises to reshape the area's landscape.
Development Details
The Huntsville Planning Commission has officially approved the rezoning of over 500 acres for the project. Located north of Bob Wade Lane—the Northern Bypass—and east of Mount Lebanon Road, the site is positioned strategically near the burgeoning $240 million North Village Town Center. That commercial hub, located south of Bob Wade Lane and west of North Memorial Parkway, is set to feature major retailers like Super Target and Home Depot, complemented by a new $50 million Huntsville Hospital facility.
Suncrest representative Casey Werner emphasized that the company brings significant experience to the table, having completed similar projects throughout North Carolina and middle Tennessee. Werner described Harris Farms as a perfect fit for the rapid growth and economic synergy currently unfolding in North Huntsville, which also sits near the North Huntsville Industrial Park.
A Community for Everyone
The proposed development is designed for versatility, offering a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes across various price points. Plans also include a dedicated 55-and-older community. Residents will have access to an impressive slate of amenities, including swimming pools, gym facilities, and courts for tennis and pickleball.
The site plans prioritize connectivity, featuring boulevard-style roads, neighborhood streets, 7,300 linear feet of trails, and a massive 140,000 linear feet of sidewalks. According to Werner, the project could span a 10-to-15-year buildout and involve as many as 10 different home builders.
Schooling and Governance
During the planning commission meeting, District 5 Councilman John Meredith confirmed that students in the new community would be zoned for Rolling Hills Elementary School, McNair Middle School, and Mae Jemison High School. City officials noted that Huntsville City Schools have been consulted regarding the proposal.
The property itself was officially annexed by the city last year. While District 1 Councilwoman Michelle Watkins has historically expressed concerns regarding school overcrowding and residential expansion, she has indicated comfort with this plan following discussions with the city's director of Urban and Economic Development, Shane Davis.
While the residential portion moves forward, a separate segment of the Harris property designated for commercial use remains excluded from this current rezoning push.
