Check Out the New Developments in Athens and Limestone County

Scores of new stores, restaurants, residential units and even a massive Buc-ee’s have opened in North Alabama.

By Kevin Litwin on December 6, 2023

CDHESTER

Limestone County is a growing region with an overall population of nearly 111,000 residents. Topping 100,000 in population is an important factor that national retailers, restaurant chains and big-name companies seek when looking to locate in an area. Here’s a look at some of the new developments in Athens and Limestone County.

That 100,000+ number caused Arkansas-based Slim Chickens to open a fast-food restaurant in 2023 on the west end of Madison, while one of the largest Starbucks in all of Alabama is opening near the Publix supermarket at MidTown Centre in Athens. 

Another recent arrival is the Noon Athens development, which has attracted major retailers like TJ Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, Ulta Beauty and Five Below. In addition, Ming Commercial Real Estate Group Project has brought Chicken Salad Chick, Ace Hardware and Valvoline into Athens.

Residential projects are also making news, with the construction of luxury apartment complex Gateway Village at Swan Creek. Located near Interstate 65 in the Swan Creek area of Athens, Gateway Village is a 256-unit, four-story community that features a gated entrance, saltwater pool, fitness center and a clubhouse.

Courting Additional Industries

Athens-Limestone County experienced a 3.3% growth rate between 2021 and 2022 that resulted in more than 3,500 new residents, and many of those residents arrived here attracted to the low cost of living and emerging career opportunities. 

“High-paying jobs are available here for several advanced manufacturing, technology and government contracting positions, with people moving here every day for such jobs,” says Bethany Shockney, president of the Limestone County Economic Development Association. “We are also courting additional industries to locate in our area, and more restaurant and retail businesses are arriving here all the time.”

One large business that recently joined the list of new developments in Athens is Buc-ee’s, the popular Texas-based chain of roadside travel stops known for its many gas pumps, country store souvenirs, good food and clean bathrooms. Buc-ee’s located its road stop in Athens on the corner of Interstate 65 and Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road.

“This Buc-ee’s location will ultimately have 200 employees and a starting wage of $17 an hour,” Shockney says. And the region landed aviation distribution and logistics company Acquisition Integration, which has invested $30 million in a facility that will create 200 jobs at Pryor Field Regional Airport, Shockney says. 

“Along with Acquisition Integration, there is a lot of other development interest occurring at Pryor Field these days,” she says.

Peter Pauley/Athens Main Street

Record Number of Patrons and Vendors 

Also experiencing a passel of positivity is the Athens downtown district, where a number of restaurants opened in 2023. Three of the popular eateries are Old Black Bear Brewing, Ro’s Grille and The Salty Cod. 

“Many of our downtown restaurants now have outdoor dining, and our entertainment district allows patrons to purchase an adult beverage in a blue cup and walk around the district with your drink,” says Tere Richardson, executive director of Athens Main Street. “Our entertainment district encompasses the Courthouse Square along with a block off the square in every direction.” 

Richardson says one of the recent downtown highlights is the revitalization of Athens Farmers Market on West Green Street. The upgrade included the addition of multiuse areas for youth education and special events. 

“The market is seeing record numbers of patrons and vendors in 2023, and a lot of work also went into making the adjacent Doug Gates Park a beautiful attraction,” Richardson says. “Just like in all of Athens, we are also measured on how we want the downtown area to grow smartly, making it a destination for people of all ages to enjoy.”