Makers of MidCity District

Perseus Sound Bar is bringing something completely new to MidCity.

On this episode of The Makers of MidCity, we sit down with Nick Quinn to share the hear the story behind Perseus Sound Bar and how the concept came to life inside Anthem House.

Nick shares how a NASA article about the sound of a black hole inspired the Perseus name and created a subtle connection to Huntsville’s space history. From there, that inspiration helped shape everything from the design and color palette to the Mediterranean-inspired menu and focus on vinyl.

They also talk about the intentional approach to music, how Nick found Perseus’ chefs while traveling in Italy, and what’s ahead as the space evolves from a daytime café into a late-night destination with cocktails, dinner, DJs, and live music.

Perseus was designed as a place to slow down, listen, and experience something different in Huntsville, and it’s only getting started.

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In this episode of The Makers of MidCity Podcast, we sit down with David Hale and Chef Smoosh of Blue Oak BBQ to talk about the journey of bringing the New Orleans barbecue favorite to Huntsville’s growing MidCity District. 

The conversation dives into their early days working at Blue Oak in New Orleans, what it was like relocating to Huntsville, and the challenges of opening and operating a restaurant in a brand-new market. David and Chef Smoosh share stories from Blue Oak’s first year in Huntsville, including learning the local food scene, adapting menu specials, managing kitchen operations, and building a restaurant culture focused on quality and hospitality. 

They also discuss the creativity behind Blue Oak’s rotating specials, the importance of barbecue catering in Huntsville, and how MidCity’s rapid growth has created opportunities for restaurants and community gatherings alike. From brisket and burnt ends to Thursday baked potatoes and New Orleans-inspired red beans, this episode is packed with stories about food, teamwork, and creating an experience people want to come back for. 

MidCity District Socials
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In this episode, David Wilson of RCP Companies discusses the rise of Huntsville’s multifamily housing market and what comes next. With more than 30 years of experience tracking the apartment sector, David explains the “perfect storm” that drove Huntsville’s apartment boom, from record occupancy and rapid rent growth to the surge in new development across the city.

The conversation also explores how MidCity has grown into a high-density mixed-use district with more than 1,000 residential units, including Metronome, Encore, The Wellory, and Anthem House. David also shares why 2026 could be a “year of healing” for the market as supply slows and Huntsville’s population growth continues to drive demand.

MidCity District Socials
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In this episode, we recap a milestone year of intentional growth at the MidCity District — from 40,000+ SF of new retail leases and incoming restaurants to fitness concepts, bars, and major project deliveries. 2025 also welcomed hundreds of new residential units while continuing to expand MidCity’s role as a cultural hub. The Orion Amphitheater celebrated its 100th show with Mumford & Sons and hosted over 165,000 guests from around the world across concerts and community events. We also explore how Apollo Coalition programming, public art, and creative partnerships are shaping connection and culture throughout the district. Plus, a look ahead at Old Monrovia improvements and a $300M southern expansion featuring new venues, hotels, and an innovation hub. Tune in for a snapshot of where MidCity’s been — and where it’s headed next.

MidCity District Socials
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In this episode of Makers of MidCity, we sit down with Drew Stewart, Sustainability Manager at The Orion Amphitheater, to explore what it really takes to operate one of the Southeast’s premier live music venues with a net-positive environmental impact. From nearly one million reusable cups and zero waste to landfill, to on-site gardens supplying fresh garnishes for drinks the same day they’re harvested, Drew shares how sustainability at The Orion goes far beyond what most guests ever see. The conversation dives into composting, eliminating single-use plastics, local partnerships, and how The Orion is using its scale and influence to set a new standard for sustainable entertainment—both in Huntsville and across the industry.

MidCity District Socials
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In this episode of The Makers of MidCity Podcast, we sit down with Dennis Madsen, Manager of Urban and Long-Range Planning for the City of Huntsville, to explore how collaboration between city planning and private development is redefining growth in Huntsville.

From the transformation of the former regional mall site into the vibrant MidCity District to the city’s long-term investments in walkability, greenways, and transit-oriented development, this conversation highlights the power of proactive planning and public-private partnership.

Dennis shares insight into Huntsville’s “polycentric city” approach—building multiple connected hubs where people can live, work, and play—along with updates on major connectivity projects like the SkyBridge, the PARC corridor, and new greenway expansions linking neighborhoods across the city.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Huntsville is planning for the next 20 years of smart, connected, and sustainable growth—one sidewalk, bike path, and district at a time.

MidCity District Socials
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In this episode of Makers in MidCity, we sit down with serial entrepreneur Chase Morrow, co-founder of Techs in the City. With five startups (and four exits) under his belt, Chase shares his journey from growing up in Huntsville to creating a platform for real, unfiltered conversations about the tech scene in the South.

We dive into the mission behind Techs in the City—building authentic, collaborative tech communities across Alabama—and why Huntsville is primed to be more than just a government tech hub. Chase talks about the first Huntsville event at The Camp (held in freezing 26° weather!) and how events like these are helping to shape MidCity into a true hub for innovation and creativity.

From AI-powered business challenges to big-picture visions of merging music and tech, this conversation is packed with insight on what it takes to start, scale, and give back to your community. If you’re passionate about startups, collaboration, and the future of tech in Alabama, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now to hear:

• Why there’s no “rinse-and-repeat” formula for startups
• The importance of authenticity in building tech communities
• How Huntsville’s private startup sector is gaining momentum
• The role of partnerships in shaping MidCity as a tech hub
• Advice for anyone ready to launch their first big idea

https://techsandthecity.org/

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In this episode of Makers of MidCity, host Clark Dunn sits down with Nick Goss, Senior Associate at CBRE and retail leasing advisor for MidCity District. From life as a touring musician to becoming a commercial real estate broker, Nick shares his unique journey and how it’s shaped his approach to building intentional retail environments.

They explore what it takes to create a successful mixed-use development, the importance of neighborhood anchors like Trader Joe’s and Topgolf, and how retail curation at MidCity is being driven by data, walkability, and a deep understanding of community needs. Nick also breaks down what’s next for the district—including the evolving retail corridor at Anthem House and the future relocation of The Camp.

Whether you're a developer, business owner, or just curious about the future of Huntsville, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the strategy and vision behind one of the Southeast’s most exciting urban projects.

MidCity District Socials
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In this episode of The Makers of MidCity, we sit down with Huntsville native and Atlanta-based hip-hop artist Translee to talk about his journey in music, his deep roots in the 256, and how the local creative scene continues to evolve. From his early days growing up in Huntsville to being signed by T.I.’s label, Translee shares how the city shaped his sound and how today’s artists no longer have to leave home to make an impact.

We also explore his involvement with MidCity and The Camp, the growing role of art and music as economic drivers for the city, and how artist-driven feedback is shaping the design of Camp 2.0. Plus, Translee gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his new album Forever in Our Hearts — an intentional project highlighting Huntsville talent and paying homage to the city that raised him.

Listen in as we discuss:

The evolution of Huntsville’s hip-hop scene
How venues like The Camp are creating space for emerging artists
The importance of local collaboration in venue design
Why Forever in Our Hearts is a love letter to Huntsville
The mission behind Inner Peace Outer Glow and building a brand with purpose 

MidCity District Socials
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In this episode of The Makers of MidCity, Amanda Welch, the social media manager and content creator behind The Camp and MidCity District, shares her journey from local supporter to becoming the voice of one of Huntsville’s most exciting destinations. She breaks down how she balances the playful, community-driven energy of The Camp with the evolving and mature brand of MidCity, how real-time content drives foot traffic, and the tools and strategies she uses to stay creative and organized. From major events like Crawfish Festival and Camp to AMP to day-to-day updates on tenants and construction, Amanda gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to tell the story of a district that’s still being built—while making sure people know there’s plenty to explore today.

MidCity District Socials
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