Arena developer meeting with HDB

By Staff
Leada DeVaney, Hartselle Enquirer
A businessman who once planned an $84 million project in Decatur is meeting with members of the Hartselle Development Board next week.
Commercial developer Bill Ludwig will make a presentation to the HDB June 8 at 4 p.m. at the Hartselle Utilities Conference Room.
A memo inviting the mayor and city council members was sent out this week. Several years ago, Ludwig had expressed an interest in building a sports complex in Hartselle.
HDB has been actively pursuing development throughout the city, with emphasis placed on the city's two interstate interchanges.
Ludwig, along with partner Art Clarkson, wanted to build a 12,000-seat arena, retail outlets and a hotel along 585-acres of property along Interstate 65 in Decatur. The $84 million project fell through when Decatur city leaders couldn't work our details on the plan.
At the time of the plans, a study by the Decatur-Morgan County Convention Bureau showed the development could generate some $3.5 million each year in sales tax revenue.
Ludwig is the owner of Huntsville's Front Row Productions, which produces interactive fan shows at sporting events.