An expansion of Trailhead's full-service bike store in Huntsville brings Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment one step closer to making the entire property available for public use.

The 10-year-old small business on Andrew Jackson Way says it is moving to Lowe Mill's long-vacant "guard shack." Build-out has been underway about two months as Trailhead prepares to launch there later this summer.

Owner Tommy Reagh, who runs the shop with Lowe Mill owner/operator Jimmy Hudson, said the expansion will allow Trailhead to offer more bike-fitting services to residents with physical limitations. Customers have reacted positively to the news so far, he added.

"Everybody's been overwhelmingly supportive and can't wait for us to get over here," he said.

In December, Lowe Mill opened its renovated 37,000-square-foot north floor, an expansion that boosted the center's footprint by 30 percent. The growth brought the total number of working artists to 200 and increased studio space to 144,000 square feet with 31 new studios, a gallery and dedicated art classroom.

Media director Dustin Timbrook said Trailhead's move is giving a previously deteriorating Lowe Mill building a second life.

"The location of that particular building is part of the reason this development is exciting," he said. " ... Before too long, we will be able to get rid of a lot of these fences that block off so many parts of the facility."

Trailhead has been developing, selling and repairing bikes in Five Points since December 2005. Reagh said he started the business to cater to elite bike enthusiasts, children, and "everyone in between."

The new location will be about the same size as the current 3,600-square-foot store, but will allow Trailhead to continue growing in a creative environment.

"I'm a graphic designer by vocation and have only been a bike shop owner the past 10 years," Reagh said. "In many ways, through lots of things we do, there's still some of that artistry."

To operate at Lowe Mill, artists and entrepreneurs must submit an application, which goes through an anonymous jury process. Approval is based on quality of work, application presentation and how well the potential tenant would fit into the Lowe Mill community, which sees between 2,000 and 5,000 visitors a week.

Trailhead auditioned for a spot at Lowe Mill this past spring.



"Trailhead Inc.'s relocation to Lowe Mill is one of the most exciting independent business developments our community has ever had," Timbrook said.