[nimsjus]

Nice pics. What should we light up next?:banana:

[CottonCity251]

Nice pics. What should we light up next?:banana:

How about all streets and every mile of the interstate.

[Port_of_Bama]

How about all streets and every mile of the interstate.


lol oh yeah, and that ugly bank tower being redone exteriorly with an A frame on top !!!

[Port_of_Bama]

[/URL]Could you imagine this part of downtown Mobile being a major retail /restaurant complex ? Investors expanding this area and duplicating it from the 300 + year old brick streets to the architecture.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumis/159714775/


http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumis/159714775/

I`m all with bulld downtown up but I hat that buildings like this were destroyed in Mobile.

[url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/64514569@N00/2300034211/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64514569@N00/2300034211/)

[BlessedMobile]

Fantastic shots Musicright...You got the knack! I sure would like to get another shot from you like the one you did in April of 2007 from the City Hall Annex on St. Joseph. I have that photo mounted on a 3'x8' board in my office area...I couldn't tell you how many people have complimented your photo and I never miss the chance to tell them about your work. Keep'em coming.

[Musicisright]

Thanks Blessed, and everybody! I really enjoy taking them, and I'm glad to share them with people.

Blessed, I'm so thrilled that you get people complimenting the photo! I do need to go and re-shoot that one now that the crowns are lit on both buildings! Maybe that will be my next project.

[Muskavon]

Definately need one more lighted spire so you guys can pull off a coordinated red-white-blue scheme across downtown on the 4th of July.

[nimsjus]

[/URL]Could you imagine this part of downtown Mobile being a major retail /restaurant complex ? Investors expanding this area and duplicating it from the 300 + year old brick streets to the architecture.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumis/159714775/


http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumis/159714775/

I`m all with bulld downtown up but I hat that buildings like this were destroyed in Mobile.

[url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/64514569@N00/2300034211/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64514569@N00/2300034211/)

I have never understood the lack of interest in that area. It is one of the older spots in town, since they knocked the oldest stuff down when they built the civic center. All the structures down there are amazing, and there is space for additional new structures if you wanted to add more space for things. I think the mix of offices down there is such a waste of that property. Right now it is a little off the beaten path to develop retail one building at a time. If someone came in and turned the whole are into a retail destination, I think it could work. One issues is that it is one of the most frequently flooded parts of downtown, right behind metro jail.

[montysano]

Could you imagine this part of downtown Mobile being a major retail /restaurant complex ? Investors expanding this area and duplicating it from the 300 + year old brick streets to the architecture.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumis/159714775/


http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumis/159714775/


Wow! I've been doing a lot of exploring since I started coming to Mobile last year, but I totally missed Fort Conde. Your downtown has such incredible potential. That area west-ish of Bienville Square, but before Broad St: I'd love to turn one of those old commercial buildings into a residence.

[NitekKetin]

^Oh yes, the areas from the Square west to near Broad would be great for residential in-fill. A few blocks north of that, I would love to see a high quality African art museum/cultural center serve as an anchor for the Davis Avenue corridor.

[SouthSky]

By the way, Mobile has moved into the Top 10 nationally in total Port tonnage for 2006, just behind Los Angeles and New Orleans.

Mobile Press-Register Business Section:
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1204971327173570.xml&coll=3

[BlessedMobile]

Thanks Blessed, and everybody! I really enjoy taking them, and I'm glad to share them with people.

Blessed, I'm so thrilled that you get people complimenting the photo! I do need to go and re-shoot that one now that the crowns are lit on both buildings! Maybe that will be my next project.

Musicright...when you do you have got to let me make you a large print for your own use. The technique you used last time made for a beautiful print.
I would like a shot from the same angle as it showed nearly all of downtown. I'm not sure you could shoot from a better place than the Annex...but I am sure you know where the best shots come from.

[bayou15]

Thanks Southsky for the info...............But its a damn shame how much more tonnage it could be if only they would widen the channel at pinto pass. On tv the other day, they interviewed the headman who runs the port. And said we need millions more for the dredging(sp?) to happen.



Maybe if they hurry up with digging ,we can get that damn second boat!!!:hell: :brickwall: :brickwall:


I think a larger cruise ship would fit now, But who neauxs :shrug: I hope at the new vision of Mobile meeting monday nite, the waterfront will be discussed. Up to now it has been planned out poorly.:koko:

..............later..........

[Del]

Musicisright, I was driving downtown this afternoon looking at the spire-things and thinking about your beautiful pictures. It occurred to me that the gilded domes on the Catholic cathedral don't pull nearly the attention that they used to before the RSA tower went up and all this spire action started happening.

Oh and PS, Serda's does have free wifi for its customers. I love their coffee---less bitter than Starbuck's, more like Carpe Diem.

[Port_of_Bama]

^Oh yes, the areas from the Square west to near Broad would be great for residential in-fill. A few blocks north of that, I would love to see a high quality African art museum/cultural center serve as an anchor for the Davis Avenue corridor.


That would be great on MLK Avenue! Mobile is the only city in Alabama with a British,French,Spanish,African,and Creol history and culture. Mobile is were the last slave ship arrived which came from west Africa and they spoke there African languages all the way into the 1950 `s. Now that is history and culture for you I just wish that Mobile(downtown) could tap into that culture al little more.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clotilde_(slave_ship)

[nimsjus]

Awesome article on the gayfers building with lots of details. THe article is here:
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1205054201163950.xml&coll=3
The renderings/pictures are here:
http://www.al.com/press-register/pageone/sunday1j.pdf
It will have residential, retail and office space with 24 hour valet parking.

[pboo74]

Yes that is true,Mobile does need to have better schools/education,but my point i was trying to make was all the people coming from this economic boost,and for people thats already living here that will want to hang out downtown and other places in mobile,so bring some of the things that i had mention in my previous post such as dinner night cruises on the downtown river for a skylineview,zoo,aquarium,movie theatre,open air mall/inclosed mall,one of our parks like bieneville square,with kiosk and food vendors selling hotdogs,hamburgers,pizzas,drinks,etc.just somethings to attract people to come downtown.Thats all i was saying.What do you guys think?
I hope someone from this thread will bring up these suggestions for the downtown meeting this week?

[pboo74]

That's awesome about the gayers building,hope other investors will take notice and do the same,build and they will come.Upward that is.:haha:

[SouthSky]

Those Gayfers building renderings are great! I was walking by that area during Mardi Gras and something like that would be an awesome addition. Again, with all this residential development there needs to be development in commercial (including grocery stores) that goes hand in hand.

I've found two interesting plans about transportation on urbanplanet that involve a big improvement for the Mobile metro area.

One is a high-speed rail system in the southeast. The USDOT has a map that shows routes that are in the planning progress.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/High-Speed_Rail_Corridor_Designations.png
full map link: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/High-Speed_Rail_Corridor_Designations.png

Also, a non-profit organization has a map of proposed and future interstates around the southeast:
http://www.i-dots.info/I_DOTS.gif
Link: http://www.i-dots.info/I_DOTS.gif

[bayou15]

Thanks SouthSky! for the info:previous:


http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2185
This is a good web site about the cruise industry. This is some old news I found. I hope we see some news about a second boat soon. I just dont think with all these new developments coming to Mobile ,the area leaders are really not pushing hard for a bigger or a second boat.

I have some ideas to share with y'all............

1) I think the turning basin issue is complete B.S. I've been on I-10 headed east and seen many Cruise ships at (Bender/ Atlantic Marine?) local shipyards being repaired. If I can remember right I think I saw the ship out of Nawlins on a drydock. I neaux good and well she's bumping 1,000ft.

2) Parking......If this is a issue denying us a ship up grade ,I say add additional floors to the parking garage that is there already. Let people park at the graveyard(Civic Center) till its finished.

3) Making the Convention Center a terminal?......It justs sits not being used and there is lots of space for a ship. Maybe if it came down to it?

4) The land just North of the convention center....The land is prime real estate for retail development. I would like to see something like Nawlins has.
example: Jackson Brewery, Aquarium, Hard Rock Cafe, and a French Market, etc...But the land is own by the state docks which has 2 container cranes on the property. I hope they will consider moving their opperations, down the river where the new container development will take place.
Yeah I neaux this probably won't happen , but hell South Alabama has a football team now so anything is possible:koko:

In conclusion....Mobile has a land shortage on her waterfront. I guess back in the day when yellow fever killed many, this was never thought about. But now we have leaders with a vision for future development and not the(OLD MOBILE)ways . I hope this area is looked at carefully before all the land is bought up:yes:

...Just some sunday afternoon thoughts. Dont shoot me down to hard:haha:


.......LATER............

[Electrical Porpoise]

Thanks Southsky for the info...............But its a damn shame how much more tonnage it could be if only they would widen the channel at pinto pass. On tv the other day, they interviewed the headman who runs the port. And said we need millions more for the dredging(sp?) to happen.



Maybe if they hurry up with digging ,we can get that damn second boat!!!:hell: :brickwall: :brickwall:


I think a larger cruise ship would fit now, But who neauxs :shrug: I hope at the new vision of Mobile meeting monday nite, the waterfront will be discussed. Up to now it has been planned out poorly.:koko:

..............later..........
There are a thousand small problems that are keeping them from moving forward on a project like that -- from future bridge plans to separate concerns regarding water movement through the M-T Delta relative to the roadways that cross them. Small interest groups are making things very difficult.

[Musicisright]

Musicisright, I was driving downtown this afternoon looking at the spire-things and thinking about your beautiful pictures. It occurred to me that the gilded domes on the Catholic cathedral don't pull nearly the attention that they used to before the RSA tower went up and all this spire action started happening.

Thank you for the nice words. I agree. Are the domes lit at night? I can't remember. They're so shiny when the sun hits them.

[Alxx611]

Holy crap, I'm really pumped about the Gayfer's place. Valet parking, retail and condos, a library on the 5th floor, a spa and a pool, its just unbelievably nice.

[bayou15]

Another good website+search engine http://www.coastalalabama.tv/

[Del]

Hey y'all - visit this fellow's survey (http://www.house.gov/tiahrt/tanker_survey.htm)and vote, will ya? Rep. Todd Tiahrt, 4th Congressional District of Kansas, is OUTRAGED that America would "outsource its national security" by letting EADS assemble the tankers in Alabama. I suppose the US Mint's bicentennial quarters unfortunately did not teach Mr. Tiahrt that Alabama became a state in 1819.

[spookyapp]

Hey y'all - visit this fellow's survey (http://www.house.gov/tiahrt/tanker_survey.htm)and vote, will ya? Rep. Todd Tiahrt, 4th Congressional District of Kansas, is OUTRAGED that America would "outsource its national security" by letting EADS assemble the tankers in Alabama. I suppose the US Mint's bicentennial quarters unfortunately did not teach Mr. Tiahrt that Alabama became a state in 1819.

I like how that guy is so biased AND he is hosting his own survey on the issue. Does he think he is going to get a fair result by hosting it on that page that is so blatantly opposed to the decision? Of course not; he is doing it to boost his own self worth. This doofus needs to get a clue.

[MobileLSUboy2005]

So I found this map through the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, and I'm still wondering...If all those counties are part of the workforce, WHY aren't they included in our MSA?! http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj160/dshulm1/map.jpg

[bayou15]

http://www.mobilechamber.com/economic/Mobile_IEDC_Statistics.xls

http://www.mobilechamber.com/economic/Mobile_IEDC_Statistics.xls


Need help on printing images

oops i mean posting images on site, any how not bad 1.6 million in area by 2011.

[Muskavon]

Geez, there's a pile of info in that chamber spreadsheet.

Thought it was intersting how many commute into Escambia Cnty, FL compared to others. I guess it's a result of nearby communities being Milton/Pace/Gulf Breeze/Navarre in Santa Rosa Cnty. And Seminole/Lillian/Orange Beach just into Bama.

[sahara727]

musicisright, excellent pictures, as usual. you're a real asset to this and other mobile threads.

[SouthSky]

http://www.mobilechamber.com/economic/Mobile_IEDC_Statistics.xls

http://www.mobilechamber.com/economic/Mobile_IEDC_Statistics.xls


Need help on printing images

I would try converting that excel document into a word document then try printing.

[BlessedMobile]

http://www.mobilechamber.com/economic/Mobile_IEDC_Statistics.xls

http://www.mobilechamber.com/economic/Mobile_IEDC_Statistics.xls


Need help on printing images

oops i mean posting images on site

Bayou,
Are you trying to upload photos to the Chamber site? I doubt they will allow that. You can send them to the Chamber and they may decide to use them. I guess this is your plan. You do have Excel Viewer I image but if you don't this is the link to the free download.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=C8378BF4-996C-4569-B547-75EDBD03AAF0&displaylang=en

[bayou15]

Trying to upload photos to this site.

[Port_of_Bama]

So I found this map through the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, and I'm still wondering...If all those counties are part of the workforce, WHY aren't they included in our MSA?! http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj160/dshulm1/map.jpg



Man thats what I been talking about, we are thge only city in the state with a 2 county metro. Mobile and Baldwin county CSA is over 570,000 based on the 2006 census. With the counties that are on that graph Mobile CSA is well over a million. I`ll be up herein Hutsville for school during the meeting wish I could make it I hope someone mention this.

MobileLSUBoy what link did you get that from ?

[Bayside]

Holy crap, I'm really pumped about the Gayfer's place. Valet parking, retail and condos, a library on the 5th floor, a spa and a pool, its just unbelievably nice.


And just think, for $200,000.00, you can be living there in your very own 600 square foot condo! :tup:

[Del]

And just think, for $200,000.00, you can be living there in your very own 600 square foot condo! :tup:

Yeah, when I saw "600 sq ft" I thought, oh good, there will be some studios for young people, students, etc. But when I read about the 24 hour valet parking, I realized how wrong I was. Will some of these be sold to folks who just want a downtown place for Mardi Gras? I can't imagine spending that kind of money for that, but then again I don't have that kind of money. :)

Husband went to the meeting last night - his "breakout group" was chiefly concerned with retail and crime, crime, crime. Someone from downtown pointed out that crime was actually decreasing downtown and increasing in West Mobile - that statistic seemed to fall on deaf ears. Then we have the editorial in this morning's paper, "Perceptions are not the reality for Mobile." Gee, who could it be creating the perception by having mug shots on the front page every single day??? Black guy goes to jail for a traffic ticket: front page! 400 people show up for a meeting to help plan Mobile's future: page 5B, next to the obits. Oh yes, and another crime pic next to that story for good measure.

[BKOTH97]

Man thats what I been talking about, we are thge only city in the state with a 2 county metro. Mobile and Baldwin county CSA is over 570,000 based on the 2006 census.

Port_of_Bama,

Mobile is not the only city in the state with a 2 county metro.

Huntsville (Madison, Limestone) - 376,753
Decatur (Morgan, Lawrence) - 149,549
Florence/Muscle Shoals (Lauderdale, Colbert) - 142,657

Mobile (Mobile, Baldwin) 404,157

Numbers are 2006 MSA Estimates.

Thanks,
BKOTH97

[elb401]

Those numbers are just Mobile county. 1 county metro. Baldwin is in our CSA. If baldwin was in our metro it would be morelike 580,000 people.

[Port_of_Bama]

Port_of_Bama,

Mobile is not the only city in the state with a 2 county metro.

Huntsville (Madison, Limestone) - 376,753
Decatur (Morgan, Lawrence) - 149,549
Florence/Muscle Shoals (Lauderdale, Colbert) - 142,657

Mobile (Mobile, Baldwin) 404,157

Numbers are 2006 MSA Estimates.

Thanks,
BKOTH97


Mobile county population is 404,157 Baldwin county population is over 170,000 Mobile is the only city in the state with a 2 county CSA .

(Hunstville has a 5 county CSA 520,000), (B-ham 7 or 8 county CSA 1.1 mill),(Montgomery 4 county CSA 400,000 +), (Mobile 2 county CSA over 580,00)

Mobile`s MSa is just Mobile county proper (404,157), B_ham MSA Jefferson county proper(600,000 +), Hunstville MSA is Madison and Limestone (Madison with 295,000)(Lime stone with over 70,000), Montgomery county (MSA) 221,000

Based on 2006 Demographics.

[bayou15]

Hey Del, I feel ya on the Mobile Press. 400 people at the meeting about the city's future and it is put on the back burner. Another example...I saw nothing in the paper or on local news about the lighting on the Riverview Hotel.


Now adays it's all about crime. Well there is over 1.3million in our media area and I hate to say but a crime is geauxing to happen. Everyday all I see in the news is bad, Its ether about crime or high gas prices or school shootings. If they quit reporting about these issues, half the stuff wouldn't happen:yes: .........Just a thought

[Port_of_Bama]

Hey Del, I feel ya on the Mobile Press. 400 people at the meeting about the city's future and it is put on the back burner. Another example...I saw nothing in the paper or on local news about the lighting on the Riverview Hotel.


Now adays it's all about crime. Well there is over 1.3million in our media area and I hate to say but a crime is geauxing to happen. Everyday all I see in the news is bad, Its ether about crime or high gas prices or school shootings. If they quit reporting about these issues, half the stuff wouldn't happen:yes: .........Just a thought


The crazy thing about Hunstville is crime happens up here but you don`t hear about it. A police officer was murdered in Hunstville this past December. There were a total of 5 murders alone in the month of december in Hunstville. A man shot up 3 people in a TGI Fridays up here in Hunstville with a semi automatic weapon. Hunstville`s Murder rate went from 16 in 2006 to 22 in 2007. Mobile had 34 murders in 2006 and in 2007 we had 40 , Montgomery 45, B-aham I believe was in the 90`s. Mobile`s police jurisdiction covers 250,000 residents. 40 out of 250,000 residents is not bad compared to other cities with the same thing. Crime is in Baldwin county and every where else crime is un avoidable. We all want Mobile to grow but with growth there are problems such as crime,traffic and everything else. Hunstville area is the fastest growing area in Alabama right now but along with that growth crime and traffic is coming as well. Atlanta always makes the 10 or 5`th most dangerous U.S cities list but ATL is a growing like crazy and the with that it`s traffic,and crime,but you rarely hear any thing about it just traffic but Atl has crime as well. The same to say fro cities such a Miami, Dallas, Charlotte and others.

[MobileLSUboy2005]

Man thats what I been talking about, we are thge only city in the state with a 2 county metro. Mobile and Baldwin county CSA is over 570,000 based on the 2006 census. With the counties that are on that graph Mobile CSA is well over a million. I`ll be up herein Hutsville for school during the meeting wish I could make it I hope someone mention this.

MobileLSUBoy what link did you get that from ?

i actually saved the pic to my computer and then uploaded it to photobucket, but the pic came from the Chamber of Commerce's website.

yea, i mean, even some numbers only show Mobile Co. for our metro or 400,000, and use Baldwin as its own micro-politan area... oh well..its dumb haha

[Shawn35816]

Lou Dobbs just got through doing a special on the Airbus/Northrop Grumman vs. Boeing deal. It definetly put Boeing in a better light than the foreign airplane maker. The media has to much power and uses it the wrong way by misleading people to see it "their" way. With more bad media like that it might be a while for things to get off the ground in Mobile.

[BlessedMobile]

Lou Dobbs just got through doing a special on the Airbus/Northrop Grumman vs. Boeing deal. It definetly put Boeing in a better light than the foreign airplane maker. The media has to much power and uses it the wrong way by misleading people to see it "their" way. With more bad media like that it might be a while for things to get off the ground in Mobile.

Thankfully, the Air Force chose their plane based on the facts and not by what the media would sell the people. I would not have expected good ole' Lou to say anything different. He is a pessimist on the economy and dislikes everything John McCain has anything to do with. Northrup Grumman will get the contract because the Air Force has made their choice. It's the politicians who want to get on their soap boxes and shout some injustice. We should do our blood pressure some good and just not LISTEN to the naysayers.

[bayou15]

http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/1374

One good read:tup:

[bayou15]

Here's ure 2030 msa projection growth
http://www.smartcoast.org/projections.html

Looks like Pas/Point should be added:tup:

[yeahwhatever]

Everyday all I see in the news is bad, Its ether about crime or high gas prices or school shootings. If they quit reporting about these issues, half the stuff wouldn't happen:yes: .........Just a thought

are you serious?

[10101000]

Ladies and Gentlemen I cannot believe this. I never thought that I would see the day that Mobile becomes a major business hub. One thing led to the next in Atlanta to led it in urban sprawl. I feel that we all will see the same. Mobile was on every front page of every major US city on 03-02-08. What a day to place Mobile in the spot light. I am proud to be a mobilian.

03/12/2008 Edit

More like Urban development, not urban sprawl.

[Port_of_Bama]

Ladies and Gentlemen I cannot believe this. I never thought that I would see the day that Mobile becomes a major business hub. One thing led to the next in Atlanta to led it in urban sprawl. I feel that we all will see the same. Mobile was on every front page of every major US city on 03-02-08. What a day to place Mobile in the spot light. I am proud to be a mobilian.

03/12/2008 Edit

More like Urban development, not urban sprawl.

Whewww ! I was going to say Mobile has a problem with sprawl all ready,I see where you are coming from. I just hope that Mobile will grow smart and fill up the city first before any areas in the county even if it means building up.

Oh yeah I know that this is a little far fetched but do you guys think that light rail running from west Mobile to downtown and another from Daphne to downtown in 10 years would fit Mobile. I believe so as long as new industry continue to come which I know it will.

[Del]

Why have light rail from Baldwin when we can have THE BRIDGE. A brilliant duplication of that paragon of traffic engineering, the New Orleans' high-rise, towering over downtown Mobile. Federal dollars used to construct a project just to serve our local commuters---and with a special exit leading directly to the Press-Register parking lot, just for the editorial staff. most of whom seem to live over there.

[Port_of_Bama]

Why have light rail from Baldwin when we can have THE BRIDGE. A brilliant duplication of that paragon of traffic engineering, the New Orleans' high-rise, towering over downtown Mobile. Federal dollars used to construct a project just to serve our local commuters---and with a special exit leading directly to the Press-Register parking lot, just for the editorial staff. most of whom seem to live over there.


I see were your coming from but what about light rail running from downtown to the west then.

[Muskavon]

are you serious?

lol, yeah I'm pretty sure poople aren't committing crimes so they can make the paper.

In other news, I've got to vent a little about this Boeing protest as it has really got me pissed off. What the eff is the point in this process if the only satisfactory result to these politicians and Boeing is that Boeing is declared victorious for an unproven an inferior product that had a selling point of being outsourced in its own right. Bastards.

If I were one of these other companies that regularly bids against Boeing, I'd eventually have to ask in hearings...."Why exactly should any company go to the time, effort and expense to compete against Boeing if we can't be allowed to win when we deserve to win. I'm picking up my ball and going home and the US can settle for whatever price/product Boeing makes up in the future because we obviously aren't allowed to compete. And it is the military and your airliners and your pocketbooks that'll have to suffer the consequences of your protectionism and short sightedness. And laughably, you are protecting what? A company trying it's best to get more of its product built overseas?"

Ok, done venting for now.

[bayou15]

:previous: :previous: :ancient: :breakcomp:

[Del]

Port of Bama, I just don't know. Outside of the northeast, people seem to think that public transportation is only for the very poor. No matter how bad it gets, the only solution is to build ever more lanes (and put more cupholders and other gimcracks in the SUVs, to divert the commuters during their drive time). Now that gas is going up, maybe that will finally nudge things in a different direction, since people seem much less willing to give up a buck than their time (witness the millions of satisfied Wal-Mart shoppers).

Amen, Muskavon! Let's hope this appeal is just a chance for everybody to have his little tantrum and be heard, and when it's over the Air Force will say, "We appreciate your valuable input, and we're sticking with EADS."

[pkp]

I do not agree on the public transportation comment - quit expanding roads - start building public transportation and people will use it. It is more efficient, socially responsible, creates quality urban development and when you are staring at $4 a gallon gas - should be pretty attractive - $15 a week - ride all you want. i would like to see most future road construction funded by tolls - not tax dollars.

[pkp]

Also - on building extra lanes - it is a proven fact that when a lane is added, it is over capacity again within 3 years. Roads are not the solution - the world's best (think NYC, Europe, some Asian cities) are able to move more people, more quickly, less expensively, with less polution and a happier population than sprawling, auto-centric cities. Why would we possibly want to continue funding that. I actually did a pretty extensive study in college on the impact of transportation spending on a local, state, and federal level, and all of the evidence was negative on suburban lifestyles, on nearly every level. Of course, as one of the few, if not only, people on this site that actually live "downtown", I doubt I will have many folks that agree with me.

[Alxx611]

I went to Royal Street Tattoo today with my friend to get his tattoo sketched. So many things to photograph today. The Hampton has added soooo much density to its end of Royal street and although the Riverview spire looks ridiculous from the Interstate with the skyline, it looks great up close.

Anyway, my batteries were low, so i only took 3 random pictures:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/100_0161.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/100_0159.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/100_0160.jpg
By the RSA parking deck.

[MobileLSUboy2005]

due to technical issues, Bayou15 asked me to post this pic for him:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj160/dshulm1/stats_localmkt.gif

[bayou15]

:previous: :previous: :haha: I guess i should have called Geek Squad:haha:

[Port_of_Bama]

due to technical issues, Bayou15 asked me to post this pic for him:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj160/dshulm1/stats_localmkt.gif




Oh hell yeah I knew it Mobile CSA 800,000 +

[bayou15]

yeah, 400,000 for today's MSA:koko: Cough,CoughBullsh*t Cough, Cough

[MobileLSUboy2005]

oh well...still doesnt change the fact that we have shi**y shopping/dining - i dont care who wants to disagree... my mom just came in from mobile to BR to visit for the weekend, and had to do all her shopping here cause we dont have the stores there...

[bayou15]

oh well...still doesnt change the fact that we have shi**y shopping/dining - i dont care who wants to disagree... my mom just came in from mobile to BR to visit for the weekend, and had to do all her shopping here cause we dont have the stores there...

Not true.. We have 13 Walmarts:worship: :haha:

[Port_of_Bama]

oh well...still doesnt change the fact that we have shi**y shopping/dining - i dont care who wants to disagree... my mom just came in from mobile to BR to visit for the weekend, and had to do all her shopping here cause we dont have the stores there...


Yeah they say the income doesn`t match or population. i say the hell with that I read a while back on Al. com saying Mobile has more millionaries than any city in the state over 13,000 families in Mobile that are millionaires. Mobile is old money and new , They just built this bridge street thing up here in H-ville and I hardley ever see any body shop there . Their malls are not as crowded as Mobile but yet they have 2 life style centers,
and 2 malls. What a joke, that means somebody in Hunstville doing some realy good marketing.


The hell with that income crap Mobile can support another mall or life center. :slob:

I believe once they add to Mobile CSA we will see better shopping oppurtunities, man I hope Dow wasn`t pulling my leg on a mall planned for T-corner or Prichard near race car track.

[nimsjus]

www.keepourtanker.com has sprung up to try to defend our prize

[Verve]

Also - on building extra lanes - it is a proven fact that when a lane is added, it is over capacity again within 3 years. Roads are not the solution - the world's best (think NYC, Europe, some Asian cities) are able to move more people, more quickly, less expensively, with less polution and a happier population than sprawling, auto-centric cities. Why would we possibly want to continue funding that. I actually did a pretty extensive study in college on the impact of transportation spending on a local, state, and federal level, and all of the evidence was negative on suburban lifestyles, on nearly every level. Of course, as one of the few, if not only, people on this site that actually live "downtown", I doubt I will have many folks that agree with me.

PKP, I'm a suburbanite (that grew up in the city) and would like to eventually move back closer to the center city. I agree about the light rail and the need for more public transportation. I just visited Barcelona, Milan, Paris and some other European cities and the public transportation was great. Not only did we use the metro system but we did more walking, too. It's time for the US to refocus its spending on mass transit and stop building so many highways that stay clogged anyway.

[CottonCity251]

NBC15 News talks with CNN's Lou Dobbs, the biggest critic of the award, on Tanker Contract...http://www.nbc15online.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=e5997d11-e582-4627-98d9-2875ab73e6c0

[Del]

Huh. Well, Dobbs certainly convinced me. We can't jeopardize our national security by allowing the Frenchies to foist this Erector-set plane off on our brave boys in uniform! What was the Air Force thinking? Bunch of Chardonnay-sipping traitors. 100% American, that's what we should insist on! Or, in the case of Boeing, um, 80%.

I have to admit, though...when did NG's offer turn into 48,000 new jobs? The last number I heard was 5,000.

[Port_of_Bama]

Huh. Well, Dobbs certainly convinced me. We can't jeopardize our national security by allowing the Frenchies to foist this Erector-set plane off on our brave boys in uniform! What was the Air Force thinking? Bunch of Chardonnay-sipping traitors. 100% American, that's what we should insist on! Or, in the case of Boeing, um, 80%.

I have to admit, though...when did NG's offer turn into 48,000 new jobs? The last number I heard was 5,000.


NG first said that the tanker contract would creat 25,000 jobs nation wide and 5,000 state wide. After the tanker win they said it will creat 48,000 jobs nation wide. I understand national security and all,but it`s just a refuiling tanker hell it`s not a fighter jet. If that thing can refuil 2 jets Vs. Boeing 1 jet , can carry more patients and load than Boeing well why not.

If this protest go`s through what are yall thoughts on Mobile? I personaly don`t think that this would stop economic progress in Mobile,but the tanker contract was a break through !

[CottonCity251]

NG first said that the tanker contract would creat 25,000 jobs nation wide and 5,000 state wide. After the tanker win they said it will creat 48,000 jobs nation wide. I understand national security and all,but it`s just a refuiling tanker hell it`s not a fighter jet. If that thing can refuil 2 jets Vs. Boeing 1 jet , can carry more patients and load than Boeing well why not.

If this protest go`s through what are yall thoughts on Mobile? I personaly don`t think that this would stop economic progress in Mobile,but the tanker contract was a break through !

I still don't see how this outsource our national security when an American company will equip the plane with computers and technology, I think the contract is pretty much ours. The most Congress can do is award Boeing another contract which wouldn't be good if we have a deficit. When the Air force announced who had won they also signed the contract with Northrop Grumman; any overturn or abrupt stop would cause a breach of contract on the government's part which could have Northrop Grumman file suit for $40 billion. Unless contracts with the government do happen that way.

[Del]

The "national security" issue is completely bogus. Greg was so pissed at Dobbs in that last thirty seconds or so that he was groping for appropriate words: "Mr. Dobbs, I fly the American flag as greatly as you do." Greatly?

I agree that the contract is pretty much ours---but I can see them throwing some kind of sop to Boeing. Another multi-billion dollar contract to add to the deficit, yeah, I can see that easily.

[Port_of_Bama]

I still don't see how this outsource our national security when an American company will equip the plane with computers and technology, I think the contract is pretty much ours. The most Congress can do is award Boeing another contract which wouldn't be good if we have a deficit. When the Air force announced who had won they also signed the contract with Northrop Grumman; any overturn or abrupt stop would cause a breach of contract on the government's part which could have Northrop Grumman file suit for $40 billion. Unless contracts with the government do happen that way.


Yeah I agree It will be a big shocker if they did end the contract,but a contract is a contract. I think that THE AIR FORCE is just playing along with it to shut them up. Boeing claims that the 40 bill contract would not hurt them but I think that this is more of a pride issue, they just knew that they had the upper hand. They down talked Mobile and all of Alabama saying we are not smart enough to build planes . Then the big big whammy came and they were outraged over there loss. Like I said before it`s only a tanker folks not a fighter jet so how can NG jeopardize our national security ? Boieng has built tankers and other stuff for Japanese and british gov,and middle eastern countries as well some I believe we are enemies with,but they did not worry about national security because it`s a tanker !!!


Any way I hope that Hyatt hotel thats planned for Mobile will be downtown and atleast around 250 -300 feet. It would be great infill for the west end of Mobile`s sky line from I-165 which seems kinda large for a city our size to me. I wish they would build that Hilton are what ever hotel it is on Royal street atleast 250 or 300 feet also but I would rather see the Hyatt built on that proposed Mardi Gra park:yes:

[Bama_75]

I am waiting on Lou Dobbs to show up for the town meeting.

[Del]

I am waiting on Lou Dobbs to show up for the town meeting.

LOL! Yeah, that'll happen when we get the W hotel. He can stay there :)

[10101000]

Ok ladies and gents,

This thread has gotten out of hand, please stay focused on development in Mobile. There is nothing that we can do abount the tanker issue. Moving forward with business.


Causeway Overlooks Booming Downtown Mobile
The Ramada Inn, Felix, Oysterella, R&R Seafood are the shown on this photo from Cunningham, Foley Barnes web site. The hotel is listed for $4,000,000 with over 100,000 square feet over 6 floors. The view of the USS Alabama, the tallest building in Alabama the RSA tower, the Cruise terminal ships and skyline with a 360 degree panaoramic view is unmatched anywhere else on the causeway. Southland Gulf Company

[Port_of_Bama]

:previous:


I strongly agree

The Hyatt in Philly is 250 `

This is the Hyatt in Boston I would love to see this in downtown Mobile it has that modern and historical look to it
http://http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=harborsidehyatthotel-boston-ma-usa
http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=harborsidehyatthotel-boston-ma-usa


we need a little bit more infill on this particular view
http://www.lumis.com/picture/2107589774/

http://www.lumis.com/picture/2107589774/


Mobile`s sky line looks great from this angle ,but a 300 ofooter wouldn`t look bad from the west. I say knock down the civic center (grave yard) and put one there. North of the sky line would be nice with an infill of some 200 footers for density.


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/Mobile_Alabama_skyline_2007_narrow_art.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/Mobile_Alabama_skyline_2007_narrow_art.jpg

[Del]

Causeway Overlooks Booming Downtown Mobile
The Ramada Inn, Felix, Oysterella, R&R Seafood are the shown on this photo from Cunningham, Foley Barnes web site. The hotel is listed for $4,000,000 with over 100,000 square feet over 6 floors. The view of the USS Alabama, the tallest building in Alabama the RSA tower, the Cruise terminal ships and skyline with a 360 degree panaoramic view is unmatched anywhere else on the causeway. Southland Gulf Company

Interesting the way they have photos of the view and not the property itself. I'm not sure I'd invest four million in a hotel on the Causeway, Katrina Relief Fund or no Katrina Relief Fund.

[| BRAVO |]

Are you Mobile folks interested in seeing this chart every month? It should be cool to see how the amounts increase as all your economic goodies break ground? I'll post it if you like.

Economic Indicators Chart - "Business Alabama Magazine" - March 2008
http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/EconomicIndicators.jpg

[Port_of_Bama]

Are you Mobile folks interested in seeing this chart every month? It should be cool to see how the amounts increase as all your economic goodies break ground? I'll post it if you like.

Economic Indicators Chart - "Business Alabama Magazine" - March 2008
http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/EconomicIndicators.jpg



yeah that would be interesting

[CottonCity251]

^^It would be nice to see Baldwin County's figure with Mobile.

[Musicisright]

I went to Royal Street Tattoo today with my friend to get his tattoo sketched. So many things to photograph today. The Hampton has added soooo much density to its end of Royal street and although the Riverview spire looks ridiculous from the Interstate with the skyline, it looks great up close.

Anyway, my batteries were low, so i only took 3 random pictures:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/100_0161.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/100_0159.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/100_0160.jpg
By the RSA parking deck.

Excellent pictures, Alxx611! I really like the gleaming crown in the second one.

[Bama_75]

Have they started turning the new crown on yet?

[The 251]

Great pics! Also, this has to be the best thread I've ever seen...

[phoenixboi08]

Excellent pictures, Alxx611! I really like the gleaming crown in the second one.

What about a renovation of the AM South building? I'm thinking steel and glass. I was hoping that the Battlehouse Tower was going to be...it would have mended better with the Riverview...well, what does anyone else think?


Also (relax I know this is an OLD topic) What are the opinions about the use of the land the old courthouse sat on? I only ask because I am submiting a design for a contest and needed ideas...I mean the whole purpose is to create something that will be used...I'm thinking something like a square (park with fountain) in the middle with surrounding retail etc...

I was looking at old pictures of Mobile. I've never realized the architectual richness the city has (had): Classical revival, Georgian, Egyptian revival, Victorian, Spanish revival, French-o.k. the Spanish and French influences were obvious :) It's unfortunate that so many of the beautiful buildings were raized.The CM&O buildin is my favorite in the city

[phoenixboi08]

Has there been serious talk about renovating the AM South building ?

I'd like to cross my fingers and hold my breath...:D

[phoenixboi08]

I don't see it happening soon. Maybe once the RSA fills up and they need some more office space. I actually also think that the Antwerp build. needs a MAJOR facelift. After all, it is Mobile's 1st skyscraper

[NitekKetin]

Van Antwerp just needs a good exterior cleaning

[buckett5425]

I have to agree, the Bank Building is, well, horrendous. So I thought I would use this as an oppertunity to use sketch up for something else than just school work, and play around with ideas for remodeling the building. As for the horribile facad, those triangle shapes over the windows look like they might be cast in with the floor, and not part of the curtain wall. Hopefully im wrong, but if not, that would be an expenisive detail to deal with. So I assume maybe simply covering up the facade with a metal screen would be the next best option. It would also shade the building, so maybe it could become LED certified. I really wanted to add some color to the building, but wasnt really sure what the best options were, and I didnt want it to distract from RSA. And as for the shape on top, they did something similar to that on a remodel of an office building in austin, and I thought it could be interesting. So to some things, up, i was bored, and thought i would play around. But something must be done to improve this eyesore. Here are the renderings


http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel1.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/AmSouthBankBuildingremode2-1.jpg

[Verve]

buckett5425,

That's a nice design that gives the AmSouth building an updated look. I agree with others that the RSA Tower and Riverview crowns have made AmSouth look very plain and dated.

[Del]

A hearty Amen! to those who have commented on how crummy the AmSouth building, or whatever we're supposed to be calling it these days, looks now. Buckett5425, I'm sorry to be so igrent, but what does LED certified mean?

[buckett5425]

A hearty Amen! to those who have commented on how crummy the AmSouth building, or whatever we're supposed to be calling it these days, looks now. Buckett5425, I'm sorry to be so igrent, but what does LED certified mean?

Well, actully, I made a typo, it is supposed to say LEED certified. The acronym stands for Leardership in Energy and Enviromental Design. LEED is all about sustainable design. Buildings that use less energy, preserve as much of their natural surroundings as they can, and use local materials in its construction. The only real benifit of it now is that in the long run, utlity bills are lower, but in the short term, LEED buildings cost more to design and are more expenisive to build. But I could see maybe in the near future, the government giving tax credits to developers who pursue LEED buildings, since they are environmentally friendly, and especialy with energy costs rising.

[Bama_75]

Thanks, causes I did not know either.

[CottonCity251]

buckett5425 where is that building planned in you avatar and what is its name?

[buckett5425]

buckett5425 where is that building planned in you avatar and what is its name?

Its the new rendering of River Place Condominuims in Baton Rouge

[CottonCity251]

I thought so...should make bayou quite aroused. :D I don't know if I like that one better than the first one, both would be a great addition.

[buckett5425]

I was bored again this afternoon, so I figured I would continue to practice my Sketchup skills. I tried to do something a little different with the Bank Building this time. I think its a little bit more modern looking. I used a little color this time, and added elements to cover up the horrible triangle elements that surround the windows. I also abandoned the "screen" idea and added a terrace at the top floor. I still think the building has potential though.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel4.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel3.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel5.jpg

[Alxx611]

buckett5425 and phoenixboi08 welcome to the forum! You both sound like architects or architecture students which sounds really cool.

I personally have never had a problem with the Amsouth building, or at least its facade. Its more so its overall shape and setup. I hate seeing a thin box plopped on top of a large parking deck and a huge elevator shaft on top, though nevertheless your designs for it look bad ass!

I think the Van Antwerp doesnt need a facelift, i like its classic dawn of the century look, but it could use some renovation.

[Port_of_Bama]

I was bored again this afternoon, so I figured I would continue to practice my Sketchup skills. I tried to do something a little different with the Bank Building this time. I think its a little bit more modern looking. I used a little color this time, and added elements to cover up the horrible triangle elements that surround the windows. I also abandoned the "screen" idea and added a terrace at the top floor. I still think the building has potential though.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel4.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel3.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel5.jpg


Wow !!! Some body please give those sketches to Jones are somebody the color goes perfect .I noticed that downtown is trying to go nautical and the colors go well with it. I always imagined that building with an "A" frame on top can you make that happin !!! ?

[buckett5425]

Wow !!! Some body please give those sketches to Jones are somebody the color goes perfect .I noticed that downtown is trying to go nautical and the colors go well with it. I always imagined that building with an "A" frame on top can you make that happin !!! ?

Yea, I was trying to keep the colors within Mobiles "theme" of blues and greens. Here is my attempt to add an A-frame to the top of the Bank Building, at your request, haha. Is that how you envisioned it?

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel6.jpg

[Scottybo]

Yea, I was trying to keep the colors within Mobiles "theme" of blues and greens. Here is my attempt to add an A-frame to the top of the Bank Building, at your request, haha. Is that how you envisioned it?

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel6.jpg

:tup: