[10101000]

I dunno why, but i thought Tower on Ryan Park was for like senior citizen's only or something, or that it was an assisted living complex. When was that thing built, its a pretty large building, and i cant imagine the views from there.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00609.jpg

Its the wide building behind the cathedral here.

Very nice views! It is not a senior citizen's complex at all. It is just like something out of N.Y. or a major city; they call it Manhattan Style apartment homes. I would post pics on here, but I could not find any. When I went to check it out they had an incentive to get people to move in; the complex paid for your cable, water, & free Wi-Fi. The complex also has a sky terraces and you can reserve it for parties and such. Also has a movie theater that you can reserve for friends, and you can also reserve free movies at the complex. This is the only web site that I could find for it.

http://mobilebay.apartmentfinder.com/details.aspx?aptid=106818

also look at this picture, I started getting depressed when I saw this one. Makes me really miss home!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/myfotopage/2121277711/in/set-72157603232666971/

[Port_of_Bama]

That pic has a lot of density to it, I wonder how it would have looked if the trees wasn`t there.

[Port_of_Bama]

that view from flickr from Ryan is crazy, it`s just perfect the way it is no add on infill or nothing. If you check out more of the night shots from Flickr that was posted by TnC they are rediculous a must see. Last summer I ran into this retro style club thats on the 17th floor of the Holiday Inn DT. I tjought it was a place to eat wish it was though but any way the view`s from that place is nice also the city looks a lot bigger and full of light and color, check it out !

[10101000]

Pictures do not do justice sometimes.

[SouthSky]

that view from flickr from Ryan is crazy, it`s just perfect the way it is no add on infill or nothing. If you check out more of the night shots from Flickr that was posted by TnC they are rediculous a must see. Last summer I ran into this retro style club thats on the 17th floor of the Holiday Inn DT. I tjought it was a place to eat wish it was though but any way the view`s from that place is nice also the city looks a lot bigger and full of light and color, check it out !

You're talking about the Skyview Lounge correct? I've been up there a couple of times and like even though when it is packed, it is tough to order a drink. SVL has great views of the port and a partial view of the skyline.

[Port_of_Bama]

You're talking about the Skyview Lounge correct? I've been up there a couple of times and like even though when it is packed, it is tough to order a drink. SVL has great views of the port and a partial view of the skyline.


Yeah thats it, and wats SVL ?

[10101000]

Skyview Lounge, I assume.

[Port_of_Bama]

lol, of course !

[mobile]

i wanted 2 go 2 the skyview lounge but i wazn't sure of the dress code.

[10101000]

Well, I think that is come how you are.

[pboo74]

i know back then murphy needed and probably still do need a total make over..

[Port_of_Bama]

i wanted 2 go 2 the skyview lounge but i wazn't sure of the dress code.


When I tried to go in there to eat, some security guy asked me to tuck my shirt in :koko: I had on a blue polo ,shorts with a pair of sperrys. So I believe they kinda have a dress code I guess.

[Electrical Porpoise]

Has anyone here been in front of St. Joseph's Chapel on the Spring Hill College campus recently? The new library and landscaping is incredibly nice looking. The eventual plan I believe it to tear down the dorm off of Old Shell and build a nicer building. That area has a lot of old buildings and could become really attractive, especially with a nice entrance into the college.

St. Josephs:
http://www.companysj.com/sjusa/springhillchapel.jpg

Original main building built in 1830:
http://camellia.shc.edu/byrne/Archives/images/SHCMainBuilding.jpg

[Musicisright]

that view from flickr from Ryan is crazy, it`s just perfect the way it is no add on infill or nothing. If you check out more of the night shots from Flickr that was posted by TnC they are rediculous a must see. Last summer I ran into this retro style club thats on the 17th floor of the Holiday Inn DT. I tjought it was a place to eat wish it was though but any way the view`s from that place is nice also the city looks a lot bigger and full of light and color, check it out !

I posted some night time shots of the skyline taken from Skyview a while back, before the crown was lit. One was used in the Vanguard. I'll have to dig them up. That's one of my favorite views of the skyline.

[Port_of_Bama]

I posted some night time shots of the skyline taken from Skyview a while back, before the crown was lit. One was used in the Vanguard. I'll have to dig them up. That's one of my favorite views of the skyline.


I`ll appreciate it if you do .

[Port_of_Bama]

Has anyone here been in front of St. Joseph's Chapel on the Spring Hill College campus recently? The new library and landscaping is incredibly nice looking. The eventual plan I believe it to tear down the dorm off of Old Shell and build a nicer building. That area has a lot of old buildings and could become really attractive, especially with a nice entrance into the college.

St. Josephs:
http://www.companysj.com/sjusa/springhillchapel.jpg

Original main building built in 1830:
http://camellia.shc.edu/byrne/Archives/images/SHCMainBuilding.jpg


I just found out a few days ago that Springhill is the oldest college/University in the state and one of our nations oldest. I wish it could have been the size of Auburn/Alabama with a dome stadium right downtown. with it beeing a Catholic university may play in it`s size.

[CottonCity251]

I just found out a few days ago that Springhill is the oldest college/University in the state and one of our nations oldest. I wish it could have been the size of Auburn/Alabama with a dome stadium right downtown. with it beeing a Catholic university may play in it`s size.

Its also a private college. Alabama and Auburn are public schools.

[Alxx611]

i know back then murphy needed and probably still do need a total make over..

two buildings completed renovation this year and two last year as well. the main building and auditorium both underwent renovations in the late 1990s.

[Electrical Porpoise]

I just found out a few days ago that Springhill is the oldest college/University in the state and one of our nations oldest. I wish it could have been the size of Auburn/Alabama with a dome stadium right downtown. with it beeing a Catholic university may play in it`s size.Initially Spring Hill wasn't large because because it's religious affiliation. Jesuit colleges were new and not as many could afford them, nor did many go to college.

In the 1920's there were major renovation plans. The campus was to multiply x times in size and become a big factor. The school had many successful and wealthy donors lined up. The project started with the addition of the library, now the old one that faces the Ave of Oaks. Unfortunately as they started to proceed further into the expansion the Great Depression hit and all of the successful business men lost their money. This is why if you go through campus you will notice the old library faces west, in the complete opposite direction of the rest of campus -- the campus renovation plans were designed for the school to be built to the west towards McGregor.

[elb401]

:previous: :previous: Thats intresting, I never knew that....i like reading little bits of local history. :)

[yeahwhatever]

I dunno why, but i thought Tower on Ryan Park was for like senior citizen's only or something, or that it was an assisted living complex. When was that thing built, its a pretty large building, and i cant imagine the views from there.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00609.jpg

Its the wide building behind the cathedral here.

actually, that building is the cathedral place retirement home. the tower on ryan park is a white building a few blocks west on the corner of st michael and bayou st.

[elb401]

I wasw wondering if anyone was going to notice that?

[SouthSky]

This is a view from the Tower at Ryan Park. Not bad at all.
http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.mobileapartmentguide.com/PropertyImages/Listing155Image1.bmp&usg=AFQjCNF7rnBhtfr2yOwRsgJhjh5bnXENoQ


The building itself:
http://images.ncinfo.net/phototmp/photos_nt/88710/5BC23845-80CB-4E45-BE43-9B8D1D6DB294.jpg

[nimsjus]

Not downtown, but I was skimming the Al.com forum while I was there for the paper and one of the posters there said they heard Cheesecake Factory is working on moving into the old Copelands at Airport and Hillcrest. Anyone heard this rumor? If it is true, then that would be the first of the higher end retail/restaurants to move since the boom started. Might be a sign of things to come...

[Port_of_Bama]

Not downtown, but I was skimming the Al.com forum while I was there for the paper and one of the posters there said they heard Cheesecake Factory is working on moving into the old Copelands at Airport and Hillcrest. Anyone heard this rumor? If it is true, then that would be the first of the higher end retail/restaurants to move since the boom started. Might be a sign of things to come...


Great ! I hope so, what is the good of having a boom with no benifits. I was wondering what company would replace that Copelands builing. When(if) Mobile does get a Cheesecake Factory we will be the first in the state right ? Does Cheescake Factory serve other foods as well ?


good info nimsjus, I hope it would be a reality, I will not be fully satisfied unless Mobile adds another tower downtown and a nice shopping area in the city doesn`t have to be downtown in the boom.

[BamaGrad04]

:previous: No, Birmingham has had one at the Summit for several years.

[Del]

We toured the Tower at Ryan Park some years back, when they were in the process of converting it to condo. I believe it was some sort of controlled-rent apartments for the elderly at that time, but I can't remember any of the details.
I do remember that the rooftop view was one of the things the saleswoman touted the most.

[phoenixboi08]

GREAT view! Almost like another city! Couldn't believe my eyes. I think that Ryan's is a perfect example of the kind of condos Mobile needs right now, affordable, and not too bulky :)

[Alxx611]

ahhhh ok, i totally did get Cathedral place apartments mixed up with Tower on Ryan park.

[CottonCity251]

Go to this (http://redeye.chicagotribune.com/sports/custom/tournament/red-mascottourney-2008,0,397087.special) website to vote SouthPaw, USA's mascot, the Best Mascot of the NCAA Tourney. Some kind of way he made it to the championship round...

[pboo74]

Not downtown, but I was skimming the Al.com forum while I was there for the paper and one of the posters there said they heard Cheesecake Factory is working on moving into the old Copelands at Airport and Hillcrest. Anyone heard this rumor? If it is true, then that would be the first of the higher end retail/restaurants to move since the boom started. Might be a sign of things to come...

I think mobile should get a dave and busters that will be nice.I go to the one in nashville all the time it's a grown folk chuck e cheese.

[Musicisright]

Not downtown, but I was skimming the Al.com forum while I was there for the paper and one of the posters there said they heard Cheesecake Factory is working on moving into the old Copelands at Airport and Hillcrest. Anyone heard this rumor? If it is true, then that would be the first of the higher end retail/restaurants to move since the boom started. Might be a sign of things to come...

I make myself avoid the al.com forums. There are some crazy people there. They think midtown and downtown residents risk being stabbed or shot every time they go to their mailbox. They're more interested in the new "Wal-Mart's" going in on Dawes.



This is a view from the Tower at Ryan Park. Not bad at all.



The building itself:


Okay. I always think Tower at Ryan Park is the building across Ryan Park from the actual Tower at Ryan Park. Which building am I thinking of? I know it has been converted into apartments.

[NitekKetin]

^Probably the Empress Chandelier (sp?) building.

As for a potential Cheesecake Factory location, I thought they generally only entered markets of 1 million people or more (Birmingham, Atlanta). Airport/Hillcrest is a very good location for a high end restaurant, so some casual dining restaurant will probably snatch up that site.

[10101000]

Cheescake would make it in the MOB. Have faith!

[NitekKetin]

I guess we'll have to hypothetically wait and see. I wonder well how Cheesecake Factory merchandise is currently selling in the local Barnes & Nobles cafes along the Gulf Coast.

[BlessedMobile]

Not downtown, but I was skimming the Al.com forum while I was there for the paper and one of the posters there said they heard Cheesecake Factory is working on moving into the old Copelands at Airport and Hillcrest. Anyone heard this rumor? If it is true, then that would be the first of the higher end retail/restaurants to move since the boom started. Might be a sign of things to come...

That might be so but they will have to gutt the place and start over. There was a fire inside after they closed which destroyed most of what we all remember. Fire, smoke and water made a total mess of the place.

[MobileLSUboy2005]

well...Copelands could always come back and put a "copeland's cheesecake bistro" in that building...we have a Copelands and a Copelands ck bistro here in baton rouge, both do great business, but i think i like the bistro one better...

yea i dont think the cheesecake factory will enter smaller markets like mobile's- too bad, their food is sooo good (and $$)

[BlessedMobile]

We toured the Tower at Ryan Park some years back, when they were in the process of converting it to condo. I believe it was some sort of controlled-rent apartments for the elderly at that time, but I can't remember any of the details.
I do remember that the rooftop view was one of the things the saleswoman touted the most.

I knew the people from Nashville who took the Tower from elder care to apartments. The then property manager spent money like there was no tomorrow in hopes of making it a downtown showcase. The overhaul was about 7-8 years ago. It is very nice now and generally has a high occupancy. The Mitchell Company took over management a couple of years ago and does a very good job of running it. It has new ownership. Oh yea, the view from the roof is GREAT!

[Port_of_Bama]

well...Copelands could always come back and put a "copeland's cheesecake bistro" in that building...we have a Copelands and a Copelands ck bistro here in baton rouge, both do great business, but i think i like the bistro one better...

yea i dont think the cheesecake factory will enter smaller markets like mobile's- too bad, their food is sooo good (and $$)



Yea, true but i still think that Mobile can support it , Mobile is able to support a lot of stuff, just horrrible marketing of the area. Does B.R and N.O have a Cheesecake Factory ?

[Electrical Porpoise]

I think a Cheescake Factory could survive. Copeland's problem was a lot of people from Mobile are hard headed about seafood-based places. And those that value seafood are more than not locals. And those locals would rather cut off a hand then go down Airport after 5:00 (or really anytime). But local seafood establishments come first, and most people have their favorite spots and they are way cheaper. As for the people that went their for other items it really probably wasn't that big of a name to begin to them with as they probably didn't go to a place like that in New Orleans anyways.

The main reason they survive in Baton Rouge/Covington, etc. is because the people are familiar with the one in New Orleans.

[Port_of_Bama]

I think mobile should get a dave and busters that will be nice.I go to the one in nashville all the time it's a grown folk chuck e cheese.


Dave and Busters will fit into Mobile very well, Dauphin street (D.T)would be the perfect location for it.


The city has been launching a "Come back home to Mobile " ad for young professionals. I agree that mobile is on the up swing , but we gotta have something out of the ordinary for these people who are moving here.


Mobile needs a theme park and I was very disappointed, when they took the theme park from the race track well so I have heard.

I also have heard through rumors( unreliable source) that Jazz Land(N.O) was planned for the Tillmanscorner area. If that is true who let that sllip through there fingers ? !:pissed:

[Port_of_Bama]

I think a Cheescake Factory could survive. Copeland's problem was a lot of people from Mobile are hard headed about seafood-based places. And those that value seafood are more than not locals. And those locals would rather cut off a hand then go down Airport after 5:00 (or really anytime). But local seafood establishments come first, and most people have their favorite spots and they are way cheaper. As for the people that went their for other items it really probably wasn't that big of a name to begin to them with as they probably didn't go to a place like that in New Orleans anyways.

The main reason they survive in Baton Rouge/Covington, etc. is because the people are familiar with the one in New Orleans.


The one up her in Huntsville is a grave site also. Copeland seem to be doing realy well to me I always saw the parking lot full when I passed by. I thought they went bank rupt or somthing.

[Musicisright]

Tillman's Corner? That's just the place I'd love tourists to see. :/

[The 251]

The city has been launching a "Come back home to Mobile " ad for young professionals. I agree that mobile is on the up swing , but we gotta have something out of the ordinary for these people who are moving here.

The ad certainly captured my attention.. I go to the University of Alabama right now, but I hate living in Tuscaloosa, so I am coming back to Mob-town after this semester, and will be starting at USA in May.

And a Dave and Buster's in Moblie would be a great idea. I go to the one in Atlanta all the time and they have very good, inexpensive food. I always have a blast there :banana:

[CottonCity251]

Mobile needs a theme park and I was very disappointed, when they took the theme park from the race track well so I have heard.

I also have heard through rumors( unreliable source) that Jazz Land(N.O) was planned for the Tillmanscorner area. If that is true who let that sllip through there fingers ? !:pissed:

I believe this is true...I've heard the samething. I heard it was suppose to go where U-Pull-It is. What went wrong...don't really know for sure. I've heard everything from the owner up the price on the land to Mobile wanting to tax the hell out of the developers and didn't offer incentives. Kind of glad it didn't happen because I don't know anyone who liked Jazzland, which is now Six Flags...which I think is still closed from Katrina. Heard it lacks shade from the sun which could be horrible in the summertime with the humidity and heat.

I've also heard of plans for an amusement park by the AL Motorsports Park with no affiliation with the park. Prichard has a very good chance of being an entertainment destination because of the park.

[Electrical Porpoise]

Prichard has a very good chance of being an entertainment destination because of the park.Who would of eevr of thought that 10 years ago? Well, even two years ago? :)

[bayou15]

I believe this is true...I've heard the samething. I heard it was suppose to go where U-Pull-It is. What went wrong...don't really know for sure. I've heard everything from the owner up the price on the land to Mobile wanting to tax the hell out of the developers and didn't offer incentives. Kind of glad it didn't happen because I don't know anyone who liked Jazzland, which is now Six Flags...which I think is still closed from Katrina. Heard it lacks shade from the sun which could be horrible in the summertime with the humidity and heat.

I've also heard of plans for an amusement park by the AL Motorsports Park with no affiliation with the park. Prichard has a very good chance of being an entertainment destination because of the park.

Neaux Dude, U-Pull-it! :haha:

[MobileLSUboy2005]

Yea, true but i still think that Mobile can support it , Mobile is able to support a lot of stuff, just horrrible marketing of the area. Does B.R and N.O have a Cheesecake Factory ?


nope...there isnt one in the state of louisiana... but BR and NOLA have plenty of other high-end restaurants mobile should have...haha

[pboo74]

Dave and Busters will fit into Mobile very well, Dauphin street (D.T)would be the perfect location for it.


The city has been launching a "Come back home to Mobile " ad for young professionals. I agree that mobile is on the up swing , but we gotta have something out of the ordinary for these people who are moving here.


Mobile needs a theme park and I was very disappointed, when they took the theme park from the race track well so I have heard.

I also have heard through rumors( unreliable source) that Jazz Land(N.O) was planned for the Tillmanscorner area. If that is true who let that sllip through there fingers ? !:pissed:
Yes i think downtown would be a good site for it to go.Or out in west mobile?

[10101000]

Cheescake would make it regardless, Mobile has a new set of people in it, and the younger generation would flock to it as well.

[10101000]

To tell you the truth, I like the fact that Mobile has its own set of unique style of restaurants. So many cities have the same place and it is not authentic. BR has some good places, but I have always enjoyed restaurants in Mobile compared to other cities. NOJA is an awesome place it eat, and so is TRUE. This is the type of things that set Mobile apart from any other city. Think about it, when I think of N.O. or Orlando, or Atlanta, I think about restaurants they have, that no one else has. Mobile is learning.

[Port_of_Bama]

To tell you the truth, I like the fact that Mobile has its own set of unique style of restaurants. So many cities have the same place and it is not authentic. BR has some good places, but I have always enjoyed restaurants in Mobile compared to other cities. NOJA is an awesome place it eat, and so is TRUE. This is the type of things that set Mobile apart from any other city. Think about it, when I think of N.O. or Orlando, or Atlanta, I think about restaurants they have, that no one else has. Mobile is learning.



yeah Mobile does(causeway), little places such as The Original Oyster house,Boiling Pot, True,Gone fishing,Felix Fish camp ,and others. On trip advisory.com people from places such as N.O(great food) ATL, NYC, and other places have givin Mobile dinning great reviews. Noja is a top spot True is nice !! very upscale and trendy they are not big name places such as Cheesecake Factory but are in the same ball park. Just like the ones in N.o and B.R is that MobileLSUboy mentioned.

[Port_of_Bama]

Tillman's Corner? That's just the place I'd love tourists to see. :/


yeah Tillmans corner is lacking in charecter, but to be frank that strip of land in N.O were jazland is isn`t nothing like N.O either, same for six flags in ATL. Busch gardens in Tampa is very nice huge and close to the beach. Jazz land sucked and would have gave Mobile a bad reputation, but i have heared tha Blue Bayou in B.R is crazy !

Mobile list of attractions that would be nice for the Port City

1. A Blue Bayou type of water park .
2. Busch Garden S theme park not to big but fits in well with the city( like the one in Tampa) .
3. Dave and Busters.
4 2nd ship
5. I wish they would hurry up and build that Maritime thing( seems boring but it`s an addition to D.T and the water front.)



oh yeah for those of you who want another park down town heres a link for a new one. I actually like this park propposal better for some reason. http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/120738695137480.xml&coll=3

[CottonCity251]

yeah Mobile does(causeway), little places such as The Original Oyster house,Boiling Pot, True,Gone fishing,Felix Fish camp ,and others. On trip advisory.com people from places such as N.O(great food) ATL, NYC, and other places have givin Mobile dinning great reviews. Noja is a top spot True is nice !! very upscale and trendy they are not big name places such as Cheesecake Factory but are in the same ball park. Just like the ones in N.o and B.R is that MobileLSUboy mentioned.

Don't forget about the best chicken joint....Hart's Fried Chicken! Also, Love's Seafood.

[LouisianaRush]

Yea, true but i still think that Mobile can support it , Mobile is able to support a lot of stuff, just horrrible marketing of the area. Does B.R and N.O have a Cheesecake Factory ?

Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro is so much better than Cheesecake Factory. I find the cheesecake factory bland and run of the mill. The Bistro's Crawfish Ravioli is freaking awesome.

[phoenixboi08]

I think development should be brought away from airport. It's too crowded:hell: I think that Prichard will play a key role in Mobile's future development. Since it's so underdeveloped, A lot could be done there. It will take some time, but businesses will come DT when there's a strong clientel and people will come when there are some diverse businesses. I think Mobile needs to take it a LITTLE slow for now, we don't want to tip the scales.:haha:

Why has real-estate never been very stong here? And why hasn't Mobile and Prichard never talked annexation? That city needs better management. And it's in a key location. Very many visitors pass that way on the interstate... but then again, I guess that Mobile would be bitting off more than they could chew.:D

[NitekKetin]

I think development should be brought away from airport. It's too crowded:hell: I think that Prichard will play a key role in Mobile's future development. Since it's so underdeveloped, A lot could be done there. It will take some time, but businesses will come DT when there's a strong clientel and people will come when there are some diverse businesses. I think Mobile needs to take it a LITTLE slow for now, we don't want to tip the scales.:haha:

Why has real-estate never been very stong here? And why hasn't Mobile and Prichard never talked annexation? That city needs better management. And it's in a key location. Very many visitors pass that way on the interstate... but then again, I guess that Mobile would be bitting off more than they could chew.:D

The last time there were talks of annexation between Prichard and Mobile were in the 1970s. At the time, Mobile was going to annex not just Prichard, but Chickasaw and Saraland as well. THAT was resoundingly defeated.

[CottonCity251]

I think development should be brought away from airport. It's too crowded:hell: I think that Prichard will play a key role in Mobile's future development. Since it's so underdeveloped, A lot could be done there. It will take some time, but businesses will come DT when there's a strong clientel and people will come when there are some diverse businesses. I think Mobile needs to take it a LITTLE slow for now, we don't want to tip the scales.:haha:

Why has real-estate never been very stong here? And why hasn't Mobile and Prichard never talked annexation? That city needs better management. And it's in a key location. Very many visitors pass that way on the interstate... but then again, I guess that Mobile would be bitting off more than they could chew.:D

I would like to see more developments along Dauphin Island Pkwy. and Government Blvd. D.I.P really needs some help and shouldn't be neglected like it is currently. I agree though, Airport Blvd. doesn't need to much more developments...they need to focus more on transportation. I've heard talk of a BRT system planned for Airport Blvd., check this video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8598058810373752818), but no actions. Sooner or later, there will be a need for an elevated roadway. It needs something...BRT, light rail, or even streetcars.

Let's be realistic, Prichard's tax dollars isn't worth the work needed done in the city....crime, infrastucture, and blight. Residents from portions of Prichard that bordered Mobile wanted to be annex into the city during Dow's adminstration; Mobile just didn't act on it or basically said, "we don't want you". Prichard is a city of its own character, so I'm glad it didn't happen. With improved leadership and increased revenues, Prichard's future will be something good to watch by all of us.

[Muskavon]

Yeah Cotton, I thought I'd heard of Prichard annex discussions many times over the course of my 30-something year lifetime (usually by motivated Prichard residents) but I think you summed up the reason why it doesn't happen unfortunately. Cities around this area like to highly pick and choose what they grab and what they don't based on what they think they can gain, not what extra they think they'll be responsible for. This happened in P'cola about a decade ago when they drew a perfect little area around all the highly commercialized development in the Cordova Mall area while hop-skipping various chunks they didn't want the burden of. And they knew it'd work by including only a few residential spots (the ones that'd get to vote on it) who would benefit. Now presonally, I'm generally in favor of these cities taking in the areas that actually are a part of what makes them work as it makes sense and streamlines leadership, IMO. But the ways they are forced to go about it to get approval or to get the good without the bad is sometimes a bit seedy to me (and defeats the benefits noted above to a great degree).

[phoenixboi08]

YEAH! I forgot about D.I.P. I'm just so used to thinking of everything here as being MOBILE, kinda like it is in Phoenix. I think if the city keeps ignoring these areas, they are going to lose some leverage in selling Mobile's strong points... I just am not a fan of westward expansion, because of the simple fact that so many services (police, fire/rescue) are so strained. It would make sense to develope closer towards the center of the city...but what do I know?:haha:

Light on the Riverview looks awesome. Is the second building behind it used for commercial office space or by hotel management?

[CottonCity251]

YEAH! I forgot about D.I.P. I'm just so used to thinking of everything here as being MOBILE, kinda like it is in Phoenix. I think if the city keeps ignoring these areas, they are going to lose some leverage in selling Mobile's string points... I just am not a fan of westward expansion, because of the simple fact that so many services (police, fire/rescue) are so strained. It would make sense to develope closer towards the center of the city...but what do I know?:haha:

Light on the Riverview looks awesome. Is the second building behind it used for commercial office space or by hotel management?

Its commercial office space, some law firms are in that building.

[Electrical Porpoise]

The City of Mobile has done enough for Prichard. And now Prichard is doing a great job of turning the city into a nice place and I love the local effort. But if anything Prichard needs to give back in some way because they have been a burden on Mobile for a while -- and they are doing their best, but I do not see any benefits in Mobile investing in the dense areas.

[CottonCity251]

Not downtown, but I was skimming the Al.com forum while I was there for the paper and one of the posters there said they heard Cheesecake Factory is working on moving into the old Copelands at Airport and Hillcrest. Anyone heard this rumor? If it is true, then that would be the first of the higher end retail/restaurants to move since the boom started. Might be a sign of things to come...

Won't be a Cheesecake Factory but a retail center....

The former Copeland's restaurant building at Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road is under contract to be purchased late this month by a local investor who plans to tear it down and build a 15,000-square-foot retail center, according to Justin Smith of Saad & Vallas Realty Group.

Courtesy of Kathy Jumper's column in the Press-Register.

[nimsjus]

You beat me to it...
The same article also mentioned:
Harbor Financial Services has leased 4,500 square feet on the 21st floor of the RSA Battle House Tower at Dauphin and Water streets and will move there in October, according to John Toomey and Jill Meeks of John Too mey & Co .

It will cost $500,000 for White-Spunner Construction to build a roof over the third-floor walkway that connects the Retirement Systems of Al abama parking deck off Water Street to the Battle House Renaissance Hotel on Royal Street, according to court records. The hotel's spa and fitness center are being built on the top floor of the seven-story parking deck.

[Port_of_Bama]

Won't be a Cheesecake Factory but a retail center....

The former Copeland's restaurant building at Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road is under contract to be purchased late this month by a local investor who plans to tear it down and build a 15,000-square-foot retail center, according to Justin Smith of Saad & Vallas Realty Group.

Courtesy of Kathy Jumper's column in the Press-Register.

Man that sounds like another strip mall I hope not ! I hope they will build something worth going to, and no bull crap, Airport has over 20 strip malls already.

[CottonCity251]

Man that sounds like another strip mall I hope not ! I hope they will build something worth going to, and no bull crap, Airport has over 20 strip malls already.

I agree...

[Del]

Maybe not - will this be a retail centER, or a retail centRE? :)

[Port_of_Bama]

Centre I hope, or Town Centre .When I was at home during Christmas I saw several strip malls being built is that sort of like a new urbinism or something ? The one that is being built in the loop area righ off of Airport like heading to Subway at the loop shocked me.

[The 251]

Here are some pics I took while I was down this weekend for USA Day.
Sorry they are so large... if you hold down CTRL and scroll down with your mouse roller, the aspect ratio will adjust to fit them in your sceen.

enjoy

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1081.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1082.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1088.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1091.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1093.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1094.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1095.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1104.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1106.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1107.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1108.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1111.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1112.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1113.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1116.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1119.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1121.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1122.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1127.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1130.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1131.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1132.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1136.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1139.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1142.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa19/vickshow/Mobile/100_1143.jpg

[bayou15]

:cheers: Nice pics. The one with the guy on the park bench, where was his box of chocolates? :haha:


Also, someone in a red truck looks to be following you, Must be one of those B-Ham posters checking up on us :haha:

[bayou15]

Damn, that bank building(tombstone) needs some help!

[Port_of_Bama]

good shots man ! I wish they would hurry up and do something woth that land it`s taking some charecter away from that block. I would love to see some brown stones on that block.

[Port_of_Bama]

:cheers: Nice pics. The one with the guy on the park bench, where was his box of chocolates? :haha:


Also, someone in a red truck looks to be following you, Must be one of those B-Ham posters checking up on us :haha:



lol ,you gotta be the craziest man. The hell with a brown stone that block needs some hight.

[bayou15]

:previous: What block are you talking about?

[MobileLSUboy2005]

Maybe not - will this be a retail centER, or a retail centRE? :)

if its only 15,000 square feet...its only gonna be maybe 7 or 8 stores. I'm so sick of Mobile building these ridiculous little strip malls everywhere that are never worth going to!

[bayou15]

:previous: I HEAR YA CUZ:worship:

[Port_of_Bama]

if its only 15,000 square feet...its only gonna be maybe 7 or 8 stores. I'm so sick of Mobile building these ridiculous little strip malls everywhere that are never worth going to!


I feel you man, If they can invset the money in these little strip malls. Well they can do the same for a retail center such as a town Centre. I`m sick of this old Mobile way of thinking we are slowly moving from that but not fast enough. Whats crazy abut these strip malls is developers are building them because they are doing well here in Mobile. they may not be worth going to you and me LSUboy but hell if they are building them every where and we have enough of them .I guess they are doing well, It`s not the city building these things local and out of town builders are doing this. I don`t see why no one has invested in something more serious yet. If RSA want to continue in invseting in Mobile, a town centre and a theme park would do fine. The town centre may not benifit them but a theme park would.



Bayou the block i`m talking about is the old courthouse block next to imax
. It looks boring with that huge piece of unoccupied land there.

[bayou15]

Yeah I'm with ya on that. The land is the missing link on connecting Mobile's skyline. If you step back and look at downtown . Looks like two skylines to me. The courthouse land would fill in the gap. :tup:

[bayou15]

http://www.inweekly.net/article.asp?artID=7151 :whatthefuck:

[10101000]

What!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[elb401]

I don't think that is true.....I think it is a false story. and even if it is true, I don't think the Florida Legislature will ever approve it. I'm not even sure if I would want them in the state. after all they would really start to compete with Mobile on a more credable level. The future money going into p-cola could be going into Mobile.....again if that is true....but I don't think it is.

[10101000]

I doubt that. Pensacola is more like a small town, and Mobile is the bigger brother that everybody wants.

[10101000]

Note, just talked to the editor and he stated that this was an April Fools joke!

[CottonCity251]

I think that was an April Fools joke...or the spelling was. Anyway check this out from the PR, which should have made yesterday's lame paper....

Baylinc is booming

Monday, April 07, 2008

By VIRGINIA BRIDGES
Staff Reporter

FAIRHOPE -- At 6:50 a.m., Selma Stalhood sat patiently at the wheel of an empty bus idling next to Hardee's. The windshield wipers swiped the moisture dripping from a fog that hung over the city.

"You never know who is going to show," said Stalhood, driver of one of the two Baylinc buses. "I leave at 7 a.m. whether they are here or not."

On Nov. 6, area public transportation agencies started the Monday-through-Friday Baylinc service aimed at connecting Baldwin County's Eastern Shore to Mobile's downtown business district.

In March, passenger trips jumped to 782, a 25 percent increase over February and nearly double the trips in December. If the trend continues, a third bus could be added to the route by October, said Taylor Rider, director of the Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System.

"I was hoping for this success, but in public transit you never know until you try it," Rider said.

As Stalhood waited in her bus on Wednesday morning, a senior vice president for a Mobile bank, a federal prosecutor, and a physical scientist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer began to file in.

"You made it, you made it," Stalhood said as regular rider Michelle Cox, a legal assistant, walked up.

Stalhood closed the door, and eased toward U.S. 98.

A white car pulled up, signaling with a honk. Attorney Richard Maples stepped out of the passenger seat.

"He is lucky," Stalhood said. "It is already 7:01."

On the ride, the banking executive reviewed paperwork. The scientist listened to National Public Radio on headphones. Cox held a tall glass of tea and read a romance novel titled "The Lair of the Lion."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Baer and Maples talked shop and politics, raising their voices as the bus bounced, moaned, and rattled down the highway.

In total, 14 people -- from Magnolia Springs to Bay Minette -- rode Stalhood's bus. Earlier, 11 had ridden the bus that left Hardee's at 6 a.m.

Baylinc riders range from the "homeless to judges," Stalhood said.

Most are people who live on the Eastern Shore and work downtown, but a few catch a Mobile WAVE bus to other areas. Occasionally, people from Mobile take the bus to Baldwin, she said. At Christmas time, panhandlers even rode over to ask for money from drivers near the Eastern Shore Centre, Stalhood said.

"They'd get back on with a wad of money, food and beer in their backpacks," she said.

The advantages of riding the bus include saving money on gas and letting someone else deal with the traffic. Larry Parson, the scientist, said corps employees are reimbursed the money they spend on fares under a program that promotes mass transit.

The disadvantages include walking blocks to the office in bad weather, and not having the car to get lunch or scoot to the post office.

As Stalhood worked the bus through downtown Mobile to Bienville Square, she stopped, when possible, to let passengers off closer to their workplaces.

"In the morning, we got them spoiled," Stalhood said.

On Wednesday morning, all but two of the 14 passengers were heading downtown. Maverick Landry needed to reach ITT Tech on Cottage Hill Road, where he studies computer engineering.

"This is my first day" on the bus, said Landry, 17, who left school in the 10th grade but earned his GED.

Bay Minette roofer John Nicholas caught the bus, hoping to get to a job near Tillman's Corner.

Nicholas said his wife found out about the bus service Tuesday after his truck broke down. "She said, 'I've got a ride for you to work,'" Nicholas said.

When the bus reached Bienville Square about 7:45 a.m., Stalhood sent Nicholas and Landry to Debra Sheperd, a Wave transit supervisor, who sat in a white van near the stop.

Sheperd told the two men to take a 7:50 a.m. bus that stops at a close corner to the WAVE system hub -- The GM&O Building beside Water Street.

Landry said he made it to ITT tech at 8:30 a.m.

"It was easy," he said later.

BAYLINC

Passenger trips have been increasing steadily since the Baylinc service started in November. Passenger trips are defined as a rider taking the bus from one stop to another. Fares range from $1.50 to $3 one-way, depending on departure and destination. Coupons are available that allow riders to pay $10 for tickets worth $12 in fares.

Month -- Number of passenger trips

December -- 394

January -- 475

February -- 628

March -- 782

Source: Baldwin Area Rural Transportation

[elb401]

haha knew it. It sounded so fake. anyways......it would have been interesting to have the conversation.

Hey that is great news about the baylink.....I really didn't think it was going to work. Its neat to see people actually using it then getting on the wave transit system.

[yeahwhatever]

Note, just talked to the editor and he stated that this was an April Fools joke!

it also says (April Fools' Day 2008) at the top of the article


nothing will be happening on the old courthouse site until after the new courthouse is completed. that land will be used as a staging point while the new building is under construction.

[10101000]

yeah saw that.

[montysano]

Re: an earlier comment wished for development along the Dauphin Island Parkway.

A question: is DI underdeveloped because no developers are attracted to it, or is it because the community has decided that, if effect, "this is who we want to be"?

My family and I made a spring break visit to DI, and absolutely loved it! Compared to the (IMHO) nightmare that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have become, DI is literally a breath of fresh air.

My son was in Panama City for part of Spring Break, then decided to come over and join us at DI. I advised that he get on I-10 to Mobile. Sez he: "Nah, dad, I'm gonna cruise along the coast." He finally shows up, in a foul mood, because his "cruise along the coast" turned into a 7 hour cluster**** tour of shopping malls and stoplights.

[montysano]

BTW: thanks to commenter "251" for the night photos of the Tower and the Riverview. Maybe someday I'll actually get to see, in person, the results of all our hard work! :shrug:

[nimsjus]

The baylinc article and the wave video from the other day got me thinking. If Mobile gets light rail or the rapid bus thing, where would the lines run and where would the hubs be? I was trying to think of a good setup but was struggling. To me, it seems like there are not enough people coming from one place and going to another to make it work. I don't see a large enough population trying to move in mass from one area to another quickly. Im not sure our downtown has the density needed to support this kind of thing Think about how big Charlotte's downtown is and they just got enough going to demand light rail. I mean think about a west mobile to downtown line. Lets say it has stops at university, the mall, the loop, etc. Well if you work off cottage hill, in spring hill, or anywhere else a block north/south of airport or a block east/west of those stops, you are probably going to be better off driving. I think SpringHill would be a good place for a stop too because of their big Village plan and alot of people work downtown(if they work). I guess Mobile would really need to upgrade its busses, create several stops for the light rail and then provide good bus service to these in the in between areas. I also think if Mobile foots the bill for this, then the lines should not extend to the eastern shore, saraland, or west mobile county just so people can continue to sprawl. I think this is one of those things the city can use as a bargaining chip in future annexation talks as a benefit to joining the city. Maybe this is one of those things that if you build now, it will spur future growth along the line. Anyone else have any ideas where lines/hubs should be?

[Port_of_Bama]

Re: an earlier comment wished for development along the Dauphin Island Parkway.

A question: is DI underdeveloped because no developers are attracted to it, or is it because the community has decided that, if effect, "this is who we want to be"?

My family and I made a spring break visit to DI, and absolutely loved it! Compared to the (IMHO) nightmare that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have become, DI is literally a breath of fresh air.

My son was in Panama City for part of Spring Break, then decided to come over and join us at DI. I advised that he get on I-10 to Mobile. Sez he: "Nah, dad, I'm gonna cruise along the coast." He finally shows up, in a foul mood, because his "cruise along the coast" turned into a 7 hour cluster**** tour of shopping malls and stoplights.


People in Dauphin Island want it to be that away. They also have more money(old money) than Gulf Shore residents so they have more of a say so of what goes on that island.


If P-cola was added to the state that would have givin Alabama another beach and the Mobile CSA would have been over 900,000 easy with just that 1 county (Escambia) ! I don`t think it would have been competion between the two more of the two working together.

[nimsjus]

Re: an earlier comment wished for development along the Dauphin Island Parkway.

A question: is DI underdeveloped because no developers are attracted to it, or is it because the community has decided that, if effect, "this is who we want to be"?

My family and I made a spring break visit to DI, and absolutely loved it! Compared to the (IMHO) nightmare that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have become, DI is literally a breath of fresh air.

My son was in Panama City for part of Spring Break, then decided to come over and join us at DI. I advised that he get on I-10 to Mobile. Sez he: "Nah, dad, I'm gonna cruise along the coast." He finally shows up, in a foul mood, because his "cruise along the coast" turned into a 7 hour cluster**** tour of shopping malls and stoplights.

It also is not exactly a stable place to develop. The island is eroding and moving due to currents coming out of Mobile Bay. The east end is fairly stable(which is why it is more developed-DI Sea Lab, Condos, bridge, etc), but the west end is dissapearing at a pretty rapid rate. Each hurricane completely reshapes the island (Katrina cut off a pirtion of the west end that is now sepearted by a shallow body of water.

[Port_of_Bama]

The baylinc article and the wave video from the other day got me thinking. If Mobile gets light rail or the rapid bus thing, where would the lines run and where would the hubs be? I was trying to think of a good setup but was struggling. To me, it seems like there are not enough people coming from one place and going to another to make it work. I mean think about a west mobile to downtown line. Lets say it has stops at university, the mall, the loop, etc. Well if you work off cottage hill, in spring hill, or anywhere else a block north/south of airport or a block east/west of those stops, you are probably going to be better off driving. I think SpringHill would be a good place for a stop too because of their big Village plan and alot of people work downtown(if they work). I guess Mobile would really need to upgrade its busses and create several stops for the light rail and then provide good bus service to these in between areas. I also think if Mobile foots the bill for this, then the lines should not extend to the eastern "shore, saraland, or west mobile county just so people can continue to sprawl. I think this is one of those things the city can use as a bargaining chip in future annexation talks as a benefit to joining the city. Anyone else have any ideas where lines/hubs should be?


I agree with you, I have heard talk about Mobile annexing Theodore and if they annex Theodore then Tillmans Corner would automaticaly become part of the city thats about another 30-35,000 residents. The reason why the "WAVE" isn`t being used a lot is for one there is a bus in route every 30 or 40 min. I have been to some cities that thave one every 15 min who wants to wait almost an hour to get home. Atleast it is not as bad as the Hunstville Shuttle or Transit what ever it`s called. The Hunstville Shuttle runs every 45 min and it closes at 6:00 p.m , and it does not run on weekends. I think that Mobile is the only metro in the state that does have mass transit that goes to another county and I have heard rumors of them extending it to some Mississippi counties that border Mobile County as well

[The 251]

someone in a red truck looks to be following you, Must be one of those B-Ham posters checking up on us

hahhaha. yeah
Sometimes it seems as if they'd rather not have the tankers built at all if it would keep Mobile from "stealing" the glory. :dunce:
but that is my truck.

[Port_of_Bama]

hahhaha. yeah
Sometimes it seems as if they'd rather not have the tankers built at all if it would keep Mobile from "stealing" the glory. :dunce:
but that is my truck.


I realy hope that is not the case becasue if so that is crazy man,I hope not we are getting the tanker but to have others from the state hoping we don`t is crazy. The tanker will be benificial to the state as a whole not just the Port -City.

[10101000]

I am ready to move back home!

[10101000]

hahhaha. yeah
Sometimes it seems as if they'd rather not have the tankers built at all if it would keep Mobile from "stealing" the glory. :dunce:
but that is my truck.

Great pictures man!

[Port_of_Bama]

I am ready to move back home!

I`m here in Huntsville and I miss the Port to man . If you ever come back to Mobile are you going to live in the burbs or the city ?

[10101000]

We are looking at Springhill, downtown, and Spanish Fort.

[BlessedMobile]

I agree with you, I have heard talk about Mobile annexing Theodore and if they annex Theodore then Tillmans Corner would automaticaly become part of the city thats about another 30-35,000 residents. The reason why the "WAVE" isn`t being used a lot is for one there is a bus in route every 30 or 40 min. I have been to some cities that thave one every 15 min who wants to wait almost an hour to get home. Atleast it is not as bad as the Hunstville Shuttle or Transit what ever it`s called. The Hunstville Shuttle runs every 45 min and it closes at 6:00 p.m , and it does not run on weekends. I think that Mobile is the only metro in the state that does have mass transit that goes to another county and I have heard rumors of them extending it to some Mississippi counties that border Mobile County as well

I know that the city is looking at Tillman's Corner and Hwy 98 out Moffett Rd for a possible annexation attempt. There is no money that would come from Theodore and it would just become part of the PJ. The population around the targeted areas would have no more than 5-10K people. We spend a lot of money providing police and fire protection to TC just as we did for the Schillinger Road people. I think the goal is to incorporate all of the areas where a loop around the city would go BEFORE pushing for its construction. On another note, the WAVE does not serve some areas where they could pick up ridership because the community they are in will not contribute. Remember, WAVE is not part of the city and can put routes wherever they think it will work.