[Bogue]

I agree about how it sucked to lose the old Monroe Park, but that was sort of unavoidable given the needs of the city's industries. Not sure about the area near Orange Grove. It's right there visible to everyone coming off I-165, but it's sort of peripheral to both downtown & midtown... wierd location... neither one thing nor the other. I think that's why it doesn't get addressed, really. I think there's sort of a spine of development going down Dauphin & Govt. streets and then branching in a few places. I think it might be a while before gentrification gets out that far, but the redevelopment of Broad might eventually help draw people that direction. It might make a good area for a restaurant district... leave the wetlands and build some restaurants that are raised on one side. That would allow a boardwalk eating area right there on it from which people could look at the wetlands and watch the gators & birds, etc. w/ the highway actually functioning as a screen against the docks. Target restaurants w/ a local flair for the tenants (maybe convince Dreamland to move for example) and it would be cool. Mix in a few local small businesses (like a florist and a candy shop... that sort of thing). It's an interesting location b/c it's so visible, but anything impacting the wetlands is going to have to jump some hurdles. This way you'd get to avoid a lot of that.

I think their insistance on this particular area (old CH location) being the location for the park was to give some sort of historic front yard to that area... I think the idea is to create a nexus around which they want to concentrate that sort of development. Seems like sort of a gateway to the entertainment area that they want to create.

[10101000]

Just wanted to let you ladies and gentlemen know that I am about to set a photo tour of the city and the metro area. Do you have any particular area that you would like me to photograph?

[MobileMoving]

Mobile has a MYSPACE already, but I did not see anything like that on there. It would be great to get a bunch of young professionals involved.

There will be an ad campaign coming out soon titled "Y We're Here" that showcases young professionals living and enjoying the city. It will also tell stories about why they stayed or moved to the bay-area, as well as insights on the generation-y workforce. Look for it next month!

http://www.maypa.org/ywh3a.jpg

[yeahwhatever]

i want feedback on the whole Park deal, what is the deal with all the Parks, if you look at an aerial view of Mobile you see more green than anything else, i understand preserving green spaces within the City, and they have done a great job with trees up and down the streets, hell the parks we have are rarely used, accept for special events, and the bums of course, i love the Parks we have now i visit them often but most of the time im sharing a bench with a homeless guy, i feed the squirells a nut i feed the bum some nuts, one nut for the squirell a handfull of nuts for the bum,

Whats wrong with having nice parks in your city? If my memory is correct, there are only four parks downtown: bienville, cathedral, spanish plaza, and cooper. I also dont understand all of these complaints about homeless people in the parks because its not that big of a problem. Yes, homeless people spend time in the parks, but this is a city, not utopia. Maybe you've spent too much time in the suburbs to realize that every city is going to have an issue with homelessness. Instead of consistently dismissing an idea for a park due to the homeless people, why not suggest the creation of a safe place for them to sleep.


Build something, another big Building, something that will be used and taken care of, if they are gonna build a Park build a large Park one where you can actually throw a football or frizbee without hitting a car parked near by or the bum laying on the bench, a Park where you actually get tired after walikng half way across it, then they wont have to build these mirco Parks on every corner, and they always wanna put them where there could be good developement for retail, residential, or business, now we get a Mardi Gras park thats 5 or 6 smaller parks in one small area, i love the idea of the Mardi Gras themed park but maybe somewhere else like maybe within a larger park, the Mardi Gras theme could be a small portion of the park,


The mardi gras park will be 350 feet wide, if you need more room to throw a football we night need to let you try out for the falcons.
I see plenty of other areas around downtown that would be perfect for new businesses and condos. I really hate surface lots and think it would be great if they would just build a big garage on one lot and turn the rest into new residential and retail developments.




it seems the cost spent on all these micro parks they could build an Aquarium
or something, now we have a larger ship maybe bringing in thousands more people to Mobile, so we need something for them to do,,,someone said a zoo or Aquarium would be more for the locals because all big cities have one or the other or both, so its nothing new, and thats true its not new or original, but it adds to the quality of life its very educational, its fun, and when those thousands of extra people are here yes it does give them something extra to do, just like the Carriage Rides, and just like the Movies in the Park would


I like the idea of an aquarium, but if you think the cost of the park is close to the cost of an aquarium, thats just crazytalk. if an aquarium is built, it will have to be constructed similarly to the exploreum. The main floor is about 10 feet higher than street level to protect the exhibits from flood waters.
a zoo is different. first, there is no area big enough downtown for a zoo. second, the hurricane/flood threat is too great to risk with so many animals that will be difficult to evacuate. third, the noise of a downtown area with cars, trains, and ships is just not adequate for wild animals.

horse drawn carriages are just cruel to the animals. many cities are beginning to ban them from operating.


also we need to build and renovate all over DT it seems everyone stays focused on Dauphin St. and Royal and then they throw a little something else here and there

some of those streets DT are ugly with metal building and little short box buildings, i wish they would focus on doing something about that,

i would like to see a retail street, with mostly shopping and a few restuarants, maybe another coffee shop

I agree. it will just take some time. Mobile is just starting to prove to everyone else what we knew it was capable of all along. the best thing to do is to go out an support what we have right now. investors will see this activity and hopefully decide to put their money into opening up a new place downtown.

[SouthSky]

There will be an ad campaign coming out soon titled "Y We're Here" that showcases young professionals living and enjoying the city. It will also tell stories about why they stayed or moved to the bay-area, as well as insights on the generation-y workforce. Look for it next month!

http://www.maypa.org/ywh3a.jpg

Looking good! What's that website again so I can bookmark it? TIA

[MobileMoving]

Looking good! What's that website again so I can bookmark it? TIA

You will be able to find it online at www.maypa.org (http://www.maypa.org)

[Port_of_Bama]

Just wanted to let you ladies and gentlemen know that I am about to set a photo tour of the city and the metro area. Do you have any particular area that you would like me to photograph?

I have some ideas Tim ,if you could snap some photos of the oakleigh historic district, some of the neighborhoods that are off od Springhill avenue and Govt street.


The best sky line views to me that I never seei n pics are the ones approaching the wallace tunnel, Africa town Cochrane bridge, and a view from Fort Conde Village. Oh yeah make shure you get the Fort Conde Village with the skyline of The RSA portion and the Govt Plaza , and Cruise ship all from the Village if you could.

[10101000]

Ok

[CottonCity251]

Ok

Can you take some shots of the hood....say pics of the skyline from MLK Ave. and St. Stephens Road?? Also some shots of the skyline from I-165 at night please.

[10101000]

I am getting some night shots that is for sure.

[buckett5425]

So I went to the maypa website, very interesting. Anybody else notice how they photo shopped in the Fantasy, but butchered the skyline in the process? lol

[10101000]

I think that is the Holiday.

[MobiMan]

Whats wrong with having nice parks in your city? If my memory is correct, there are only four parks downtown: bienville, cathedral, spanish plaza, and cooper. I also dont understand all of these complaints about homeless people in the parks because its not that big of a problem. Yes, homeless people spend time in the parks, but this is a city, not utopia. Maybe you've spent too much time in the suburbs to realize that every city is going to have an issue with homelessness. Instead of consistently dismissing an idea for a park due to the homeless people, why not suggest the creation of a safe place for them to sleep.



((No one said anything was wrong with having nice parks in our city
we just dont need more, it cost us the tax payers a lot of money every year to keep up parks that people arent using

and yes at the moment there is 4 DT but after they build the 3 new parks there will be 7, 2 will not be in the heart of DT but still close and its still more parks for our tax dollars to pay for, with very few visiting them

and yea i guess we should build a park just for the homeless so they will have a safe haven))






The mardi gras park will be 350 feet wide, if you need more room to throw a football we night need to let you try out for the falcons.
I see plenty of other areas around downtown that would be perfect for new businesses and condos. I really hate surface lots and think it would be great if they would just build a big garage on one lot and turn the rest into new residential and retail developments.

((as far as throwing a football at the new mardi Gras park
i was talking about the existing parks ))





I like the idea of an aquarium, but if you think the cost of the park is close to the cost of an aquarium, thats just crazytalk. if an aquarium is built, it will have to be constructed similarly to the exploreum. The main floor is about 10 feet higher than street level to protect the exhibits from flood waters.
a zoo is different. first, there is no area big enough downtown for a zoo. second, the hurricane/flood threat is too great to risk with so many animals that will be difficult to evacuate. third, the noise of a downtown area with cars, trains, and ships is just not adequate for wild animals.


(((if you add up the cost of all these new parks its comes to more than 10million , a small aquarium that could be added to later as it grows after doing research, would cost around 30million for a really nice small aquarium (and im not talking about one for your home either)
if the city really wanted to they could build it theres room and citys under sea level have them so no it wouldnt be a problem

as far as a zoo there is plenty of land just north of the city and again Miami, jacksonville, tampa, new orleans(under sea level) all have zoos and we are further above sea level then they are, so dont say it cant or shouldnt be done its being done
and they all have ships, trains, cars, actually more of those things than we have
new yorks central park and brooklyn ny zoos having the most noise)))


horse drawn carriages are just cruel to the animals. many cities are beginning to ban them from operating.

(((we have been using horse drawn carriages for hundreads of years they are fine and its not cruel)))



I agree. it will just take some time. Mobile is just starting to prove to everyone else what we knew it was capable of all along. the best thing to do is to go out an support what we have right now. investors will see this activity and hopefully decide to put their money into opening up a new place downtown.



(((and after all that being written down i do understand where you are coming from but my views are my views and yours are yours

i tried to use the mutiple quotes but it wouldnt work for me for some reason)))

[Bogue]

I think a good zoo would require more land than we really have access to presently in downtown... It's "possible" that the city could purchase some of the lower level housing north of town between Broad St. & Pritchard to create such a facility, though. I think even the land around Orange Grove isn't quite large enough for a really good zoo. Most of those zoos that you mention are a fair bit older so the land costs were much less so they could get a bit larger of an area, but I understand your point. I think that as far as DT is concerned there's a bit of a land crunch for the really large things. It'd be great if they could do so, though.

I also really like the website, MobileMoving. Good on them to get such a thing going.

[MobiMan]

instead of trying to build the biggest, build a smaller zoo with the most popular animals, you know the ones that bring the the people in,
it only has to be around 25 to 40 acres
and trust me above the projects that just got tore down there is atleast 200 acres of unused land
check out most zoo's they have 3 and even 4 restuarants,
we dont need all that
a lot of wasted space
with the right design we dont need 100 or 1000 acres

and when i say get what brings the people in
you can have a frog house that shows mainly Dart Frogs
only because they are cool and colorful and appeal to children
lions, tigers, monkeys, zebras, also appeal to children
my uncle raises lions and tigers in Mississippi and he has 30 acres but only uses 3 acres for the four lions and 3 tigers they are all together and playful and as happy as can be
by law they recomend 1200 sq ft per tiger per lion, now ofcourse you can go larger than that

the little zoo we have out in wilmer isnt that big

and the zoo in central park new york is only 5 acres

dont go big just go really nice and upscale with an old time look
from the 20's to 40's very historic, instead of restaurants, hot dog cart, snocone cart, popcorn and peanuts
and of course a gift shop

i get a magazine with exotic animals for sale around the country and most arent that expensive, tiger cubs are from from free to good home to $5000(5 thousand for white tigers) the other tigers are $300 to $1200 all the time same with the lions
Zebras are anywhere from free to good home to $5000 a pair
monkeys anywhere from free to good home to $ 4000 and sometimes a little more,
Kangaroos are anywhere from $1000 to $2500
anyway feeding them is where the cost is

i would say for a very nice upscale 25 acre zoo around 25 to 30million

and like i said bring in the crowd pleasers, and of course have a small petting zoo

i would actually wanna start off with an african exhibit

start small and build it up

[yeahwhatever]

as far as a zoo there is plenty of land just north of the city and again Miami, jacksonville, tampa, new orleans(under sea level) all have zoos and we are further above sea level then they are, so dont say it cant or shouldnt be done its being done
and they all have ships, trains, cars, actually more of those things than we have
new yorks central park and brooklyn ny zoos having the most noise)))


(((we have been using horse drawn carriages for hundreads of years they are fine and its not cruel)))



horses shouldnt have to walk around busy downtown streets on hard asphalt with cars speeding by them. its just not a humane thing to do an theres no way you can argue that it is safe for the animals.
it also isnt pleasant for people walking around the streets to come across a pile of dung left by a horse.


i'm all for a zoo if its done with research in mind.

Just not downtown


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/42/110282548_1709c5f631.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/52/110282425_7d50e04225.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/110282567_7daf7c00d0.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/38/110282530_f33be8df93.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/110282441_85e482da07.jpg?v=0

photo cred: http://flickr.com/photos/au_tiger01/110282425 au_tiger01 on flickr (i think they were originally from the press-register)

[Bogue]

Not sure what the point of those pictures was. I'm guessing it was to point out the danger of storm surge, but animals can be moved. It's done all the time at a # of locations around the US. What you depict is a rare occurrence and, when you get right down to it, flooding is a potential danger in most of our largest cities, actually.... a legacy of humanity's tendency to locate near bodies of water.

As I don't believe there's sufficient land to make a truly exemplary zoo downtown, then I would rather other entertainments that can be more compact be put there. I think the only adjustment that needs to be made for those handful of blocks downtown that would be most affected by a storm surge is that an effort be made to put things on the bottom floor that are least able to be damaged (or most easily evacuated). Many businesses in the area put their lobby's convention spaces, etc. on the lower floors while protecting the more sensitive parts in the upper stories. I don't think it's that big of an impactor on aquaria.

If a person is stuck on the idea of a zoo downtown there is the option of smaller zoo-like attractions which can be done in raised platforms. An Alligator enclosure, Reptile House, Black Bear habitat, etc.... It's local fauna, but it's interesting enough to locals and different enough for tourists that it might be an interesting option. I maintain that the best option for the zoo enthusiasts is either in Midtown, near Pritchard, or somewhere just south of the main mass of town.

[10101000]

Good Read

http://www.mobilechamber.com/view/2008/8-2008.pdf

[nimsjus]

I went to the Baybears game last night and was really depressed. I know we have not been all that good for the last coupl of years, but I have seen bigger crowds at little league games. There might have been 250-500 people there. We went on free tickets my fiancee got from work. They announced all the groups that were in attendance (including her work). I promise you there were not 15 people there who had not come on a free/discounted ticket with a group. I'm sure they draw a little better crowd on the weekend, but still. We had this discussion a while back, but personally I think a better stadium in a more unique enviroment would thrive. They also do not do enough advertising. They do a thirsty thursday with cheap beer that I have never heard about. I would go for a live black bear mascot if that was possible as well.

[10101000]

I agree, they need to spice it up a bit and maybe a better coach!

[Muskavon]

Bay Bears...is having a bear in a pool for a mascot humane? ;) Miami used to have a Dolphin swimming in the Orange Bowl end zone in the '70's. Might not work as good with a bear though. I really don't think the location of your park is all that bad and you can't locate everything downtown on the Bay, especially considering your needs for waterfront industrial space. Anywho...at least you guys actually built a stadium at some point. P'cola is on track to get theirs done in 2084 (same year Robotrons take over the earth---according to my favorite video game when I was young).

[Bogue]

Black Bears seem to love water. I remember when I lived in Gatlinburg how the cabin rental companies were always fielding calls from folk who had black bears pulling the lid off their hot tubs so as to get in.

I think doing anything w/ a live mascot would be a lot of trouble for very little gain re: a minor league baseball team.

I do think marketing in general is just an issue in Mobile. We have tons of activities available, but folks just don't know about most of them. I refer to the fact that Mobile already has a zoo, but it's almost completely unknown.

http://www.walkaboutcity.com/mobile/zoo/

Seriously... "Old West"??? This is pretty much THE prototypical Southern city and they put up an "Old West" town? Who was the genius who came up w/ that? This ain't the 50's anymore (thank God) & that kind of thing ain't popular anymore..... and who was possessed of the brilliance to put it in WILMER?!?!?! I understand the need to put a zoo in an area that's got plenty of room, but really?

[Scottybo]

Economy and the distance most people have to travel makes it harder to go to a minor league baseball game these days. Especially when they are a sub-par team this year, though only 8 games out of first.

[OCA REP]

..... and who was possessed of the brilliance to put it in WILMER?!?!?! I understand the need to put a zoo in an area that's got plenty of room, but really?

Isn't that the truth. It might as well be called "The Mississippi Zoo!"

We are lucky in Montgomery that Riverwalk Stadium (our Minor League Baseball Park) was built as part of a downtown revitalization effort. Our stadium sits adjacent to the Alabama River and has incorporated offices and a long wing from a former railroad depot into its design. It has a very nostalgic feel and really works well together.

Here are a couple of shots from the Montgomery Biscuit's web site www.biscuitsbaseball.com:

http://www.biscuitsbaseball.com/Images/stadium/rsa_trainstation2.jpg
http://www.biscuitsbaseball.com/Images/stadium/stadiumright2.jpg

[10101000]

I was just checking out the real estate in the business district and I found this place. I would love to buy it.

http://www.dauphinrealty.com/Conception/listings.shtml

[nimsjus]

Riverwalk Stadium is amazing for a AA stadium. Best one I have ever seen. You guys are really lucky.
For all of you in town this weekend try to make it out to the LODA International Beer Festival downtown. Most of the bars and restaurants downtown will have a beer or two that you may not be able to get all the time. You pay a fee for a ticket and then wonder around downtown tasting 70-something beers. I was pissed to find out we have to go to a wedding this weekend. Should be a really good time and an active night downtown. Tickets are available through downtown buisnesses, lagniappe (www.lagniappemobile.com), and several other places. Last year they sold out so go early.

[nimsjus]

I was just checking out the real estate in the business district and I found this place. I would love to buy it.

http://www.dauphinrealty.com/Conception/listings.shtml

Those are above the new home and garden store downtown whose name escapes me at the moment. My fiancee and I went in their at Artwalk and it was really nice. The downtown mobile alliance also provides real estate listings (some rentals too) on their site( http://www.downtownmobile.org/real_estate.php )

[NitekKetin]

^It's Parkside

[pkp]

Riverwalk Stadium is amazing for a AA stadium. Best one I have ever seen. You guys are really lucky.
For all of you in town this weekend try to make it out to the LODA International Beer Festival downtown. Most of the bars and restaurants downtown will have a beer or two that you may not be able to get all the time. You pay a fee for a ticket and then wonder around downtown tasting 70-something beers. I was pissed to find out we have to go to a wedding this weekend. Should be a really good time and an active night downtown. Tickets are available through downtown buisnesses, lagniappe (www.lagniappemobile.com), and several other places. Last year they sold out so go early.

Beerfest is one of the city's best event. Anyone on here that is old enough should go. ;)

[10101000]

I could handle a zoo, that would be nice to have in the business district.

[Bogue]

I just went back and reviewed the development plan (linked a few pages back). Never realized there was quite that much land available on the northside of downtown. It's always seemed so much smaller when driving by.

Since this is the first time I really got to take my time and look it over: Here are a few things I like/concerns I have.

I particularly like the mixed office/retail focus on the north end of Water St. That seems like the best part of the whole scheme, IMO. The interior parking decks to support the parking for the structures are interesting as well, though I think it's worth pointing out that people hate to pay to park to visit a retail structure. Great long-term idea, IMO, but may be a while. I know we've beaten the horse to death on parks but the small square linking those two development blocks (replacing the post office) is also something I like. Partly b/c it also links them w/ a row of multi-family housing.

I completely dislike plan two's proposed use for the Civic Center property. I think putting a ton of new single-family housing would detract from gentrification efforts elsewhere in Midtown more than it would attract totally new residents. There are still plenty of houses that can be purchased relatively cheaply and renovated so as to preserve our architectural heritage.

Putting an entertainment district in Spanish Plaza so close to the current entertainment district around Dauphin seems also a bit overkill right now. There's no entertainment anchor in that area right now once you remove the Civic Center itself & it's kind of distant from the hotels.

I do think w/ all the tourists in the area that focusing on the Ft. Conde area may be worthwhile in the near-term & I really love the alternate version. That area already has access to a # of entertainment options and is convenient to the cruise terminal & downtown hotels. I love that they re-make the interstate on-ramps in that area in that plan as well. That loop interchange that has almost no merge lane right before you get into the tunnel is a road hazard. This plan also makes the cruise terminal part of downtown & brings attention to a neighborhood w/ some beautiful architecture. It also gives a larger potential for bringing in more young professionals by zoning for more condo units available close to downtown. It's ambitious, but has a much higher potential.

[phoenixboi08]

I do think w/ all the tourists in the area that focusing on the Ft. Conde area may be worthwhile in the near-term & I really love the alternate version. That area already has access to a # of entertainment options and is convenient to the cruise terminal & downtown hotels. I love that they re-make the interstate on-ramps in that area in that plan as well. That loop interchange that has almost no merge lane right before you get into the tunnel is a road hazard. This plan also makes the cruise terminal part of downtown & brings attention to a neighborhood w/ some beautiful architecture. It also gives a larger potential for bringing in more young professionals by zoning for more condo units available close to downtown. It's ambitious, but has a much higher potential.


You are absolutely right. In a strange way, I think it's reminiscent of what NOLA has with the French Quarter. Although nowhere near as expansive, it's the same general idea. People, tourists (or anyone who comes DT) wants to be surrounded in an atmosphere that is UNIQUE to that particular area and city. If you were having a random conversation with some one and they said Greenwhich (sp?) Village or the French Quarter, you'd know what they were talking about. Even though I'm sure there are several "French Quarters" and "GVillages..."

[Bogue]

I think that would very much depend on architecture and activities that located in the area as to how it was perceived. If they stuck a bunch of generic structures up that look like the thousands of contemporary shopping centers popping up througout the Sunbelt then it wouldn't really have that... however, I think there are a few shopping center styles that might work beautifully in that area (since we're talking about retail and restaurants). A few of the buildings at The Summit in Birmingham w/ their Italianate ornamentation (the tiled roofs, stucco in varying shades, window and door decoration, domes, etc.) would mesh very well in a Gulf Coast setting. Sort of a continuation on a theme set by local landmarks like the GM&O & the Beehive. I think using that architectural style and complimenting it w/ a very lush tropical planting scheme w/ lots of flowering plants, climbing vines (perhaps bougainvillea or wisteria?), and tons of camellia's (an important flower in the city's history... time to bring back an emphasis there, IMO.) would be very attractive and play to the city's history. Do it in raised planters throughout the neighborhood in the areas that appear to be pedestrian-oriented. Flowering vine-covered arbors over the sidewalks would provide shade while still being a "different" take on the traditional awnings of many stores & would allow some outdoor seating at restaurants.

[Muskavon]

http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1219482946300650.xml&coll=3

Another potential $250mill investment in steel production in Mobile County. Mobile vs. Iowa for this one. Decision expected at end of this month. Keep the roll going Mobile!!

[nimsjus]

Did anyone make it to beerfest this weekend? Just curious how the crowd/event were with the ominous weather predictions that never came to pass.

[pkp]

Did anyone make it to beerfest this weekend? Just curious how the crowd/event were with the ominous weather predictions that never came to pass.

Went - had a blast as usual. Seemed like there was a good crowd, despite the weather. There were 25 bars this year, great beer - good times.

[elb401]

I went to the city council meeting yesterday. wow. that was an interesting meeting. the room was completly divided. the only people against it were the people that aren't even living in the proposed annexation areas. You know the law is on the city's side on this one. I'm glad the elections will be held.

Glad that beer fest went well......I didn't go because I thought it would be rained out and I made other plans. I wish I went.

[nimsjus]

I went to the city council meeting yesterday. wow. that was an interesting meeting. the room was completly divided. the only people against it were the people that aren't even living in the proposed annexation areas. You know the law is on the city's side on this one. I'm glad the elections will be held.

Glad that beer fest went well......I didn't go because I thought it would be rained out and I made other plans. I wish I went.

I read the article on the meeting. It sounded like a marathon session between that and the springhill approval. I wish they had just accepted the original springhill plan. Now CVS is just going to come in and build one of there generic stores since the zoning is optional. Oh well maybe something will be better than nothing. Now I want to hear about all these developments they say were waiting on the zoning changes. I'll be curious to see if there really are plans in the works or if that was just talk to get the zoning moved through.

[CottonCity251]

I read the article on the meeting. It sounded like a marathon session between that and the springhill approval. I wish they had just accepted the original springhill plan. Now CVS is just going to come in and build one of there generic stores since the zoning is optional. Oh well maybe something will be better than nothing. Now I want to hear about all these developments they say were waiting on the zoning changes. I'll be curious to see if there really are plans in the works or if that was just talk to get the zoning moved through.

Optional is BS. Who would abide by stricter building codes that are optional....not many, which makes everything seem like a waste of time, money, and other resources for something optional....my, my, my! I wish all laws were optional. At first I thought the sidewalks' width were the only part optional but I guess I was wrong...hope things won't get too tacky. I wonder how many developers will take the "optional" codes?? When we will start doing things right the first time?? It was good while it last but it looks like the Village lost this time to me.

I hope the codes from the New Plan for Old Mobile isn't optional, which pretty much defeats the purpose if you ask me.

[10101000]

BREWTON — Though the stage was much smaller than the Democratic National Convention, the stakes could not be higher for the people listening to U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner defend Alabama's experience at making war machinery.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting of elected officials and investors at the Coastal Gateway Economic Development Authority on Wednesday, Bonner, R-Mobile, blasted right back at Kansas and Washington state delegates who criticized Alabama workers the day before at the Democratic gathering in Denver.

According to U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., the $40 billion U.S. Air Force contract to produce aerial refueling tankers is too important to put in Alabama's inexperienced hands.

Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat and governor of Kansas, told party officials in Denver that Republican presidential candidate John McCain would ensure that a foreign company would be making the aircraft. Both Washington and Kansas would see job increases if the bid goes to aircraft manufacturer Boeing. Mobile stands to gain 1,500 workers and a new, $600 million factory if a Northrop Grumman Corp. team that includes the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. lands the contract.

"Some of the largest companies in the world know where small-town south Alabama is," Bonner said, "and southwest Alabama is where it is happening economically."

When the Department of Defense makes a final decision, he said, hopefully ratifying Northrop-EADS as the provider, "it will be a game-changer unlike any we have seen in our lifetime."

Bonner encouraged towns and counties in the region to begin preparing for an influx of support companies for the tanker manufacturer, but made it clear the state has experience at building war machines.

"Alabama is already ranked 12th in the nation in providing Department of Defense contracts," Bonner said, "with our state handling

$6.9 billion in defense business last year."

He said he and Gov. Bob Riley met with 30 executives of major international avionics suppliers in London in recent weeks to sell them on Alabama. He said they already knew almost as much as he did, and were already planning visits to the state in anticipation of the contract.

Coastal Gateway president Wiley Blankenship said representatives from the state have met with six EADS suppliers solidly interested in Alabama. Four are currently looking for sites in southwest Alabama, Blankenship said. The regional marketing approach makes selling the state easier, he said, and most counties are looking to aviation as an economic promised land.

Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Authority is a partnership of Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties in south Alabama

[10101000]

Thursday, August 28, 2008 By DAN MURTAUGHStaff Reporter
The RSA Tower, historic homes on Government Street and oak-lined streets are all assets that downtown Mobile should develop around, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell said Wednesday.

Campbell, also a former mayor of Vancouver, Canada, spoke to a packed Moonlight Grand Ballroom at the Battle House Hotel at the annual meeting of the Downtown Mobile Alliance.

Among the attendees were Mobile Mayor Sam Jones and City Councilman Fred Richardson.

Campbell explained how city leaders in Vancouver were able to redevelop that city into one that consistently is rated among the most livable in the world by promoting dense residential developments, such as high-rise condominium buildings, in the downtown area.

"A downtown is not lively because you're in an office," he said. "It's lively because you come out of that office, and you do things on the street."

Vancouver has also avoided putting freeways in the downtown area, Campbell said. About 62 percent of the trips in downtown Vancouver are made by walking, he said, which leads to safer streets and better public health.

Mobile city leaders need to plan what they want their city to look like in 20 years, Campbell said, and then start enacting policies to bring that vision to fruition.

He said the historic "heritage buildings" are a great asset to downtown Mobile, as are the lovely streetscapes. He said he was also impressed with the RSA Tower, Mobile's tallest building, which opened two years ago.

"This would be a spectacular building anywhere," he said. "It pulled me in. You can see it from anywhere, and you know that's where downtown is."




© 2008 Press-Register. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[pkp]

Thursday, August 28, 2008 By DAN MURTAUGHStaff Reporter
The RSA Tower, historic homes on Government Street and oak-lined streets are all assets that downtown Mobile should develop around, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell said Wednesday.

Campbell, also a former mayor of Vancouver, Canada, spoke to a packed Moonlight Grand Ballroom at the Battle House Hotel at the annual meeting of the Downtown Mobile Alliance.

Among the attendees were Mobile Mayor Sam Jones and City Councilman Fred Richardson.

Campbell explained how city leaders in Vancouver were able to redevelop that city into one that consistently is rated among the most livable in the world by promoting dense residential developments, such as high-rise condominium buildings, in the downtown area.

"A downtown is not lively because you're in an office," he said. "It's lively because you come out of that office, and you do things on the street."

Vancouver has also avoided putting freeways in the downtown area, Campbell said. About 62 percent of the trips in downtown Vancouver are made by walking, he said, which leads to safer streets and better public health.

Mobile city leaders need to plan what they want their city to look like in 20 years, Campbell said, and then start enacting policies to bring that vision to fruition.

He said the historic "heritage buildings" are a great asset to downtown Mobile, as are the lovely streetscapes. He said he was also impressed with the RSA Tower, Mobile's tallest building, which opened two years ago.

"This would be a spectacular building anywhere," he said. "It pulled me in. You can see it from anywhere, and you know that's where downtown is."




© 2008 Press-Register. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

He's right. In order for the city, and particularly downtown, to be the best it can be it will take government stepping in to make it happen. If we rely strictly on commercial interests to pump money into the area, its not going to work, because those folks are typically looking at a five year return on investment, not 20 - 30 years +. Vancouver is a fantastic city (and I would say has a lot of things in common with Mobile) - people should listen to what this guy has to say.

[10101000]

I agree

[bayou15]

+ 1

[Muskavon]

Well, it looks like a major Hurricane might miss us both (Pensa for me for those that don't know). You agree to come help me dig out after my next Ivan and I promise to send everything I have to you guys in the next Katrina. Us little towns get left out of the mix of importance. It is up to you and I to see that our neighbors survive. We sent about 12 pickup truck loads of stuff to our friends on the Mississippi Coast last time from my little culda-sac. Let's make a pact to send 20 truck loads (per user and his/her friends) between each other this time. This hurricane is gonna hurt some area badly. I know from Ivan...you don't have to live in New Orleans and get national media coverage to be without a roof or power for weeks...months...years. Or die. The national folks will drop coverage if this doesn't hit N.O.....but we know the reality. No food, no water, no roof and no A/C sorta sucks. Most of us have lived it. Time to start helping ourselves more. Feds can get their act together later. Probably as it should be.

[Alabadrock]

Hey, if anyone needs help with storm damage, I'll drive down from ttown to help dig out.

[Scottybo]

We won't get much storm damage. Gustav going too far west for that to happen.

[pkp]

We won't get much storm damage. Gustav going too far west for that to happen.

Save Bayou la Batre, Coden, Dauphin Island, and all along the West side of the Bay. I am almost a mile from the river, so I am not too worried about it, but we will be seeing 8-10 ft storm surge in AL in all of these areas, and likely 6 ft + in Baldwin. Better than a direct hit, but we will have some damage. We had a feeder band come in about 45 minutes ago that dropped 1/2 inch of rain in 10 minutes with wind gusts I would guess around 40 mph. Cleared a few loose limbs out but it will be a long night of no sleep and plenty of cold beer. Could be worse - as far as we know, we are safe in our homes, unlike our poor brethren in the Crescent City.

[Electrical Porpoise]

The water is already near yard level around Perdido Bay. Those people do not need to flood again.

[pkp]

finally starting to go down, but had knee deep water here for the last few hours - all from rain. Actually had an inflatable boat and a kayak go down my street.

[nimsjus]

Ive been tdriving back and forth to pcola the last month, but these last few days have been packed with evacuees going east then back west. I couldn't help but think how great our skyline looks now with the new additions. I wouldnt have given it a thought in the days PreRSA/Riverview addition, but now I think some of these people will look back into visiting Mobile or cruising from Mobile after coming through town on I-10.

[Muskavon]

lol, nim...I know it is pretty absurd (and an obvious sign of an inferiority complex)...but you guys getting that tower always makes me look at tags now when I go to or from Mobile back to P'cola. It's like I want to know someone from Wyoming sees this area isn't just a log cabin full of the last remaining Confederate soldiers or something. I've now moved that ridiculous emotion to even the lane expansion on I-10 thru Pensacola. I find myself looking for tags and wondering if they are surprised we need 6 or 8 lanes to make traffic flow. It's pretty pathetic really. ;) But I don't know how to stop myself from that emotion. Been pummeled too long.

[Port_of_Bama]

Ive been tdriving back and forth to pcola the last month, but these last few days have been packed with evacuees going east then back west. I couldn't help but think how great our skyline looks now with the new additions. I wouldnt have given it a thought in the days PreRSA/Riverview addition, but now I think some of these people will look back into visiting Mobile or cruising from Mobile after coming through town on I-10.


yeah it does especialy when you first enter the tunnel the skyline looks much more dense to me. I am ready for the Fantasy to be part of the Mobile skyline, becasue the Holiday doesn`t look right any more.

[elb401]

If you drive down MLK jr. Blvd toward downtown you will see a great skyline scene. It almost feels like a different city.

[pboo74]

Has anyone got an updated pic of the Hampton inn downtown?Also how are the meetings going with the new plan Mobile' dealing with downtown? Maritime museum what is up with that???????????????????

[nimsjus]

Lots of news today...
From Kathy Jumpers column-
There is news that the former Picklefish location will be filled by Pintolis. Apparently they do pizza, pasta and stecks. THey have other locations in Satsuma and Atmore. If anyone has been before I would be surious to hear opinions.
Also news on everyones favorite downtown property. Apparently three hotel companies have offers down for the CSX property. The 1.6 acre site is asking 2.25 million.
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/kjumper.ssf?/base/business/1220778944175530.xml&coll=3
Also there was tons of downtown restaraunt news in Lagniappe this week.
http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/1667
There are quite a few upcoming and current restaurant openings in the area. First, Cheeburger, Cheeburger, a national chain based on the popular ‘70s skit from Saturday Night Live, has opened on Schillinger Road – the first in our area. I don’t know if Dan Akroyd showed up for the grand opening. This place offers burgers from five to twenty ounces and you can build your own with over 25 free toppings from A-1, banana peppers, peanut butter (yuck) to cucumbers or guacamole.
They also have “famous” onion rings and fries that come with a choice of five sauces such as chile lime, Texas horseradish and creamy cheese.
Imagine a milkshake flavor and they have it, with the ability to create 378,000 flavor combinations. Cheeburger, Cheeburger has specialty sandwiches and salads as well, but who would want that?
One last interesting feature is that as a company they are committed to helping fundraising events by holding them in their store, creating posters and flyers, organizing the food and cutting you a deal to make money. I will have to make the long trip out there soon to check it out for you.
I have peeked in the windows of a new, nice looking building on Government Street at the Loop that has a sign for “The Taste of New Orleans French Café” – I could not find anyone around to talk about it. I understand from our sales rep that they will have a drive-through out back for beignets and chicory coffee to begin with and the menu is currently being finalized.
Also, Michael’s Downtown Café will soon be open once he finishes his inspections. His place is located in the former Uncle Simie’s deli at the corner of St. Michael and Conception.
Taste!, the popular wine shop with regular wine tastings in the Ashland Station development on Old Shell just east of Florida Street will be starting their wine bar on Aug. 28. That is sure to be a hit and with the Ashland Midtown Pub doing a brisk lunch and dinner business this area continues to draw people from all over the area.
The Bull, Wendell Quimby’s new Spanish/South American restaurant, has shown further signs of life. This will be in between Café 615 and Wintzell’s in LoDa on Dauphin Street.
Callaghan’s is featured in Inbibe magazine as one of the top 100 places in the country to drink beer. Glad to hear they now have a steady supply of all kinds of beers, including those with no alcohol.
Beginning Sept. 8, the Palette Café out at the Mobile Museum of Art will open on Monday’s for lunch.
Also, True is now open for lunch and dinner on Mondays.
Judy’s Place is on Highway 90 next to Southern Leather Gallery is a new bar with pub food for you WeMo residents.
Craig Barbarin is the new chef at the Holiday Inn Lafayette Plaza on Government Street in downtown Mobile. He was previously at Brennan’s in New Orleans as Executive Chef for 17 years.
They have redone the menu to feature French Creole cuisine, more seasoned and not spicy. The restaurant is located on the main level and is open for dinner. If you have not been inside, an impressive renovation was done, with cool lighting fixtures and mod style furniture.
Moka’s is now serving drive-though customers at their new location on Dauphin Street just west of Sage Avenue.

[bayou15]

I hope its a highrise on the csx land. But Boner might get mad cause it would over shadow the Riverview. Mrs Hunter at Downtown Mobile Alliance would neauw....hint...hint...cough cough

[Scottybo]

Pintoli's has pretty good food. I've only ever been to the one in Satsuma, though.

They're a step down from Olive Garden and Carabba's, but they still have a great menu, focused on Italian. I've had the lasagna and chicken parmesan (maybe parmigiana) and they were both very good. Seems like a hole-in-the-wall until you get inside. Pretty detailed with a few TV's and an area in the back set up for couples/dates with curtains that can be let down and a sort of starry-sky scenery on the ceiling.

I may be going more in-depth than you wanted to hear, but I'd prefer Pintoli's over Olive Garden or Carabba's any day; the taste/quality of the food comes close to competing with the two above. That and the lower prices are the main factors I'd rather Pintoli's. They are also usually not as busy and you can be seated fairly quickly.

We need one in West Mobile.

[nimsjus]

Pintoli's has pretty good food. I've only ever been to the one in Satsuma, though.

They're a step down from Olive Garden and Carabba's, but they still have a great menu, focused on Italian. I've had the lasagna and chicken parmesan (maybe parmigiana) and they were both very good. Seems like a hole-in-the-wall until you get inside. Pretty detailed with a few TV's and an area in the back set up for couples/dates with curtains that can be let down and a sort of starry-sky scenery on the ceiling.

I may be going more in-depth than you wanted to hear, but I'd prefer Pintoli's over Olive Garden or Carabba's any day; the taste/quality of the food comes close to competing with the two above. That and the lower prices are the main factors I'd rather Pintoli's. They are also usually not as busy and you can be seated fairly quickly.

We need one in West Mobile.

Interesting... I was picturing something between olive garden and the fast food italian at fazzolis. Not as good as picklefish, but I am just glad the location won't sit empty and be a drag on the image of the area. I feel like during the brewerys closing it kind of frug down everybody else because it was a prominant building in a prominant location. the Picklefish spot is kind of the same way. I hope they keep that sign somehow, but I bet they scrap it.

[pboo74]

I hope its a high rise on the csx land. But Boner might get mad cause it would over shadow the Riverview. Mrs Hunter at Downtown Mobile Alliance would neauw....hint...hint...cough cough

Yeah I hope it's a high rise also with retail incorporated into it?

[Port_of_Bama]

Has anyone got an updated pic of the hampton inn downtown?Also how are the meetings going with the new plan for'Mobile' dealing with downtown? Maritime museum what is up with that???????????????????




Last I read they had 8 million $ more to raise to break ground on the Maritime.

[SouthSky]

I've heard that riverside hotel could be a Hilton or Hyatt...

[nimsjus]

Hyatt or Hilton would both be welcome additions. Also there is an article in the P-R today about the Mardi Gras Park land. The county comission asked the city to clarify a time frame that they would raise the funds to build the park. The old contract basically said the city had all eternity to raise moeny for the park. The new agreement says the city has four years to raise the money after the completion of the county annex and if they do not have the money in that time frame, the county gets the land back. I think that is a pretty fair move. Supporters of the park have every opportunity to get the park. If they are not serious about it, the land will go back to the county for development.

[10101000]

Any update on Ladd's renovations?
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/laddpeebles.jpg

[10101000]

On the second story of Bienville Books, wicked changes are afoot. Workers sort stacks to open the “Haunted Book Loft. This room pays tribute to the old Haunted Book Shop that existed in downtown mobile for half a century.

“People have a long memory in mobile so they still remember the haunted book shop,” says owner Russ Adams. “When I opened Bienville books I thought it always would be nice to honor them in some way.” Adams says he got special permission from original owner Adele Trig to use the "Haunted Book Loft" name. The two month project helps them unload a ton of stuff from storage.

“It's been kind of cool because we had way too many books downstairs and now we have a place to put all the books people want but they don't really come in for,” says Literary Manager Alyson Gamble. Much of the loft is devoted to sci-fi and horror books.

“It's a very popular field and I’ve not really run across too many book stores totally devoted to this particular area,” says Adams. The Loft has a soft open this Friday at 6 in conjunction with the monthly LoDa Art Walk

http://www.wkrg.com/local/article/old_mobile_book_shop_gets_tribute_downtown/17766/

[10101000]

This stats that Hyatt Place is developing a new hotel in Mobile

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2008_1st/Jan08_HyattPlacePace.html

[10101000]

Prototype
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/night_large_13.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/hostStand_enlarge.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/cafeAndGrab-n-go_enlarge.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/desk_enlarge.jpg

[nimsjus]

Prototype
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/night_large_13.jpg

I hope they come up with a more unique building to take up the most coveted and most visible location left on our waterfront.

[bayou15]

:previous: :previous: That looks like a Best Western on Biloxi Beach :haha:

[10101000]

I hate to break it to you, but that is what Hyatt Place looks like.

[OCA REP]

I hope they come up with a more unique building to take up the most coveted and most visible location left on our waterfront.

New constructions get this "look." Remodels (of existing properties) get as close as possible and the interiors will for sure carry the new theme. I do not think it looks that bad... and you could probably do worse.

[bayou15]

The hyatt by the dome in Nawlins:tup: is what we need. Not some roach motel with neaux retail. Besides, what ever gets built will be on top of a multi - story parking garage. There is just not enough room :tup:

[pboo74]

Hopefully they will build upwards and have underground parking with some retail incorporated into it.

[bayou15]

:previous: jackpot baby :cheers:

[Electrical Porpoise]

If they build a Hyatt that looks like that I will personally burn it down.

Hopefully my fire will spread to Gov't Plaza, too.

[NitekKetin]

^that Hyatt Place rendering looks more appropriate for a site fronting I-65 in west Mobile. I can almost hear the pretitious, 'hip' mod muzak pounding in the lobby.

[spookyapp]

Who said anything about it going in downtown? Maybe I'm missing something. I checked their development site and it just said that it was going into the city of Mobile. It didn't designate a specific location or part of town.

[bayou15]

http://www.worldoffail.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/fail2.jpg


http://www.worldoffail.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/fail-24.jpg

[10101000]

That sounds like sarcasm, but your welcome.

[Randallg223]

I really don't believe Hyatt would spend nearly 2 million dollars on a piece of property to build that hotel. I agree, that surely that is something they'd build out at I-65/airport, Saraland/158 area or Tillmans Corner.

[Muskavon]

"HEY (Tim) thanks for the great research !"

....as far as I can tell from reading Tim's post about the hotel...he never metioned it in downtown....if that is what you are getting on him about.

[bayou15]

Just joking around:tup: Really that was good research. We need more on the forum like that:cheers:

[pboo74]

Whatever hotel that goes at the csx site will have to be a highrise, because there's no room for a flat spread out hotel?Any updated construction pics of the Hampton Inn downtown?

[10101000]

http://www.comebackhometomobile.com/video/

[Alabadrock]

That's a great video. It's true too.

[| BRAVO |]

Where's that video playing?

[pboo74]

I'm going to say this even though it seems like no one is reading or replying But I hope that the old courthouse land will feature a condo tower/retail/office and somehow they can incorporate an urban park or the mardi gras park with it because that space is just too big for a park by itself.What do you guys think?

[BlessedMobile]

Pboo...I think it will take a hotel to make the CSX site commercially viable. The reason the Water Street Landing failed was that they could not get the numbers to work for the cost to build versus the selling price of the units. Most were going to be sold unfinished just to keep the price down. It would be a beautiful site so close to the water. I hate to cut the view down at the Riverview but Bronner can stop this by buying the land and building his own hotel. As for the park, I could not believe the county gave away that land for next to nothing so the city could build a park...what a waste. Nodine has his panties in a wade over the annexation so he has decided to yell about the lousy deal. I think the city and county will renegotiate.

[pboo74]

Pboo...I think it will take a hotel to make the CSX site commercially viable. The reason the Water Street Landing failed was that they could not get the numbers to work for the cost to build versus the selling price of the units. Most were going to be sold unfinished just to keep the price down. It would be a beautiful site so close to the water. I hate to cut the view down at the Riverview but Bronner can stop this by buying the land and building his own hotel. As for the park, I could not believe the county gave away that land for next to nothing so the city could build a park...what a waste. Nodine has his panties in a wade over the annexation so he has decided to yell about the lousy deal. I think the city and county will renegotiate.

BlessedMobile I think you're right about the csx site i do think a hotel will be better off their also.The idea of a big wall of condos at that site just wouldn't look right.But I was like at least someone is trying to build condos downtown and retail as well.

[pboo74]

What's the latest on the old Gayfers bldg?I know it was sold but are they working on it?

[elb401]

they have been working on the inside for a few months now. Its a huge building.

[10101000]

Trying to find a loft and they are almost gone, well then one's that I wanted anyway.

[pkp]

Trying to find a loft and they are almost gone, well then one's that I wanted anyway.

There are plenty of places available!

[MobiMan]

Hey everyone its been a long 2 weeks anyway i wanted to tell you guys what i do for a living , well atleast when a Disaster strikes,
i work for a company called Parr Inspections, we are contracted to do the inspections for FEMA, I make $50 an Inspection, i do 10 to 20 a day, 10 on a bad day 20 on a really good day 15 being what i do most days
i average $22,000 a month
disasters usually last from 2 weeks to 6 months at most
plan on working around 3 months
www.parrinspections.com

we need more inspectors so anyone interested go to site
click on schedules sign up for the free class it last 3 days
1st day finger prints and background check
2nd day 6 hr class
3rd day 6 hr briefing
4th and 5th day background check clears
6th day you are working

check out the site, you also have to fill out online application
it doesnt matter what you background is
you can do this job
everyone is welcome they train you

oh yea they do direct deposit every week
make sure you put taxes to the side

check it out it is ligit ive been doing this for 4 years i worked Katrina
and in 4 months i made $70,000 cash

ive been working this disaster 2 weeks and already have made $8,700

www.parrinspections.com (all lower case letters)

[10101000]

There are plenty of places available!

Please give me some insite! I have been checking out sites online to find a place but really cannot get a feel unless I am there. I want to buy one.

[PHX4EVER]

I took few pictures while drivin on I-10.Some of the pictures was taken with my phone cam.
http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-092.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-069.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-077.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-090.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-075.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-073.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-074.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-072.jpg

[10101000]

Nice!!!!!!!!!!

[CottonCity251]

Nice shots phx4ever!
You captured some of the best views of the skyline!

[BlessedMobile]

I thought it was clear to everyone that the same guy who is doing the Hampton is doing the other hotel which will be on the site of the demolished bank building. This developer happens to have a history with Hyatt and thus Hyatt Place is the logical hotel for the property. This is a moderate priced business class hotel...not something you put on a premier piece of waterfront. Rest easy friends.
PS...those are great shots phx4ever. give us more.

[SouthSky]

Good shots phx... anyone been down Royal Street lately to see how the downtown Hampton is coming along?