[Port_of_Bama]

i could see something like this one my friend Buckett (Steven) drew a long while back, that ive shown on here several times:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj160/dshulm1/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel6.jpg

or this
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj160/dshulm1/AmSouthBankBuildingremodel4.jpg



Oh yeah I like the second one best and it will been even better if the green and blue on the building was lit up at night. Every building downtown has some sort of lighting on it which is cool to me.


I wish Buckett could do atleast another design i see big plans in his future nice work well done !!

[phoenixboi08]

I've wondered for the longest whether or not it would be possible to add another smaller building atop the parking deck?

It would be nice if the building could be demolished so that they could start from scratch...

[BlessedMobile]

I just found out that the downtown Ramada is going condo. It will be called "Church Street Condos" or something similar. Prices start at $79K. They are having an open house this Sunday from 1-5pm. For more info contact Pam Middleton at Dauphin Realty.

[phoenixboi08]

That's the pink hotel across from the Civic Center right? I always thought they should become condos...Are they building new units, or transforming the existing ones?

[SouthSky]

Let's hope they some major overhauls for the good of the project. That place is always crazily dirty.

[BlessedMobile]

That's the pink hotel across from the Civic Center right? I always thought they should become condos...Are they building new units, or transforming the existing ones?

They will just fix them up and let'em go. The guy that owns them has a few other hotels in the area but this was one of his first. It will probably be a good deal for a lot of folks. I think the layout of the property lends itself to a condo complex.

[phoenixboi08]

They will just fix them up and let'em go. The guy that owns them has a few other hotels in the area but this was one of his first. It will probably be a good deal for a lot of folks. I think the layout of the property lends itself to a condo complex.

That's definitely true...I just hope that it isn't a halfhearted attempt...you know, like the person is trying to make a profit without the risk? I don't know...I guess I just want this to turn out amazing, it might spur further interest in residential development downtown.

[Muskavon]

^ 79K starting price? I hope we aren't looking for "amazing".

[nimsjus]

Blessed is one step ahead of the PR. From reading the article it sounds like you are basically getting a hotel room with a kitchenette squeezed into it. I don't see these as an option for a family, but alot of people may buy them for business stays and Mardi Gras. If I had a business that routinely sent people to Mobile for sales or other business, I would just buy one of these and have the traveling business folks stay here instead of a hotel. You could easily cover the morgage with what you would save from putting people up in hotels. I really like the location of this project. I want to see the finished product. Could be a really cool place for young professionals, especially if they do something big with the civic center site.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1233310554113870.xml&coll=3
Downtown Mobile's Ramada Inn to be converted into condominiums
Friday, January 30, 2009
By KATHY JUMPER Real Estate Editor
The 131 rooms at the Ramada Inn at 255 Church St. are being converted into condominium units at prices starting at $79,900, according to the owner and Realtors.
A new city master plan calls for more residential living downtown, and the hotel would fill that need, said owner Jackie Nguyen.
"If I set a very good price, I believe there is a market," said Nguyen, who five years ago paid more than $3.1 million for the former Holiday Inn Express, according to court records.
Nguyen said he will soon open a new 100-room Wingate Inn in Tillman's Corner off Interstate 10 and doesn't want to run two hotels.
He said he hopes that the people who rent rooms at the Ramada during Mardi Gras will become buyers.
"We are the prime location for parades," Nguyen said, adding that he's saving a unit for himself with Mardi Gras in mind.
Pitching the Ramada as condos may be a tough sell in a difficult financial market, according to local commercial Realtor Richard Weavil of The Weavil Co., who has done condo conversion projects.
"If I owned those, I would rent them out, and they'd probably be leased before the end of the week," Weavil said. "That's how good the rental market is."
The 400-square-foot units would rent for about $400 a month, Weavil estimated.
Assuming 20 percent down, monthly mortgage payments would be about $450, according to Realtors. A $219 monthly homeowners association fee will cover electricity, water, cable and insurance, said June Hope of Dauphin Realty, which is marketing the units.
It would be helpful if the owner could offer some 100 percent financing package for first-time buyers, said John Peebles of Grubb & Ellis/Peebles & Cameron, who is working on plans for a 26-unit condominium at Joachim and St. Francis streets.
"It could be a heck of a deal," he said. "If you can bring in a very low-priced product, you'll see some of them sell. It's a very rentable commodity."
The Ramada will be renamed Church Street Condos once 45 of the units are sold. A model unit will be featured in an open house Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., Hope said.
Furnished and ranging from 400 to 500 square feet, units will be sold as is, said Nguyen, who will add efficiency kitchens in each unit and a laundry on the hotel grounds.
The rooms were updated a year ago, including new bath fixtures and paint, he said. Existing amenities include a pool and exercise room.
The hotel, which is across the street from the Mobile Civic Center, includes a two-story structure in the front with four- and six-story buildings in the rear. The upper floor units are priced in the $90s, Hope said.
Nguyen's staff will manage condos whose owners want to rent them, she said. Rooms go for $209 to $239 per night during the Carnival season, according to the hotel staff.
"He is totally booked during Mardi Gras," Hope said.

[ChristopherNFTL]

I just hope that they do it correctly. At that price, it could get very seedy very quickly, but if done right it could offer a great opportunity for young professionals who are just starting out to live downtown. That is something that would really put some life in the area in my opinion.

[phoenixboi08]

The whole thing sounds a little "seedy" to me...I just don't think this idea will fly...but I hope I'm wrong of course.

[Port_of_Bama]

I hope the condos fall through as well even if they are 75 K I believe it will be good for young proffesionals such as my self.


I was at the Springhill game last night and was in awww by the views of the city up there it seemed as if I was living in a city with a metro of around 800 k !! I was able to see Dt and all points of west ,south and north the views were crazy last night !!

[SouthSky]

Well, some news from the "Alabama Motorsports Park":

Link (http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21983.html)

Earnhardt group makes deal for purchase of Memphis track

ThatsRacin.com Report

Friday, Jan. 30, 2009


A company with ties to Dale Earnhardt Jr., his sister and half-brother are going to buy Memphis Motorsports Park.

Dover Motorsports Inc. on Friday announced it has reached an agreement to sell Memphis Motorsports Park to Gulf Coast Entertainment for $10 million cash and shares of Gulf Coast stock. Gulf Coast Entertainment, in which Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt and Kerry Earnhardt are key investors, is the company behind a proposed 2,400-acre complex - with three race tracks - near Mobile, Ala.

As part of the Memphis track deal, Dover Motorsports will receive a 2 percent interest in Gulf Coast Entertainment and will provide management services at the Alabama facility. Closing on the sale of Memphis Motorsports Park, at Millington, Tenn., is expected by April 30. No immediate schedule changes are expected at Memphis, where NASCAR Nationwide and Truck series are held, along with NHRA Full Throttle events.
In addition to the Memphis property, Dover Motorsports operates three other tracks that host NASCAR events, including Dover (Del.) International Speedway, Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis, Mo., and Nashville Superspeedway.

[NitekKetin]

That Downtown Ramada would make for one downscale condo complex. It would be like turning a suburban Motel 6 building into loft apartments. The building itself is set too far back from Jackson Street.

I would demolish the thing and construct a nice mid-rise infill building, with obligatory ground-level retail/commercial spaces.

[SouthSky]

Here is what Mayor Jones is wanting include in the stimulus package in full view:

http://www.cityofmobile.org/news.php?view=full&news=1503

I highlighted in red what I feel are big ones.

[hr]

Mayor Sam Jones and the Mobile City Council are supporting the U.S. Conference of Mayors (http://www.usmayors.org/) in their MainStreet Economic Recovery Package (http://www.usmayors.org/mainstreeteconomicrecovery/) being put forth before President-Elect Barack Obama.

Mayors are reporting that in 641 cities of all sizes in all regions of the country, a total of 15,221 local infrastructure projects are "ready to go." These projects represent an infrastructure investment of $96,638,419,313 that would be capable of producing an estimated 1,221,677 jobs in calendar years 2009 and 2010. These are the cumulative totals of projects, required funding, and jobs to be created that have been reported in the three surveys of cities conducted by the Conference of Mayors.

Mayors believe their plan responds to President-Elect Obama’s goal of creating 2.5 million jobs to spur the national economy.

Below is a breakdown of the projects being requested by the City of Mobile, and the economic development and job projections accompanying each:

SCHOOLS – Total Budget: $360,000,000 – Total Jobs: 25,000

The City of Mobile’s public education system is provided through the Mobile County Public School System, which is the largest school system in the state of Alabama with over 100 public school buildings. The schools system is one of the largest employers in our municipality and in this past year has had to lay off more than 100 teachers, administrators and support personnel. The City provides significant financial support to the school system and recognizes the direct link between a healthy public school system and the development and retention of a strong workforce. There is a direct link between the area’s economic tax income and the budgets available for public schools. All economic stimulus provided at a local, main street level will impact the available tax income for public schools. Specifically related to school system construction and educational facilities improvements, for the Survey period (2009-2010), we have sixty-four (64) school facility projects ranging from minor to total renovation, school additions and new schools “ready-to-go.”

WATER – Total Budget: $178,310,000 – Total Jobs: 320

The Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners has identified within this document ready-to-go sanitary sewer infrastructure projects totaling $178,310,000. These projects vary from repair and rehabilitation to full replacement of existing gravity sanitary sewer infrastructure to combat sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) caused by: 1) storm water and ground water infiltration and inflow (I&I); 2) blockages due to defective pipe and root intrusion; and 3) pipe collapses. Also identified are rehabilitation and upgrades to sanitary sewer lift stations as well as new construction projects for process structures needed to better treat and manage wastewater for the protection of public health and the environment. Much of the sanitary sewer system in Mobile has reached its design life and is in need of renewal. Many of the proposed projects are within our older inner city communities where deterioration of sewer infrastructures is the most severe. Much of the sanitary sewer conveyance system is beneath roadways. When the sanitary sewer is renewed, it provides benefits to all adjacent infrastructures including the streets that lie above it.

PUBLIC SAFETY: FIRE-RESCUE – Total Budget: $86,750,000 – Total Jobs: 1,000

At the present time the current condition of Fire Rescue facilities, equipment and staffing are in need of significant improvement across the board to comply with comply with the recommended requirements of the Insurances Services Organizations and the Commission on Fire Accreditation. These include Renovation and replacement for aging facilities; Equipment upgrades and replacement; Adding staff to complement existing facilities and needs; Staff training; Public outreach; New facilities, equipment, and staffing in recently annexed areas of our growing municipality.

ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE – Total Budget: $500,000 – Total Jobs: 120

Main relocation and renewal for the EADS/Northrop Grumman facilities that will be built on the Brookley Industrial Complex. This will entail renewal of several miles of 12" , 8" and 6" cast iron as well as various sizes of steel piping on Brookley as well as Broad St and Michigan Avenue, depending upon the infrastructure adjustments made to accommodate the size of the facilities and ancillary businesses.

ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE – Total Budget: $2,941,300 – Total Jobs: 441

Multiple Relocation, Renewal, Refurbishment Projects to maintain and upgrade existing gas transfer infrastructure.

ENERGY: "Re-powering an Electric Utility Coal Unit with 100% Biomass" – Total Budget: $100,000,000 – Total Jobs: 193

The City of Mobile and Alabama Power Company, (A Southern Company), are dedicated partners in economic development, workforce development, strategic planning and active growth of this community to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The City supports the study and feasible implementation of alternative and renewable energy operations to best meet a sustainable future for our region. As a part of the normal resource planning activities of the company; Southern Company and Alabama Power Company continuously investigate the potential for expanded use of renewable resources in power generation. In particular, the company is currently engaged in conducting several feasibility studies to evaluate the technologies, biomass resources, and economics of converting one or more of its existing coal units to 100% biomass, a renewable resource. This project’s size is estimated to be 70 - 80 megawatts (MW), requiring an annual fuel supply of 700,000 - 800,000 tons of biomass. Selected Alabama Power plant sites are being evaluated as a part of these feasibility studies, including the primary electrical generating facility for Mobile, the Barry Steam Plant. The feasibility study is scheduled to be complete by mid-2009. Results of the study will be evaluated for biomass resource availability, technology efficiency, environmental performance, and economic viability. The construction schedule (including environmental permitting) would start in October 2009 following feasibility study approval and construction is estimated to take 24 months.

PUBLIC SAFETY: LAW ENFORCEMENT – Total Budget: $15,571,000 – Total Jobs: 135

The City of Mobile’s immediate “ready to go” needs within Public Safety for Police budgeting are directly centered on increasing personnel in all areas, sworn officers, information and forensic specialists to integrate the latest in technology aides, and providing for public outreach programs. These needs include the support of the NIBIN-National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, better integration with the U.S. Marshall service and independent use of cell phone tracking systems currently not directly owned and available to our police force to track cell phones in homicide and drug cases, the ability to equip and man a Tactical Response Unit that requires twenty four hour coverage to respond to high risk search warrants and hostage situations that occur within the City of Mobile’s response area, division level response and care specifically for certain “types” of crime victims, i.e., Juvenile, CAC, Domestic Violence, Sex Crimes, etc, where we currently do not have such dedicated personnel, aerial patrol and response capabilities, and outreach programs for youth populations in areas of high risk as well as minority populations with Limited English Proficiencies (LEP).

Like many municipalities, the City of Mobile needs additional professional staff in the IT fields to maximize the benefits of today’s rapid development of computer network communications, high-speed data searches, and information sharing and analysis, wireless communication devices, and the continuing emergence of new applications of technologies for crime prevention, response, research and defense. Likewise, Mobile must add new forensic laboratory capabilities and lab technicians and medical professionals as these all play an increased role in the total capacity for police services.

Mobile sits in a confluence of transportation corridors from the Gulf of Mexico and southern hemisphere connecting with our Federal Interstate and Highways providing access in all directions. With funding, plans are ready to launch the Mobile Police Interstate Interdiction Unit to reduce the illegal activity that exists on the Federal Interstate System, specifically the I-10 and I-65 Federal Interstates which are among the top traveled routes in the national interstate system. This unit will also respond to activities on the less visible but highly used Federal Highways within the jurisdiction of the Mobile Police Department. The focus of this MPII Unit would be to decrease the amount of illegal narcotics that are trafficked within our jurisdiction. In addition to the narcotics crimes, the MPIIU would aid in the enforcement of Immigration Laws, by assisting the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, which documents the number of illegal immigrants that are found.
Mobile, Alabama has more than 300 years as a principal port city for North America. The Port of Mobile is currently the tenth largest port in the United States. Current international terrorism trends include the interruption of free-world maritime trade. The City of Mobile has plans ready to provide a Police Port Security Unit to increase security in the Port of Mobile. The implementation of this unit would provide a substantial measure of security for the maritime industry located in the Port of Mobile and provide greater integration with Department of Homeland Security requirements for port protection, security and defense.

PUBLIC TRANSIT – Total Budget: $13,000,000 – Total Jobs: 10

The City of Mobile has identified improved public transit as an immediate requirement for meeting the needs of a growing workforce that is housed within a mix of urban, suburban and rural areas within our surrounding region. The City of Mobile’s economic engine provides for a growing employment base drawn from adjacent counties and states. Currently, due principally to federal funding regulatory limitations, our public transit operator can only provide service within the municipal limits. And within those limits during FY08, our transit service provider, The Wave Transit, transported over one million passenger trips on its fixed route services. We have “ready to go” plans to increase awareness of public transportation and accommodate the growing need for alternate modes of transportation. These include operational service expansions that increase headway frequencies for existing fixed route structure (ex. 60 min interval to 30 minute interval) throughout our service area, and add transportation services to outside the impractical forced service limits to the newest steel production plant now under construction in the United States, ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA, LLC in rural Mobile County. Additionally, in our recently completed city master planning exercise, it was identified that our public transit service throughout our downtown trolley loop should increase its service with increased headway, improved downtown to midtown connections with new trolley services, improvements to bus stop conditions – adding benches, shade and trash amenities, and to improve public awareness of service options with posted maps, flyers, education programs and marketing and wireless information services. Budgeting for these plans in FY09 and FY10 is estimated at $13,000,000 including purchase of replacement and new rolling stock with ten (10) full time jobs to be created. Job creation does not include downstream multiplier effects.

TRANSIT: Waterfront Terminal Complex – Total Budget: $52,000,000 – Total Jobs: 700

The City of Mobile continues strategic re-development of its downtown public waterfront with the next phase of The Mobile Waterfront Terminal Complex, an ongoing project dedicated to revitalizing alternative transportation throughout our region and engaging the public use and enhancement of a formerly blighted, brownfield riverfront. This next project phase includes “ready to go” construction of a 100,000 square foot facility facility - The Mobile Landing Maritime Transportation Center - that will include the hub terminal for a high speed passenger ferry scheduled to service the Mobile Bay area communities and link with land-side public transportation services at key ferry terminals around Mobile Bay. Planning, permitting and design are complete and facility construction plans have been approved. This strategic project has been partially funded through public and private collaboration covering two major elements of facility construction. There are additional funding requirements remaining to completely cover budgeted estimates for full construction and operational start up. The City of Mobile has placed a Construction Manager under contract for the facility element of this project – this is truly ready to go. With a complete facility construction budget of $ 23 Million, economic impact studies on terminal facility construction alone indicate an additional positive impact of more than $6,000,000 for Mobile’s economy with more than 450 new construction jobs created and then following a two year construction schedule, 80 permanent full time jobs will be created by the end of 2010. In addition to this terminal facility, plans have been prepared and are also in “ready to go” packages for additional parking structures and parking improvements, street improvements, and pedestrian bridges that will provide for access to this waterfront terminal complex from our downtown entertainment and business district which is separated from our waterfront by a busy four-laned at-grade arterial connector. Plans have been prepared, feasibility studies performed and regional alliances prepared for implementation of a high speed passenger ferry service originating from this facility complex. To fully engage these ready to go packages for the remaining waterfront terminal complex, parking and transportation improvements, pedestrian bridge and initiating two years of implementation activities for the passenger ferry service, funding is estimated at $52 Million with more than 600 construction jobs and 100 full time jobs estimated to be created in Mobile. Other communities around the Mobile Bay area have plans ready for their own ferry terminal facilities – the job creation multiplier effect of initiating this project is enormous. We take great pride in having this project on the burner and welcome the opportunity to present the job and economic benefits to be realized from this investment.

HIGHWAYS: Michigan Avenue Bridge – Total Budget: $6,240,000 – Total Jobs: 138

Built in 1941, The 224 foot long Michigan Avenue Bridge over CSX Railroad is a main north to south entranceway to the Mobile Airport Authority’s huge industrial complex at the former US Air Force Base, Brookley Field. Various large and small businesses operate from the Brookley Industrial Complex, with an employment base of more than 2,800. This aging bridge is vital to general and commercial /supply traffic. The latest bridge inspection report indicated severe lateral movement of the substructure, severe cracking and spalling of the superstructure. The bridge deficiency letter recommended a weight limit posting at 15 tons, with only light duty truck traffic. It also recommends replacement in one year, closure of the bridge if large trucks can not be kept off the bridge, or when the movement and cracking gets too severe. The project will involve replacing the six span concrete bridge with a new structure, along the same horizontal alignment, with basically the same typical section, but updated to meet current standards. Project Costs is estimated at $3,304,000 with 5 to 20 direct new construction jobs. One other bridge replacement project is in “ready to go” status along with multiple smaller streetscape improvement projects with project budgets totaling $2,240,000 with 53 new jobs. Total Project Budgets are 6,240,000 with 138 new jobs.

WASTEWATER – Total Budget: $36,000,000 – Total Jobs: 1,400

The City of Mobile’s Public Works Department has “ready to go” nineteen (19) infrastructure projects directly related to rehabilitating aging water and sewer infrastructure, complying with sewer overflow issues, and promoting source water protection. These projects have aggregate budgets totaling more than $36,000,000 and a total job creation impact - if all projects are engaged simultaneously - at approximately 1,400.

CDBG – Total Budget: $18,000,000 – Total Jobs: 216

The City of Mobile has established the Mobile Housing Board (MHB) to administer CDBG monies received as a part of HUD related and other federally applicable grants. Specific projects are nominated for approval through the MHB, Public Works Dept., and City Council. We have more than 44 projects planned and ready to go in 2009 – 2010, including the construction and improvements of public facilities, streets, and neighborhood centers; and assistance to profit-motivated businesses to carry out economic development and job creation/retention activities. The aggregate funding needs for these projects is estimated at more than $18 million and the construction related jobs created or supported are estimated at 216.

HIGHWAYS: Outer Loop Bypass – Total Budget: $293,000,000 – Total Jobs: 800

Planned as a part of the MPO's long range planning for transportation, this 21 mile, north-south connector will assist in reducing transit times, congestion and speed commercial throughput on municipal, state and federal roadways becoming increasingly impacted by a growing city. This $293,000,000 budgeted project, if initiated in 2009, will create approximately 800 jobs by end of 2010.

Total Budget = $1,075,409,050
Total Jobs = 30,473

[Alxx611]

Some construction going on at the University of South Alabama:


Bell Tower and Alumni Plaza:

http://www.southalabama.edu/homeimages/belltower.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/Random/100_1373.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/Random/100_1375.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/Random/100_1374.jpg



New Student Rec Center

http://www.southalabama.edu/publicrelations/pressreleases/2008pr/studentrec.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/Random/100_1376.jpg

More to come soon..

[Electrical Porpoise]

Alxx, what is South's current rec center like? I can't even remember where it is.

[BlessedMobile]

Well, some news from the "Alabama Motorsports Park":

Link (http://www.thatsracin.com/topstories/story/21983.html)

This is great news. I have been saying for some time that the investors had not put any money into the venture beyond earnest money for the land buy that has not happened. Someone has stepped up to the plate to put in the 10 million to tie in the Gulf Coast Entertainment name. I think the real money players have taken over and could make our track happen. One of the big issues for money brokers is that our initial investors had no experience running a motorsports park; including Dover as park managers drops that obstacle. Notice too that Dover accepted stock in GCE which should tell us that the racing community does have confidence in the AMP project. I still feel that we must read that AMP has bought the land before the project can obtain permanent financing for development...I mean, come on...would you lend money to someone to build on land they don't own? You might think that they would bundle the land with the development but that would still leave the money people with all of the risk and have the owners with no money of consequence in the project. I do know that AMP has been looking for equity partners and they may have found some in the persons of the Earnharts and others. This has got to appear in the PR with additional details. I'm again excited that this track could actually happen.

[BlessedMobile]

That's definitely true...I just hope that it isn't a halfhearted attempt...you know, like the person is trying to make a profit without the risk? I don't know...I guess I just want this to turn out amazing, it might spur further interest in residential development downtown.

Jackie runs a tight ship on that property and will oversee the condo association. He likes neat, clean and orderly. One thing I can guarantee all of you is that it won't be "seedy". I think this might be a good place for investors to buy units to make them rentals. Downtown living is a big draw for more and more people, especially you young ones, so this change will probably give us some more rentals. Dauphin Realty has a lot of investor clients who may want in on this venture. If any of you are interested in being a renter, call Dauphin Realty and tell them; they will then use your interest to get buyers from whom you can rent. win/win.

[phoenixboi08]

South will now finally have a nice campus!

[nimsjus]

Alxx, what is South's current rec center like? I can't even remember where it is.

I think it is the old Jag Gym next to the Mitchell Center

[Alxx611]

Yeah, the old Rec center is by the Mitchell Center. its very small compared to this new one which will have swimming pools, batting cages, and a much larger gym.

[buckett5425]

Someone suggested I design another new facade for the Bank Tower. I haven't had time, but the Idea I would play with is in the picture below. I happened to stumble across this image today and I think its exactly what should be done. What the image is below, is the remodeling of Verizon tower. It was an ugly facade they simply recladded in glass.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/54954031_VerisonBuilding.jpg

[Port_of_Bama]

Someone suggested I design another new facade for the Bank Tower. I haven't had time, but the Idea I would play with is in the picture below. I happened to stumble across this image today and I think its exactly what should be done. What the image is below, is the remodeling of Verizon tower. It was an ugly facade they simply recladded in glass.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/stevenb75/54954031_VerisonBuilding.jpg



My man buckett ! Been waiting for your response for some time now. I like the glass idea and thats what I envisoned for the building but blue tint instead of green. Also add that Las Vegas palm style roof top that was part of your second design that would look good and of course a nice light show as well !!

[BlessedMobile]

Buckett....you're hittin'em out the park. I like your design. I stared at that ugly monolith the other day from my seat in Serda's and thought there had to be some way to retro that thing. There is little they can do to the inside beyond tearing it all out but the outside can have your updatd look. You know Bronner will want to give the Monolith some of the RSA Tower appeal. Send your idea to Bronner in Montgomery.

[ChristopherNFTL]

Buckett....you're hittin'em out the park. I like your design. I stared at that ugly monolith the other day from my seat in Serda's and thought there had to be some way to retro that thing. There is little they can do to the inside beyond tearing it all out but the outside can have your updatd look. You know Bronner will want to give the Monolith some of the RSA Tower appeal. Send your idea to Bronner in Montgomery.

I know that they capped the old Adam's Mark, and it looks alright from the ground, but is it a done deal that he is going to do something to the Bank Building, or is it just rumor at this point? :shrug:

[nimsjus]

I know that they capped the old Adam's Mark, and it looks alright from the ground, but is it a done deal that he is going to do something to the Bank Building, or is it just rumor at this point? :shrug:

In the article in a previous post, Bonner just says it will be "updated" now that RSA bought it. All of us are speculating that he will do something to the outside since it is so bad looking. There have been no speciffics released about the updating.

[nimsjus]

Another small triangle park for downtown. I like the idea of having these everywhere. Those little spots of land are city owned and currently just sit empty. The only concern I have is the fact that we can create new parks like this one with a fountain, but there are lots of parks with broken fountains across town (Washington Square, Lyons Park, etc.)
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1233742582216240.xml&coll=3

[Port_of_Bama]

Another small triangle park for downtown. I like the idea of having these everywhere. Those little spots of land are city owned and currently just sit empty. The only concern I have is the fact that we can create new parks like this one with a fountain, but there are lots of parks with broken fountains across town (Washington Square, Lyons Park, etc.)
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1233742582216240.xml&coll=3



With all the parks downtown it would be nice if they would do a produce food market/venders, live music, or a sea food cook out in those parks on Fridays and Saturdays I would support that !

[nimsjus]

Cathedral Square has a Farmer's market from late spring through the fall on Saturday mornings. My wife and I have bought something every time we have been. Good produce, homemade breads, some seafood, pastas. it isnt huge, but there is good variety. I wish it was bigger. I think having the market at the park/art museum makes both of them smaller than if we just had one big one.

[nimsjus]

Story from the PR on the attempt to turn the historic Russel Elementary School into condos. The Board of Education extended the deadline for the developers to get everything together for the sale. Hopefully this goes through. We need these kinds of projects along Broad St to really make the Bring Back Broad deal worth it. The city is doing what it can to improve the things that it can (streets, streetcapes, landscaping, sidewalks, etc. ), but it is going to take private investment to really make the public improvements pop. Hopefully they make this happen.

[phoenixboi08]

Story from the PR on the attempt to turn the historic Russel Elementary School into condos. The Board of Education extended the deadline for the developers to get everything together for the sale. Hopefully this goes through. We need these kinds of projects along Broad St to really make the Bring Back Broad deal worth it. The city is doing what it can to improve the things that it can (streets, streetcapes, landscaping, sidewalks, etc. ), but it is going to take private investment to really make the public improvements pop. Hopefully they make this happen.

I really love that building, I hope this goes through. When will ground be broken on the Maritime Museum, or has that already happened?

[10101000]

Wednesday, February 04, 2009 By KAIJA WILKINSONBusiness Reporter
Iberiabank Corp. is opening a loan production office in the Mobile area and has named former Regions Financial Corp. commercial banker Lawrence "Russ" Ford Jr., 39, area president.

Iberiabank (Nasdaq: IBKC) is the 25th banking company now in business in Mobile or Baldwin counties, according to federal data.

Daryl Byrd, president and chief executive of Lafayette, La.-based Iberia, said the bank is impressed by the "good economic progress" in Alabama.

Executives are in town this week scouting property for the first physical location, and Ford will be hiring five to seven bankers and support staff, Byrd said.

He said he expects the loan office to open in about two weeks, with up to five full-service branches within three years.

Iberiabank, which now does business in nine states, tailors itself to fit different markets, Byrd said. In south Alabama, it plans to focus on midmarket commercial lending and private banking, he said.

Ford, a native of Decatur who now lives in the Mobile area with his family, said he joined Iberiabank because of its reputation and the growth opportunity.

"I learned through a friend and former colleague who works for Iberiabank that there are banks out there that are growing and looking to expand as others are dealing with consistent problems," Ford said.

http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1233742617216240.xml&coll=3

[ChristopherNFTL]

I really love that building, I hope this goes through. When will ground be broken on the Maritime Museum, or has that already happened?

I too am eager to see the museum go up. I cannot wait to be home in a few weeks taking pictures and it would be nice to see some broken ground on the waterfront!

[phoenixboi08]

I too am eager to see the museum go up. I cannot wait to be home in a few weeks taking pictures and it would be nice to see some broken ground on the waterfront!

Yes that would be nice. The city did ask for funding from the Stimulus Package for the Museum correct? I just remember reading that in the newspaper, I'm wondering how this project will be affected by the economy (wait, cancellation, etc.)

[nimsjus]

So Holiday couldnt get out of port yesterday and Carnival didnt bother to tell passengers in advance. Lots of grumpy people down there from what the news said. I appreciate the Holiday for getting our foot in the cruise industry door, but it is a pitiful excuse for a cruise ship. I can't wait to get the upgraded Fantasy up and running so Mobile will have a legit cruise ship. Holiday was like putting a kid on a bike with training wheels. They gave us the smallest, oldest ship with very little investment to see if Mobile could "ride". I think we have proven to be a pretty good port for regional crusiers. With Fantasy we will be able to provide regional cruisers a much higher level of quality. I really want to see a second brand come in (I would prefer Royal Carribean or Celebrity) and really see how we compete for a higher end cruiser. I think it would also help having two ships and two companies so we could offer a variety of cruise destinations and trip lengths. We have proven we can put people on boats. We need more and better ships to really become a destination. It would be a huge boom to our airport, hotels, attractions, restaurants, etc if we could bring in a second ship from another brand.

[ChristopherNFTL]

I completely agree with you. I realize that Mobile isn't ever going to be a mega cruise terminal, I live next to one of the biggest in the world, but it is still a major boon to the city. Not to mention the exposure that it generates! It would be great to get another slip and maybe another company to base a ship here, but that will be a long time coming. Huzzah to the bigger ship we are going to get now though! :banana:

[Bayside]

In the article in a previous post, Bonner just says it will be "updated" now that RSA bought it. All of us are speculating that he will do something to the outside since it is so bad looking. There have been no speciffics released about the updating.

They have to replace all the windows anyway, so they might as well put a new skin on it.

[ChristopherNFTL]

They have to replace all the windows anyway, so they might as well put a new skin on it.

Why do they have to replace the windows? To bring it up to code? Old storm damage?

[Bayside]

They are subject to leaking. It was one of the big complaints of former tenants. The buyer whose financing fell through stated that he was going to replace all the windows. I assume that RSA will replace them as well. I suppose that they can give the building a cosmetic makeover and replace the windows as a packaged deal.

[Port_of_Bama]

They are subject to leaking. It was one of the big complaints of former tenants. The buyer whose financing fell through stated that he was going to replace all the windows. I assume that RSA will replace them as well. I suppose that they can give the building a cosmetic makeover and replace the windows as a packaged deal.



Making the whole building glass will be a good look for the skyline and add some good lighting as well.

[ChristopherNFTL]

Making the whole building glass will be a good look for the skyline and add some good lighting as well.

Yes, just as long as there is no RSA spire added. It looks great on that building, but a little variety would be nice.

[pkp]

Story from the PR on the attempt to turn the historic Russel Elementary School into condos. The Board of Education extended the deadline for the developers to get everything together for the sale. Hopefully this goes through. We need these kinds of projects along Broad St to really make the Bring Back Broad deal worth it. The city is doing what it can to improve the things that it can (streets, streetcapes, landscaping, sidewalks, etc. ), but it is going to take private investment to really make the public improvements pop. Hopefully they make this happen.


Been a while since I posted, but I would be thrilled if this went through. I live about two blocks from here and although it is a good area, there are issues - mostly with abandoned and unkept homes - this would be a good shot in the arm.

[pkp]

Story from the PR on the attempt to turn the historic Russel Elementary School into condos. The Board of Education extended the deadline for the developers to get everything together for the sale. Hopefully this goes through. We need these kinds of projects along Broad St to really make the Bring Back Broad deal worth it. The city is doing what it can to improve the things that it can (streets, streetcapes, landscaping, sidewalks, etc. ), but it is going to take private investment to really make the public improvements pop. Hopefully they make this happen.

I agree that the median or neutral ground is a big improvement over the turning lanes that were there, but I would have liked to have seen a median with some trees and a bike path. The sidewalks are not bike friendly - maybe they can give this some thought on the rest of Broad Street. The streets of Barcelona, Spain are a great example of major thoroughfares that incorporated a vegetated median with a bike path - I believe it would actually be cheaper than whats there now. I actually thought it was part of the original plan.

[pkp]

That Downtown Ramada would make for one downscale condo complex. It would be like turning a suburban Motel 6 building into loft apartments. The building itself is set too far back from Jackson Street.

I would demolish the thing and construct a nice mid-rise infill building, with obligatory ground-level retail/commercial spaces.

Or at least knock out some walls and double the size of the units. The owner of the hotel has done an awful job with this property and should back out of any future development plans. Ideally, it would be torn down for something more fitting to the area - like to proposed condo building on St. Francis - shows 1/3 sold out but no building - any news???

[SouthSky]

Retirement Systems of Alabama gets court OK to buy AmSouth building in downtown Mobile, Ala., for $6.75 million

Posted by Kathy Jumper, Press-Register (http://blog.al.com/live/about.html) February 10, 2009 9:58 PM

The Retirement Systems of Alabama (http://www.rsa-al.gov/) today got the go-ahead from a bankruptcy court to buy the 34-story AmSouth building (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=130297) at 107 St. Francis St., for $6.75 million, and will close on the sale next week, according to attorneys for the sellers and David Bronner, chief of the state's $24 billion group of pension funds.

The owners of the 280,000-square-foot building in May filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing $450,000 in late mortgage payments. The ownership group, Mobile Tower Limited Partnership, placed part of the blame on losing major tenants to RSA's new 35-story Battle House Tower (http://www.battlehousetower.com/), according to leasing agents.

"This is a great day for the present and future tenants," said Irving Silver of Silver, Voit & Thompson in Mobile, which represents the New York-based owners. "I would expect that a lot of people in the building trades will be put to work rather quickly on building upgrades."

Once the sale is finalized Bronner said he will decide what has to be done to improve the circa 1965 building after meeting with Doster Construction Co. (http://www.dosterconstruction.com/), based in Birmingham, and Goodwyn Mills & Cawood (http://www.gmcnetwork.com/), an architectural firm based in Montgomery with an office in Mobile.

"I'd like to hear what their dream is to make it better, and then I have to look at what we can do realistically," Bronner said. "Obviously, I'm a clean freak and we have to look at not only cleaning up the building, but making sure we have all the basic necessities."

Bronner has said that he envisions Class B office space in the AmSouth building, a complement to the high-end, Class A space in RSAs newer downtown office building nearby. The AmSouth building, which has a 480-space parking garage, is across Royal Street from the Battle House Hotel.

RSA funded the $200 million RSA Battle House Tower and adjacent 238-room Battle House Hotel project off Royal and Dauphin streets, which opened in May 2007. It paid $11.8 million for the Riverview Renaissance Hotel, then spent $60 million on renovations.

He said that he is in no rush to rename the AmSouth building, which in the past has been named for the structure's largest tenant. He's undecided on whether the building will have a spire like RSA's other downtown buildings.

The AmSouth building has about 100,000 square feet of available space, according to John Toomey of Toomey & Co., leasing manager for the building. The amount of space for lease doesnt bother me, Bronner said.

The RSA tower has about two floors available for lease out of a total of 460,000 square feet of office space.
----------------------------------------------------------------------



This is great news!

[SouthSky]

Also, John Fox and the Panthers coaching staff got drunk at Callaghan's and Dale Earnhardt Jr is looking at apartment/condos in Mobile according to the Lagniappe.

:)

[SouthSky]

Please, no spire though.

Agreed. I need something new (design-wise) to Mobile out of this proposed investment... maybe Bronner will be reading this. :D

PS- If you are... nothing like the Government Plaza, please!

[Port_of_Bama]

:previous: Yeah I hope and pray that he doesn`t add any spires to that tower that is over kill 2 is enough. i`m thinking more of a palms style roof or an "A frame" .I think that I have a potential new name for the buidling since it was owned by TOOMEY and Mobile is the home of carnival in the U.S I would name it Carnival or Mardi Gra tower or something is that lame ? lol


I am hoping that ground will be broken on the Fracis street Condos as well, and Dale J.R wants to buy a condo in Mobile I hope that`s true and if so I wonder why hmmm ?

[SouthSky]

I am hoping that ground will be broken on the Fracis street Condos as well, and Dale J.R wants to buy a condo in Mobile I hope that`s true and if so I wonder why hmmm ?

The speculation is that it's in correlation with the new racetrack being planned.

[nimsjus]

More on the AMsouth/Bronner deal...
Court clears way for RSA to buy AmSouth building downtown
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
By KATHY JUMPER
Real Estate Editor
The Retirement Systems of Alabama received court approval Tuesday to purchase the 34-story AmSouth building at 107 St. Francis St., for $6.75 million, and will close on the sale next week, according to attorneys for the sellers and David Bronner, chief of the state's $24 billion pension fund.
The owners of the 280,000-square-foot building in May filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing $450,000 in late mortgage payments. The ownership group, Mobile Tower Limited Partnership, placed part of the blame on losing major tenants to RSA's new 35-story Battle House Tower, according to leasing agents.
"This is a great day for the present and future tenants," said Irving Silver of Silver, Voit & Thompson in Mobile, which represents the New York-based owners. "I would expect that a lot of people in the building trades will be put to work rather quickly" on building upgrades.
Once the sale is finalized, Bronner said, he will decide what has to be done to improve the circa 1965 building after meeting with Doster Construction Co., based in Birmingham, and Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, an architectural firm based in Montgomery with an office in Mobile.
"I'd like to hear what their dream is to make it better, and then I have to look at what we can do realistically," Bronner said. "Obviously, I'm a clean freak, and we have to look at not only cleaning up the building, but making sure we have all the basic necessities."
Bronner has said that he envisions Class B office space in the AmSouth building, a complement to the high-end, Class A space in RSA's newer downtown office building nearby. The AmSouth building, which has a 480-space parking garage, is across Royal Street from the Battle House Hotel.
RSA funded the $200 million RSA Battle House Tower and adjacent 238-room Battle House Hotel project off Royal and Dauphin streets, which opened in May 2007. It paid $11.8 million for the Riverview Renaissance Hotel, then spent $60 million on renovations.
He said that he is in no rush to rename the AmSouth building, which in the past has been named for the structure's largest tenant. He's undecided on whether the building will have a spire like RSA's other downtown buildings.
The AmSouth building has about 100,000 square feet of available space, according to John Toomey of Toomey & Co., leasing manager for the building. The amount of space for lease "doesn't bother me," Bronner said.
The RSA tower has about two floors available for lease out of a total of 460,000 square feet of office space.

[10101000]

That is good news.

[BlessedMobile]

Or at least knock out some walls and double the size of the units. The owner of the hotel has done an awful job with this property and should back out of any future development plans. Ideally, it would be torn down for something more fitting to the area - like to proposed condo building on St. Francis - shows 1/3 sold out but no building - any news???

All the making of condos sounds good but what is in greatest demand downtown is rentals. Affordable rentals! Making that hotel into a condo is nothing more than a glorified apartment complex with each unit having a separate owner...read investor into that! If it was torn down we would have a new building (maybe) with no rentals (certain). At least this way young people can affordably rent a place in this new condo. One other thing, the current owner has no plans to do anything else downtown; he has turned his attention to west Mobile. We have plenty of empty condos downtown; how about thinking of this as a way to get people living downtown (renters).

[phoenixboi08]

I've always wondered whether the parking structure could support another small building? If so, I could see multiple uses being implemented...otherwise, in a perfect world, I would love to see the parking structure transformed into something useful...but then again, I guess maybe they need it. Maybe they could at least put some kind of faced on it, it's so ugly.

[pboo74]

Good news for the amsouth bldg 'no spires''

[Electrical Porpoise]

how about thinking of this as a way to get people living downtown (renters).
I think you will get a few more down there, but obviously there arent going to be a ton because of the property value. West Mob is a renters paradise.

[Muskavon]

I know I've said it before but being able to purchase that 280,000 sf tower for $24/sf seems amazing to me. And I'm pretty sure that "per foot" number doesn't even count the 480 car garage that you'd think would be worth the total purchase cost by itself. I don't see how they can lose unless they just go insane with renovation costs.

I joked before that you'd think some eccentric person considering a $2 million/4 bedroom condo in Gulf Shores would've considered upping their ante and just buying the AmSouth Tower for $6.75 million/with 420 bedrooms, killer views in the top floor game room, and a massive garage to house their antique and exotic car collection. The more I think about it, it really wasn't all that bad a deal or stretch if they could afford the property taxes. :)

[BlessedMobile]

I know I've said it before but being able to purchase that 280,000 sf tower for $24/sf seems amazing to me. And I'm pretty sure that "per foot" number doesn't even count the 480 car garage that you'd think would be worth the total purchase cost by itself. I don't see how they can lose unless they just go insane with renovation costs.

I joked before that you'd think some eccentric person considering a $2 million/4 bedroom condo in Gulf Shores would've considered upping their ante and just buying the AmSouth Tower for $6.75 million/with 420 bedrooms, killer views in the top floor game room, and a massive garage to house their antique and exotic car collection. The more I think about it, it really wasn't all that bad a deal or stretch if they could afford the property taxes. :)

RSA got a steal on that place. Sadly for Mobile, it will now come off the tax rolls. I figure they can easily put 30 million into that place with a low $13 s/f rent and have that place paid off in 10 years or less. They have a steady flow of cash from the retirement fund from which to fund the whole thing. I am pretty sure this spells the end for John Toomey doing their leasing. I like the prospect of RSA going out of town to find large tenants for the building; you know they see what is coming to Mobile down the road. Thanks Mr. Bronner sir!

[10101000]

Yeah, I agree, Mobile still has some signs in Baton Rouge and I saw one in Metairie this past weekend about attracting people to come work in the City.

[MobileLSUboy2005]

can anyone find out what the occupancy of the AmSouth building is? I was wondering if it was over 50% empty now, or more

[ChristopherNFTL]

can anyone find out what the occupancy of the AmSouth building is? I was wondering if it was over 50% empty now, or more

It was my understanding from the news articles that only about 2 floors remain up for lease. The building is doing quite well as far as tenants go. Maybe I read incorrectly though?:shrug:

[OCA REP]

It was my understanding from the news articles that only about 2 floors remain up for lease. The building is doing quite well as far as tenants go. Maybe I read incorrectly though?:shrug:

You read incorrectly, I think. :)

MobileLSUboy2005 was asking about the AmSouth Building.

The building with two floors left available is the RSA Tower.

[OCA REP]

can anyone find out what the occupancy of the AmSouth building is? I was wondering if it was over 50% empty now, or more

I put it at about 64% occupied.

According to the article (AmSouth Building)

Total Square Footage: 280,000
Total Leased: 180,000
Total Available: 100,000
That is assuming my math is correct!

[Port_of_Bama]

I put it at about 64% occupied.

According to the article (AmSouth Building)

Total Square Footage: 280,000
Total Leased: 180,000
Total Available: 100,000
That is assuming my math is correct!


Yeah I was thinking around 68 %. does anyone know the deal on the other hotel that was suppose to be built DT HYatt I believe ? Also i always wondered what was the tall structure you see sitting up on the hills in Daphne when crossing the bay it`s a light tan looking tower is it a condo or what ? I also wonder when will they break fround on the 200 ft Applachin condo tower as well in Daphne ?

[DruidCity]

I also wonder when will they break fround on the 200 ft Applachin condo tower as well in Daphne ?

I think that project has been dead a while. There's a "for sale" sign on the property.

The Daphne Bayfront Village project also doesn't appear to have anything going on.

[10101000]

I put it at about 64% occupied.

According to the article (AmSouth Building)

Total Square Footage: 280,000
Total Leased: 180,000
Total Available: 100,000
That is assuming my math is correct!

Incorrect, the building is 50% leased. I talked to Mr. Toomey the other day he told me himself. Kathy jumper had an article back in October when another company tried to buy the building and stated it in her article.

www.johntoomeycompany.com

1110 Montlimar Dr # 830
Mobile, AL 36609

[BlessedMobile]

Yeah I was thinking around 68 %. does anyone know the deal on the other hotel that was suppose to be built DT HYatt I believe ? Also i always wondered what was the tall structure you see sitting up on the hills in Daphne when crossing the bay it`s a light tan looking tower is it a condo or what ? I also wonder when will they break fround on the 200 ft Applachin condo tower as well in Daphne ?

The Loma Alta Towers were built around 1980 or so. I only know of one person who lived there and he is the guy who runs the US Sports Academy in Daphne; he had the top floor. It never was real popular because the condos were pricey. I can't see the planned highrise getting off the ground for a while; financing is tough to get. The Hyatt Place is what I heard is planned for the now vacant site near the Federal Courthouse; I guess that is currently on hold.

[OCA REP]

Incorrect, the building is 50% leased. I talked to Mr. Toomey the other day he told me himself. Kathy jumper had an article back in October when another company tried to buy the building and stated it in her article.

www.johntoomeycompany.com

1110 Montlimar Dr # 830
Mobile, AL 36609

Whatever Tim. We are all basing these percentages on information in the article posted in Message 3551:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4080387&postcount=3551

Apparently John and Kathy are not communicating very effectively?

[10101000]

Whatever Tim. We are all basing these percentages on information in the article posted in Message 3551:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4080387&postcount=3551

Apparently John and Kathy are not communicating very effectively?

I was just stating a claim Sir. The question was asked and I gave an answer based on factual information from Mr. Toomey. I have his number if you want to call him. No need to be rude.


www.johntoomeycompany.com
1110 Montlimar Dr # 830
Mobile, AL 36609
(251) 342-7229

[Port_of_Bama]

lol u 2 crack me up man both of you are so much a like and it`s room on this forum for the both of you !! I assume around 68 % my self but if it`s 50 it`s all good !! you two are good with me.

[Port_of_Bama]

The Loma Alta Towers were built around 1980 or so. I only know of one person who lived there and he is the guy who runs the US Sports Academy in Daphne; he had the top floor. It never was real popular because the condos were pricey. I can't see the planned highrise getting off the ground for a while; financing is tough to get. The Hyatt Place is what I heard is planned for the now vacant site near the Federal Courthouse; I guess that is currently on hold.



So that`s what they are called I drove up to it the other day and the views of the bay were nice since it sits on such a high elevation. I can only imagine if it was a couple more of them sticking out from the trees. Last I read in the PR the Applachin Condo had the green light agian so assume it`s still in motion. I want to know what Condo Dale Jr is trying to move in or buying I wish DT had the Turqouise pLace ( Orange beach).

[DruidCity]

Wow, my bad. You're right that the Apalachee tower is still being considered:
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1232792173244060.xml&coll=3

This is not very far from where I own a condo (Sea Cliff) . I drove by there earlier this week, so this is a pleasant surprise to me that the Apalachee idea is back up.

[MobileLSUboy2005]

Wow, my bad. You're right that the Apalachee tower is still being considered:
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1232792173244060.xml&coll=3

This is not very far from where I own a condo (Sea Cliff) . I drove by there earlier this week, so this is a pleasant surprise to me that the Apalachee idea is back up.

can someone try and find a rendering of the Apalachee? i havent seen any, emporis didnt have one either...

[Port_of_Bama]

I wish the causeway was suitable for condo developmet ! I will try to find it for you the rendering looks ok but it`s like almost 5 or 4 years old now I wish they would alter it a little bit.

[BlessedMobile]

I hope ya'll won't get your hopes up too high on the Apalachee project. Remember, this is owned by Celia Wallace of Springhill Hospital and Battle House fame. The Battle House was literally falling down because of neglect before the RSA came along to save it. I can't see her investing into what is likely a gamble at this point, to say nothing of the difficulty in getting financing for both building and condo sales. I would prefer the land be sold to a forward thinking developer.

[elb401]

Yeah, I'm not sure if its going to happen. Actually I don't think they will be built. At least for another 3 to 5 years at best.

[10101000]

lol u 2 crack me up man both of you are so much a like and it`s room on this forum for the both of you !! I assume around 68 % my self but if it`s 50 it`s all good !! you two are good with me.

Thanks man

[BlessedMobile]

Tim and Oca ....cast from the same mold. What is this world coming too? I'm thinking the two of you were split up at birth and have now found each other. I like you both...We all like the two of you!

[OCA REP]

Tim and Oca ....cast from the same mold. What is this world coming too? I'm thinking the two of you were split up at birth and have now found each other. I like you both...We all like the two of you!

LOL... too funny! Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[nimsjus]

Cool article from Lagniappe on two downtown businesses that are thriving during the tough economic times. I was shocked to read that the Crescent Theater is already turning a profit. I thought it was a great idea and was glad to hear it was coming, but I wasnt sure that Mobilians would support it. Anyway, here's the article:
In These Tough Economic Times…
By Sharman Egan
Issue #171
February 10, 2009
When the Going Gets Tough…
The tough get going. At least that’s what Billy Ocean says, and many marketing experts agree.
There’s no doubt some businesses are prospering during the downturn. On Super Bowl Sunday, when all the normal folks were planted in front of their TVs, Kevin and I were looking for something to do. First we headed to Newk’s for lunch and then later to the Crescent Theater. Both had good crowds on what is arguably the most challenging day of the year to get people off their sofas. In between lunch and the movie, I did some surfing and, among other things, I checked the bookings for the Holiday and found that the next two cruises are sold out.
So what’s going on here? Cruises, movies and fancy salads aren’t exactly necessities. Why are some businesses doing so well during the downturn while others languish? I talked to two local business owners to find out how they’re marketing their businesses during the recession and how it’s working for them. I was surprised to see just how aggressive these owners are, even in the midst of an economic downturn.
“We’ve actually increased our marketing,” said John Serda, owner of Serda’s Coffee Company. “In my opinion, marketing is the only thing that brings in money.”
Serda also emphasized the need to, as he says, “keep things fresh.”
“You have to always recreate yourself,” he said. “We’re doing new things all the time. We just started providing delivery, and we’re introducing special drinks for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.”
Experts will tell you the first thing you should do when business is down is turn to your customer base. Serda agrees. “We have a healthy mailing list, and it’s one of our most powerful marketing tools,” he said. “These people are our customers. It’s cheaper to maintain them than to go out and get new ones.”
Serda uses both e-mail and snail mail to reach his customers. He mails a newsletter at least once a month and e-mails his list two to three times a month. How does he get people to read mail what might be considered junk mail? “I offer coupons in the newsletter — last time I offered a free coffee drink. And I make sure the mail is always interesting.” he said.
The coffee shop also has a strong Web presence, with a Web site plus pages on Facebook and MySpace. Serda emphasized the importance of updating your web site constantly so people keep coming back. “A lot of people make Web sites and that’s it. It’s important to keep it up,” he said.
Next I called Max Morey, the indefatigable manager of the Crescent Theater. I wasn’t surprised to find him as optimistic as ever, in spite of the economic downturn. He’s using many of the same time-proven marketing techniques as Serda to fill his seats. “It’s a whole bunch of little things you do,” Morey said .
Like Serda, he’s not backing off in his marketing because of the downturn. He recently increased the frequency of his newspaper advertising, and he’ll start radio ads after Mardi Gras. Morey also uses posters to promote the films they’re screening. “We make about 150-200 week and put them up at universities, malls, coffee shops and other places where our target market goes.”
The Crescent Theater also has a strong Web presence with both a web site and a MySpace page (which by the way, has 566 friends after just three months of operation; wish I were so popular). The site includes a link to sign up for the theater’s e-mail list. “We have a new email list with hundreds of names,” said Morey. He plans to mail to the list about once a week, with updates on coming attractions.
Morey said one of the keys to their success is delivering a product that’s different from the competition — the multiplexes — and one the market wants. If you think an art house theater would target primarily a young audience, you’d be wrong, at least in the case of the Crescent Theater. Morey is going after a broad audience, with films targeted at specific segments within that audience. You can see that from the films they’ve shown recently - everything from “Repo” (a rock opera) and “Let the Right One In” ( Swedish vampires) to “Milk” and “Breakfast with Scot” (both about gay men) and even “Young at Heart” (the true story of a senior citizens chorus). The theater will soon start a children’s series on weekend afternoons.
The results? “We’re already making a profit,” said Morey. “And we’re getting national attention with our numbers on Rentrak [an entertainment tracking service]. The studios are calling us now.”
So what are the common themes here? Aggressive marketing, even during a downturn. A great web presence — not just the requisite Web site but really attractive sites with lots of information that’s constantly updated. Plus pages on Facebook and MySpace, social networking sites that aren’t just cool — they encourage your customers to interact with you and each other. These businesses also make a concerted effort to keep in touch with existing customers via email. And finally, “keeping things fresh” as John Serda puts it. Both businesses are constantly trying new things to keep customers interested and test new ways to market their products.

[Alxx611]

I would to incourage everyone on this forum to make it to the Crecent Theatre soon.

Last night i went to the premiere of Rocky Horror Picture Show, and the show was more than sold out, the fire marshalls i believe were there. I've also been to see Milk, and it was another packed house then.

The owner of the theatre is a very personable guy and will certainly remember your face if you go often enough. The theater has a really warm, personal feel to it, and you feel like your at home there.

[nimsjus]

From Kathy Jumper's column in the PR:
Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom will open in March at 251 Dauphin St. in the 5,000-square-foot former Pick lefish Pizza location downtown, according to building owner David Naman. The owners of the restaurant and bar have a Hopjacks in Pensacola, Fla.

I checked out their website and it looks really cool.
http://www.hopjacks.com/
Its feel is not as grungy/alternative as Picklefish. I think it will compete alot with its next door neighbor Hurricane Brewery. The one in Pensacola looks really cool. I think it is a nice addition to Downtown. I still wish picklefish hadn't closed.

[SouthSky]

Hopjacks looks impressive^. Good to see that void is filled.

Some articles from today's MPR:
Mobile ranked Number 6 in Top 20 metro areas in highest home appreciation: Link (http://www.al.com/business/press-register/insider.ssf?/base/business/123469309237570.xml&coll=3)

$1 Billion (!?!) Sports mecca planned off I-10 near the McDonald Road exchange: Link (http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/123469292437570.xml&coll=3)

SaltAire loans to be foreclosed by bank: Link (http://www.al.com/business/press-register/insider.ssf?/base/business/123469308237570.xml&coll=3)

[DruidCity]

For a billion-dollar proposal, that "sports mecca" deal doesn't give many details. Anyone have any scoop on this thing (or on the progress of the motorsports park) ?

[Port_of_Bama]

Sports Mecca : I remeber the localk news stations were talking about Mobile will have the largest indoor or outdoor but I believe indoor tennis court / arena in the U.S about 4 1/ 2 years ago.They had plans to build it right along the I-10 area from my understanding from the link it sounds like they are talking about that exact tennis court but with more. I am all for it and I hope this will not be something else that is huge that Mobile( old way of thinking) will turn down. I am also glad that it has resurfaced again and it also mentioned a water park as well .:banana:

[Port_of_Bama]

For a billion-dollar proposal, that "sports mecca" deal doesn't give many details. Anyone have any scoop on this thing (or on the progress of the motorsports park) ?


I havn`t been out that way to see any progress but they are saying that it is still on the run and they will start laying foundation in the summer.


Acording to the Mobile Press Register.



From what I see on the stimulus watch website Mobile is asking for the most money or will be getting the most . The majority of it will go to improving flooding in Mobile from what I see.http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_state/AL&per_page=200
Click on browse by city and state on the upper left corner.

[BlessedMobile]

I see that the school system is asking for 360 million for whatever. Of course they won't get that much since the approved package had far less money and it was not for new construction. This will keep the teachers working and that's about it. It's better that Uncle Sam pays them now than we again hear the shouts of "we need more money". You gotta' love the teachers though....They never ask for more money for themselves...It's for the children.:rolleyes:

[Port_of_Bama]

I was on Royal street to day and I saw new planted palm trees on that street it looked good. I am glad to see we have another street(Royal st) that has development and especialy entertainment besides Dauphine street.


I`m ready for the retail down town and once we get that all the other stuff that we have been hoping and wishing for will fall right into place.

[ChristopherNFTL]

I see that the school system is asking for 360 million for whatever. Of course they won't get that much since the approved package had far less money and it was not for new construction. This will keep the teachers working and that's about it. It's better that Uncle Sam pays them now than we again hear the shouts of "we need more money". You gotta' love the teachers though....They never ask for more money for themselves...It's for the children.:rolleyes:

As the son of a very dedicated, not to mention award winning, Science teacher at one of Mobile's magnet schools, I can tell you that your attitude is completely wrong. She gets to school around 6am and doesn't leave work until 630pm, at the earliest, after teaching all day, grading papers, setting up labs, and doing lesson plans all night. On top of that, the idiotic "No Child Left Behind" law forces teachers to do repeated standardized testing which just ends up being an exercise in children learning facts and regurgitating them for the test after which they are quickly forgotten. Learning is about thinking about, processing, and then applying what you are being taught, not rote memorization of disjointed facts to score highly on a terrible test. As if that wasn't bad enough, "NCLB" forces an unreal amount of paperwork that you never heard about from Mr. Bush when he was stumping for this mess, and that robs them of valuable time that could be spent actually preparing for class. All the while, she is still paying off her student loans, supporting herself, and buying most of the school supplies for her room with her own money. Mobile consistently expects more from the schools without putting a dime into it. The teachers AND the infrastructure deserve FAR more investment than is currently the case. We don't question the pay levels of other college educated professionals in other fields, many like my mother with at least a Master's or second Bachelors. I cannot fathom why we feel the people entrusted to educating the next generation should be paid $20,000 a year. How is one to support themselves and pay off student loans with that? No fortune 500 company is going to want to move to an area with a crumbling public school system, sure investment will come along anyway, but at a trickle. So if you don't care about the kids, at least put more money into schools for the fancy buildings and projects we all pull for on this board.




***Sorry for the rant, just touched a nerve.*** :koko:

Murphy High '99

[10101000]

Tim and Oca ....cast from the same mold. What is this world coming too? I'm thinking the two of you were split up at birth and have now found each other. I like you both...We all like the two of you!

Thanks mate!;)

[DruidCity]

Murphy High '99

Dang that school has been around a long time. My dad graduated from Murphy High in the late 1930s.

[Port_of_Bama]

Dang that school has been around a long time. My dad graduated from Murphy High in the late 1930s.



Yeah it is and the largest highschool in the state.:tup:

[ChristopherNFTL]

Dang that school has been around a long time. My dad graduated from Murphy High in the late 1930s.

Yep, Murphy started life at the current abandoned Barton in 1852 as Mobile High School, before moving to it's "new" digs in 1926. It is by far one of the most beautiful high schools in the country, why else would Seventeen Magazine, THE magazine of record, do a spread on it? hahahaha :banana:

These pics aren't the best, but I have mine at my Mom's house.... I just wish I had some pictures of the pool, fountains, and amazing tile frescos, all from the turn of the century(ish)!

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/drama.jpg


http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/panther.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/murphy.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/northtower.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/schoolentrance.jpg

[BlessedMobile]

As the son of a very dedicated, not to mention award winning, Science teacher at one of Mobile's magnet schools, I can tell you that your attitude is completely wrong. She gets to school around 6am and doesn't leave work until 630pm, at the earliest, after teaching all day, grading papers, setting up labs, and doing lesson plans all night. On top of that, the idiotic "No Child Left Behind" law forces teachers to do repeated standardized testing which just ends up being an exercise in children learning facts and regurgitating them for the test after which they are quickly forgotten. Learning is about thinking about, processing, and then applying what you are being taught, not rote memorization of disjointed facts to score highly on a terrible test. As if that wasn't bad enough, "NCLB" forces an unreal amount of paperwork that you never heard about from Mr. Bush when he was stumping for this mess, and that robs them of valuable time that could be spent actually preparing for class. All the while, she is still paying off her student loans, supporting herself, and buying most of the school supplies for her room with her own money. Mobile consistently expects more from the schools without putting a dime into it. The teachers AND the infrastructure deserve FAR more investment than is currently the case. We don't question the pay levels of other college educated professionals in other fields, many like my mother with at least a Master's or second Bachelors. I cannot fathom why we feel the people entrusted to educating the next generation should be paid $20,000 a year. How is one to support themselves and pay off student loans with that? No fortune 500 company is going to want to move to an area with a crumbling public school system, sure investment will come along anyway, but at a trickle. So if you don't care about the kids, at least put more money into schools for the fancy buildings and projects we all pull for on this board.




***Sorry for the rant, just touched a nerve.*** :koko:

Murphy High '99

You should stand up for your Mom. My wife's mom was a science teacher and I have several teachers in our family. I guess my problem is the leadership that speaks for them. They have their finger in way too many pies and take nearly all of the money the state raises. and yes, the "no child left behind" program is a bad thing. I got to tell you though that your last sentence is the one that was promised to us the last time we voted for a tax increase and what we got was a big teacher raise and little improvement in the facilities. Even now the school board has AGAIN run out of money.

[Port_of_Bama]

Yep, Murphy started life at the current abandoned Barton in 1852 as Mobile High School, before moving to it's "new" digs in 1926. It is by far one of the most beautiful high schools in the country, why else would Seventeen Magazine, THE magazine of record, do a spread on it? hahahaha :banana:

These pics aren't the best, but I have mine at my Mom's house.... I just wish I had some pictures of the pool, fountains, and amazing tile frescos, all from the turn of the century(ish)!

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/drama.jpg


http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/panther.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/murphy.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/northtower.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/schoolentrance.jpg



Gotta love that Spanish Architecture !!!

[ChristopherNFTL]

You should stand up for your Mom. My wife's mom was a science teacher and I have several teachers in our family. I guess my problem is the leadership that speaks for them. They have their finger in way too many pies and take nearly all of the money the state raises. and yes, the "no child left behind" program is a bad thing. I got to tell you though that your last sentence is the one that was promised to us the last time we voted for a tax increase and what we got was a big teacher raise and little improvement in the facilities. Even now the school board has AGAIN run out of money.

First off, I don't see where a raise for teachers is unreasonable, see previous argument where clearly our teachers are far underpaid. What kind of teacher do you think we retain when they can go pretty much anywhere else and make more? Why would retaining top talent with a good paycheck be any different for Teachers than for Nurses, Athletes, or C.E.Os? I personally know two exceptionally gifted and passionate people who left teaching in Mobile because they couldn't make enough to feed themselves, and one is now an M.D. and the other is a D.V.M. It is a shame kids missed out on that calibar of mind because of something so basic. I myself just happen to have gotten lucky by getting into the magnet program and having the benefit of Council Traditional School, Phillips Prep, and then on to Murphy. What about the kids out there who don't have involved parents who care? They end up at the crappy school down the block with crappy teachers who's souls died a long time ago because of a lack of community support. I shudder to think what would've happened if I hadn't gotten in..... St. Pauls or UMS it would have been! :yuck:

Secondly, where would your evidence be that there was no improvement in the facilities? Dodge Elementary, Leinkauf, Murphy, Vigor all received major renovations/upgrades after the 10 mil increase. (which by the way, is less than pennies on the dollar, and we were dead last in the U.S. for property taxes, even Puerto Rico) Also, several schools were built, including Burns Middle. That is just a few of the things that I can name off the tip of my tounge, but just because people have a perception that nothing is being done, doesn't make it correct. The Central Office (I will always call it Barton) is now so worried about what people "think" about their spending, that they are letting an amazing historic treasure fall apart, as you can see from the below articles and pictures of Barton Acadamy. We have already lost several of the original Greek Revival buildings downtown and only Barton, the Main Library, and half of Government Street Presbyterian remain. Don't get me wrong, there will always be some degree of mismanagement in any organization, but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, and I mean that literally.

Finally, before we get to the pretty pictures, the school board short on money now because of the cuts from the state and federal government's normal contributions that are normal parts of EVERY school system's budget in this country. When the state cuts their funds to the county, what do you think the Board should do? Start counterfeiting?

http://www.al.com/press-register/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion/122829940797140.xml&coll=3

http://www.al.com/press-register/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/122812654123320.xml&coll=3

Notice the columns in the below picture from the early 1900's

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/Barton_Academy_B1.jpg

Now look and see what is missing...

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/Barton_Academy_A1.jpg

That is just an example and as you can read in the articles, the interior is much worse that the exterior. That is really saying something! I couldn't find many close up shots, but if you look closely you can see the tilting dome, peeling paint, rotting plaster, and rusting metal. We are all for getting these mega projects to the city, what about the historical "skyscrapers" of their day? It's kind of like how your parents wouldn't let you have a new toy because of the way you treated the last one? We need to show we play with our current toys like good boys and girls and that we are responsible enough to get bigger and flashier things! :)

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/2090665944_88576fd6aa.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/2610717810_156ebe00db.jpg

Do you notice the strip of the original copper that is missing? That is a crying shame, and I bet it isn't helping the leaks. We are letting thieves steal our history right out from under us!

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/BAEA2.jpg

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/BAEA3.jpg

And lastly, look Ma, no pavement on Government St!!! Can you imagine?

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu68/christophernftl/BAEB2.jpg

[Port_of_Bama]

For that building to be Alabama`s 1st public school it`s a crime shame that it is in tha tcondition. Downtown revitalization is only in the CBD area I wish they will start revitalizing in those areas and the whole Hank Aaron loop as well.

[Electrical Porpoise]

For that building to be Alabama`s 1st public school it`s a crime shame that it is in tha tcondition. Downtown revitalization is only in the CBD area I wish they will start revitalizing in those areas and the whole Hank Aaron loop as well.I wish they would set a plan to do everything inside of the Loop to the river. They could then take care of the downtown scene and move outward from there.

[DruidCity]

Thanks for all these great old school photos. My grandfather was principal at Barton Academy many decades ago.

[Port_of_Bama]

I wish they would set a plan to do everything inside of the Loop to the river. They could then take care of the downtown scene and move outward from there.
I agree and especialy around the Dunbar Magnet school ,Bishop State and Orange Grove areas.