[BlessedMobile]

A library is nearly a thing of the past. Why would our community spend 10 million dollars for an air conditioned warehouse! People rarely use the library for a real need...they read a magazine, play with the computer, and get out of the heat. I am sure glad we don't have a collection of steam fire engines. This reminds me of the 11 million dollar West Mobile library (warehouse) built on Grelot that nearly always has an empty parking lot. Feeling good about giving money to a white elephant must have its benefits among other feel good givers.

[spookyapp]

A library is nearly a thing of the past. Why would our community spend 10 million dollars for an air conditioned warehouse! People rarely use the library for a real need...they read a magazine, play with the computer, and get out of the heat. I am sure glad we don't have a collection of steam fire engines. This reminds me of the 11 million dollar West Mobile library (warehouse) built on Grelot that nearly always has an empty parking lot. Feeling good about giving money to a white elephant must have its benefits among other feel good givers.
Actually, a library is a place of learning and discovery. Students young and old flock to all branches of the Mobile Public Library to work on projects and research papers. Classes are tought, authors are interviewed, and new skills are learned. A library is a cultural meccah of thought. They are far more than a place to "get out of the heat." At most locations of the Mobile Public Library, computers stay full and there is a line to check out books and movies. Specifically, the West Regional Branch maintains a steady influx of guests, which keep the large parking lot 60 to 75 percent full on any given day. Libraries need to be funded so that their adequate and just use is not neglected.

[Mystic City]

A library is nearly a thing of the past. Why would our community spend 10 million dollars for an air conditioned warehouse! People rarely use the library for a real need...they read a magazine, play with the computer, and get out of the heat. I am sure glad we don't have a collection of steam fire engines. This reminds me of the 11 million dollar West Mobile library (warehouse) built on Grelot that nearly always has an empty parking lot. Feeling good about giving money to a white elephant must have its benefits among other feel good givers.

:rolleyes: Please tell me that you are not serious.

[nimsjus]

And on top of what everyone else said about libraries still being important, this is a historic structure in downtown. It might not be the Cawthorne or Bienville hotels, or the original county courthouse, but it is historic no less and we should scrap to save any historic structure we can since we chose to let so many others go in the past. I hate to hear what Blessed will have to say to this article. If he doesnt want to spend 10 milllion to save the library, which still serves the community, I assume he will also think 25 million to save Barton, which has no purpose now, is a folly also. Oh well. I say preserve the library and Barton.

Preservationists open doors for peek at Barton
Friday, June 01, 2007By RENA HAVNERStaff Reporter
As part of an effort to save the ailing Barton Academy in downtown Mobile, preservationists opened the nearly 200-year-old building's doors Thursday for an open house.

All who paid $10 were given a chance to climb up a spiral stairway inside the tilting rooftop dome.

"I had a conversation with an older gentleman who said he kissed his wife in this dome," Marilyn Culpepper told a small crowd taking in the view of downtown Mobile from atop the historic building.

"He snuck her up to the dome and kissed her. They're married now and the rest is history," said Culpepper, executive director of the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.

Looking out, visitors could see the mixture of old and new that makes up downtown Mobile -- historic buildings, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Government Plaza, McDonalds.

For $2,750, Willoughby Barton and several others bought a track of land bounded by Government, Lawrence, Conti and Cedar streets in downtown Mobile in the late 1920s to build a school. Funding from a state lottery helped raise the remaining money needed to open Barton Academy, which became a collection of private and church schools, according to the "Barton Academy Centennial," a book on display Thursday.

In 1852, Barton became Alabama's first public school building, with 400 students in primary through high school grades, the book states. The school quickly grew to 1,012 students. It closed for a few years after the Civil War, but reopened.

At the time of the school's centennial, in 1936, Barton offered just the seventh-grade.

"Succeeding generations have gone by on horseback, in carriages, street cars and automobiles, yet few changes have taken place in the outward appearance of the building," the "Barton Academy Centennial" states. "If the first pupils who entered its doors a century ago could re-visit Mobile today, amid the puzzling confusion of modern activities they would find comfort and reassurance in the familiar features of Old Barton."

Now, they would find chipped paint and mildew-covered walls on the outside; a dome tilting with columns missing; a slow-moving elevator that doesn't always take people to the right floor; and office space divided by cubicles.
The Mobile County Public School System -- which has housed its central offices in Barton since the 1970s -- is moving out of the facility and into a more modern, sprawling campus off Schillinger Road in northwest Mobile. About half of Barton's employees have already left, leaving Superintendent Harold Dodge with his curriculum, communication and security staffs there for just a few more months.

The school system has authorized Culpepper's organization to take the lead in raising about $25 million needed to restore Barton.

So far, the society has raised about $85,000 -- about half of which will be used to conduct an architectural study of the building to help officials determine Barton's future.

"If we can raise $1, we can raise $25 million," a barefoot Culpepper said as she continued to take visitors up to the dome. With Thursday's tours, the society raised another $610 as 61 visitors followed her up.

"I think it's a fantastic building. Everything should be done that can be done to save it," said Mobile resident Joan Hoffman, as she took a break on the tour before walking up to the dome. "You can never replace something like this."

Added Cathy Hayes of Mobile: "It's a wonderful building. Unfortunately, it has been tangled up so much in politics that it has deteriorated. It's good that now there are some loving hands to take care of it."

School officials for several years have said it was difficult to put aside money for the central office building when schools were more in need of repair.

Culpepper said she would like the building to become a school once again, as some school officials, including Dodge, have suggested.

Walking through Barton Thursday, Aileen de la Torre held up an old map of the floorplan as she visualized where classrooms once were. She said she would like Barton to become a school or a museum. "I always see the possibilities with these buildings," said de la Torre, who works for the Historic Development Commission of Mobile.

[pkp]

I thought the idea of turning Barton into a performing arts school was still on? Is the school system going to retain owenership? This article makes no sense.

What else doesn't make sense are the politice involved with public education. Many schools in our urban core remain vacant and/or falling apart while we continue to build schools in basically deserted areas - soon people start moving there to put their kids in "good schools" and then they are overcrowded. Go to West Mobile and check out Allentown and Collier Elementary Schools. They are just a couple of miles from on another. When built, there was not a house in sight. Now subdivisions are popping up around the schools because parents want their kids to go to school there. I for one would prefer my tax dollars go to keep what we have in good shape instead of lining the pockets of the companies that build the new schools and the subdivisions that are surounding them (Mitchell Homes, Adams, etc...). I am not one to beleive in some of the consiperacy theories people throw around concerning government officials and corruption, but I don't know how else anyone could look at the way the school system neglects existing properties and builds new ones.

[elb401]

I love the fact that the library was renovated. It needed it badly. The west Mobile branch is always full of people. Everytime I go there I have to park in the back of the parking lot its so full.

[austin356]

The city, county, and school system all have enough money in cash reserves to complete this project (Barton), that is so important to the community.

The city of Mobile alone has $600,000,000 in net assets, with around $100,000,000 of that in "Cash" or "securities".

Everyone always looks at the city "budget" yet that is just a fraction of the big picture. Check out the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the city:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cityofmobile.org%2Fannouncement_files%2FCAFR2005.pdf&ei=QCxiRpLGLoOYgwSRm9z_Bg&usg=AFQjCNHqfXDD7X90_x546z209gUJYTPuEA&sig2=apF_MrQvDoVznNQJJDu1tQ

[nimsjus]

Today's PR is packed with good stuff today. Not all of it is Downtown related but most is. Guess it shows how much momentum the area has right now. I'll just post the links to keep it short.
First is the groundbreaking/fundraising/major announcement on the Maritime Museum which has been stalled forever. A big ceremony with a major announcement will be held on Thursday at 10 am on the museum's site.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1180862812157650.xml&coll=3
This spring's downtown art market gets some recognition as it wrapped up. Citizens and artist interviewed and all are talking about downtown's momentum and supporting downtown and the art culture that will make it even more unique.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1180862804157650.xml&coll=3
The Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau spent a majority of its budget on a new website to higlight tourism/conventions in the area(www.mobile.org).
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1180862767157650.xml&coll=3
Mobile gets a Wine Loft(trendy franchised wine bar/store) in Legacy Village.
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1180862670157650.xml&coll=3
In the real estate section several downtown/midtown locations are ebing bought/sold/redeveloped.A 6,800-square-foot office building at 308 St. Michael St. was purchased by investors for $352,500 and will be occupied by Commercial and Ma rine Insurance Brokers.The Market at 219 should open in early July next to the 219 restaurant at 219 Conti St., near Joachim Street, according to Todd Henson, who owns 219 and La Pizze ria at 1455 Monroe St. in Oak leigh Historic District. The market and deli will feature prepared take-home foods, made-to-order salads and grocery items, he said. The Mediterranean Cafe has leased the former TCBY store on Old Shell Road and McGregor Avenue in Spring hill Village shopping center and should open later this summer, according to Vince Cave of L.W. Cave Real Estate. Local investors paid $295,000 for the 6,200-square-foot former Lerner department store building at 10 St. Emanuel St., according to LaSha Powell of Cunningham, Foley & Barnes .
Lastly is an article about testing west mobile fire station locations which quickly turns to an annexation article. Apparently the city is starting to make the push to increase services in those areas as a preemptive strike to encourage annexation.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1180862589157650.xml&coll=3

[Bama_75]

I'm all for annexation, but cover more area than what they were trying to do last time.

[pkp]

Nothing to do with downtown development, but this has been crusing up and down the Mobile River all day (I guess in testing):

http://www.austal.com/images/delivery/HSF_Sea_trials_377ge.jpg

http://www.austal.com/images/delivery/Turkey_5ge.jpg

Maybe one day Austal will build similar boats to ferry people all over Mobile Bay. If the ferry terminal ever gets moving, it might just be a reality!

[BlessedMobile]

Actually, a library is a place of learning and discovery. Students young and old flock to all branches of the Mobile Public Library to work on projects and research papers. Classes are tought, authors are interviewed, and new skills are learned. A library is a cultural meccah of thought. They are far more than a place to "get out of the heat." At most locations of the Mobile Public Library, computers stay full and there is a line to check out books and movies. Specifically, the West Regional Branch maintains a steady influx of guests, which keep the large parking lot 60 to 75 percent full on any given day. Libraries need to be funded so that their adequate and just use is not neglected.

I am well aware of what a library is all about. I still think that a library is no longer the learning center that it was before the coming of the internet and the big box bookstores. The building itself is great and is well worth fixing. Calling a modern day library a "cultural meccah" is what keeps the old concept of a "place of learning" from advancing into the 21st century. Your point of view is welcomed and understood.

[BlessedMobile]

Nimsjus...preserving history has nothing to do with my post about the library. The building is well worth restoration as is Barton. I think I know something about preserving historic buildings as I am from Savannah where we did extensive work in the 60's and 70's before it was the sheek thing to do. Barton will have a better chance at being restored and repaired if you can get it from the school board; it has nearly caved in thanks to their poor care. I, for one, believe there is a movement to make Barton a cultural arts center which it so rightly should be. I love this city AND all of her beautiful old buildings. I'm sorry that my post about the library was seen as anti-preservation...I am very, very far from that.

[nimsjus]

Blessed-I guess I just misunderstood your feelings based on your statement. You thought spending that much money on the library was rediculous. Since a good chunk of that money was spent on rennovation/revitalization of the historic library(including redoing the reading room to its original form), I presumed you might be against redoing Barton Academy also because it currently has no purpose(much like you feel libraries in their current form are not terribly useful). The rest of the library moeny went to expand the structure because in it's previsous state, they had desks with computers for public use in narrow back hall ways, and several other major space lmited issues. I apologize for jumping to conclusions, but I felt like it might not be much of a leap considering your disapproval of the library rennovations.

[nimsjus]

On a completely unrelated note, My girlfriend and I came down for a wedding over the weekend. Friday night we ate at NoJa on North Jackson(hence the name NoJa). The place was amazing and easily the best in town in my opinion. I had a hanger steak with goat cheese and she had panned grouper. Prices from 25 to 34 for entrees. Really amazing atmosphere also with inside and outdoor seating. I highly recommend it. Tried to do the Trellis Room at the BattleHouse, but they werent taking walk up's until after 8pm for some reason. We also went to the after rehearsal dinner at Ezelle House(sp?) which was also very nice place for that kind of thing. It too has outdoor courtyard with a carriage house that now houses a bar for functions there. All in all a brief but enjoyable trip home(my first since the parents moved to Auburn last week).

[nimsjus]

After reading last week's article on Barton Academy's preservation, I emailed on of the ladies in charge at the Historic Mobile Preservation Society. I always see commercials on the history channel for a program called Save Our History. Basically the program takes historically signifficant buildings and helps preserve them in some form(Example on the commercial is an old hotel in some town converted to lofts). I asked if HMPS had considered using this program. To my delight she said that HMPS is a local partner of the National Trust, which is the sponsor of the program I mentioned above. She said they are working on an application for this program currently. So in short, there is some momentum in the Save Barton movement now that the school board is out. No mention of what might be done with the structure.

[Musicisright]

Nothing to do with downtown development, but this has been crusing up and down the Mobile River all day (I guess in testing):

http://www.austal.com/images/delivery/Turkey_5ge.jpg


The RSA Tower looks huuuge(er) in that picture. Like twice the size of the AmSouth Building.

[nimsjus]

So Sunday's paper had an article(which I linked in an above post) about a big ceremony/announcement regarding the Maritime Museum's fund raising. The announcement was with regards to the quiet phase of fund raising and the beginning of the open phase. No mention of yesterday's ceremony in today's PR. I am really surprised because this project has been stalled, their website has not been updated, and people are concerned that it may never happen(like the condos next door). Why would the PR not seize this opportunity to regenerate some excitment in this project by covering the ceremony? Anybody on the forum hear anything about the ceremony or announcement?

[Mike06]

The ceremony is supposed to be today at 10:00 a.m., about now.

[pboo74]

has anyone heard what's going on with the maritime musuem yet?

[Blazer85]

Here's a picture of officials gathered under a tent to discuss the proposal...

http://www.al.com/images/newshp/maritimemuseum.jpg

[pkp]

There is a sign up for a new residential development on the corner of St. Francis and Joachim (NW Corner) I can't get out in the rain for details and can't find anything on the web, but looks to be four stories with balconies wrapping all the way around on every floor. Great location- great looking project. Something new that will actually blend in to the area very niceley, and will be getting rid of a hidous surface parking lot. Any updates would be great. I would rather have several of these than the waterfront project. The city being nicer on the ground is more important to me than a skyline (not that I don't want that either).

[pkp]

OK - it is 250 St. Francis - Grubb And Ellis project. Can't find any other info - I think about 30 units.

[pboo74]

thanks blazer85,have they said what's going on ??

[Musicisright]

^They had a public ceremony on the future site of the Maritime Museum. I don't know if they called it a ground-breaking ceremony, but they put up a "future home of..." sign and rendering there.

[Bama_75]

http://www.cityofmobile.org/news.php?view=full&news=1076


This was posetd on the city web page.

[nimsjus]

From todays PR real estate colomn...
A local investor bought the property occupied by Veets Bar & Grill at 66, 68 and 70 S. Royal St., for $698,000, according to court records and Realtors. Veets owners will continue to operate there and have a lease with an option to buy the buildings, said Kay Previto , who owns Veets with her husband, Doug, and daughter, Gina. The Ripps family owned one parcel and were represented by Gordon Ripps of Aqua Realty in Orange Beach. Two parcels were owned by Tom Godwin. Joe Davis and Charlie Gray of Surety Land Title handled the closings.
I would say that does not bode well for Veet's longevity because that area will be very popular once the Hampton Inn is done next door.

[bayourat 15]

hope it will be something good. thats a primetime piece of land. A highrise condo with retail space would be great! :cheers:

[phoenixboi08]

What about turning the Dauphin St. area (Cathedral Sq. to Bienville Sq., between Government and St. Francis) into a mimic French Quarter? New Orleans and Mobile already share some of the same landmarks, lihe the Seanger Theater for one...it's just an idea :)

[nimsjus]

I know this topic has been approched before, but I think I have a new twist to put on it. Rather than put condos or a park on the old county courthouse site, I think this might be an opportunity to get a large scale aquarium to downtown Mobile. I feel like most decent sized water/port cities have aquariums(Charleston, San Diego, New Orleans etc). Not to be too much of a pessimist on our current ventures, but I think an aquarium would be a much more fruitful project than the Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico. I doubt we could do a waterfront aquarium thanks to hurricanes and a working waterfront, but from the courthouse site you would be able to see the water from the upper levels. I think it would be great to feature local fish, which would provide our aquarium with a niche no others have filled(some salt water, some fresh water, and some brackish species). I wonder if the county commission has even contemplated this idea. I really think the aquarium would make Mobile a destination while giving locals and people passing through on cruises/conventions one more thing to do downtown near the hotels. Just a thought...

[bayourat 15]

YOU BEAT ME TO IT! THINKING ABOUT IT YESTERDAY:tup:

[pkp]

OK - not to be on on jerk - but -You explained the exact reasons why an aquarium would be a bad idea - there are already a bunch of them. I dont think we can have something as nice as NOLA, Chatanooga, or ATL, so why bother? We can be the ONE National Maritime Center of the Gulf of Mexico. Ocean trade is what built this city; lets show it off!

As far as the courthouse site goes - its too big for a park and i dont like using public land for a private residential area. I would like a part market (we have some good ones now held in the parks), part retail, part park project. Its big enough for all of that.

[BlessedMobile]

The Maritime Museum is primarily to show our shipbuilding and port history. We do have a history there that is unmatched on the Gulf coast and in most of the South Atlantic states. The Dauphin Island Sealab is a great venue for aquarium lovers; more people should go visit. I know it is too far to get any tourist down there but it is a good day trip for locals.

[bayourat 15]

Where is this so called GO Zone money? And most important why can t it fund the new waterfront museum? I just hope this money doesnt fall in the wrong hands!:hell:

[nimsjus]

I disagree about there being too many aquariums. For one there is not a decent one in the state of Alabama and secondly, aside from NOLA, there are no major ones on the gulf coast. Im talking about an aquarium on par with Charleston/Chatanooga since we are a similar sized city. I know we dont have the funds to create another Georgia Aquarium. I also disagree with you guys about the success/popularity of the Maritime Museum. I live in Mobile and love our history, but I am not sure even I would be terribly excited about this museum. It just does not have the "wow" factor, and I think people in town for conventions/cruises/vacations will feel the same way. The shipping industry just is not that interesting. I hope it becomes wildly popular, but I don't see people coming to town for this museum. Build a good aquarium though and I bet you attract people from along the coast and up throughout the state of Alabama to town to see what we have.

[Musicisright]

Exploreum boosted by 'Pompeii'
Sunday, June 10, 2007

A few minutes after 5 p.m. last Sunday, ArtBeat got a call from W. Michael Sullivan, director of the Gulf Coast Exploreum. He had the final attendance numbers for "A Day in Pompeii": 134,790.

That makes "Pompeii" the second most successful box-office event in the museum's nine-year history. The top rung is occupied by "The Dead Sea Scrolls" (2005), which drew more than 205,000 and was the state's top tourist attraction; third on the list is "China! 7,000 Years of Innovation" (2002) with 127,000 visitors.

Numbers for "Pompeii" reflect a familiar pattern. About 30 percent of visitors came from Mobile-Baldwin, according to Sullivan. The remaining 70 percent traveled to Mobile from elsewhere.

The "Pompeii" museum store, operated by Loretta Potapenko, generated an impressive $561,000, an average of $4.17 per visitor, says Sullivan.

[Musicisright]

^So whatever goes across the street from the Exploreum on the old county courthouse site should take advantage of the thousands of people walking by the site going to and from the Exploreum.

[nimsjus]

Exploreum boosted by 'Pompeii'
Sunday, June 10, 2007

A few minutes after 5 p.m. last Sunday, ArtBeat got a call from W. Michael Sullivan, director of the Gulf Coast Exploreum. He had the final attendance numbers for "A Day in Pompeii": 134,790.

That makes "Pompeii" the second most successful box-office event in the museum's nine-year history. The top rung is occupied by "The Dead Sea Scrolls" (2005), which drew more than 205,000 and was the state's top tourist attraction; third on the list is "China! 7,000 Years of Innovation" (2002) with 127,000 visitors.

Numbers for "Pompeii" reflect a familiar pattern. About 30 percent of visitors came from Mobile-Baldwin, according to Sullivan. The remaining 70 percent traveled to Mobile from elsewhere.

The "Pompeii" museum store, operated by Loretta Potapenko, generated an impressive $561,000, an average of $4.17 per visitor, says Sullivan.

That is really great. The Exploreum is really quite a local tourist attraction. I don't think locals really appreciate what we have. I myself am kind of shocked that Pompeii did so well. I thought the dead sea scrolls was a one time success because of it's religious nature and our location in the Bible Belt. Guess I underestimated the Exploreum.

[elb401]

you know I thought the same thing. lets hope that you are underestimating the Maritime museum too!

[sahara727]

I thought the dead sea scrolls was a one time success because of it's religious nature and our location in the Bible Belt. Guess I underestimated the Exploreum.

I was talking to one of my theology professors at school about that. He said he got to speak with a few of the guys from Jerusalem who were in charge of the scrolls and they said that mobile's bible belt location was the #1 reason for their choosing it as a stop for the exhibit.

[trmdrftr]

Can anyone tell me of a website where I can find information on the Bring Back Broad Street plan? I live on Broad Street and would like to see if there are any renderings or information on this project.

[phoenixboi08]

Exploreum boosted by 'Pompeii'
Sunday, June 10, 2007

A few minutes after 5 p.m. last Sunday, ArtBeat got a call from W. Michael Sullivan, director of the Gulf Coast Exploreum. He had the final attendance numbers for "A Day in Pompeii": 134,790.

That makes "Pompeii" the second most successful box-office event in the museum's nine-year history. The top rung is occupied by "The Dead Sea Scrolls" (2005), which drew more than 205,000 and was the state's top tourist attraction; third on the list is "China! 7,000 Years of Innovation" (2002) with 127,000 visitors.

Numbers for "Pompeii" reflect a familiar pattern. About 30 percent of visitors came from Mobile-Baldwin, according to Sullivan. The remaining 70 percent traveled to Mobile from elsewhere.

The "Pompeii" museum store, operated by Loretta Potapenko, generated an impressive $561,000, an average of $4.17 per visitor, says Sullivan.




I JUST HAD A GREAT IDEA!!!!!! Why not use the Courthouse land for an addition to the Exploreum? It could be used for art exhibits and such....plus they wouldn't have to use ALL the lot if they build UP. They could put a park with maybe something like the French market in NOLA...anybody think this is a good idea?

[Muskavon]

We can be the ONE National Maritime Center of the Gulf of Mexico. Ocean trade is what built this city; lets show it off!

I think Pensacola has approved and are in the middle of getting the plans done for a maritime museum on the water downtown (along with a baseball stadium, etc). Granted it is Pensacola and I don't have a lot of faith in my hometown doing anything first class or even decent...ever...so you'll probably still have the ONE maritime museum on the coast anyway while we use ours to store other failed plans.

It never really excited me much. Maybe I just don't know what all could be interesting about such a place. But I've always had a hard time figuring how the Pensacola powers that be think some family in Michigan is going to plan their trip around such a place. It'd never occur to me, but maybe I'm out of the loop and/or seriously culturally challenged.

[bayourat 15]

Hey Phoenix thanks 4 the idea. Put a highrise on top of it. 30-40stories.


What ever happens to the land one of two things must happen.

In order for the bums not to run around the area .A park/market would need to be fenced in and closed down at dark. Or get the Mobile P.D to patrol 24/7. This will cost the county/city money.


Or have a highrise(income coming in) condo(30-40stories) with retail ,a small park with vendors surrounding its base.


also a fence is a must for another reason: I don t want my kids playing at a park with U.S hWY 90 next to it.

[nimsjus]

Can anyone tell me of a website where I can find information on the Bring Back Broad Street plan? I live on Broad Street and would like to see if there are any renderings or information on this project.

I think one of the plans from the Downtown Alliance (http://www.downtownmobile.org/) has some info on it. I looked briefly and could not find it, but I know I have seen it. Palmer Hamilton is the ringleader for it and you might find some more stuff if you include that name with bring back broad when searching. The info is out there, but I just don't remeber where. Hopefully some of that will get started in the next year.

[nimsjus]

Interesting article from the PR about a 96 year old woman who, with her husband, owned the Battle House in the 30's/40's. She heard about the restoration and brought her whole family down to stay in the Presidential Suite for the weekend.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/118215815428840.xml&coll=3

[BlessedMobile]

Yea, the article was very interesting. I saw that she commented on the lobby colors by saying that in her time it was very grey and not so colorful. I bet she was not too complimentary of the colors when talking with her daughter. For me, tacky is the only word that comes to mind.

[Exodus]

Yea, the article was very interesting. I saw that she commented on the lobby colors by saying that in her time it was very grey and not so colorful. I bet she was not too complimentary of the colors when talking with her daughter. For me, tacky is the only word that comes to mind.To me it sounds like she was saying it used to be bland, so the colors are a plus.

[BlessedMobile]

The lady is 96....did she look like "colorful" would be her style? If you had to chose one preference she would make which would it be...grey or colorful? Since she had very fond memories of what is was like under her ownership I am assuming her preference for the "look" would likewise be as it was. Decor is the 30's and 40's was not colorful. Maybe you are right...but I will go with the norm. For me, it is tacky,tacky in the lobby; something like a casino would want.

[Port-City_J]

Does anybody know about this... Mobile is in the race to become home to the nations largest military contract in history, a $200+ Billion air force tanker project which would generate over 5,000 high paying jobs in Mobile, pushing the city to very front of the nations most prosperous cities. If so fill me in on it. I can't find anything about it. I also heard that they were gonna build a big mall in west or north mobile. IS that true?

[bayourat 15]

:whatthefuck: http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/939

Scroll to the bottom of article:hell:



Someone call Trump please!

[bayourat 15]

:hell:

[bayourat 15]

I guess its time for the highrise at the old county courthouse site!:notacrook:

[pkp]

Does anybody know about this... Mobile is in the race to become home to the nations largest military contract in history, a $200+ Billion air force tanker project which would generate over 5,000 high paying jobs in Mobile, pushing the city to very front of the nations most prosperous cities. If so fill me in on it. I can't find anything about it. I also heard that they were gonna build a big mall in west or north mobile. IS that true?

No idea on the mall - hope not. The tanker project has been news for a year.
If awarded, it is going to be at Brookley EADS (airbus) and Northrop are competing against Boeing for it.

[SouthSky]

Does anybody know about this... Mobile is in the race to become home to the nations largest military contract in history, a $200+ Billion air force tanker project which would generate over 5,000 high paying jobs in Mobile, pushing the city to very front of the nations most prosperous cities. If so fill me in on it. I can't find anything about it. I also heard that they were gonna build a big mall in west or north mobile. IS that true?

I don't know about those rumors of a new mall, but if you search on google news archives for EADS Mobile you will get all the information you need on that subject. Here is a link:

http://news.google.com/archivesearch?hl=en&ned=us&q=Mobile+Alabama+EADS&ie=UTF-8

[bayourat 15]

5,000 new jobs at dale jr's raceway park. Dont be surprised if the Saraland area starts to boom:banana: A new mall is a good chance

[bayourat 15]

:notacrook: http://www.downtownmobile.org/images/news/dan_june.july.pdf


Just off the press

[Port-City_J]

I like the fact that mobile is growing but I think that we do things way to slow. I fell like with the right people call the shots we could grown much bigger and much faster. I think that in the next 10 years the mobile-baldwin combined statistical area could be over 1 million people and have 6 - 8 more skyscrapers built in the 400 - 700 ft. range. a mall in north abd west mobile, and connect the 2 malls that we have now. I think this city has so much potential. I would also love to see the night life grow and stretch down dauphine street.

[pkp]

Btw - my tcby application was approved. The guy came in town earlier this week to look at sites - they are being leased or sold before you can even look at them! Anyway, once the site is approved, we will be very close to our dream of owning a business downtown.

[Port-City_J]

PKP thats great man. Good luck with that.

[Scottybo]

So we all get to come eat free right? ;)

[bayourat 15]

If the condos are a bust, i hope the land is used and not a eyesore:hell:

A second cruise dock with retail would make a good fit there. I just hope the walkway over waterstreet will be built. If not there is really no way Mobile's waterfront can grow to its full potential(sp?) with those speed demons exiting off of I-10 unto waterstreet......:tup:

[bystander1]

Btw - my tcby application was approved. The guy came in town earlier this week to look at sites - they are being leased or sold before you can even look at them! Anyway, once the site is approved, we will be very close to our dream of owning a business downtown.

Congrats, pkp! I'm sure you'll do well. Once you know your location, let us know and I'll remember to stop by the next time I'm in Mobile.

[phoenixboi08]

I know this is irrelevant but it'll only take a second...a few months ago I remember hearing that there was interest in syarying a professional basketball team in Alabama. Does anybody else remeber hearing it?...Or am I crazy?:shrug:

[Musicisright]

I don't recognize that verb

:shrug::haha:

I don't remember hearing anything about it, but that doesn't mean there wasn't talk of it. That would be cool though.

[Port-City_J]

I think that mobile should try to get a Pro Baseball team. And build a big beautiful stadium on the bay. Right there beside the I-10 and Battleship parkway crossing. The open end where the batter would be facing would be looking at the battleship and the RSA Tower (and all of downtown) I think that would give the city great exposure and you would start seeing more skyscrapers downtown. Also I think USA has the get a football team in the sunbelt! That would be great for the city.

[Red UM Rebel]

I know most people who comment on this thread are from Mobile, so they might appreciate it. I drove through downtown on my way back to Oxford this weekend, and it looks great downtown. I also went and saw a friend at Spring Hill and that whole area is great too. I have lived so close to Mobile all these years and just really enjoyed it this past weekend for the first time. Also, is there really any plans to build another really tall building downtown like the teachers union just did (I think it was the teacher's union right???:shrug: )

[Brown Duckz]

I think that mobile should try to get a Pro Baseball team. And build a big beautiful stadium on the bay. Right there beside the I-10 and Battleship parkway crossing. The open end where the batter would be facing would be looking at the battleship and the RSA Tower (and all of downtown) I think that would give the city great exposure and you would start seeing more skyscrapers downtown. Also I think USA has the get a football team in the sunbelt! That would be great for the city.I'd think that a tremendous attendance year in and year out would be needed at the minor league level first to help fuel that wish. :D

[SouthSky]

Mobile as it is now could NEVER support an 80+ home game MLB season. I think a NFL or NBA team would be more of a possibility (slim) in Mobile, though. Mobile supported that RFL team in the nineties (11k+ season ticket holders) and I think football would most easily survive in south Alabama.

[Port-City_J]

Now don't get me wrong southsky I love football I've played 4 most of my life. I wish we could get a football team, but I think baseball would have a better chance in Mobile. There is another football and basketball team so close (New Orleans). So i'm not sure if that would work. But Mobile does have the third highest number of baseball player in the Hall of Fame. Also we are home to the current home run king. I wish that the city could grow and we could get all of them but if a pro team does come to Alabama it will probley go the the Ham anyway.

[SouthSky]

Now don't get me wrong southsky I love football I've played 4 most of my life. I wish we could get a football team, but I think baseball would have a better chance in Mobile. There is another football and basketball team so close (New Orleans). So i'm not sure if that would work. But Mobile does have the third highest number of baseball player in the Hall of Fame. Also we are home to the current home run king. I wish that the city could grow and we could get all of them but if a pro team does come to Alabama it will probley go the the Ham anyway.

All of what you say is true, but I think the chances of filling up a stadium in Mobile for an NFL team (8 home games) would be MUCH easier than a MLB team (80+ home games). I think Mobilians get bored with "too much" of one thing.

But, all of this is just hoping that Mobile-Gulfport-Biloxi-Pensacola becomes a large enough market for a major pro team. It can happen if this growth continues...

[elb401]

The bay bear games aren't even half full. I don't see baseball being the sport that it used to be in Mobile. Right now I dont see how any sport can call Mobile home. With strong ties to the saints and AL-auburn football I dont see Mobile or USA getting a football team. Sucks, but maybe sometime in the next 50 or so years if we keep growing.

[Exodus]

I think there is only one area that has a remote chance of getting a pro team, and that is Birmingham.

[bayourat 15]

NFL won t work! Mobile County cant sell beer before noon on Sunday

:tantrum:

[Red UM Rebel]

They would not be able to put one in Mobile regrettibly because New Orleans is just too close, people from the MS Gulf Coast can go see Saints (who are actually good now) and would not go to Mobile.

[BlessedMobile]

Let's not even go the pro sports dreaming. It just is not practical for a city of this size. First, let's add a few hundred thousand residents and then we might have something to offer the pros. Besides, I think they are looking for eyeballs on TV more than butts in the seats; we don't have an especially large number of either we can offer pros.

[nimsjus]

I think Mobile's only chance to move up in the sports world is to possibly make a jump to AAA baseball(which is a bit of a long shot still). As much as we like to claim a rich sports history, we really do not support sports well. Alot of that(in my opinion) has to do with Mobile having a relatively low per capita income. People just dont have as much money as those in other places and they do not choose to spend it on tickets to events/sports. Cities with AAA baseball include Las Vegas, Portland, Memphis, Des Moines, etc. These cities are much larger than Mobile. We are actually right where we ought to be/ahead with AA baseball when compared to comparable sized cities. We need to support the Baybears and hope that maybe sometime soon the parent organizations will force us to build a newer/more unique ballpark in a better location than our last attempt(which is pretty lame after going to watch the Baybears play the Biscuits in their new stadium). USA getting football would also be a big step forward. Look at how poor Bham's support for UAB is at Legion Field. Mobile could do at least that good or better, and USA would be playing in an inferior conference in the Sunbelt. If USA could ever get into a similar conference to UAB, then I think the support would be as good or better than the much larger Bham rolls out for UAB. That in itself would be an accomplishment to go along with Senior Bowl, GMAC Bowl, Alabama/Mississippi All Star Game, etc.

[bayourat 15]

Did anyone listen to the Uncle Henry Show today on the Radio?

There is a big Rumor out! Good news for Mobile:banana:

[spookyapp]

Did anyone listen to the Uncle Henry Show today on the Radio?

There is a big Rumor out! Good news for Mobile:banana:
are you talking about annexation? here's a link to an audio clip: http://radio.wpmi.com/pages/unclehenry2006.html

[bayourat 15]

jackpot! baby:banana:

[Bama_75]

I live near Cottage Hill and Dawes and am all for it, if they come this way.

[Bama_75]

I was told the large building where the gay bar Visions use to be, has been purchased and will be built into lofts or condos.

[elb401]

Yeah it has.......

Annexation wow....I know a lot of people that want it in west Mobile. Lets all hope that it will work out....peacefully!

[Musicisright]

I live near Cottage Hill and Dawes and am all for it, if they come this way.

Me too!

[nimsjus]

I was told the large building where the gay bar Visions use to be, has been purchased and will be built into lofts or condos.

It has and it has a sign on it which mentions the condo conversion. It doe not have any renderings on the sign.

[CottonCity251]

I don't know if it has been mentioned or not but here is the website for the condos or homes going up at 250 St. Francis Street in Downtown Mobile.

http://250stfrancisstreet.com/

[Verve]

Thanks for sharing the link. Very nice proposed units and will help to fill one of those parking lot blocks that detract from the downtown area.

[BlessedMobile]

The condos are very attractive and sure do fit our Southern style. It appears they have sold two of the 40 or so units. I have been amazed at the prices people will pay for a small place downtown but location is everything when you are young...I guess. Those parking lots are some of our ugliest and won't be missed at all. I would much prefer that we promote condos OFF of the waterfront so as not to obstruct the river view with a wall of buildings. This one should work great. Now...all you young folks go down and buy one!

[Musicisright]

God, that's nice. I hope the balconies do look like that.

[nimsjus]

I don't know if it has been mentioned or not but here is the website for the condos or homes going up at 250 St. Francis Street in Downtown Mobile.

http://250stfrancisstreet.com/

I love the look and the fact that they replace a blighted area. I'll be interested to see how fast they/if they all sell. I would love to live downtown, but I cannot fathom paying 250K for 840-900 sq ft! You can buy 2,000+ square foot homes in other nice areas of town for 250k. I think downtown could use a few less high profile/high end condo projects and a few more reasonable projects. I feel like alot of the people who would like to move back downtown are young and can't afford that kind of thing. I wish someone would do a project aimed at the under 200k price range or conversions to reasonably priced apartments that don't require ownership to live downtown. Sorry for the tangent. I hope this projects sells out like the Mattress Factory and brings more residents to downtown while improving the aesthetics of downtown.

[Bama_75]

That is really nice, but I don't see paying that either.

[Musicisright]

I love the look and the fact that they replace a blighted area. I'll be interested to see how fast they/if they all sell. I would love to live downtown, but I cannot fathom paying 250K for 840-900 sq ft! You can buy 2,000+ square foot homes in other nice areas of town for 250k. I think downtown could use a few less high profile/high end condo projects and a few more reasonable projects. I feel like alot of the people who would like to move back downtown are young and can't afford that kind of thing. I wish someone would do a project aimed at the under 200k price range or conversions to reasonably priced apartments that don't require ownership to live downtown. Sorry for the tangent. I hope this projects sells out like the Mattress Factory and brings more residents to downtown while improving the aesthetics of downtown.

Exactly.

[nimsjus]

Witherington Construction Corp . should start work in mid-July on a $5 million renovation and conversion of Space 301 at 301 Conti St., according to Ann Bedsole , board chairman of the nonprofit Centre For The Living Arts , which manages 301. About 21,500 square feet will be turned into a small gallery, auditorium and classrooms. A mezzanine floor will be created for conference rooms and there will be a rooftop terrace.
and...
RBC Centura bank has leased 3,465 square feet on the first floor of the River view Plaza office building at 63 S. Royal St., according to Kathy Hudson , the building's property manager. Construction starts later this month, and a branch office should open in early fall, she said.
There is also a very big announcement for Spring Hill...
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1183281588186880.xml&coll=3

[pboo74]

has the construction started on the hampton inn yet? it was supposed to have started in may,any updates?

[sahara727]

Witherington Construction Corp . should start work in mid-July on a $5 million renovation and conversion of Space 301 at 301 Conti St., according to Ann Bedsole , board chairman of the nonprofit Centre For The Living Arts , which manages 301. About 21,500 square feet will be turned into a small gallery, auditorium and classrooms. A mezzanine floor will be created for conference rooms and there will be a rooftop terrace.


i think they've started already. i walk past there most days, and i heard them making a hellish amount of noise on friday--jackhammer or something.

[phoenixboi08]

I know this is gonna sound crazy so bear with me.
I was watching something on T.V. about Hong Kong's new airport being built on reclaimed land...the port sits on a lot of vital land downtown. If they could move the port up towards the Cochran bridge, dredge a deeper channel and wider turning basin, and add some new land then they can get underway with some major projects...sounds weird I know but a possibility...but then again i have to think about ecological effects...

Another idea I had struck me while driving west away from downtown.If Mobile and Prichard could close a deal giving the all that land near that old paper mill that would be a great advantage for the city. Instead of choking downtown with condos they could start building in this area. Forget Mardi Gras Park how about Mobile's own Millenieum or, dare I say it,Central Park!
Mind you this all in the (near) future when Mobile's pop. is about 1-2 million.

Finally (I promise :P) I think that in the future the Prichard/Eightmile, Crichton/Tulminville areas of Mobile (i.e. neglected children) are going to be vital to the growth of the city. Let's face it, West Mobile is too crowded Cottage Hill is too far out, and Springhill is too...countryclub. Don't get me wrong I love these areas, but there's no room for new developments. Were gonna have to face that Mobile hasn't got a competitive real-estae market. To attract people from Baldwin (which is the primary goal for now...) Mobile's got to erect GOOD, affordable housing. Most middle-class families can't afford a home in one of Mobile's fitzy suburbs...although I know West Mobile has nice affordable homes...it's a nighmare. Can you imagine University Blvd with 50,000-1 million more people in this city? Or worse yet Airport? Scary stuff huh? I wouldn't be surprised if it already isn't in the works. The best part of it is that Prichard could get a great deal of money for the land and redevelop on it's own...this symbiote relationship reminds me of Phoenix and Tempe. I'm horrified that Mobile ignores these areas, considering that they're vital to future growth....
and THAT concludes my ramblings :) Be open minded, these are just my opinions, thus I shall be considerate of yours...;) honest!

[nimsjus]

The major downtown projects have come to a stand still, which is a little disheartning(sp?). Maritime Museum is still raising funds, the Water Street Landing project was scrapped and the investors are just sitting on probably the most valued land in Mobile County, and the courthouse condos/park are tied up in political squabbles. Seems like none of these projects will be completed in the next 5 years at the rate things are moving. Two other smaller things I would like to see hurry along besides those projects are the Hampton Inn and the Senior Bowl Museum(conversion of existing space).

[bayourat 15]

OK......Ive never been the one to downplay any developments in downtown.

But i don t think the condos at 250 St Francis street will work :( I went over there last weekend to look at the area. And right across the street is Labor Finders. This company lures bums , homeless , and thugs to this area. The city needs to relocate this business. If i were going to buy a high dollar condo i wouldn t want a begger in my path to the square. If you are in the area take a look for your self. Labor finders is a eyesore in the heart of downtown.

also there is no progress at the new Hampton Hotel site . Just a sign.

One good thing is the new entrance on the Riverview Hotel ! The crown should begin soon !

[bayourat 15]

O yeah one more thing..... The civic center:dead:

The other night went to downtown and looks great all lit up. But as i look over at the civic center it just makes me think how much money the city loses on this graveyard of an arena. If anything they could turn the lights on the dome. That would help greatly , but i would think their is no money for the power bill. I hope this area of downtown gets a big face lift soon!


:tup:

[bayourat 15]

http://www.cityofmobile.org/cityofficials/council_meetings/index.php?action=agenda&id=355


sorry im not smart enough to give a link.


ANNEXATION? its under the july10th council meetings

[Verve]

OK......Ive never been the one to downplay any developments in downtown.

But i don t think the condos at 250 St Francis street will work :( I went over there last weekend to look at the area. And right across the street is Labor Finders. This company lures bums , homeless , and thugs to this area. The city needs to relocate this business. If i were going to buy a high dollar condo i wouldn t want a begger in my path to the square. If you are in the area take a look for your self. Labor finders is a eyesore in the heart of downtown.

also there is no progress at the new Hampton Hotel site . Just a sign.

One good thing is the new entrance on the Riverview Hotel ! The crown should begin soon !

The people utilizing Labor Finders are folks looking for work - why would they have to be characterized as bums , homeless, and thugs - hardly the type that one would expect to be trying to get a job.