[NitekKetin]

A better site for the parking structure would be the lot across from the entrace to Fort Conde itself. Done in a historical architectural style, complete with detail cornice lines and pilasters, it would only be about three or so levels and feature setbacks, as not to detract from the surrounding historical structures. Come on, it wouldn't be nearly as visually intrusive as a hulking hypoethetical condo tower at the nearby intersection of Church and Royal. :)

[BuenaVista]

A better site for the parking structure would be the lot across from the entrace to Fort Conde itself. Done in a historical architectural style, complete with detail cornice lines and pilasters, it would only be about three or so levels and feature setbacks, as not to detract from the surrounding historical structures. Come on, it wouldn't be nearly as visually intrusive as a hulking hypoethetical condo tower at the nearby intersection of Church and Royal. :)


I believe one of the master plans for the Cooper Riverside Park/ Maritime Museum/ Cruise Ship Terminal showed the current surface parking area that is adjacent to the tunnel ventilator building being used as a parking garage with a pedestrian bridge across the off ramp to Water Street as well as ground level pedestrian access. Since the area is in a VE flood zone, a parking garage on the first few floors is really the only use- unless you are Dr. Bronner, of course, who does not have to obey FEMA regulations like the rest of us- i.e. branch bank on the ground floor of the parking garage adjacent to the RSA Tower!

Of course, a parking garage would be self-serve, so it would eliminate the need for the two "uniformed" attendents whose only job, apparently, is to spend the day chatting with their friends and preventing people from parking!

[Verve]

I agree with others that a parking lot is not the best use of the land. I would rather see it grassed over and keep a view of the water if a parking lot was the only option.

It's time we relegate parking lots to something unobtrusive that make use of land and space that wouldn't work for other type structures. Just as the city is starting to fill in the many "missing teeth" parking lots all around downtown, now someone is coming up with this crazy idea. I know they are proposing it because it is a quick moneymaker. However, the city need to follow the New Mobile plan that it spent good money on.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Nouv...that lot is going to be removed for the Maritime Museum from the plans I have seen. FYI..you are on track to have 573 posts after one year. Glad you are here to add your insight.

Blessed, I think you're mixing me up with somebody else as far as how many posts, and I've only been on here about a month. Thank you for the complement though.

That lot across from Ft Conde is another good location for a garage. I think I remember something mentioning underground parking beneath Mardi Gras Park? I just wonder how that would hold up after a hurricane or even a summer thunderstorm.

[Bayside]

In the same meeting with Reggie Copeland, he said that he is opposed to Sam Jones' plan for a park on the old courthouse property. He wants to park school busses there during museum tours. He also said that Mobile and the Eastern Shore cities, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have met to discuss a high speed ferry due to dock at the Maritime Museum. Plus, Dr. Bronner is investing $5 million in rebuilding one of the golf courses at Magnolia Grove.

[WEMO]

Sup fans!!! I am back... Sorry for the long awaited time, but I had to change something's.. All is well and I am fine... I have not heard very much these days and I have been keeping up with all of your post. JIC I am (TIM)... I have heard a lot of news about bel-air from the mall manager and hopefuly some good things to come for our area. I will report shortly. Good to be back..

[BlessedMobile]

Sup fans!!! I am back... Sorry for the long awaited time, but I had to change something's.. All is well and I am fine... I have not heard very much these days and I have been keeping up with all of your post. JIC I am (TIM)... I have heard a lot of news about bel-air from the mall manager and hopefuly some good things to come for our area. I will report shortly. Good to be back..

Welcome back Tim. We have missed you. I can't wait to hear about BelAir; I have brought it up a few times but now to soon hear the real scoop will be great. :banana:

[SouthSky]

Welcome back Tim! WEMO... West Mobile?

[Port_of_Bama]

Welcome back Tim and welcome back to Mobile. I assume thats what WEMO means , LOL

[Electrical Porpoise]

Welcome back Tim! WEMO... West Mobile?

maybe hes just a white emo. :shrug:

[NitekKetin]

I hope the new regarding Bel Air Mall is something along the lines of Tim Nolan announcing Coach, Aldo, Banana Republic and other higher end stores coming to THIS market.

That would just make my day!

[WEMO]

To all, WEMO... West Mobile... JIC... News to follow shortly. It is great to be home, also good to hear from you all as well.. I hope everybody is doing fine.

[WEMO]

Just to give you an update on the new spaces that are for rent at the mall and companies that are interested in renting spaces at the mall. Finally, a Cold Stone!! I still have more information, this is just some hard evidence..

http://www.shopatbelairmall.com/info/businessOpportunities.cfm



Space Available For Lease:
Are you interested in opening your own business? We offer a variety of options and pricing at the mall for traditional retail as well as non-traditional uses such as office, medical, educational training centers and more. We offer short-term, seasonal and long-term leases.

Sampling of Available Spaces at Bel Air Mall :

Space #A14: Located at intersection of two major corridors; 31' and 42' mall frontage in corner location; flexible lease terms; competitive rent; 1500 sq ft.
Space #B4: Conveniently located just inside the mall's main entrance; 12 feet of mall frontage; flexible lease terms; competitive rent; 1000 sq ft.
Space #C4A: 25 feet of mall frontage; flexible lease terms; competitive rent; 1800 sq ft.
Dollar Tree Complex: Spaces #S4, #S5, #S6: End cap with drive through potential; can subdivide; flexible lease terms; competitive rent; 8200 sq ft.
Outparcel #5: Desirable Airport Blvd. frontage; flexible lease terms; competitive rent; 1.1 acres.
Outparcel #6: Desirable Airport Blvd. frontage; flexible lease terms; competitive rent; .96 acre.
Click on the numbers above to view an image of the space. Note, some of the spaces are being used for display purposes or are occupied with a temporary retailer. Click here to see the available location on our lease plan.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Franchise Opportunities
Are you interested in becoming your own boss? Several national companies are looking for owner/operators for new franchises at Bel Air Mall .

Companies that are currently seeking owner/operators for Bel Air Mall include:

Cold Stone Creamery www.coldstonecreamery.com/franchises
Dairy Queen www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/own-a-dq/
Great Steak & Potato www.thegreatsteak.com/Franchise.html
Indigo Joe's Sports Bar www.indigojoes.com
Quizno's www.quiznosfranchises.com
Marble Slab Creamery www.marbleslab.com/franchise/
Subway www.subway.com/subwayroot/Development/
Aveda www.aveda.com

If you are interested in any of the above listed opportunities or would like more information on opening a franchise business at Bel Air Mall , please complete this form. Upon completion of the form, you will be contacted by a representative from Bel Air Mall to discuss the available franchise opportunity. Thank you for your interest in Bel Air Mall .


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advantages to Mall Leasing:

Great Traffic: Over 6 million visitors per year
Great Sales: Property generates more than $160 million annually
Great Space: 1,000 sq ft to 37,000 sq ft; Interior & Exterior Available
Great Options: Malls are not just for retailers; office space, medical uses and other non - traditional retail available
Great Flexibility: Short term, seasonal and long term leases available
Great Location: Conveniently located with plenty of parking at exit 3 off I-65 on Airport Blvd.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three major honors
Recently, Jones Lang LaSalle received three awards that recognize our firm's successful culture and values:

The Ethisphere Institute named us to the "World's Most Ethical Companies" list for the second year in a row. We are one of only 99 companies from around the world to receive this honor, and the only real estate firm.
Fortune magazine selected us for the second straight year as one the "World's Most Admired Companies."
Corporate Responsibility Officer Magazine named us to its "100 Best Corporate Citizens List" for the second time.

[NitekKetin]

Hmm, could Bel Air be gaining a food court and more in-line tenant space in the near future? Perhaps a 'food hall' building could be constructed adjacent the mall entrance near JC Penney and the post office.

If you don't mind, please do share with us discreetly!

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

I noticed Dairy Queen as one of the possible future tenants of Bel Air. It seems like all the ones we've had around here have gone out of business; I don't even know where there is an open one. Even one over the bay that I had occasionally gone to in the past is now (recentley) closed.

[NitekKetin]

I miss the Dairy Queen that used to be right there on Spring Hill Avenue in Crichton.

[nimsjus]

Just the rumor I always heard in my family about the local DQs...The franchisee who owned the local DQs was told to update all of his buildings to the newer style DQ and new logo or shut them down. The franchisee told them it was not worth it for him financially to make major renovations to all of his properties and chose to shut em all down. A new DQ is planned for satsuma/saraland.
http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/store-details/11689/

Anybody got any new pictures of the Govenrment Annex? Yall were talking about cornices and stuff on the building and I was curious how the building was shaping up. Last I saw of it was when they were just getting started on the masonry work. how much longer does it have until it is finished?

[Port_of_Bama]

It`s looking better than I thought its coming along but still have a little ways to go.


I was reading in the PR today about a sci,ntist from USA is proposssing to make the bay water more clear.I didnt read everything just the heading.I didn`t know that clearing the bay was even possible ?

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

A few have complained about the Annex but I personally like it.

As far as the bay is concerned, it is definitely a lot cleaner than it used to be (ie back when the papermills were running), and my grandfather swears it used to be crystal clear (maybe a bit of a stretch..). Riparian buffer zones along the edges of the bay and rivers, especially around agricultural land, would help with runoff of chemicals and mud/silt and are a nice place for wildlife.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Expert says clearer water would revitalize Mobile Bay's grass beds

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/12464397304670.xml&coll=3

Coastal Alabama oyster reef project gets federal grant

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/12464397904670.xml&coll=3

[Port_of_Bama]

Korean Company eyes Alabama :http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1246526140315470.xml&coll=3


I hope they consider the Southwest region of the state,and I also hope we`re aggresive about attracting this company to our region.

[BuenaVista]

Hmm, could Bel Air be gaining a food court and more in-line tenant space in the near future? Perhaps a 'food hall' building could be constructed adjacent the mall entrance near JC Penney and the post office.

If you don't mind, please do share with us discreetly!

Bel Air Mall used to have a food court before the Target was added on!

[BuenaVista]

Just the rumor I always heard in my family about the local DQs...The franchisee who owned the local DQs was told to update all of his buildings to the newer style DQ and new logo or shut them down. The franchisee told them it was not worth it for him financially to make major renovations to all of his properties and chose to shut em all down. A new DQ is planned for satsuma/saraland.
http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/store-details/11689/

Anybody got any new pictures of the Govenrment Annex? Yall were talking about cornices and stuff on the building and I was curious how the building was shaping up. Last I saw of it was when they were just getting started on the masonry work. how much longer does it have until it is finished?


Comments about Government Plaza and the new Courthouse Annex from Mobile Bay Times, Chip Drago's news letter:

http://www.mobilebaytimes.com/govtplaza063009.html

[Alxx611]

wow, that article truly grilled Government Plaza.


ok everyone, so i just got a job at Fort Conde with the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitor's Bureau. So not only will I be providing photo updates like crazy now, but I'm sure i can get some inside info, and maybe even throw in some suggestions to the big guys upstairs.



Some crappy cell phone photos:


New Courthouse Annex:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/DSC00026.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/DSC00025.jpg

View from 3rd floor of Space 301:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/DSC00028.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/DSC00021.jpg

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

I'm not really one for tearing things down, but I think I could make an exception for this monstrosity. And, if we have a clean palette, why not go ahead and build up..?

Edit: That picture reminded me, Alx. I noticed the other day just how bad the Van An is looking lately.. It's such a shame.

[Port_of_Bama]

Yes for the Van building to be the first skyscraper in the southeast you would think the city would do better with it. It should be converted into condos !!

That skyline pic doesn`t look half bad It could use 2 more 3 or 400 footers in the mix though.

[bayou15]

I'm not really one for tearing things down, but I think I could make an exception for this monstrosity. And, if we have a clean palette, why not go ahead and build up..?




That skyline pic doesn`t look half bad It could use 2 more 3 or 400 footers in the mix though.


Don't get me started!!!! :haha:

[NitekKetin]

From those photos, the Courthouse Annex reminds me of a suburban mid-rise motel that was designed and constructed in the mid 1980s.

[Port_of_Bama]

I believe they should have moved the Bar building and made the annex building glass but it`s still not that bad ooking building though.

[Bogue]

I'd rather they tore down the Govt. building as well. It's ridiculously inefficient design & those "sails" are a potential menace should the city ever be faced w/ the full brunt of a strong hurricane.

I remember the pictures of the other candidates Mobile could have had instead and how every single one of them was so much more attractive than the one they chose. Anyone remember why that one was the one chosen? Was there someone who really got behind it or was it just someone hoping to modernize the skyline. There was one beautiful building that was somewhat tall & white with sloping metal roofs in a soft green. I really liked that one. It would've fit in perfectly w/ the existing buildings and complemented the new RSA tower while making the stark white of the Van Antwerp building not look so out of place. Anyone w/ a time machine feel free to go back and make them pick that one. :)

Also, I fully agree w/ the person in that article who said that the color scheme (w/ the maroon) was ugly. There's NOTHING in Mobile that indicates red as a color to use. There's not even the red mud so common in most of the rest of the state. It's a port city (blue) with a history in cotton (white) & forest products (green). It's not that friggin' difficult to pick out which colors would suit the area best.

In an age where we are trying to become a more "green" society, the govt. building sticks out like a sore thumb in its massively inefficient design. It's closing in on the time to replace it anyway, so why not make that the next big project for the city? A LEED certified center of govt. would be a nice symbolic gesture, would save the taxpayers tons of money in the long-term, & could architecturally be both modern and appropriate for the historic nature of the area.

[BuenaVista]

I believe they should have moved the Bar building and made the annex building glass but it`s still not that bad ooking building though.


I agree that something all in glass would have respected the Levert Office- remember it was there first!

The Annex does look like a poorly designed cheap motel!

[BuenaVista]

Check this out for a little history:


http://www.mobilebaytimes.com/~site/Scripts_NewGuest/NewGuest.dll...

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

I think you all are being a little harsh on the new courthouse. I'm not head over heels about it, but I wouldn't say it looks like a crappy motel.

In an age where we are trying to become a more "green" society, the govt. building sticks out like a sore thumb in its massively inefficient design. It's closing in on the time to replace it anyway, so why not make that the next big project for the city? A LEED certified center of govt. would be a nice symbolic gesture, would save the taxpayers tons of money in the long-term, & could architecturally be both modern and appropriate for the historic nature of the area.

Rock on, my brother. :cheers:

Edit: Buena, tried the link. Didn't work for me.

[BuenaVista]

I think you all are being a little harsh on the new courthouse. I'm not head over heels about it, but I wouldn't say it looks like a crappy motel.



Rock on, my brother. :cheers:

Edit: Buena, tried the link. Didn't work for me.

HERE IS THE CONTENTS OF THE LINK:


Total Entries: 5

The Ghost of Politics Past Wednesday, 7/1/09, 8:04 AM

Here's the little known history of the monster. At the time of the infamous bond issue that started the whole thing, there was a 2-1 split on the county commission with Oliveth Archer and Doug Wicks teamed up over Jim Mason. A vacuum of leadership developed while Oliveth was experiencing depression from her husband's death and Wicks was running in fear of the feds. They were paralyzed. Nick Holmes was hired to design the building. A study indicated he was the most qualified -- and yet also in tune with the local history and culture -- of any architect in the state. He had never donated to a political campaign and was pretty naive politically. But the county signed him up anyway. When the tide turned and Mason-Sam Jones took over, they wanted to just fire Holmes, but got talked into putting him on a committee to hold a contest which was stacked with enough flunkies to be sure that Fred Wood, (who donated handsomely to Jones and Mason) would win. And there you have it.


What Might Have Been Wednesday, 7/1/09, 7:53 AM

Just the whole (Government Plaza) ethic in this day and age is goof ball. Contrast with the elegance and climatic intelligence of the old Waterman Building, with its exterior louvers on the south facing windows to control sun and heat. Out of town architectural-minded visitors always go crazy over that building. Done by Paul Cret in 1948.


p.p. Wednesday, 7/1/09, 6:55 AM

Do you know who designed the Plaza? Occasionally, I note a newspaper sponsored contest in London for "worst architecture", and I would enter it given the opportunity.


DAG Wednesday, 7/1/09, 6:52 AM

Where was Prince Charles when we needed him?


Pete P. Wednesday, 7/1/09, 6:51 AM

That building epitomizes ugliness, with the artistry of a pig sty and the lines of a multiple car wreck. It gives the word "disgusting" a new dimension. Who did it to us?



(Members can delete entries.)

[SouthSky]

Mobile aims to get back to No. 2

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1246871754222040.xml&coll=3

Mobile officials said they believe recent annexations have brought in enough new residents to once again make the city the second-largest in Alabama.

Now they just need to get the U.S. government to agree with them.

City leaders plan to cobble together a team of community leaders in advance of the Census count that will be taken next year to make sure that low-income residents, who are historically underrepresented in Census data, stand up to be counted.

"We are going to do every darned thing we can to assure that every countable person in the city of Mobile is accounted for," said Al Stokes, the chief of staff for Mayor Sam Jones.

The city's own population estimate claims that more than 206,000 people live in Mobile. But a new U.S. Census Bureau estimate released Wednesday put that figure at about 191,000.

The Census estimates show Birmingham with about 229,000 people, and Montgomery with about 202,000.

Mobile fell from No. 2 in the state to No. 3 in 2001.

The 15,000-person difference between the Mobile count and federal estimate could be costing Mobile federal funding and business opportunities, said Annette Watters, a researcher at the Alabama State Data Center in Tuscaloosa... Link to Continue Reading (http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1246871754222040.xml&coll=3)

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

I hope our people are right about the numbers. We need that title for business. It doesn't look good that we are shrinking.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Bridge could transform Mobile shipyard into cargo port

Sunday, July 05, 2009 By KAIJA WILKINSONBusiness Reporter
Bill Harrison III finds it ironic that the thing that has threatened to dismantle his family's 114-year-old business could be the key to its future.

The possibility of an Interstate 10 bridge over the Mobile River has loomed over the city's oldest shipyard since 1996. With momentum growing in the past few months for a route that would take the bridge right over Harrison Brothers Dry Dock & Repair Yard, Harrison began thinking about how his shipyard could fit into the equation.

The proposed route spares the natural harbor on Harrison's 14-acre, horseshoe-shaped property, but comes close enough that the yard would be precluded from performing repairs on vessels containing explosive cargo — a mainstay of its business. One of its pilings would land square in the middle of an apron Harrison built for new construction.

Harrison's solution: Turn the shipyard into a marine terminal that serves small vessels carrying nonhazardous cargo such as lum ber and building materials — "basically, staples going into the Caribbean and South America," Harrison said. The port would get a kick-start, he said, handling materials and housing equipment that would be used in building the bridge. ...

http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1246785323196340.xml&coll=3

ThyssenKrupp stock price falls on economic worries, collapse of subsidiary sale

Posted by Brian Lyman, Staff Writer July 06, 2009 9:15 AM
Bloomberg News reported Saturday that German steelmaker ThyssenKrupp AG has abandoned the sale of its industrial services unit after buyers pulled out.

The company saw shares slide 2 percent in European trading today over concerns about the world economic slowdown and the reported collapse.

ThyssenKrupp is building a $4.65 billion steel complex in Calvert, on the Mobile-Washington county line.

Bloomberg also reported that the sale of ThyssenKrupp's Xervon chemical unit and Safway, its power plant operation and scaffolding company, could be in trouble because the investment banks managing the sales are no longer offering to finance purchases.

The three units had sales of 1.7 billion euros (about $2.37 billion) in the 12 months ending in September, the company has said.

http://blog.al.com/press-register-business/2009/07/thyssenkrupp_stock_price_falls.html

[Port_of_Bama]

I believe they are right and I don`t think Tiilmans Corner is part of the city limits which has 15 K. I think they should also look into incorporating the three neighboring Mississippi counties and Washington County ,al into Mobile`s MSA or CSA populations if not atleast Washington County, Al.


Several lower income house holds are holding back I blieve because they fear if they tell the exact numbers they will lose out on Govt assistance. I know the numbers are a little off, becuase I know that Tillmans Corner is fully incorporated now.

[elb401]

the census doesn't do the Metro areas and the CSAs. the office of management and Budget (OMB) says who is in the metros and CSAs. The residental parts of Tillmans Corner are still in the county unincorporated.

But I agree (of course) that Mobile is a lot closer to the 200,000 mark than the the Census thinks.

[Port_of_Bama]

Thnaks for the info, i think the MSA and CSa should be looked into just as well.Wasgington County and the 3 Mississippi counties make up nice bulk of west Mobile county traffic . Its only right that we should include them and get federal money as well.

[SouthSky]

Two of those Mississippi counties are already in the Biloxi-Gulfport MSA. I'm not sure we'll be seeing those counties counted in our population totals.

[nimsjus]

Anyone think the Airbus planes falling out of the sky monthly will have any impact on the tanker decision? I guess it is giving Boeing supporters a little ammunition if nothing else. Mobile does not need anymore incidents involving those planes.

[OCA REP]

Anyone think the Airbus planes falling out of the sky monthly will have any impact on the tanker decision? I guess it is giving Boeing supporters a little ammunition if nothing else. Mobile does not need anymore incidents involving those planes.

We had (have) a seperate thread for this HOT topic. :)

But to answer your question, I am a Boeing supporter, but am open minded enough to realize the potential HUGE impact Airbus would bring to the area. That being said, Boeing is having their own problems with the launch of their new 787 Dreamliner. There should definitely not be too much finger pointing right now!

[WEMO]

We had (have) a seperate thread for this HOT topic. :)

But to answer your question, I am a Boeing supporter, but am open minded enough to realize the potential HUGE impact Airbus would bring to the area. That being said, Boeing is having their own problems with the launch of their new 787 Dreamliner. There should definitely not be too much finger pointing right now!

This is still Mobile, it is development in Mobile so talk away nimsjus.

[Port_of_Bama]

Two of those Mississippi counties are already in the Biloxi-Gulfport MSA. I'm not sure we'll be seeing those counties counted in our population totals.


Maybe Jackson ,but not George and Green Counties ?

[Port_of_Bama]

[B]

This is still Mobile, it is development in Mobile so talk away nimsjus.


LOL, glad to see you posting again dude.

[WEMO]

LOL, glad to see you posting again dude.

Thanks, I have not changed much... I am waiting to post some Bel Air news soon. I just want a link to provide before I share. Hope all is well with you guys..

[OCA REP]

Thanks, I have not changed much...

That is apparent!

If a seperate thread exists for that issue it should be used. If it was the other way around, you would be squeeling like a little girl... ;)

[WEMO]

I am sorry what? I cannot hear you...

[SouthSky]

Maybe Jackson ,but not George and Green Counties ?

Greene is not in their CSA, but George is.

Wiki Link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula_Combined_Statistical_Area)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/G-B-P_CSA.png/200px-G-B-P_CSA.png
Wikipedia image

[elb401]

The OMB changes the status of counties all the time. they switch them from one metro to the other, creating micro areas and then taking them away and combining 2 metro areas into one. they really don't give much explanation except linking cultures, commuting patterns, and interlinked economies. these things change every year.

[Port_of_Bama]

Man thats crazy ,Goerge,Green and jackson counties make up a nice part of the vehicle population on the wets side of the county.

[WEMO]

The CSA population should be changed. About half of Escambia county works in Mobile & I know that Washington and Shelby do as well. All of Baldwin should be included. I have never understood why Mobile is short handed. Think about it, What is there to do in Escambia, Washington & Shelby county? Where do you shop? You come to Mobile for everything.

[Alabadrock]

It doesn't matter if the counties are already in another metro, they can always be brought in as long as the statistics are there to support the move. In North Alabama, the Decatur Metropolitan Area will probably be dissolved and Morgan and Lawrence county will join the Huntsville Metro, because of daily movement because of jobs.

As long as there are more people working in Mobile county from those counties than work in the ones where Gulfport and Biloxi are, they can be added to the Mobile area.

[oscottscotto]

Hey everyone,

Native Mobilian (for 27 years) now living in Saint Louis (the last 2 years). Finding this site and reading this thread has me so excited. I have been all over and downtown Mobile has an unlimited amount of potential for progressive, unique, and profitable development - even if it is limited to a smaller area. It is a hidden pearl right now, waiting for growth.

It seems Mayor Jones and the crew have some nice plans for general revitalization in the next 10 or so years ... but government can only do so much in regards to attraction and promotion of gentrification. I can only hope that some "new money" investments come looking to help keep the momentum up. How great it would be if entertainment, conviences, and mass living quarters could spring up all over the place.

I just hope that living-space investors keep in mind the common man - and realize that many of us cannot afford condos/lofts/hosuing that is only $200k or higher. It would not promote optimum growth if living spaces only cater to the upper-middle or upper classes. You have to diversify and have your fancy places for big $$$ - and your reasonable places in the high 80-90k to low $100k rhelm. That will promote area growth across the board, which will bring business, which will bring numerous other opportunities.

[WEMO]

Welcome aboard....Nice to have a newcomer.

[WEMO]

It doesn't matter if the counties are already in another metro, they can always be brought in as long as the statistics are there to support the move. In North Alabama, the Decatur Metropolitan Area will probably be dissolved and Morgan and Lawrence county will join the Huntsville Metro, because of daily movement because of jobs.

As long as there are more people working in Mobile county from those counties than work in the ones where Gulfport and Biloxi are, they can be added to the Mobile area.

That is what I am trying to say, the people that drive into Mobile to work on a daily basis are overlooked; it is high time that the city stand up for the numerical rights of our metro population and give us the benefit of a much bigger metro than what is currently projected.

Washington, Escambia, Shelby & all of Baldwin counties should be included. To my knowledge, some people from Monroe county drive to Mobile to work as well. I am sure that workers from Escambia county Florida and surrounding Mississippi counties benefit from Mobile jobs. I know a big set of them.

[SouthSky]

Shelby county, Tim?

Are you talking about Clarke?

[WEMO]

Shelby county, Tim?

Are you talking about Clarke?

LOL, why yes, yes I am.......... Sorry :haha: Over look that and just pretend that I was talking about Clarke..

[SouthSky]

Hey everyone,

Native Mobilian (for 27 years) now living in Saint Louis (the last 2 years). Finding this site and reading this thread has me so excited. I have been all over and downtown Mobile has an unlimited amount of potential for progressive, unique, and profitable development - even if it is limited to a smaller area. It is a hidden pearl right now, waiting for growth...

Welcome!

Don't you frequent the city-data forum as well?

[oscottscotto]

Welcome!

Don't you frequent the city-data forum as well?

Yep :). That is how I found this one.

Heart is still in Mobile - will be back one day.

[Port_of_Bama]

OSC: welcome aboard my friend im PC on another site. ;)


I think it`s safe to say Mobile`s over all CSA is around 700 K or a bit more like 720 K. I see a huge number of Escambia ,Fl tags and 16(Clarke) in Mobile daily. i agrre it`s about time we defend our CSA and MSA numbers.Huntsville has 4 or 3 counties in there MSA,Birmingham has 8, Montgomery has 4 and Mobile has only 1.Yet with our 1(Mobile county) we still out populate Huntsville and Montgomery`s MSA with there multiples.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Oscott, welcome aboard my friend. Glad you made the jump from City Data to the real news and talk. :tup:

[oscottscotto]

Haha very cool. From the looks of it, this thread has much more meat to it than at CD. Thanks for the welcomings.

[bayou15]

T.V viewing area consist of 1.5million viewers

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

..... Of shows broadcasted for/from Mobile..........?

You lost me, bayou.

[SouthSky]

The Mobile-Pensacola-Fort Walton Beach DMA (Designated Market Area) is ~1.5 million. It's basically how many people can turn on their TV and see WKRG, WPMI, WALA, and WEAR.

This is the measurement TV stations would use to rank their market versus say Birmingham for example. Birmingham's DMA is ~1.8 million.

[BuenaVista]

Hey everyone,

Native Mobilian (for 27 years) now living in Saint Louis (the last 2 years). Finding this site and reading this thread has me so excited. I have been all over and downtown Mobile has an unlimited amount of potential for progressive, unique, and profitable development - even if it is limited to a smaller area. It is a hidden pearl right now, waiting for growth.

It seems Mayor Jones and the crew have some nice plans for general revitalization in the next 10 or so years ... but government can only do so much in regards to attraction and promotion of gentrification. I can only hope that some "new money" investments come looking to help keep the momentum up. How great it would be if entertainment, conviences, and mass living quarters could spring up all over the place.

I just hope that living-space investors keep in mind the common man - and realize that many of us cannot afford condos/lofts/hosuing that is only $200k or higher. It would not promote optimum growth if living spaces only cater to the upper-middle or upper classes. You have to diversify and have your fancy places for big $$$ - and your reasonable places in the high 80-90k to low $100k rhelm. That will promote area growth across the board, which will bring business, which will bring numerous other opportunities.


Lower cost housing is certainly a great idea, but in the case of existing buildings it is very hard to achieve- most existing fabric is in horrible condition- no maintenance for years, all endeavors have to be brought up to the current code, most are required to have fire sprinkler systems and Life Safety Code upgrades, new roofs are required, all new electical, mechanical and plumbing systems- all this is "behind the scenes stuff" that the average buyer does not see or understand but it has to be factored into the overall cost. And the lack of parking makes them a hard sell- yes, I have heard the argument about if people move downtown the stores will follow, but in the meantime, it is a chicken and egg problem!

[BuenaVista]

The RSA is continuing to hemmorage money- I would not look for any major renovations to the First National Bank Building anytime soon! By the way, word on the street is that the plumbing is so messed up in the building that most of the toilet rooms have been shut down!

[WEMO]

The RSA is continuing to hemmorage money- I would not look for any major renovations to the First National Bank Building anytime soon! By the way, word on the street is that the plumbing is so messed up in the building that most of the toilet rooms have been shut down!

That is awful.. How long do you think it will take to fix all that mess?

[BuenaVista]

That is awful.. How long do you think it will take to fix all that mess?

It is my understanding that Dr. Bronner wants to gut the entire building: exterior and interior walls leaving nothing but the structure and essentially start over with a new exterior skin, elevators, lobby, etc. Considering that the building is hugely energy ineffiecient, the elevators have been out of plumb since the building shifted during Hurricane Frederic in 1979 and really nothing has been done to in the way of MEP upgrades since it was built in 1965, it is not very ADA accessible, etc. I would say he has his hands full! And who knows if it has asbestos in it- my bet would be that it does!

[WEMO]

Yeah, I am sure that it has asbestos in it being built in the 60's. well, I am sure that it will be a long haul, but it will be worth it in the end.

Have any of you read the PNJ? Well, Cordova is getting some nice retailers. Mobile will not be too far behind, that is good for Mob town. Now we can roll up our sleeves and bring some competition.

[WEMO]

Just so you know, a list of retailers have been contacted by Mall manager Tim Nolan. The mall has several retailers that are interested and Coach is one for Mobile. If you have any questions of my resources please PM me and I will provide information for you.

[elb401]

thats great news for about the retailers. I hope we get some better stores in here.

but you know that saying... Mobile follows the battle house (or something like that). I got some bad news. they have stopped hiring and they have cut our hours about 2 weeks ago. today they started laying off people. the Battle House is almost $2 million over budget. It is bleeding money. We are having a meeting tomorrow and I hope that my neck is not on the chopping block.

[BlessedMobile]

thats great news for about the retailers. I hope we get some better stores in here.

but you know that saying... Mobile follows the battle house (or something like that). I got some bad news. they have stopped hiring and they have cut our hours about 2 weeks ago. today they started laying off people. the Battle House is almost $2 million over budget. It is bleeding money. We are having a meeting tomorrow and I hope that my neck is not on the chopping block.

ugh...Things will get better. Times are tough for a lot of people but you guys are the brightest star downtown and we locals are as supportive as we can be at this time. Dining with you can be a bit expensive but the food and service is excellent. Keep us posted on your "neck".

[WEMO]

Wow, stay positive...The best is yet to come.......

[BlessedMobile]

If any of you local posters are interested in Part time work for a sign company I have an opening for one person. 20+ hours per week . Pay of $8.50 per hour. I prefer a student who will be with us for at least two years year-around. Mostly it is light work in our shop. It is best if you have some experience with hand and power tools but we can train someone with aptitude. Must be 18 and have a valid drivers license. Call 341-0939 for details. Let's get this forum to pay off for the both of us!

[elb401]

they said today that they aren't going to lay off anyone else and hopefully things might get back to almost normal in september. hotel is just going through a really rough time. the riverview is on a better footing right now. So if you would like to come eat please do....trellis room will be open for breakfast and dinner (we were loosing money at lunch) and joe cain all day like normal. But I think all our downtown businesses need the customers.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Is Joe Cain doing ok?

The cafe, obviously.:haha:

[elb401]

Yeah its doing fine. its more causual so its not getting hit as hard as the trellis room. i might take some shifts over there.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

That's good. It has really neat atmosphere and decor.

Well, another great ArtWalk tonight. I thought the rain would keep some people home but it was packed. We were in crowded galleries and they started turning off the lights, waiting for people to leave. There were also belly dancers in Cathedral Square. Had a good meal at the Bull, which was also packed. Everyone try to go to the Market tomorrow!

[Alxx611]

I'll be there! look for me on a segway

[elb401]

I was driving home from work today and saw the line of cars backed up from the tunnel all the way passed DIP. Do ya'll think that the traffic will be just as bad on the proposed new bridge when it connects to the bayway?

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

The bayway would have additional lanes added to it before the bridge was ready. Luckily our leaders actually planned ahead on that one! So, hopefully it would flow fairly smoothly without a lot of backed up traffic.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Group launches industrial recycling effort in Mobile

http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1247390232317080.xml&coll=3

Synergy project turns one company's useless byproduct into another's resource
Sunday, July 12, 2009 By KAIJA WILKINSONBusiness Reporter

In Theodore, Evonik Degussa sends chemical byproducts to companies that use it in fuel and fertilizer, reducing the plant's waste stream and saving $750,000 annually.

Evonik is one of several local plants that have formed partnerships that involve sharing byproducts that would have been wasted to shrink their environmental footprints. Now, local industry group Partners for Environmental Progress, commonly known as PEP, hopes to expand local efforts.

Mobile-based PEP recently launched By-Product Synergy Gulf Coast, hosting a meeting in Mobile where representatives from about a dozen companies learned about and discussed the process. The Mobile initiative is one of six under way nationwide, according to project consultant Dennis Milligan, chief of operations for the U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Byproduct synergy essentially means turning one company's useless byproducts into another's resource. The program has enjoyed success in larger metro areas, including Chicago, where 90 companies and seven city departments have realized $4.5 million in savings and new revenue in the past several years as a result of its ongoing Waste to Profit network, according to the council. In Salt Lake City, a cement plant uses surplus diapers and tire scraps to generate energy, re ducing its coal consumption by
30 percent.

"It's very progressive for Mobile to be doing this — it speaks very highly of the local industrial community," Milligan said.

Partnerships save dollars

Locally, two of Evonik Degussa's partnerships — in which chemical byproducts are sold to both local and national companies that use it as an octane fuel booster and fertilizer additive, respectively — resulted in annual savings of $750,000 and waste reduction of 6.7 million pounds, according to Bill Klutz, the facility's environmental manager.

Although not a formal part of the By-Product Synergy effort, the programs are exactly the kind PEP wants to facilitate, said Jennifer Denson, executive director. Companies like Evonik can share the challenges and rewards with those that are newer to the effort, she said.

Recycling is "a huge positive for the environment," Klutz said. "(It) results in a decrease of emissions, a reduction in the use of energy such as imported oil, and a greater drive toward sustainability in the future."

[pkp]

Haven't been on here for a while - still loving living in our city center for almost three years now. If anyone is thinking of moving downtown/Oakleigh, now is a great time. There are some great properties available now for good prices. If you want locations, let me know.

[pkp]

thats great news for about the retailers. I hope we get some better stores in here.

but you know that saying... Mobile follows the battle house (or something like that). I got some bad news. they have stopped hiring and they have cut our hours about 2 weeks ago. today they started laying off people. the Battle House is almost $2 million over budget. It is bleeding money. We are having a meeting tomorrow and I hope that my neck is not on the chopping block.

I've got an office in the tower but just started spending some time in the hotel (spa, dining, etc...) It's a damn fine hotel - hell it made T & L's top 500 list. Is there a membership at the fitness center? I would really like to just use that place instead of building a pool.

[pkp]

they said today that they aren't going to lay off anyone else and hopefully things might get back to almost normal in september. hotel is just going through a really rough time. the riverview is on a better footing right now. So if you would like to come eat please do....trellis room will be open for breakfast and dinner (we were loosing money at lunch) and joe cain all day like normal. But I think all our downtown businesses need the customers.

I ate lunch there Thursday! Didn't seem THAT bad.

[Alxx611]

I talked to Tony, the owner of Royal Street Cafe, the other night. He's opening a Hookah Bar also on the first floor of the Van Antwerp building. Connects to the cafe, and will have flatscreen t.vs and a Nintendo Wii.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Haha, cool. We need some more diversity for sure.

[TimCity2000]

Huntsville has 4 or 3 counties in there MSA

i could be wrong, but i thought huntsville still only had the same two it's always had: madison and limestone. again, i could be wrong.

[HSVTiger]

i could be wrong, but i thought huntsville still only had the same two it's always had: madison and limestone. again, i could be wrong.
you are correct, but it would seem two or more could be added and if you were to combine Decatur, (the two cities are only separated by I-65) well you get the picture.

[Port_of_Bama]

Ok so Huntsville has 3 or 4 in the CSA then right ?

What`s a Hookah Bar ?! I`m thinkling of an idea but I may be wrong ,lol.

[Alabadrock]

Ok so Huntsville has 3 or 4 in the CSA then right ?

What`s a Hookah Bar ?! I`m thinkling of an idea but I may be wrong ,lol.

There are four in the Huntsville-Decatur CSA, Madison, Morgan, Limestone, and Lawrence

[phoenixboi08]

Has the new owner of AmSouth mentioned/noted any plans?

[The 251]

has anyone else noticed that the skyline in the myspace 2.0 layout "blue city" looks just like ours?
for those who don't have myspace or don't know what I'm talking about...

http://creative.myspacecdn.com/profiles/themes/blueCity/bg.jpg

[Alabadrock]

Hahahaha, it does look strikingly similar. But, if you examine that really tall building enough, it's obvious it's the NY skyline. The slab building that looks like the former Amsouth building is probably the MetLife building or UN.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

What`s a Hookah Bar ?! I`m thinkling of an idea but I may be wrong ,lol.

http://www.vcuinsight.vcu.edu/stories/Fall06/Dec06/hookah.jpg

A place with lots of people smoking lots of these.

The one already in Mobile is the Purple Cafe (formerly known as the Purple Onion Cafe, if I'm not mistaken). http://www.thepurplecafeusa.com/

[Port_of_Bama]

has anyone else noticed that the skyline in the myspace 2.0 layout "blue city" looks just like ours?
for those who don't have myspace or don't know what I'm talking about...

http://creative.myspacecdn.com/profiles/themes/blueCity/bg.jpg


I can see the simularities : RSA building,River view hotel Spire peeking behind it,Amsouth building,merchant bank building,and waterman building.

[WEMO]

This was listed in the NOLA update, however, once again Mobile is underlooked!

Top 10 Deals of 2008

Project Location Jobs Investment

1. Volkswagen Chattanooga, Tenn. 2,000 $1,000
2. Canon Virginia Newport News, Va. 1,035 $624
3. Hemlock/Dow Corning Clarksville, Tenn. 500 $1,200
4. Shaw/Westinghouse Lake Charles, La. 1,500 $100
5. BMW Spartanburg, S.C. 500 $750
6. Austal USA Mobile, Ala. 1,000 $254
7. Spirit Aerosystems Lenoir Co., N.C. 540 $571
8. Spirit Aerosystems Wichita, Kan. 700 $300
9. HP Conway, Ark. 1,200 N/A
10. Federal City New Orleans, La. 749 $110

http://www.sb-d.com/Features/2009SBD100/TopDealsandHotMarkets/tabid/261/Default.aspx

Top Deals

Top Deals Spring 2009

The American South's 10-Largest New and Expanded Manufacturing and Selected Non-Manufacturing Job Announcements

Announcements made in the Spring 2009 Quarter

Development Jobs Investment N/E Location Description
1. Wind Capital Group 2,500 $300 N DeKalb Co., Mo. Wind Farm
2. NCR 1,250 $30 R Duluth, Ga. Headquarters
3. Ryla Teleservices 1,200 $4 N Saraland, Ala. Call Center
4. SYKES Enterprises 900 N/A E South Carolina Call Centers
5. NCR 870 N/A N Columbus, Ga. ATMs
6. DHL 830 N/A R Hebron, Ky. Package Sorting
7. Vagent 800 N/A N Tampa, Fla. Call Center
8. Cbeyond 600 N/A E Atlanta, Ga. Call Center
9. Delta Airlines 500 N/A E Atlanta, Ga. Headquarters
10. Siemens 400 N/A N Hutchinson, Kan. Nacelles

http://www.sb-d.com/Issues/Spring2009/Departments/TopDeals/tabid/257/Default.aspx

Spring 2009

Announcements made in the Spring 2009 Quarter

ALABAMA

Boeing Relocating Missile Defense Division HQ to Alabama
In May, The Boeing Company announced it will immediately relocate the headquarters for its Missile Defense Systems (MDS) division from Arlington, Va. to the company's facilities in Huntsville, Ala. Boeing's MDS division, which includes more than 3,500 employees in the U.S., provides integrated missile defense solutions for all phases of ballistic missile threats. About 50 workers will be relocated initially in the move.

Rural South Alabama Gains Jobs
In the spring, Americatel and Matrix Telecom jointly announced the location of a customer service operations center in Atmore. The call center, which services immigrants in the U.S. and Canada, is locating in Atmore from Canada. Also in rural South Alabama, a new manufacturing plant was announced in May. MFG Galileo Composites, a manufacturer of components for radomes, which are dome-like housings for the radar industry, is moving into a new 40,000-square-foot facility in Opp, Ala. The deal is expected to create up to 50 jobs by the end of the year.

Big Call Center to House 1,200 in South Alabama
Ryla Teleservices is expected to open its doors in Saraland, Ala. this summer. The company plans to hire up to 1,200 workers within the next two years at its new call center located near Mobile. The Georgia-based company is investing almost $4 million in the project and expects to employ 431 people by the end of this year.
http://www.sb-d.com/Issues/Spring2009/Departments/RelocationsExpansions/tabid/255/Default.aspx

Alabama Passes White Collar Incentive Package

In May the Alabama state Legislature approved new incentives designed to help recruit white collar jobs to the state. The bill was signed by Alabama Gov. Bob Riley in late May. The legislation enhances Alabama's recruitment arsenal so that industries other than manufacturing are eligible for the state's economic incentives. With the new law, economic developers will be able to use incentives to attract corporate headquarters, high-tech research and development facilities and jobs in the newly emerging green economy.

http://www.sb-d.com/Features/Winter2009TenTop10sEdition/TenSmallerMarketsforForeignInvestments/tabid/234/Default.aspx
Mobile, Ala.

One of the biggest deals in the South's economic development history is well underway 30 miles north of Mobile, Ala. On November 2, 2007, Germany-based ThyssenKrupp broke ground on a $4 billion-plus carbon and stainless steel plant in Calvert, Ala. The project is believed to be one of the largest private industrial investments in the U.S. over the next decade and is a perfect case of job in-sourcing in this country. The foreign-owned project will create almost 3,000 jobs when fully operational next year.

Mobile, Ala.

As a testament to Mobile's strong link to trade with Latin America, German steelmaker ThyssenKrupp is building a $4 billion carbon and stainless steel plant just north of Mobile. The plant, which will be operational next year, will process massive steel slabs that it imports through the Port of Mobile from its new plant in Brazil into a variety of products.

http://www.sb-d.com/Features/Winter2009TenTop10sEdition/TenLegendarySouthernMarketsforLatinAmerican/tabid/239/Default.aspx