[TheMobilian]

No, not that one. The one adjacent to the Civic Center. Behind the Holiday Inn...:haha:

Thank you PhoenixBoi for clearing that up for me
i was confused

I know which one now the Pink Hotel they were talking about turning into cheap condos
is that correct?

[BlessedMobile]

Thank you PhoenixBoi for clearing that up for me
i was confused

I know which one now the Pink Hotel they were talking about turning into cheap condos
is that correct?

The hotel is the old downtown Ramada. It is more of a salmon color than pink but I see the point regarding color. The owner has backed off the condo idea as there weren't enough takers to make it happen. Something good can happen with the property but the current owner does not have the money.

[nimsjus]

Talking about that Ramada property had me thinking about how much the tunnel entry ramps really chop up that part of downtown. The New Plan for Old Mobile suggested eliminating the Water Street ramp, which would help this problem to soem extent. I think it would also be really beneficial to build over the tunnel entrance if possible as well. I know it is absurdly expensive and is a pipe dream in Mobile, but this type of project with I-85 in ATL and the big dig in boston on a much larger scale really helped create new patches of land that restored the original flow of those downtowns. It would be nice to walk straight from Government over to Ft Conder Village without going all the way down to Royal. Maybe even reconnect Monroe, Theatre and St Emmanuel in Ft. Conde Village to the city street grid. I think those two projects combined would help spur development in the tiny enclave of the Ft. Conde Village. It is just a little issolated from most of downtown by I-10. I think it will be even more important if the civic center property was redeveloped because Ft. Conde Village is so close to the Civic Center, but to walk from one to the other is really a hassel because of I-10 and all the exit ramps. Eliminating the ramps and maybe even building over the tunnel entry would creat lots of new land for development and make for much easier getting around that part of downtown. Maybe one day...

[Bayside]

Are you advocating removing Ft. Conde?

[nimsjus]

Are you advocating removing Ft. Conde?

No Im not saying to remove Ft Conde. In Atlanta and other cities, people have essentially created new land and reconnected neighborhoods/pars of town by buring or building over sunken freeways. I was suggesting that it would be beneficial to ft conde viillage and downtown on general if mobile could do this at the entrance to the tunnels allowing ft conde and the village to be more connected to downtown . As it is now, ft conde and the village are a dead end culdesac at the end of south royal because of the I 10 tunnel approach and exit ramps. Removing the water st ramp and creating land over the tunnel entrance would create some new land for development and potentially allow us to reconnect the streets in ft conde village to the city grid again. The problem is projects like this on a bigger scale have been enormously expensive an would not be deemed necessary somewhere like mobile. I just hate that i10 has made ft conde village and the fort an afterthought in the minds of many because it is not very accessible.

[phoenixboi08]

No Im not saying to remove Ft Conde. In Atlanta and other cities, people have essentially created new land and reconnected neighborhoods/pars of town by buring or building over sunken freeways. I was suggesting that it would be beneficial to ft conde viillage and downtown on general if mobile could do this at the entrance to the tunnels allowing ft conde and the village to be more connected to downtown . As it is now, ft conde and the village are a dead end culdesac at the end of south royal because of the I 10 tunnel approach and exit ramps. Removing the water st ramp and creating land over the tunnel entrance would create some new land for development and potentially allow us to reconnect the streets in ft conde village to the city grid again. The problem is projects like this on a bigger scale have been enormously expensive an would not be deemed necessary somewhere like mobile. I just hate that i10 has made ft conde village and the fort an afterthought in the minds of many because it is not very accessible.

It would be nice if they could sink a good stretch of I-10 and build over that...but THAT is definitely a "pipe dream!"

[Bogue]

I was also confused and thought you meant the one on the Causeway (which I think is much more of an eyesore b/c it's more visible to everyone who passes through). I also was aware that it's in Baldwin Co., but it's less than a mile from downtown so that's why my mind went there. I don't necessarily think BC is to blame for it not being torn down, etc. I think it's b/c they can't get insurance for most things. This is why that gateway project crashed and burned a couple years back, if I recall (plus other stuff, but I may not be remembering correctly). Y'all remember that?

[Bogue]

Also, Some of the wall provided by I-10 is helping keep the neighborhoods and the industrial sector seperate. Don't know if you'd want to bury it & connect the two. The huge amt. of rain the area receives each year (plus a fairly high water table, I think) might make it more expensive to build/maintain than in the other places, as well. B'ham's considering sinking part of I-20/59 through their downtown (a project I like), but they're well-inland and are a good bit higher above sea level than Mobile. It also makes more sense for them as the interstate cleaves their downtown in two. I-10 sort of skirts the edge of Mobile's residential area until it gets pretty close to the bay.

I do sort of get what Nimsjus is saying b/c that's essentially only like extending the tunnel a bit further in order to connect the streets above and have some greenspace above. A nice landscaped greenspace in front of Ft. Conde (essentially a large "Green Roof" over the tunnel addition) would make the fort more of a showpiece & the roads Nim is talking about would just go directly across this. Dunno' if they'd do it b/c it's largely just an aesthetic fix (an expensive aesthetic fix). If any city in this area were going to do something like it, though....

I like removing the Water St. exits, but the next exit down is going to need some work as well to handle all the new on/off traffic. I also think it's silly to have an on-ramp from the Causeway side just before the tunnel. People who just left downtown don't have much reason to jump immiediately back on and the handful that do would be better served by getting back on the mile or so down from there. As it is there's not enough of a merge lane, terrible sight lines, and it makes the silly people who are scared of tunnels freak out.

[NitekKetin]

Perhaps Royal Street, south of Canal Street, can be widened into a landscaped boulevard that connects to I-10 via new directional ramps at the Virginia Street interchange.

[OCA REP]

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_1083980265735_1413223230_30215589_7895194_n.jpg

GREAT photo!

The picture has a very European vibe to it...

[Bogue]

Yeah, it does have a bit of a early 20th century London look to it. It's the guy in the bowler hat that does it, I think ;)

Nite, great idea, but I can't remember if that would take them down by the jail or not.

Speaking of VASt. I'd LOVE if all those state-named streets would have their names changed. Esp. Virginia St. Renaming them after something w/ a more local flair would be better. It's not like those names are anything other than a generic fix to street naming from back in the day (one mirrored in almost every other city in the US). I've just always disliked generic streetnames.

[NitekKetin]

I wouldn't mind seeing a regional jail facility constructed somewhere on Blakeley Island northern reaches. Having the jail moved out of its current location would aide in making the waterfront areas south of Downtown more feasible for light industrial development.

[phoenixboi08]

I wouldn't mind seeing a regional jail facility constructed somewhere on Blakeley Island northern reaches. Having the jail moved out of its current location would aide in making the waterfront areas south of Downtown more feasible for light industrial development.

I completely agree.
I also wished that the docks could have been further south...near the Brookley area. An airport AND docks in one place...

[Bogue]

Well, the train runs near that and sort of walls off the waterfront so it's unlikely that they'll make a push to develop that specific chunk. That's also near where they want to put the bridge.

I agree that there needs to be a diff. jail site. Putting the jail right next to the bay is silly, IMO as the inmates would need to be moved en masse if there were even a minor hurricane. I think hiding Mobile Metro Jail somewhere in that mass of light industrial/warehouse buildings between Govt. & Airport just west of I-65 would be the most preferable, but that might be too far from court (though a much more central location for police & not far from their HQ). The problems that Metro had as a result of poor engineering/construction are also well-documented & def. don't need to be replicated in the next attempt.

Back to those run-down neighborhoods for a sec: I spent a little while looking at listings of the "fixer-upper" kind of houses in downtown & the southern half of midtown and there aren't that many that are legitimately worth fixing. A couple were being sold at the worth of the lot b/c the house was irreparable. Some were overpriced relative to the work needed. I did find a couple that were probably worth fixing.

http://www.mobilerealtor.com/search/residential.asp?page=1&orderby=list_price&orddir=ASC

That's a list (which you can sort price-wise from bottom-up or top-down).

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Dauphin Street was ready for its closeup last month as a commercial for Mercedes-Benz of Mobile was shot early one Saturday morning. The commercial, with dealer Ronnie Lemarque at the corner of Dauphin and Joachim streets, is now running in heavy rotation on local stations. It may be the only Mercedes commercial where the location is as lovely as the cars!

Meanwhile, another month and another "best" list for the Port City. The housing melltdown has left cities across the country with wobbly economies, but BusinessWeek magazine has named Mobile as one of the top 30 housing markets in the nation. Now, if only folks just now moving to Mobile could sell their homes in other cities, our housing market would really take off!

Just last month we announced the plans for the Candlewood Suites Hotel, an 81-suite hotel for the extended-stay business traveler. Less than four weeks later, ground was broken for the project with more than 100 in attendance. The hotel is scheduled to open in about a year, filling a much needed niche in downtown.

In other development news:

The Radisson Admiral Semmes has announced a plan to expand the hotel and add condominium units on land just south of the current building. The plans call for an additional 100 rooms and 50 condo units, as well as office space. Total cost for the expansion is estimated at $27 million.

The Southern High Speed Rail Commission has moved its offices from New Orleans to the GM&O Building, where it will receive staff support from the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission.

Melodix Music Hall will be opening at the end of September at 9 S. Joachim Street, in the building last occupied by Alabama Contemporary Dance. The venue will offer live music ranging from light to heavy rock.

One of Downtown Mobile's most charming boutiques has moved into its permanent location on Bienville Square at 7 N. Conception Street. Inside Up has already attracted a loyal following of shoppers looking for a great gifts and must-haves for the home and wardrobe! The new location is a light-filled, spacious and beautifully arranged space, with a second floor for larger furniture items. Stop in and check out the latest fall fashions or just visit with the friendly proprietors!

In other retail news:

Cafe Royal at Royal and Dauphin streets has announced that Chef Kevin Brooks from Blu Bistro in Springhill is now taking charge in the downtown landmark's kitchen. The menu features fresh, local seafood and Greek specialties. There are also great lunch and dinner specials daily.
After 15 years of satisfying the breakfast and lunch demands of folks from across the region, Spot of Tea After Five is open at night with a new menu. Chose from a variety of steaks, Italian dishes or Gulf seafood favorites. And because it's always time for an order of Eggs Bienville, breakfast is available whenever the restaurant is open.

Mayor Sam Jones and the Mobile City Council will be dedicating Mobile's newest green space this Saturday, August 22nd from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the corner of Broad Street and Springhill Avenue. Unity Point will celebrate the lives and partnership of Joseph Langan and John L. LeFlore, two leaders whose work during the Civil Rights movement encouraged Mobilians to put aside their differences to unite around common goals.

The centerpiece of the triangle green space is a statue of the two men by Mobile sculptor Casey Downing. Unity Point will serve as a beautiful, welcoming gateway into downtown at one of our busiest intersections.

Other points of interest: Bayfest/Exploreum/IMAX/Saenger/Brown Bag in Bienville/Upcoming music/Homeless Roundtable discussion/ Annual Meeting of the Downtown Mobile District Management Corporation and the Downtown Mobile Alliance (with Bronner)/"Staycations" and giveaways/Personal Items Drive for Children/Ben May Library/International Beer Festival/Look Up Mobile!/ArtWalk/Space 301/Cathedral Gallery.

As always, you can sign up for their newsletter and get all the info. I just put some of the main points.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Back to those run-down neighborhoods for a sec: I spent a little while looking at listings of the "fixer-upper" kind of houses in downtown & the southern half of midtown and there aren't that many that are legitimately worth fixing. A couple were being sold at the worth of the lot b/c the house was irreparable. Some were overpriced relative to the work needed. I did find a couple that were probably worth fixing.

Yes, many simply need to be bulldozed in my opinion. If you could find enough non-historic dilapidated houses in/around downtown, that would be a great opportunity for redevelopment. That being said, many others are worth the trouble and should be fixed up. Restore Mobile has several projects underway, and even though they won't be immediate, they are much needed.

[pboo74]

Dauphin Street was ready for its closeup last month as a commercial for Mercedes-Benz of Mobile was shot early one Saturday morning. The commercial, with dealer Ronnie Lemarque at the corner of Dauphin and Joachim streets, is now running in heavy rotation on local stations. It may be the only Mercedes commercial where the location is as lovely as the cars!

Meanwhile, another month and another "best" list for the Port City. The housing melltdown has left cities across the country with wobbly economies, but BusinessWeek magazine has named Mobile as one of the top 30 housing markets in the nation. Now, if only folks just now moving to Mobile could sell their homes in other cities, our housing market would really take off!

Just last month we announced the plans for the Candlewood Suites Hotel, an 81-suite hotel for the extended-stay business traveler. Less than four weeks later, ground was broken for the project with more than 100 in attendance. The hotel is scheduled to open in about a year, filling a much needed niche in downtown.

In other development news:

The Radisson Admiral Semmes has announced a plan to expand the hotel and add condominium units on land just south of the current building. The plans call for an additional 100 rooms and 50 condo units, as well as office space. Total cost for the expansion is estimated at $27 million.

The Southern High Speed Rail Commission has moved its offices from New Orleans to the GM&O Building, where it will receive staff support from the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission.

Melodix Music Hall will be opening at the end of September at 9 S. Joachim Street, in the building last occupied by Alabama Contemporary Dance. The venue will offer live music ranging from light to heavy rock.

One of Downtown Mobile's most charming boutiques has moved into its permanent location on Bienville Square at 7 N. Conception Street. Inside Up has already attracted a loyal following of shoppers looking for a great gifts and must-haves for the home and wardrobe! The new location is a light-filled, spacious and beautifully arranged space, with a second floor for larger furniture items. Stop in and check out the latest fall fashions or just visit with the friendly proprietors!

In other retail news:

Cafe Royal at Royal and Dauphin streets has announced that Chef Kevin Brooks from Blu Bistro in Springhill is now taking charge in the downtown landmark's kitchen. The menu features fresh, local seafood and Greek specialties. There are also great lunch and dinner specials daily.
After 15 years of satisfying the breakfast and lunch demands of folks from across the region, Spot of Tea After Five is open at night with a new menu. Chose from a variety of steaks, Italian dishes or Gulf seafood favorites. And because it's always time for an order of Eggs Bienville, breakfast is available whenever the restaurant is open.

Mayor Sam Jones and the Mobile City Council will be dedicating Mobile's newest green space this Saturday, August 22nd from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the corner of Broad Street and Springhill Avenue. Unity Point will celebrate the lives and partnership of Joseph Langan and John L. LeFlore, two leaders whose work during the Civil Rights movement encouraged Mobilians to put aside their differences to unite around common goals.

The centerpiece of the triangle green space is a statue of the two men by Mobile sculptor Casey Downing. Unity Point will serve as a beautiful, welcoming gateway into downtown at one of our busiest intersections.

Other points of interest: Bayfest/Exploreum/IMAX/Saenger/Brown Bag in Bienville/Upcoming music/Homeless Roundtable discussion/ Annual Meeting of the Downtown Mobile District Management Corporation and the Downtown Mobile Alliance (with Bronner)/"Staycations" and giveaways/Personal Items Drive for Children/Ben May Library/International Beer Festival/Look Up Mobile!/ArtWalk/Space 301/Cathedral Gallery.

As always, you can sign up for their newsletter and get all the info. I just put some of the main points.
That is good news hopefully more good news will follow....Thanks Nouveau for the info.....

[Scottybo]

If anyone read the front page of yesterday's paper, then you saw the article about "The Shed". Fairly famous BBQ "joint" in Ocean Springs and their pulled pork is just so damn amazing. Anyway, my point is the article mentioned Mobile would be getting one, and I've heard for the longest time that someone will be turning the old Solomon's on Old Shell into The Shed.

[TheMobilian]

Yes its true , the old Solomans will be the Shed
its so much larger than the Shed in Ocean Springs
so im curious as to what it will look like when completed

i know they will have live music
a lot of blues, or atleast thats what they have at the one in ocean springs
but being so close to the college im thinking they will also cater to the students as well

they are actually there every day that i pass by working to get it completed

[BuenaVista]

Yes, many simply need to be bulldozed in my opinion. If you could find enough non-historic dilapidated houses in/around downtown, that would be a great opportunity for redevelopment. That being said, many others are worth the trouble and should be fixed up. Restore Mobile has several projects underway, and even though they won't be immediate, they are much needed.

Check the OVRF website


http://www.ovrf.org/

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Haha, thanks. :tup:

Let's just say that I keep track off all the developments and goings on around there and keep in close contact with Oakleigh. Any of y'all ever seen the houses around 1116 Old Shell Road? ;)

[Bogue]

Bayfest has been named Alabama's "Event of the Year" by the Alabama Tourism Board.

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1251450908136610.xml&coll=3

"In announcing the honor, the Tourism Department indicated that the choice was based largely on BayFest's economic impact, which is estimated at more than $185 million over the course of 15 years.

Criteria for Event of the Year include 'outstanding performance, outstanding economic impact statistics, quality and effectiveness of marketing efforts, additions and/or improvements designed to increase appeal to tourists, increased attendance and the enhancement of local, regional or state image as a tourist destination,' according to the department."

The Pres. of Gulf Shores' Compass Marketing will also be awarded the Governor's Tourism Award.

For the organizers of Bayfest. Way to go!

[Bogue]

Where do I sign up for that newsletter, btw? I went to the website (located via google) but didn't see that it had been updated in a while & there wasn't anywhere to sign up for a newsletter.

[pboo74]

Have they started construction on the maritime museum?

[pboo74]

Maybe something will be done with the civic center property soon?

[TheMobilian]

pboo74

I was just at RiverSide Park Fri night and no they haven't started on the Maritime Museum, As of yet

[pboo74]

pboo74

I was just at RiverSide Park Fri night and no they haven't started on the Maritime Museum, As of yet

Thanks TheMobilian...I have to say that cooper is so underused as an amphitheater,and could be a lot better than it is,if they would build an pedestrian bridge over water street i think it will suite a lot of people an more visitors will be there..As of right now its kinda hard to get to with the fast moving traffic..

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

The pedestrian bridge will come with the museum.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Where do I sign up for that newsletter, btw? I went to the website (located via google) but didn't see that it had been updated in a while & there wasn't anywhere to sign up for a newsletter.

Bottom of the page under News & Reports it says Mailing List; here's the link http://www.downtownmobile.org/mailinglist.html

They also have the upcoming events on the website. Unfortunately they could do a better job updating the site.

[pboo74]

The pedestrian bridge will come with the museum.

Thanks Nouveau Mauvilla....

[TheMobilian]

i bet Riverside Park will get a lot more use once the Maritime Museum opens
and during its construction

I walk my Dog there a few times a week, the Park closes at Midnight
there are always around 15 to 30 people fishing and a few walking

the view is amazing from the Park
there is a parking lot right in front of where the Maritime Museum
for public use

you should go check it out
its beter after dark

[NitekKetin]

The City of Mobile or whomever performs maintenance on Cooper Riverview Park needs to steam clean the bathroom kiosks on a constant basis. Hurricanes and the homeless population have violated that space.

[pboo74]

Meaning big concerts and other activities that could take place there,art walk,things for kids to do,like play movies in the park,etc...

[NitekKetin]

The bridge/skywalk connecting Downtown to the Waterfront needs to be constructed soon in order for Riverside Park to be another focal point for events and whatnot. Imagine a Bayfest concert and post-concert fireworks show!

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

I believe that parking lot will be removed when the museum is complete, not sure what it will be replaced with, though.

Yes, maintenance is sub-par at the moment. Bayfest on the river would also be nice. Not to say it won't, though. Slow and steady.

[nimsjus]

Nice article in the PR about some awards given for downtown improvement. It also casually drops a timeline for RSA's renovation of the Amsouth tower. Apparently they will be accepting bids soon.
http://blog.al.com/live/2009/09/moonpie_drop_wins_richardson_d.html

[Bogue]

I thought the Moonpie Drop idea was kind of cool & a good twist on the tradition. I hope it continues and that they work the bugs out.

Tourism looks like it's going to be a big portion of life in downtown for a long while. I think it's good that they work toward that.

I'm also a big fan of their renovating the old AmSouth building. I wonder when they'll unveil the plans. Hope they change the top of it somehow. That guy that suggested the wavy-top thing should send that pic in. :)

[Port_of_Bama]

From Bonners statement about the Amsouth it seeems as if he has big plans for the building. Im hoping for a shiny blue or turquoise colored glassy look. ;)

[pboo74]

Dr. Bronner in a short speech spoke about future plans in Mobile...hummm i wonder what else he has in store?

[BlessedMobile]

I met Ft. Conde Village developer, Larry Posner, yesterday morning on business and went on a tour of his upcoming Bed & Breakfast Hotel that he is building. A very old house at 163 St. Emanuel is about 25% complete on its way back to restoration plus an expansion using a period design. This is going to be a very nice 9 room B&B with a full time onsite manager and staff. It will be finished in the Spring of 2010. I believe we will see this as a beautiful addition to our upscale downtown accommodations. The views of the waterfront and downtown were really nice. I would encourage all of you to go down to Ft. Conde Village and see what he has done with most of the old homes. All of them will eventually be restored and others built in the period look.

[DallasTexan]

I hope the renovated "AmSouth" building has a spire identical to the one on RSA built on top of it!

[buckett5425]

I hope the renovated "AmSouth" building has a spire identical to the one on RSA built on top of it!

I sincerely hope you were being sarcastic...

Is this what architecture has become in the south? Cheep imitations of one good idea and people want more of it?

I wouldn't be surprised.

[BlessedMobile]

I sincerely hope you were being sarcastic...

Is this what architecture has become in the south? Cheep imitations of one good idea and people want more of it?

I wouldn't be surprised.

There is no reason to think that Bronner would do the spire again. The buildings needs are primarily internal (HVAC and sprinklers). Money will be more of an issue this time and the price tag is already about 30 million from what I have heard. Look for a new facade as the windows are in bad shape and need repairs and/or replacement; this is an opportunity to introduce a new exterior appearance. Will it look different...absolutely. My guess is that it will blend with the RSA...and that ain't bad.

[OCA REP]

There is no reason to think that Bronner would do the spire again.

I hope you are correct.

Of course, there was no reason to think that every RSA building in Montgomery required a roof in a particular shade of green either...

[BlessedMobile]

I hope you are correct.

Of course, there was no reason to think that every RSA building in Montgomery required a roof in a particular shade of green either...

I hear ya'. We got the color issue covered as we have a dark building in the Riverview Hotel, a light color building in the RSA and red brick for the Battle House Hotel. I just hope he doesn't do anything like the bordelo/casino carpet-look that he had put in the Battle House.

[Bogue]

There is no reason to think that Bronner would do the spire again. The buildings needs are primarily internal (HVAC and sprinklers). Money will be more of an issue this time and the price tag is already about 30 million from what I have heard. Look for a new facade as the windows are in bad shape and need repairs and/or replacement; this is an opportunity to introduce a new exterior appearance. Will it look different...absolutely. My guess is that it will blend with the RSA...and that ain't bad.


I agree that it's unlikely to have another spire & I've heard lots of bad things about the heating & cooling (etc.) being in desperate need of updating. The building has a different shape to it than the other two as well, which might make it unsuitable for a spire like those used on the other 2 buildings. I'd be happy w/ just about anything that upgraded the aesthetics of that building. Really, the top isn't as important to me as the sides. If he wants to put a spire on it, go ahead, just so long as the outside doesn't look like it was built in the 60's anymore.


I'd like to see more of a solid blue-glass look (sort of like that doctors office complex near I-65 & Dauphin but on a much larger scale). It would at least blend in more & the color would still be in the greater aquatic theme the city has been working on.


This is the page w/ the rendering (scroll down) that I was referencing earlier (the wavy top thing).

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=124993&page=65

[NitekKetin]

The restaurant on top of the AmSouth should be converted to a hip, yet affordable eatery. In fact, the entire top should be converted to outdoor seating and observation posts. Also, helicopter tours into the Mobile-Tensaw delta will originate from a launching pad here, as well. The Bienville Club can relocate to Eastern Shore Centre or something. :)

[WEMO]

I agree that it's unlikely to have another spire & I've heard lots of bad things about the heating & cooling (etc.) being in desperate need of updating. The building has a different shape to it than the other two as well, which might make it unsuitable for a spire like those used on the other 2 buildings. I'd be happy w/ just about anything that upgraded the aesthetics of that building. Really, the top isn't as important to me as the sides. If he wants to put a spire on it, go ahead, just so long as the outside doesn't look like it was built in the 60's anymore.


I'd like to see more of a solid blue-glass look (sort of like that doctors office complex near I-65 & Dauphin but on a much larger scale). It would at least blend in more & the color would still be in the greater aquatic theme the city has been working on.


This is the page w/ the rendering (scroll down) that I was referencing earlier (the wavy top thing).

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=124993&page=65

I am a fan of a glass facade, but not the rendering that was drawn before.

[Bogue]

Yeah, I was more talking about the top of it being cool, though I don't think I'd mind the rest, either.

Anyone catch this in the PR this morning?

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1252487710234000.xml&coll=3

"While the city just this year completed a $2.5 million renovation at Ladd-Peebles, Jones said he has gotten favorable response from at least one member of the University of South Alabama board of trustees about the idea of building a new "community stadium" to be used by USA, the Senior Bowl and the GMAC Bowl.

Jones said the city could not likely afford the cost of building such a facility on its own, but he believes it could be accomplished through a partnership with the university.

'We're talking about close to $100 million to get that done,' he said. 'I think between the University of South Alabama, the city, the county, some other entities, you could come up with that.'"


USA drew around 26K for its first game. Lots of events could take place in a 40-50K-seat outdoor stadium (concerts, etc.). While it may be a hard sell to get it put in downtown (limited potential locations & distance from USA). Having a new stadium near I-65 in Midtown might be a great idea. Putting it near where Springhill intersects might help clean up that area and encourage more growth while making it more prominent to people passing through (& easy to get into and out of).

$100 mill could be a tough sell for many, but the city wouldn't be on the hook for all of that (& not all would need to be up-front anyway). Corporate sponsorships (and the USA partnership in particular) would make a huge difference.

[DallasTexan]

I sincerely hope you were being sarcastic...

Is this what architecture has become in the south? Cheep imitations of one good idea and people want more of it?

I wouldn't be surprised.

Of course I'm being sarcastic.

[Alabadrock]

Naming rights could pick up a lot of that $100 million bill too. With cooperations from all those entities, plus maybe a commitment from the Senior Bowl to stay in Mobile, I think it could easily be pulled off.

[SouthSky]

I like the idea of a stadium off of I-65 near Spring Hill only if all downtown options are exhausted.

Maybe next to Hank Aaron Stadium after the future Halls Mill Road interchange?

A concept I drew up:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e36/ellisb123/newstadium_mobile.jpg

[nimsjus]

A downtown stadium would be awesome. I would gladly tear down the civic center or take up part of Texas St park to make room for a downtown stadium. A stadium on the civic center property would make the GMAC Bowl and Senior Bowl much better than they are at Ladd. Teams, staffs and visiting fans could walk from downtown hotels to the game and then to bars/restaraunts, etc. Businesses woudl also get a boom on Friday ngihts early from people grabbing a meal before high school games at the new stadium too. Im not a huge fan of the Hanks location just because there is nothign to do over that way and that neighborhood has already started going bad. Peoples complaints about Ladd is that it is not in a great area. The Hank area is not exactly a huge step up. The interstate access is nice. Columbus has all of their sports venues (minor league baseball stadium, community football and civic center) all in one place and it is next to the projects. I dont see any benefit to having it all located close to each other. I would rather see USA and the city build a joint stadium on or near the USA campus than out at Halls Mill. How about municipal park as a location. Pretty easy access from interstate/all parts of town. City owns it already and has golf course/tennis courts nearby. Nice part of town (SpringHill) where people are not afraid to go after dark. Easy access from campus for students and the big donors living in SpringHill. Lots of local businesses nearby for people to support in conjunction with the stadium. Nice setting with the lake and the art museum nearby. Close to USA and not horribly far from downtown. That is pretty much the center of town in my opinion and the city already owns the land...Thoughts?

[NitekKetin]

I'm in favor of having the Civic Center property hypothetically leveled for a community stadium. So that it doesn't completely overshadow the surrounding neighborhoods, it can be set within a landscaped plaza and flanked by a mixed use district.

[BlessedMobile]

All the notions of a new stadium are exciting but let's look at what we have to offer in locations. The Civic Center property occupies about 30 acres by my measurements from Google Map. The current Ladd Stadium footprint is just over 50 acres. Granted, there is no parking garage at Ladd as there could be at the Civic Center site but giving that property to a seldom used facility would remove our one site with mixed use potential in the downtown area. Forget near USA as land is already at a premium. A stadium should be visible and accessible from the interstate. We could put it out by the BayBears Stadium if we use some creative street closures such as McVay Drive and bought out the land at Grady Buick. Another site that is swampy now but definitely large enough is the parcel off I-65 and I-10; it is bordered on the West by Lee's Lane and to the North by Halls Mill Rd. Let's remember that only government can, in their good conscience, destroy flora and faura for what they would call "economic development." What business can't develop government can and does. Oh yea, a few more thoughts: USA won't have any money for a long time, corporate sponsors will be a minimum, and good old City of Mobile will have to bear most of the cost. :)

[Alabadrock]

Hey, I think that if you placed the stadium next to the interstate in downtown, that would make for some excellent advertisement space on the side of the stadium, you never know what could happen.

Imagine, build a MASSIVE parking deck, then place the stadium on top, with tailgating plazas surrounding the entire 360 degrees of the stadium. :)

[BuenaVista]

HABS photo of the Hall Ford House, which dates from 1835- one of the oldest structures remaining on its original site in Mobile.


http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/displayPhoto.pl?path=/pnp/habshaer/al/al0400/al0484/photos&topImages=005149pr.jpg&topLinks=005149pv.jpg,005149pu.tif&title=1.%20%20Historic%20American%20Buildings%20Survey%20E.%20W.%20Russell,%20Photographer,%20March%2014,%201935%20FRONT%20AND%20NORTH%20SIDE%20VIEW%3Cbr%3EHABS%20ALA,49-MOBI,47-1&displayProfile=0

Larry Posner is a great guy and deserves more accolades for what he has accomplished in Fort Conde Village. When the City of Mobile was in charge several buildings were lost and all the buildings suffered terribly from neglect

[BlessedMobile]

HABS photo of the Hall Ford House, which dates from 1835- one of the oldest structures remaining on its original site in Mobile.


http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/displayPhoto.pl?path=/pnp/habshaer/al/al0400/al0484/photos&topImages=005149pr.jpg&topLinks=005149pv.jpg,005149pu.tif&title=1.%20%20Historic%20American%20Buildings%20Survey%20E.%20W.%20Russell,%20Photographer,%20March%2014,%201935%20FRONT%20AND%20NORTH%20SIDE%20VIEW%3Cbr%3EHABS%20ALA,49-MOBI,47-1&displayProfile=0

Larry Posner is a great guy and deserves more accolades for what he has accomplished in Fort Conde Village. When the City of Mobile was in charge several buildings were lost and all the buildings suffered terribly from neglect

That's the house now being renovated in Fort Conde Village to become a B&B. Larry was all focused on that wrought iron fence shown in the front. Seems that someone in the 30's plastered over the original bricks and brownstone cap; you can see the light shaded plaster below the fence. He wants to return it to its original look but the city wants to keep the plaster finish. Also, on the right end of the fence is now a very large oak which looks to be about five feet tall in the photo. They even had to dig down four feet below the original foundation to put in new plumbing and air conditioning ducts. This will be a showpiece when completed. The ARB has been very reasonable and professional in their dealings with him.

[Bogue]

I agree w/ Blessed that the location's downtown aren't a necessity. To me I think a communal stadium between USA & Mobile (and the Sr. Bowl & the GMAC for that matter) would need to be somewhere between them. That's the reason I thought Springhill. I think I'd rather it go up on the east side of I-65... partly b/c to me that "feels" like the "Mobile" side. I don't know that I'd have a problem w/ having it near the baseball stadium, it's just that I think it'd have more of an impact being on/off Springhill than Govt. USA already operates its medical center just down the street beyond that, so clearly it's in line w/ their operations. That area is also really easy to get to and get out of for most of USA's student body (and for avg. Mobilians as well) w/ US 98 right there in addition to the interstate. A re-working of the intersection w/ I-65 & Springhill/US98 may be needed & perhaps a widening of that section of Old Shell & N. Sage.

Right now that area (Crichton) is an economically depressed part of the city (cheap land) and is in desperate need of revival. I think I'd like to see the purchase of the whole area bordered by I-65, Old Shell, Springhill, & N. Sage. This would give them room to create a large park environment surrounding the stadium & make maximum impact on the surrounding area. While the stadium itself would be somewhat justified to the western section of that, the parking would trail to the east of it in a landscaped parking area (lots of trees and mounded medians to make it nice for tailgating & attractive to look at). Springhill & Moffat/US98 intersect on the NE point of this tract in an area with several shopping centers. The only real problem w/ this location is that the train tracks cut across a small section of it, but they could be re-routed by 50' or so or the issue could be built around fairly easily. They would probably need to be elevated anyway to deal w/ the traffic... but that could be something planned and done when funds became available.

My own personal idea on the stadium's appearance would be to not go w/ the traditional brick that so many others have gone to (b/c it's played & boring & Mobile ain't an industrial-feeling city). I'd like more of a mixed contemporary approach that made the stadium stand out more (but not in a bad way). My idea would be to use a wide lower concourse w/ its visible outer areas sheathed in a frosted blue-green glass (Water Cube-esque) that would make it easier to cool the area's w/in while letting in natural light and would help the primary facade (which would be above it) of the stadium make a stronger impact. Above that first level (about 20' tall), and about 20' in from the outermost wall of the lower concourse, I would like to see them start w/ masonry in a similar vein to that used by the Ridgecrest dorm in Tuscaloosa. That creamy color above the aqua-colored glass would make it look more like a sandcastle on a beach (tying into the aquatic theme in the city & making a great visible impression). You could use almost any exterior style (Art Deco, Roman Coliseum, etc.) that suited your budget. This would essentially be an exterior skin, but wouldn't have to match the internal walking spaces. Lots of openings in the masonry section (majority of the structure) would allow light and air to circulate through the building. Parts of Ole Miss' Vaught-Hemingway are in the vein of what I'm thinking in terms of this upper section. Virginia Tech also uses a variation of this idea. FSU uses a variation that's stylistically more-in line w/ what I'm seeing in my head, but they use brick instead.

Surrounding that you'd have room for about 50-100 feet of planting area & greenspace (lots of room for Azaleas to pay homage to the city... and Springhill, for that matter... while making a very strong visible impact from the interstate). During the Azalea season, this could be a central point for many events b/c of its easy parking situation & ease of entrance/exit. USA & the bowls aren't going to need more than 50K anytime soon, so the endzones would stay open. I say continue the concourse level around one endzone (using the same aqua-colored frosted glass on the roof and exterior side) and build a museum to Gulf Coast Athletics (w/ a large part devoted to the Sr. Bowl... as a selling point to those folk to make them stay). There are tons of great athletes who grew up an hour from that location (Emmett Smith, Brett Favre, Hank Aaron, etc... many of which may be willing to donate items or help promote the facility). This would increase the use of the facility in down-time which would increase the traffic in the area.

This could be done in stages, of course, w/ the stadium's largest two sections being built first & the museum built later as funds/grants became available. Mobile may have to foot a large part of the bill initially (this is one reason why I think it should be used as a redevelopment project) but I think the two could get something set up where the percentage paid by the city shrank over time & USA's grew... perhaps from Mobile holding 55-65% of the total debt initially to Mobile holding 35% after 10 years (& USA the lion's share since they would be the primary users). Naming rights would be an important facet of getting the stadium up and running. Portland recently signed a deal for $8.5 million on a soccer stadium & they say that's a bargain-basement for that kind of thing. Troy got $18 million for their stadium from Movie Gallery. FAU is shopping around $20 million for their stadium's collective naming rights. Ultimately, I think Mobile getting $15 million would be a big chunk & a reasonable amt. to expect. They're saying $100 million for total construction cost, but FAU is building a 30K seat stadium in FL for $62 million. Akron (which doesn't draw well at all) just built a 30K stadium for $61.6 million (and sold 16.1 million in naming rights to a couple different companies). UCF completed a 45K seat stadium for $54 million in '07 (and got $15 million from Brighthouse).

There is also the potential for the city selling Ladd-Peebles to the Mobile County School System. Even giving it away at $15 million would be a bargain for MCSS relative to how many HS's play there. W/ naming rights and the sale of LPS, that would take at least around $30 million off the top. Financing $70 million split between the city & USA would be easier to sell to people.

Anyway, just ideas...

[WEMO]

I think that it would be cool in Springhill, but that would ruin the whole village feel that they are trying to go for. Usa, or Downtown on the north side would not be so bad. Would be nice to see the skyline while watching a game. Nice crisp cool day with the rsa in the backdrop.......

[Port_of_Bama]

USA wil lbe playing big SEC schools in 3 years so it should definintly be interstate accessible and seat atleast 80 k.

[OCA REP]

USA wil lbe playing big SEC schools in 3 years so it should definintly be interstate accessible and seat atleast 80 k.

PLEASE send whatever you are smoking to us up here in Montgomery so we can ALL enjoy it!

Just kidding... but seriously, once USA gets the program up and running, I believe the best they can shoot for is to be a program comparable to Troy University. Movie Gallery Stadium in Troy, AL seats 30,000 and something of that size will be plenty big for USA. If and when they play SEC schools, it will probably be at the campus of the SEC school, not in Mobile. It generally takes a program several years to get into home/home series, especially with the SEC heavywieghts.

But, I do respect your "build big" attitude! ;)

[BlessedMobile]

PLEASE send whatever you are smoking to us up here in Montgomery so we can ALL enjoy it!

Just kidding... but seriously, once USA gets the program up and running, I believe the best they can shoot for is to be a program comparable to Troy University. Movie Gallery Stadium in Troy, AL seats 30,000 and something of that size will be plenty big for USA. If and when they play SEC schools, it will probably be at the campus of the SEC school, not in Mobile. It generally takes a program several years to get into home/home series, especially with the SEC heavywieghts.

But, I do respect your "build big" attitude! ;)

I'd say the family bong has been passed around. I know the Springhill Avenue area very well and you won't take 30 acres of homes without a fight and lots of money. I thought only WalMart could get government to exercise eminent domain without just cause. South has no money or monied alums willing to pony up big bucks. Build something like a 30K. The school system is always going to claim poverty; if you can get ahead of the teachers in the money line you might get some small coins but as for buying an old stadium...no way.

[BlessedMobile]

witty commentary aside, we can and should build a new stadium. Most likely it will be a largely city/county project. South would have some type of leasing agreement for their games. I can see 40K as possible. GMAC and Senior Bowl would be happy with a new home.
This sideline note for all of you SB fans, but I have it on good authority that the city makes nothing on the Senior Bowl and the hotels either comp or heavily discount the rooms for all the players and coaches; we may like the game but it makes us no money. Those who attend the game go home immediately afterward thus there are no hotel stays and minimal dining. Scouts and some of the player families are about all who actually pay for food and lodging. Didn't I read that Steve Hale made something like 225K in salary; I suppose the city should budget a donation to him each year to help him out...poor guy.

[Alabadrock]

The MDB has performed for the Senior Bowl for the past two years, we don't know about this year yet, but I could definitely tell a difference between the atmosphere between 2007 and 2008. It definitely improved. The inclusion of that jumbotron made a HUGE difference, and the game continues to be a fun one to watch.

If the entity that puts on the Senior Bowl keeps doing what they're doing (trying to improve it), I think that it can be really successful and fun. MDB members, who are usually very pessimistic folks, even commented on the improvement.

BTW everyone. Let's not forget that stadiums can be expanded. 30K would do just fine, I'd say 20K would do the job. Bryant-Denny started off with less than 30K, and in about a year it will be the largest stadium in the SEC. So, let's just remember that you can start of small and grow later.

[BuenaVista]

I agree w/ Blessed that the location's downtown aren't a necessity. To me I think a communal stadium between USA & Mobile (and the Sr. Bowl & the GMAC for that matter) would need to be somewhere between them. That's the reason I thought Springhill. I think I'd rather it go up on the east side of I-65... partly b/c to me that "feels" like the "Mobile" side. I don't know that I'd have a problem w/ having it near the baseball stadium, it's just that I think it'd have more of an impact being on/off Springhill than Govt. USA already operates its medical center just down the street beyond that, so clearly it's in line w/ their operations. That area is also really easy to get to and get out of for most of USA's student body (and for avg. Mobilians as well) w/ US 98 right there in addition to the interstate. A re-working of the intersection w/ I-65 & Springhill/US98 may be needed & perhaps a widening of that section of Old Shell & N. Sage.

Right now that area (Crichton) is an economically depressed part of the city (cheap land) and is in desperate need of revival. I think I'd like to see the purchase of the whole area bordered by I-65, Old Shell, Springhill, & N. Sage. This would give them room to create a large park environment surrounding the stadium & make maximum impact on the surrounding area. While the stadium itself would be somewhat justified to the western section of that, the parking would trail to the east of it in a landscaped parking area (lots of trees and mounded medians to make it nice for tailgating & attractive to look at). Springhill & Moffat/US98 intersect on the NE point of this tract in an area with several shopping centers. The only real problem w/ this location is that the train tracks cut across a small section of it, but they could be re-routed by 50' or so or the issue could be built around fairly easily. They would probably need to be elevated anyway to deal w/ the traffic... but that could be something planned and done when funds became available.

My own personal idea on the stadium's appearance would be to not go w/ the traditional brick that so many others have gone to (b/c it's played & boring & Mobile ain't an industrial-feeling city). I'd like more of a mixed contemporary approach that made the stadium stand out more (but not in a bad way). My idea would be to use a wide lower concourse w/ its visible outer areas sheathed in a frosted blue-green glass (Water Cube-esque) that would make it easier to cool the area's w/in while letting in natural light and would help the primary facade (which would be above it) of the stadium make a stronger impact. Above that first level (about 20' tall), and about 20' in from the outermost wall of the lower concourse, I would like to see them start w/ masonry in a similar vein to that used by the Ridgecrest dorm in Tuscaloosa. That creamy color above the aqua-colored glass would make it look more like a sandcastle on a beach (tying into the aquatic theme in the city & making a great visible impression). You could use almost any exterior style (Art Deco, Roman Coliseum, etc.) that suited your budget. This would essentially be an exterior skin, but wouldn't have to match the internal walking spaces. Lots of openings in the masonry section (majority of the structure) would allow light and air to circulate through the building. Parts of Ole Miss' Vaught-Hemingway are in the vein of what I'm thinking in terms of this upper section. Virginia Tech also uses a variation of this idea. FSU uses a variation that's stylistically more-in line w/ what I'm seeing in my head, but they use brick instead.

Surrounding that you'd have room for about 50-100 feet of planting area & greenspace (lots of room for Azaleas to pay homage to the city... and Springhill, for that matter... while making a very strong visible impact from the interstate). During the Azalea season, this could be a central point for many events b/c of its easy parking situation & ease of entrance/exit. USA & the bowls aren't going to need more than 50K anytime soon, so the endzones would stay open. I say continue the concourse level around one endzone (using the same aqua-colored frosted glass on the roof and exterior side) and build a museum to Gulf Coast Athletics (w/ a large part devoted to the Sr. Bowl... as a selling point to those folk to make them stay). There are tons of great athletes who grew up an hour from that location (Emmett Smith, Brett Favre, Hank Aaron, etc... many of which may be willing to donate items or help promote the facility). This would increase the use of the facility in down-time which would increase the traffic in the area.

This could be done in stages, of course, w/ the stadium's largest two sections being built first & the museum built later as funds/grants became available. Mobile may have to foot a large part of the bill initially (this is one reason why I think it should be used as a redevelopment project) but I think the two could get something set up where the percentage paid by the city shrank over time & USA's grew... perhaps from Mobile holding 55-65% of the total debt initially to Mobile holding 35% after 10 years (& USA the lion's share since they would be the primary users). Naming rights would be an important facet of getting the stadium up and running. Portland recently signed a deal for $8.5 million on a soccer stadium & they say that's a bargain-basement for that kind of thing. Troy got $18 million for their stadium from Movie Gallery. FAU is shopping around $20 million for their stadium's collective naming rights. Ultimately, I think Mobile getting $15 million would be a big chunk & a reasonable amt. to expect. They're saying $100 million for total construction cost, but FAU is building a 30K seat stadium in FL for $62 million. Akron (which doesn't draw well at all) just built a 30K stadium for $61.6 million (and sold 16.1 million in naming rights to a couple different companies). UCF completed a 45K seat stadium for $54 million in '07 (and got $15 million from Brighthouse).

There is also the potential for the city selling Ladd-Peebles to the Mobile County School System. Even giving it away at $15 million would be a bargain for MCSS relative to how many HS's play there. W/ naming rights and the sale of LPS, that would take at least around $30 million off the top. Financing $70 million split between the city & USA would be easier to sell to people.

Anyway, just ideas...

Spring Hill is two words

[buckett5425]

Bogue,

I am really confused of how putting a stadium in an economically deprived area of the city, will help revitalize that area. Please help me understand your logic.

[BlessedMobile]

Blue blood Mobilians would have a "fit" if Crichton was considered to be in "Spring Hill". Crichton is on Springhill Avenue. The college and neighborhood uses the two word version and the road is the one word version. Maybe there is some official version that might be different but I'm not aware of it. If we decide that Crichton is in Spring Hill please let me break the news to those in Spring Hill. Maybe some day we can do a study on Moffet, Moffett, Moffat Road..consensus seems to be Moffett but all spelling options are accepted.

[pboo74]

I think putting a stadium right downtown would be awesome,You could put it in the Orange Grove area thats plenty of space and right off the cause way..

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

I suppose one could entertain the idea of a stadium on Blakely Island. Available (ie undeveloped) land. Wouldn't force anyone out of their home. I suppose less of a problem having a flooded stadium then say residential or something. Proximity to downtown and ease of access. Of course a plus for you skyline lovers. Cons would be possible contamination and I wouldn't know what the cost would be.

Thought I'd throw it into the mix.

[Alabadrock]

I'd be worried about putting it on Blakley...

As a geographer, I'd be worried about the future existence of that island. It's located at the terminus of a delta, which for those of you who don't know, are places that are constantly changing in size, shape and elevation.

It's been there for years, yes, but the future of it is ultimately unknown.

PS: I know you were just offering it as a suggestion, I just couldn't help myself ;)

[CottonCity251]

The MDB has performed for the Senior Bowl for the past two years, we don't know about this year yet, but I could definitely tell a difference between the atmosphere between 2007 and 2008. It definitely improved. The inclusion of that jumbotron made a HUGE difference, and the game continues to be a fun one to watch.

If the entity that puts on the Senior Bowl keeps doing what they're doing (trying to improve it), I think that it can be really successful and fun. MDB members, who are usually very pessimistic folks, even commented on the improvement.

BTW everyone. Let's not forget that stadiums can be expanded. 30K would do just fine, I'd say 20K would do the job. Bryant-Denny started off with less than 30K, and in about a year it will be the largest stadium in the SEC. So, let's just remember that you can start of small and grow later.

The city hasn't been doing a good job upgrading Ladd to keep it to par with other stadium just in the South. Improvements should be budget for yearly not when someone complains. That alone would probably stall talks between the city and South Alabama causing them to build their own venues, which might be better. I don't see the point of building a smaller stadium than Ladd expandable or not for city purposes but one 30K would do right for South Alabama. Steve Hale is underworked and overpaid....$259K a year, are you serious? And what about the stadium board...wonder what they do all year?? I wonder if they understand everything the stadium needs? Everybody need to sit down and talk.

[BuenaVista]

Visiting Mobile’s Spring Hill - Hometown Tours - WKRG.com
http://www.wkrg.com/hometown_tours/artic...

Some call it simply "08," referring to its zip code. Realtors call it, "highly desireable." But for the 10,000-plus people who live there, it's just Spring Hill...two words. It's been a nice place to live for a long time Visiting Mobile’s Spring Hill hometown tours
1 of 6Choose a Thumbnail

If Robert Hunter says it is two words, then it is two words.

[OCA REP]

This short piece was in today's Montgomery Advertiser. I thought I would share it since new stadiums and the Senior Bowl were being discussed.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090914/SPORTS/909140312/SPORTS-BRIEFS--Senior-Bowl-may-leave-Mobile

SPORTS BRIEFS: Senior Bowl may leave Mobile
September 14, 2009

The Senior Bowl lost more than $150,000 putting on this year's game in January, according to organizers who are looking at other possible host cities, in part because of uncertainty about the long-term financial viability in Mobile. In the past five years the game that showcases NFL hopefuls has made enough money to award $1.1 million in charitable donations, while accruing $1.2 million in profit, according to public tax filings by the Mobile Arts & Sports Association, which runs the game. But organizers say ticket sales and sponsorships slumped in the face of the worst recession in the game's 58-year history in Mobile. Victor Lott Jr., chairman of the association, said expenses for the game are rising, while revenue has peaked.

[buckett5425]

This short piece was in today's Montgomery Advertiser. I thought I would share it since new stadiums and the Senior Bowl were being discussed.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090914/SPORTS/909140312/SPORTS-BRIEFS--Senior-Bowl-may-leave-Mobile

SPORTS BRIEFS: Senior Bowl may leave Mobile
September 14, 2009

The Senior Bowl lost more than $150,000 putting on this year's game in January, according to organizers who are looking at other possible host cities, in part because of uncertainty about the long-term financial viability in Mobile. In the past five years the game that showcases NFL hopefuls has made enough money to award $1.1 million in charitable donations, while accruing $1.2 million in profit, according to public tax filings by the Mobile Arts & Sports Association, which runs the game. But organizers say ticket sales and sponsorships slumped in the face of the worst recession in the game's 58-year history in Mobile. Victor Lott Jr., chairman of the association, said expenses for the game are rising, while revenue has peaked.


Definition of irony?

[Bayside]

That's the house now being renovated in Fort Conde Village to become a B&B. Larry was all focused on that wrought iron fence shown in the front. Seems that someone in the 30's plastered over the original bricks and brownstone cap; you can see the light shaded plaster below the fence. He wants to return it to its original look but the city wants to keep the plaster finish. Also, on the right end of the fence is now a very large oak which looks to be about five feet tall in the photo. They even had to dig down four feet below the original foundation to put in new plumbing and air conditioning ducts. This will be a showpiece when completed. The ARB has been very reasonable and professional in their dealings with him.

Blessed - what is the building next to this one for? I thought that it was going to be a B&B.

[Bayside]

When USA builds a football stadium, it will be built on campus. Perhaps next to the Mitchell Center where the track is. I doubt very seriously that USA would build anywhere but on their own campus.

[WEMO]

How do you know this?

[Bogue]

Yeah, I was pretty specific about it being put in South Crichton, not Spring Hill.

As for how it would revitalize the area. It would:

A. require a reworking of the intersection there, creating an easier on-off method for the business district there & better connecting the two sides. At present the east side of the awkward intersection of I-65 with Springhill & Moffatt is dominated by low-rent kind of commercial properties. That section of Springhill is extremely close to Spring Hill (as the distinction has been noted previously). The interstate is what divides (starkly) a poor neighborhood from a rich one. The stadium & park area would pull the aesthetic potential that's common in Spring Hill eastward across the interstate. That it would remove some homes is a fair point, but none of them are historic and if you give those folk the option of buying their homes at a fair price I'm sure most would jump at the chance to bolt the ghetto (which it will stay for the forseeable future w/o some kind of intervention).

B. there are already a couple prep schools in the general area. This would be, w/ proper focus of gentrification, a very good location. It's convenient, has some very good schools nearby (not sure about which district they go to in public, just referencing the private ones).

C. It's on a line between 2 colleges and a large hospital. These are good for redevelopment. That it's also on the same 2 roads of which the wealthy folk are so proud (Old Shell & Springhill) increases the desirability (don't ask me why... people like to look like they're wealthy even when they're not. Mobilians in particular are susceptible to this).

I agree that it's pie-in-the-sky... just an idea.

I also understand that the city doesn't make much in the way of profit off the event. It helps the visibility of the city, though.

[Bogue]

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1252919753258660.xml&coll=3

Interesting article about a large new building going up on USA's campus. Yet another "Shelby Hall" on an Alabama campus... This one supposed to become an "anchor building" & be "architecturally significant".... anyone have a rendering?

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

I'd be worried about putting it on Blakley...

As a geographer, I'd be worried about the future existence of that island. It's located at the terminus of a delta, which for those of you who don't know, are places that are constantly changing in size, shape and elevation.

It's been there for years, yes, but the future of it is ultimately unknown.

PS: I know you were just offering it as a suggestion, I just couldn't help myself ;)

I hear you; I can definitely see how it would be unstable. Realistically, though, I don't think any of these sugestions are going to happen.

Anyone know of any updates on contamination by chance? Hope they're still cleaning it up. Gota have our manatees happy and healthy. :tup:

[Bayside]

How do you know this?

For the same reason the Mitchell Center and Stanky Field is on campus and not elsewhere. The university owns plenty of property on its own campus. The best collegiate gameday atmosphere is at an on campus stadium. The students live on campus. Why should they drive across town for a home game? Alumni like to go back to campus on gameday to visit. It is a huge investment and the stadium will remain where it is constructed for many decades to come. The best way to protect that investment will be to have it on its own campus where it controls the neighborhood.

[Port_of_Bama]

I know someone who works in SGA at USA and this person told me that there wasn`t any future plans about a stadium right now . When the time comes it would be on campus and University bldvd would be the road leading to it.

The City of Mobile came up with an idea of a new stadium as of recently not USA but USA may pitch in for a new one.So it may be off campus if the city foots most of the bill and if USA does it would be at south. USA has no problem getting the money for a new staduim it just wasn`t as important as building the other stuff USA is and will build soon.

All from my SGA source :previous:

So it may be off campus if the city foots most of the bill and if USA does it would be at south. USA has no problem getting the money for a new staduim it just wasn`t as important as building the other stuff USA is and will build soon.



Shelby Hall rendering :http://www.southalabama.edu/


The new Engineering building is going to look nice saw the renderings on campus . South is growing at a rapid rate from like 8 K to well over 14 K in the past 2 or 3 years. So the need for dorms are more important to me than a new engineering building. South has 900 out of town students living in motels and there is barely any room for parking.The school is growng much faster than its developing.

[buckett5425]

Yeah, I was pretty specific about it being put in South Crichton, not Spring Hill.

As for how it would revitalize the area. It would:

A. require a reworking of the intersection there, creating an easier on-off method for the business district there & better connecting the two sides. At present the east side of the awkward intersection of I-65 with Springhill & Moffatt is dominated by low-rent kind of commercial properties. That section of Springhill is extremely close to Spring Hill (as the distinction has been noted previously). The interstate is what divides (starkly) a poor neighborhood from a rich one. The stadium & park area would pull the aesthetic potential that's common in Spring Hill eastward across the interstate. That it would remove some homes is a fair point, but none of them are historic and if you give those folk the option of buying their homes at a fair price I'm sure most would jump at the chance to bolt the ghetto (which it will stay for the forseeable future w/o some kind of intervention).

B. there are already a couple prep schools in the general area. This would be, w/ proper focus of gentrification, a very good location. It's convenient, has some very good schools nearby (not sure about which district they go to in public, just referencing the private ones).

C. It's on a line between 2 colleges and a large hospital. These are good for redevelopment. That it's also on the same 2 roads of which the wealthy folk are so proud (Old Shell & Springhill) increases the desirability (don't ask me why... people like to look like they're wealthy even when they're not. Mobilians in particular are susceptible to this).

I agree that it's pie-in-the-sky... just an idea.

I also understand that the city doesn't make much in the way of profit off the event. It helps the visibility of the city, though.

Bogue,

I recommend you read Jane Jacobs' Death and Life of Great American Cities. To put it bluntly, everything you suggest will not work in the way you intend it to. By opening up that area to outside development by trying to "un-slum" the area as Jacobs refers to it, you will simply only be "slum-shifting." The people that live there will have to go somewhere, and chances are that they wont improve the area the move too. Also, the jobs created there will not be for them, but for outsiders who will commute to the area. There are many other, and better ways, to improve an impoverished area(that i wont go into here) but I just wanted to let you be aware, that building a stadium, or any other huge public project wouldn't really be helping the real issue, which is, why is South Crichton impoverished?

[BlessedMobile]

Bogue,

I recommend you read Jane Jacobs' Death and Life of Great American Cities. To put it bluntly, everything you suggest will not work in the way you intend it to. By opening up that area to outside development by trying to "un-slum" the area as Jacobs refers to it, you will simply only be "slum-shifting." The people that live there will have to go somewhere, and chances are that they wont improve the area the move too. Also, the jobs created there will not be for them, but for outsiders who will commute to the area. There are many other, and better ways, to improve an impoverished area(that i wont go into here) but I just wanted to let you be aware, that building a stadium, or any other huge public project wouldn't really be helping the real issue, which is, why is South Crichton impoverished?

Buckett goes to the head of his class!

[BlessedMobile]

Blessed - what is the building next to this one for? I thought that it was going to be a B&B.

The already renovated building to the left is an office building with about a 3K s/f new building which joins the back of the historic building. There will be 6-7 offices in the total building. One of the larger tenants is a Norwegian shipping company. The B&B has a small expansion off of the back which gives the building a "U" shape and a nice courtyard.

[BlessedMobile]

Yeah, I was pretty specific about it being put in South Crichton, not Spring Hill.

As for how it would revitalize the area. It would:

A. require a reworking of the intersection there, creating an easier on-off method for the business district there & better connecting the two sides. At present the east side of the awkward intersection of I-65 with Springhill & Moffatt is dominated by low-rent kind of commercial properties. That section of Springhill is extremely close to Spring Hill (as the distinction has been noted previously). The interstate is what divides (starkly) a poor neighborhood from a rich one. The stadium & park area would pull the aesthetic potential that's common in Spring Hill eastward across the interstate. That it would remove some homes is a fair point, but none of them are historic and if you give those folk the option of buying their homes at a fair price I'm sure most would jump at the chance to bolt the ghetto (which it will stay for the forseeable future w/o some kind of intervention).

B. there are already a couple prep schools in the general area. This would be, w/ proper focus of gentrification, a very good location. It's convenient, has some very good schools nearby (not sure about which district they go to in public, just referencing the private ones).

C. It's on a line between 2 colleges and a large hospital. These are good for redevelopment. That it's also on the same 2 roads of which the wealthy folk are so proud (Old Shell & Springhill) increases the desirability (don't ask me why... people like to look like they're wealthy even when they're not. Mobilians in particular are susceptible to this).

I agree that it's pie-in-the-sky... just an idea.

I also understand that the city doesn't make much in the way of profit off the event. It helps the visibility of the city, though.

Bogue....one of us has absolutely no understanding of society or business. If it's me then I must be getting to old...if it's you then we would want to excuse your youthful fancy. I respect your opinion.

[Bogue]

Sorry, bucket, I thought this was about development, not social engineering. Gentrification has its negative consequences (negatives that are, IMO, more than made up for in its positive aspects), no doubt, but perhaps you may want to check out a different venue for discussions on the underlying causes of poverty? While I'm sure that your author makes a good point, there are numerous voices on this issue including many which do not agree. While it's true that the people which live in an area would need to go somewhere, it's on those individuals to shape the neighborhoods in which they choose to settle. I'm of the mind that, while there are additional societal pressures placed on certain groups, each community (and each person within that community) bears an overwhelming share of responsibility for how it is maintained. Heaping the fault for the failure of a community on outside impactors is rarely correct. We can, essentially, control everything to do with our fates within the socio-economic framework in which we currently live. There are so many encouragements built into the system (more layers of which are added every year) that blame for the failure of a community now resides almost solely upon the people who live there. I'm all for these encouragements, and large public works projects are a proven staple in this arsenal. A place does not fail b/c of the race of the people living there, their economic status, or any cultural reality. It fails b/c the people who live there let it. Sure, there are exceptions when there is a wholesale economic shift or major recession (like Flint, Michigan or a handful of places in the Rust Belt), but those stories are not as common as people are made to believe.

Blessed, while I generally enjoy your opinions, I don't think it was remotely necessary to make the personal attack on me. I've always thought better of you. Attacking my intelligence was completely uncalled for, rude, & came completely out of left field. I think you owe me an apology. BTW, tacking "I respect your opinion" onto the end of a personal attack doesn't make it any less so. It only makes it sound sarcastic.

Thanks Port for the link to the new hall. It does look like a very nice addition to that campus, though I can agree (after seeing the way the UA's campus has exploded in growth over the years since I went there) that there are probably a lot of needs down there. I've been in the dorms there several years back visiting friends. The ones I went into (near the baseball stadium) were really run-down and in need of serious updating.

[buckett5425]

Sorry, bucket, I thought this was about development, not social engineering. Gentrification has its negative consequences (negatives that are, IMO, more than made up for in its positive aspects), no doubt, but perhaps you may want to check out a different venue for discussions on the underlying causes of poverty? While I'm sure that your author makes a good point, there are numerous voices on this issue including many which do not agree. While it's true that the people which live in an area would need to go somewhere, it's on those individuals to shape the neighborhoods in which they choose to settle. I'm of the mind that, while there are additional societal pressures placed on certain groups, each community (and each person within that community) bears an overwhelming share of responsibility for how it is maintained. Heaping the fault for the failure of a community on outside impactors is rarely correct. We can, essentially, control everything to do with our fates within the socio-economic framework in which we currently live. There are so many encouragements built into the system (more layers of which are added every year) that blame for the failure of a community now resides almost solely upon the people who live there. I'm all for these encouragements, and large public works projects are a proven staple in this arsenal. A place does not fail b/c of the race of the people living there, their economic status, or any cultural reality. It fails b/c the people who live there let it. Sure, there are exceptions when there is a wholesale economic shift or major recession (like Flint, Michigan or a handful of places in the Rust Belt), but those stories are not as common as people are made to believe.

Blessed, while I generally enjoy your opinions, I don't think it was remotely necessary to make the personal attack on me. I've always thought better of you. Attacking my intelligence was completely uncalled for, rude, & came completely out of left field. I think you owe me an apology. BTW, tacking "I respect your opinion" onto the end of a personal attack doesn't make it any less so. It only makes it sound sarcastic.

Thanks Port for the link to the new hall. It does look like a very nice addition to that campus, though I can agree (after seeing the way the UA's campus has exploded in growth over the years since I went there) that there are probably a lot of needs down there. I've been in the dorms there several years back visiting friends. The ones I went into (near the baseball stadium) were really run-down and in need of serious updating.

Sorry Bogue, but the point i was trying to make had nothing to do with social engineering, it was purely an opinion related to development. As for the question i posed at the end of my statement, "Why is South Crichton impoverished?" I knew that was a question that should, and will not be answered on this forum, i was simply making a point. We could go into the positives and negative of gentrification, but again, that would rely heavily on a sociological perspective.

I will pose this question to you. I am a developer who has the means and technology to buy the entire city of mobile to use for some specific economic engine. I will be buying your entire neighborhood and now it is your WHOLE neighborhoods job to leave, and attempt to make a better life. Is that is a gross exaggeration, yes, but explain to me how that is a good idea for the City of Mobile.

If you want a development to be relevant, it must be sustainable. I am not using the word sustainable from the modern day perspective of "green." I am using the term in the economic and demographics of the region.

If you want to talk about building a huge gleaming stadium, thats great. But there are much bigger issues behind your ideas, then "pure development." If you want to call it social engineering and refuse to discuss it because this is a "development" forum, then i respect that. The majority of well read and informed individuals share my opinion. The people that share yours think building an eight lane loop around mobile is a good idea. But, like i said earlier, i wanted you to be aware that you are wrong and your position is ignorant and it will never, ever, make the city of Mobile a truly better place, as we all would like to see it.

I really encourage you to read the Jane Jacobs book, as I feel it can really help you either reinforce your existing ideas, or help form better ones.

[BlessedMobile]

Sorry, bucket, I thought this was about development, not social engineering. Gentrification has its negative consequences (negatives that are, IMO, more than made up for in its positive aspects), no doubt, but perhaps you may want to check out a different venue for discussions on the underlying causes of poverty? While I'm sure that your author makes a good point, there are numerous voices on this issue including many which do not agree. While it's true that the people which live in an area would need to go somewhere, it's on those individuals to shape the neighborhoods in which they choose to settle. I'm of the mind that, while there are additional societal pressures placed on certain groups, each community (and each person within that community) bears an overwhelming share of responsibility for how it is maintained. Heaping the fault for the failure of a community on outside impactors is rarely correct. We can, essentially, control everything to do with our fates within the socio-economic framework in which we currently live. There are so many encouragements built into the system (more layers of which are added every year) that blame for the failure of a community now resides almost solely upon the people who live there. I'm all for these encouragements, and large public works projects are a proven staple in this arsenal. A place does not fail b/c of the race of the people living there, their economic status, or any cultural reality. It fails b/c the people who live there let it. Sure, there are exceptions when there is a wholesale economic shift or major recession (like Flint, Michigan or a handful of places in the Rust Belt), but those stories are not as common as people are made to believe.

Blessed, while I generally enjoy your opinions, I don't think it was remotely necessary to make the personal attack on me. I've always thought better of you. Attacking my intelligence was completely uncalled for, rude, & came completely out of left field. I think you owe me an apology. BTW, tacking "I respect your opinion" onto the end of a personal attack doesn't make it any less so. It only makes it sound sarcastic.

Thanks Port for the link to the new hall. It does look like a very nice addition to that campus, though I can agree (after seeing the way the UA's campus has exploded in growth over the years since I went there) that there are probably a lot of needs down there. I've been in the dorms there several years back visiting friends. The ones I went into (near the baseball stadium) were really run-down and in need of serious updating.

Bogue..I wish you well in life. Was I being sarcastic? No, maybe I should have said "your opinion is interesting". You talk like someone with absolutely no compassion for others with your "sink or swim" approach to people. Progress is not about mowing down others for your envisioned development. You probably have plenty of intelligence; you need wisdom and discernment.

[Port_of_Bama]

Well on another note I saw a rediculous yet extremly hilarious article on the front page of the PR the otherday. Mobile is lsited as the 7TH MOST DANGEROUS AREA in the world not U.S but the world wow. :haha: :koko:

[HSVTiger]

Well on another note I saw a rediculous yet extremly hilarious article on the front page of the PR the otherday. Mobile is lsited as the 7TH MOST DANGEROUS AREA in the world not U.S but the world wow. :haha: :koko:

idiots..what is even more dangerous is there are people who will believe it.

[HSVTiger]

I know someone who works in SGA at USA and this person told me that there wasn`t any future plans about a stadium right now . When the time comes it would be on campus and University bldvd would be the road leading to it.

The City of Mobile came up with an idea of a new stadium as of recently not USA but USA may pitch in for a new one.So it may be off campus if the city foots most of the bill and if USA does it would be at south. USA has no problem getting the money for a new staduim it just wasn`t as important as building the other stuff USA is and will build soon.

All from my SGA source :previous:

So it may be off campus if the city foots most of the bill and if USA does it would be at south. USA has no problem getting the money for a new staduim it just wasn`t as important as building the other stuff USA is and will build soon.



Shelby Hall rendering :http://www.southalabama.edu/


The new Engineering building is going to look nice saw the renderings on campus . South is growing at a rapid rate from like 8 K to well over 14 K in the past 2 or 3 years. So the need for dorms are more important to me than a new engineering building. South has 900 out of town students living in motels and there is barely any room for parking.The school is growng much faster than its developing.
Have to give Shelby credit ..all the major state universities will have new big engineering buildings named after him.UAH's 200,000sq ft version.
http://www.jessestuttsinc.com/images/shelby1.jpg

[nimsjus]

idiots..what is even more dangerous is there are people who will believe it.

I saw that stat too. It is really misleading because it was broken down by homicides/people in the metro. Well, since Mobile's metro is Mobile County that looks bad. Meanwhile a place like Bham has 95 percent of its metro murders occuring in Jefferson County, it gets to dillute the homicides per person with all of the people in Shelby, Cullman, Tuscaloosa counties etc. Mobile is not a dangerous place to live. Heck I live in Columbus now and I hear about a shooting every day on the news and it is half the size of Mobile. It too gets to count okaces like Auburn/Opelika (Lee county AL) as part of its metro to make its stats look better. I just dont get it...

[SouthSky]

Carnival Elation to replace Carnival Fantasy in Mobile starting May 2010.

Link - Mobile Press-Register (http://blog.al.com/live/2009/09/carnival_cruise_lines_to_deplo.html)

[NitekKetin]

Now if there were a package that allowed a multi-night stay at the Battle House followed by a multi-week trip throughout the Caribean.

[Bayside]

Have to give Shelby credit ..all the major state universities will have new big engineering buildings named after him.UAH's 200,000sq ft version.
http://www.jessestuttsinc.com/images/shelby1.jpg

Yup - here is the one at Auburn:

https://fp.auburn.edu/auwud/image1127.jpg

and Alabama:

http://www.bama.ua.edu/~chem/facilities/buildings/shelbytour/Shelby-pics/exterior/front.jpg

[Alabadrock]

Of course, we can't forget UAB's:

http://www.nelsonglass.com/images/project_uab_l.jpg

Nelson Glass (http://www.nelsonglass.com/recent_projects.aspx)

[Port_of_Bama]

Shelby has some nice buildings named afetr him.


I was elated to see that Mobile will be a getting a much bigger and newer ship than the Fantacy and I feel that we deserve it !!!!

[bayou15]

Same size ship , cuz