[SouthSky]

These are the same people you'll see at the malls in Mobile. They just need to get over the fact that they can't go through their residence relying on Mobile funding without paying into it.

[Bama_75]

How many people live in the area that was taken in, or have they said?

[CottonCity251]

How many people live in the area that was taken in, or have they said?

I would say no more than 2,000.

[yeahwhatever]

so let me get this straight.. the city gets the tax revenue from the shopping centers, and doesnt have to provide extra city services to the neighborhoods that voted no? i'd say this was the best case scenario

and a park on the old courthouse property is so much better than a condo. good job sammy

[BlessedMobile]

Larry Wettermark and the city have done their homework on the issue of legal annexation. Thankfully, the opponents will have to pay all expenses for a lawsuit. If they could only raise $7,000 to fight the battle then they would have a very hard time rasing much, much more money to win the war! Mobile can win the war. A good trial lawyer get $150 to $200 per hour. You do the math. You think the opponents can find a freeby lawyer who will take the case....would you if you plan on having a career in Mobile? Good lawyers don't want a bad name.
The City of Mobile will do what we said and build the "Super Station". Most of the money each year will go to provide police and fire protection to West Mobile. I firmly believe we have a mayor who is true to his word; I know too much about him and those who support him. Look for Mayor Jones to put this project on the front and visible burner as soon as the dust clear.

[Alxx611]

While I'm probably more pro-annexation leaning, I still feel the no annexation stance hasn't been given enough representation in this forum.

While this will be good for the city in the long run, as well as the residents of this area, I must admit, the election was somewhat illegal.

How is this not gerrymandering? Look how oddly shaped Area A is.It is also said that research showed that Area A was conviently packed with Pro-Annextation voters


http://www.annexationelection.com/images/map-all-thn2.jpg




Supposedly there is a mathmatical formula for uncovering if an area has been gerymandered involving the area of the zone and its perimeter I will have to look it up. But I'm curious to see if Zone A would pass this test

[elb401]

When I first saw the lines I too thought that was the case. From what I know..... the polling was used to find the large block area, and if it was possible. Then that area was broken up. Actually the city polling showed that there would have been a lot of yes votes. the people didn't come out and vote. After the neighborhoods were decided the business district, airport and shillinger(sp) road (seperate also), was attached to A. There were not many voters in that business section so the votes were not spread out to cancel out the No. obviously or else more areas would have come in.

I explained that horrible....

Anyways, the city spent months on making this plan....carefully making it legal.

A lot of people are hearing about A being packed with yes and all that junk is conspiracy theories from that group that was against annexation. The is no proof behind it just speculation.

[bayourat 15]

yeah, i guess i just want to see more skyscrapers in downtown. This condo/retail was one of mobile's only hope of getting one in the near future. i hope if a park is built they will runoff all the bums that will call the park home.

At least the mayor found a home for some downtown residents..ha

[bayourat 15]

Does anyone neaux when the new Vison of Mobile will become public?

I hope it will have a big impact like the String of Pearls did in the 90's:banana:

[skycaptain]

Why wouldn't a city want to exclude areas likely to vote against an annexation? I'd want to do everything possible to ensure a favorable vote to justify the time and expense involved with putting one of these referendums together.

The funny thing is, if Mobile were in North Carolina or Texas, its City Council would simply have to pass a resolution to take in an adjacent unincorporated area. That is one of the reasons Texas and North Carolina cities will probably always be more healthy than Alabama's big cities. They will always be able to retain their tax bases while Alabama's cities are allowed to bleed to death. It is unfortunate. :shrug:

[elb401]

You made an awesome point!! Senator Langan back in the day tried to change the law. He was of course unsuccessful. He did get the legislature to allow Mobile to annex from Sage Ave to Cody rode in the 1950s. That would be great if it could happen again. particularly tillman's corner and theodore.

[bayourat 15]

:tup: lets get together and Git er Dun !

Yes ,it amazes me too, how the cities in N.Carolina can have its population explode within the last 15years ,and the best part is within their city limits. These fellow Southerners are all far expanding their city's growth. Making a turn for the better. Unlike some in this area . which some may call these folks "OLD MOBILE".

They don 't want any changes in the area! , But when the time comes around they"re the first to b-tch about it . At first I was negative about Jones becoming Mayor. It seemed he was feeding off of former Mayor Dow ,But here lately he is right in the middle of everything as far as the future of Mobile goes and not letting the "Old Mobile " theme effect his outlook for the future of the port city.

Maybe he'll just change his mind on the old courthouse property in downtown!

[Scottybo]

Theodore may be pushing it...

[Bama_75]

The area of west Mobile I live in is exploding. I am very near Dawes and Cottage Hill Roads. We have very little coverage by police out here. I wish the city would take us in.

[nimsjus]

:tup: lets get together and Git er Dun !

Yes ,it amazes me too, how the cities in N.Carolina can have its population explode within the last 15years ,and the best part is within their city limits. These fellow Southerners are all far expanding their city's growth. Making a turn for the better. Unlike some in this area . which some may call these folks "OLD MOBILE".

They don 't want any changes in the area! , But when the time comes around they"re the first to b-tch about it . At first I was negative about Jones becoming Mayor. It seemed he was feeding off of former Mayor Dow ,But here lately he is right in the middle of everything as far as the future of Mobile goes and not letting the "Old Mobile " theme effect his outlook for the future of the port city.

Maybe he'll just change his mind on the old courthouse property in downtown!

I dont really think the problem is "old mobile" and not wanting change. With regards to annexation, it is simply a matter of choice. Those people moved out their to avoid higher taxes and more strict city regulations. These negatives far out weigh any positives they see. I don't see it the same way, and I appreciate the city regulations so that my neighbor can't have a junkyard in his front yard. The city will have to vastly improve services(fire, police), infrastructure, etc so that people that live in the county have a reason to want to become part of Mobile for a reason beside to "make the city better", "work together", "join a larger cause", "civic pride/duty"etc. You have to offer them something the county is not, and right now Mobile is not doing a good job of that. They can live in the county, live a little(very little) higher on the hog due to decreased taxation, live w/o city regulations, and use Mobile for the few things they need (regional hub,regional govt, jobs, retail, etc). Just my opinion

[SouthSky]

Maybe once the services go into effect for Area A and their insurance goes down, the people in the other areas will take notice.

By the way, the "Old Mobile" crowd has nothing to do with the push for annexation. If anything it will help them. It's the people that moved out there that use services without funding them (and apparently like it). Maybe they should give all police duties to the troopers and see how that works for them.

[yeahwhatever]

yeah, i guess i just want to see more skyscrapers in downtown. This condo/retail was one of mobile's only hope of getting one in the near future. i hope if a park is built they will runoff all the bums that will call the park home.

At least the mayor found a home for some downtown residents..ha

a condo on that property would block the great view of government plaza.
put the condo on one of the ugly parking lots north of dauphin st

[bayourat 15]

So you are saying our government leaders are daydreaming out the windows all day?:haha:

[skycaptain]

There was a study released a few years ago by the Rusk Institute concerning the health of U.S. cities and their suburbs. The study found that metro areas with "elastic" core cities that could easily expand to capture sprawl areas outperformed metros with physically contrained, often weak core cities. Metros like Charlotte, Houston, Raleigh and Columbus, OH outperformed metros like Birmingham, Detroit, and Cleveland. Bottomline- weak core cities pull the entire region down.

So, it is ok to desire to forever live beyond the reach of big city taxes and regulations. However, in the case of Mobile, Montgomery and Birmingham, the entire metropolitan area pays a high price for your right to do that. Its individual rights vs. the greater good.

[skycaptain]

I apologize. That study was actually conducted by the Brookings Institute, not the Rusk Institute.

[Alxx611]

You guys wanna hear something really funny?

It was something I read in SoundOff (already funny). Someone seriously suggested they build something useful "like a walmart or something" on the old Courthouse property

:jester:

[Exodus]

How much population did Mobile gain from this annexation ?

[housingdev-TParker]

Does anyone know the status of the old Seaman's building on St. Joseph? It was listed by the City of Mobile and the bidding was closed in June.

Also if you are a young professional in Mobile, you might find this forum of interest:
http://maypa.collectivex.com

[Exodus]

You guys wanna hear something really funny?

It was something I read in SoundOff (already funny). Someone seriously suggested they build something useful "like a walmart or something" on the old Courthouse property

:jester::koko: :jester:

[bayourat 15]

Hope ure company build a highrise condo :cheers:

[BlessedMobile]

How much population did Mobile gain from this annexation ?

There were a little over 600 registered voters in area A so you should figure there are probably three times that number of residents. My guess would be 1,500 to 2,000.

[Exodus]

There were a little over 600 registered voters in area A so you should figure there are probably three times that number of residents. My guess would be 1,500 to 2,000.I was hoping it would be a lot more than that.

[housingdev-TParker]

Not sure about a high-rise, but affordable condos/suites are the targeted goal.

[pkp]

:koko: :jester:

I would shoot myself in the f'n head. I am pissed off enough about the proposed one off Government, even though that is already a shitty part of town.

I did not want a tower there - I don't think an important piece of public property should handed over to private investment when access would be limited to tennants. I would like to see a upscale retail development (Saks, anchor, upscale BCBG, J Crew, etc...) or maybe a combo deal - park, market, etc....

[LHG]

I agree w/ pkp: the courthouse site is the perfect opportunity to create a public area that promotes community activity. And no, I'm not talking about a Mardi Gras park... I'm thinking an outdoor market - along the lines of the Charleston, or Nashville's farmer's market. The area should be used to connect downtown to Fort Conde/Cruise area. Everything is so disconnected now, there is no flow between the tourist attractions.

RE: the city building on St. Joseph. I figure we would've heard if anyone presented an acceptable offer. But why not call the city. I heard the building was an environmental nightmare from top to bottom. Is the phone number still on the building?

[CottonCity251]

Kind of didn't know where to post this, but this a good editoral from Mayor Jones said about the success of annexation in the Press-Register......

Annexation a win for Mobile
Sunday, September 23, 2007
By SAM JONES
Special to the Press-Register

The recent annexation victory in a west Mobile neighborhood is not only a long-awaited expansion of the city's boundaries, but it also demonstrated the desire of those who chose to become a part of one of America's greatest cities.

Mobile is poised for even more greatness, so it gives me pleasure to welcome our newest residents to our city.

I, along with the members of the Mobile City Council, look forward to working with each of them on a journey that will define our character and allow the city to continue its growth.

I thank these west Mobile neighborhoods for their courage and sacrifice in voting yes. We will keep our promise to provide services at levels much higher than that which historically have been provided.

Their vote of confidence was for a better quality of life for the residents of the area and for the future of their children. We will honor the neighborhood's affirmation.

When John Donne wrote, "No man is an island, entire unto itself," he could have been describing the recent annexation events in west Mobile. One neighborhood voted to come in, while others did not. But regardless of how the new municipal boundaries are drawn, we are all joined together in one community of interest.

The unity and dedication of purpose shown by city employees who volunteered countless hours in making annexation a reality are among the positive attributes that will take us into the future. To those who voted not to join the city, I respect your decision. It's the democratic way. You will still benefit by the decision of your neighbors which will bring much better police, fire and paramedic service to all.

In order for us to continue our recent success, it is imperative that we continue to grow. This annexation victory is just the start of the city's future plans for growth management.

Our quest to annex west Mobile was not selfishly planned. We realize the city's future and ability to continue providing top-notch services are dependent upon our ability to grow.

For the past year, I have had the distinguished opportunity to meet with regional, national and international leaders and discuss the great resources and opportunities that lie within Mobile and surrounding boundaries.

It is not by chance that companies throughout this nation and world are looking at us. Mobile has something to offer, and I am thankful that our citizens and their legacies will benefit from this prosperity.

We live in exciting times with unparalleled opportunities. Like it or not, Mobile must grow to take advantage of the greatness others see in us.

How we work together to prepare for this growth -- better schools, transportation, roads, workforce development, are all issues that don't recognize municipal boundaries. That is the job of those in leadership.

Our leadership includes business and civic leaders who believe in the city's future. We are fortunate to have present leaders who can look beyond our differences and see a brighter future for all.

[housingdev-TParker]

RE: the city building on St. Joseph. I figure we would've heard if anyone presented an acceptable offer. But why not call the city. I heard the building was an environmental nightmare from top to bottom. Is the phone number still on the building?

Thanks, I'm mainly scouting around for my Executive Director who will be touring the area this weekend. The number is still there, and I will certainly inquire about the environmental issues with the building.

[pboo74]

have anyone heard any news on the maritime musuem and the hotel construction, and new pics of downtown?please post thanks...

[bayourat 15]

just rode by the riverview. on the sides toward the top they cut out a big circle. It must have to do with the crown!

[bayourat 15]

read next post

[bayourat 15]

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/biz2/0709/gallery.boom_towns.biz2/7.html

[Verve]

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/biz2/0709/gallery.boom_towns.biz2/7.html


Great article that will stimulate more interest in Mobile. Maybe the city is finally on the way toward the boom that has toyed with us for years. Once we get the momentum, it fuels growth that feeds off of itself.

[Port-City_J]

When is Mobile gonna stop talking and start building all of these purposed projects. We take longer to do shit stuff in Mobile than anywere I've ever been in my life. We need to stop talking and start doing! What's going on with: the highrise condos, the hotels, the bridge, the court house, the parks, and all this other stuff i've heard about. I think Mobile county has the potential to get up a population of 800,000 to 1,000,000 in the next 10 years if we would start doing and not just talking!!!

[Verve]

Here is some information from the Downtown Mobile Alliance (http://www.downtownmobile.org) website regarding the upcoming The Downtown Living Tour.

"Tour up to 25 lofts, apartments, townhouses and beautifully restored historic residences that reflect the variety and energy of urban living.

Saturday, October 20th
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the tour..."


Here is the link to the brochure:
http://www.downtownmobile.org/pdf/tourdowntown.pdf

[NitekKetin]

just rode by the riverview. on the sides toward the top they cut out a big circle. It must have to do with the crown!

They could just be preparing the sides of hotel for the new logos.

[SouthSky]

They could just be preparing the sides of hotel for the new logos.

I believe that this is the case. The Renaissance name has yet to be fully applied.

[Exodus]

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/biz2/0709/gallery.boom_towns.biz2/7.htmlFound me a new avatar:)

[Port-City_J]

Where are they buliding the hampoton inn?

[Port-City_J]

Hampton inn

[Verve]

The Hampton Inn is being built on Royal Street at the corner of Conti Street right next door to Veets. They've already started work on the site and according to the last thing I read, it should be completed sometime next year.

[Port-City_J]

So what are they gonna do with the open land across from the I-Max on Goverment and Royal? And whats up with the waterstreet landing?

[jordan]

This is good thing for Mobile, from the photos I have seen this a beautiful city. I there plans from more growth towards Pensacola?

[CottonCity251]

So what are they gonna do with the open land across from the I-Max on Goverment and Royal? And whats up with the waterstreet landing?

Waterstreet Landing is a no go. Owners of the property still say they are going to build something there but the company filed for bankruptcy not to long ago. The old courthouse site will be a Mardi Gras themed park.

[ExpatBaman]

Keep Mobile Moving put together a presentation about their alternative to the proposed I-10 bridge, which could put waterfront economic activities in jeopardy.

The presentation is available in .pdf format here (http://www.mobilebaytimes.com/KMM_Presentation.pdf), courtesy of the Mobile Bay Times.

[Verve]

Keep Mobile Moving put together a presentation about their alternative to the proposed I-10 bridge, which could put waterfront economic activities in jeopardy.

The presentation is available in .pdf format here (http://www.mobilebaytimes.com/KMM_Presentation.pdf), courtesy of the Mobile Bay Times.

I like the KMM proposal and it addresses some of the issues. The waterfront has a lot of things going for it: expanded port, cruise terminal, downtown redevelopment, and waterfront tourist facilities. It doesn't make sense to build a bridge that is costly and will disrupt many of these things.

[BlessedMobile]

ALDOT has done enough studying of the bridge needs to know that it must be built south of downtown. KMM is a bunch of waterfront people and their attorneys who won't be able to show business loss with a bridge at 190 feet. Do we really want all truck traffic to be rerouted to I-65....we locals drive it now and it has too much traffic for us as is. ALDOT has spoken to numerous groups telling them all that the northern route is not feasible. Let's do the math...Choctaw Terminal is below where the bridge would be, Atlantic Marine is largely (90%) below the bridge, Bender has a yard north of the proposed bridge where they sometime work on oil rigs. Very few ships with a draft of under 45 feet have a height anywhere near 190 feet. The only plausible reason to want a route north of downtown is because of rig work which can be done in Theodore. As for looks...we are a real city...let everyone driving through Mobile see our growing downtown. I like big....big buildings...big bridges. Oh yea, the cruise terminal is as it will be ...small ships and no profit...people come to get on the boat and leave; they didn't book the trip from our terminal because there was a good view of downtown. Build the bridge south of downtown and build it NOW.

[SouthSky]

You forget that the cruise ships bring people to town that normally wouldn't be here if there wasn't a ship headed to the Caribbean... they spend money and the city collects on it. I read that the spending associated with the cruises brings in $10+ mil a year (taxes, etc). Larger and more ships that are filled would increase that greatly. We would stunt the growth of the cruise indirect expenditures in the city and throughout the metro.

If the turning basin is expanded, we could see our cruise port's growth explode.

[Verve]

As for looks...we are a real city...let everyone driving through Mobile see our growing downtown. I like big....big buildings...big bridges. Oh yea, the cruise terminal is as it will be ...small ships and no profit...people come to get on the boat and leave; they didn't book the trip from our terminal because there was a good view of downtown. Build the bridge south of downtown and build it NOW.

The "big bridge" will have an impact on the growing downtown and serve as another barrier cutting off certain parts of the downtown area. The bridge is proposed to be built right above and near where many of the things that will help the downtown grow are planned.

There is already discussions ongoing about a larger ship coming to Mobile and one of the limiting factors to getting a larger ship would be if the bridge is built in the proposed location. As mentioned in an earlier post, it does have an economic benefit to the city in addition to offering another reason to visit Mobile.

[CottonCity251]

There is suppose to be a big economic development announcement at Gov. Plaza today @ 1 pm by the county commissioners. Anyone know of anything?

[SouthSky]

There is suppose to be a big economic development announcement at Gov. Plaza today @ 1 pm by the county commissioners. Anyone know of anything?

Where did you hear that? I haven't heard anything about an announcement.

[Port-City_J]

Where exactly is the bridge supposed to be built?

[CottonCity251]

I heard it first Tuesday morning on NBC15 News, Pat Greenwood said it was rescheduled for today. Then, on today's noon newscast he said something about it again. Wonder what the big news is? It will most likely be the top story at 5 pm.

[Scottybo]

Nothing on the 5 PM newscast.

[CottonCity251]

I think NBC15 News exaggerated a little bit. Anyway, Mobile County Comissioners launched a campaign to attract young professionals. Check out the site its called Come back Home to Mobile...

http://comebackhometomobile.com/

[Alxx611]

A few new updated pictures, plus some slightly rare views in downtown.


Hampton Inn Construction
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00640.jpg



New Riverview entrance on Royal St.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00642.jpg



http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00633.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00629.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00616.jpg



In the Rotunda of the GM&O Building

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00592.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00591.jpg

View from one of the offices on the 3rd floor of the GM&O building

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00594.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00596.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00597.jpg



Cathedral and its crypt. I climbed the belltower, but didn't bring my camera

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00693.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00704.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00706.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00702.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00710.jpg


Press Register Building

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00584.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00715.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00606.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00637.jpg


Finally, I wanted to show the random murals and art of downtown

Waterman Building murals:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00570-1.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00571-1.jpg

BattleHouse Murals, with 3 new ones to be added soon:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00660.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00657.jpg

Museum of Mobile

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00644.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00647.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00651.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00608-2.jpg

[Brown Duckz]

I'm not sure if you guys caught the Foley-Daphne game on ESPN2 tonight, but it was some pretty good exposure of the Mobile area.

[Verve]

Alxx611 wrote:

A few new updated pictures, plus some slightly rare views in downtown.

Nice photos Alxx611. Those were some shots that aren't seen by many.

[spookyapp]

i love the skyline view from the north. makes me miss home

[elb401]

Great pictures!! thanks for sharing them. :) OH next time your downtown....go to the saenger theater and take pictures of their murals. They're great too.

[SouthSky]

Great photos... plus some nice bonus shots of the Cathedral-Basilica. Those are rare on here. Clearly beautiful architecture.

[Alxx611]

The Saenger Theater was closed for some reason. The shot of downtown from the North was taken from five stories up on a fire escape.

Let me say I was in downtown at night for the first time in quite a while and I'm very impressed with the night life. Its way more active, lit up, and more places to go than I remember. And it only seems to be getting better, with all these coming soon signs. I'm really excited about the Crecent Theater. Its still midway through construction.

[Port-City_J]

Brown Ducks yah I saw the game. It was Good for Mobile I wish they could have showed some ariel shots of downtown mobile.

[Musicisright]

Great pictures, Alxx! Is that the Mobile History class at Murphy you're taking? That was my favorite class.

The shot of downtown from the North was taken from five stories up on a fire escape.

I think I climbed that same fire escape for this shot from April!:

http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07406/_MG_6217MYSPACEE.JPG

Thanks for the pictures!

[CottonCity251]

Nice photos Alxx!!

[Alxx611]

No, Its an art class I'm taking at MHS. We have a small class of about 8 people and we usually behave pretty good, so our teacher took us down there. She's really cool, considering she allowed us on the fire escape, Cathedral tower, and it was her awesome idea to go inside the GM&O building, something I would have never thought of doing.

Here's some more views from the fire escape, if they look familiar to you, MusicisRight:


The Escape itself
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00615.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00614.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00606.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00609.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00612.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00604.jpg










And may I add the tower looking amazing at Bayfest last night?

[Musicisright]

Yeah dude, that's the same fire escape I climbed! Pretty freaky at night, too. Yes, I couldn't stop looking at the tower last night at BayFest. I think it hypnotized me.

[Port-City_J]

Man yall gotta get some pics of bayfest 4 me sice I can't make it!!

[Alxx611]

I'll try, though my camera takes god awful night pictures.

[Musicisright]

I just posted some pictures in the RSA Tower thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=3097238&postcount=1409).

[housingdev-TParker]

Interesting piece in the Press Register today:

Gayfers Plans Unveiled (http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1191748579260010.xml&coll=3)

[Musicisright]

"The partners said that they expect their investment to be one of the largest in downtown, after the Retirement Systems of Alabama's RSA Battle House Tower and Battle House Hotel projects."

Nice.

[Port-City_J]

Thats great. I think we need more stuff like this downtown. I will improve everything from nightlife, to business owners making more money, to just seeing more faces downtown. I like this.

[CottonCity251]

^^And hopefully it would spur more upscale condo developments downtown. Mobile really needs a loft district.

[nimsjus]

I'm curious how many of these upscale lofts are being lived in and how many are bought by investors. Not being a pessimist, but I just don't see thousands of Mobilians/out of towners wanting to pay big bucks to live in decked out pads downtown. This project, the Carriage House, and the new construction on St. Francis seems like about all the high end we can handle for now(maybe too much). I'm glad to hear that the gayfers building will be full. It is in such a critical location and when it is empty that block feels empty. I also liked that they would be salvaging parts of the building deemed historically signifficant(and entrance of St. Emmanuel I believe) but updating the Dauphin St entrance with a glass facade. A little old, and a little new. I'm also very glad to see that retail is planned for the Dauphin St entrance. I also like to see that these prjects are popping up all across the downtown core, and not just along one street. This will help spur retail across the entire core as well.

[housingdev-TParker]

I agree, will all of these high-end condos take off? I'd love to live downtown, but I'd like to see affordable living solutions in that area.

This is an interesting development in New Orleans, maybe this could work somewhere in Mobile. (FYI Nola Yurp is a young professionals organization):

The Nola Yurp Initiative has partnered with CoolTown Beta Communities (http://www.cooltownstudios.com/), a real estate development consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., to facilitate and develop a cutting edge district for young professionals in New Orleans. But this will not just be any old real estate development—it will actually be designed by the members of Nola Yurp!

The project’s success is based on a method called crowdsourcing, where contributing members will be able to give input on everything from the architectural style to the name of the district to the type of flooring in the residences to all of the available amenities! In exchange for input, the contributing members will be given an opportunity to invest sweat equity in the project, to purchase or rent residences below market rates, and benefit from VIP discounts and privileges at the new businesses. Possibilities for the project include high-style yet attainable housing for young professionals, LEED certified green development, rooftop gardens, cutting edge office space, ground floor retail including entrepreneurial workspace, local independent cafés and stores, a culinary institute…the options are limitless and will be collectively decided by you!

Additionally, bonuses will be offered throughout the process to individual members. For example, a naming or recruiting competition may be held with the winner receiving cash or project equity. The developer benefits by getting a market-driven product and a ready supply of customers. Most importantly, New Orleans benefits through the establishment of a district that thrives on innovation, energy, and young people; an increased tax base, and grass roots community involvement in rebuilding with tangible results.:yes:

[Port-City_J]

Sounds like some good shit. Maypa we should get on that.

[Musicisright]

Yeah, there seem to be plenty of yuppies in Mobile so I could see that working.

[LHG]

Urban living is great, but has the market really been tested yet? I for one, think it would be great to see more young professionals living downtown and in midtown. But what are they willing (and able) to pay? $150/sf, $200/sf? Are prices that high justified? The projects announced thus far are priced out of the range of the typical "young professional".

[Musicisright]

Living downtown is what I fantasize about while lying in bed at night.:yes: It just needs to be more affordable for that to happen. I think that eventually builders will realize that and start building more affordable places to choose from.

[CottonCity251]

More rental units are what is needed downtown at lower cost.

[LHG]

What is deemed affordable? $500/bedroom for rental; $150/sf for purchase? The problem is that the buildings are too expensive to buy and rehab to justify a project that can be deemed "affordable". The cost associated with new construction is also too high to justify an "affordable" project.

Does anyone know of any incentives or subsidies being offerred to offset the cost, thereby justifying an "affordable" project?

[nimsjus]

What is deemed affordable? $500/bedroom for rental; $150/sf for purchase? The problem is that the buildings are too expensive to buy and rehab to justify a project that can be deemed "affordable". The cost associated with new construction is also too high to justify an "affordable" project.

Does anyone know of any incentives or subsidies being offerred to offset the cost, thereby justifying an "affordable" project?

I thought the Gozone funding would help with these type projects. I thought it would make some more moderately priced options feasible because liek it was mentioned above, rennovating old buildings is not cheap and usually requires a high end finish to be profitable. I have not seen any projects involving GoZone money completed. They didn't exactly come out and say who/what was taking advantage of it. I believe alot of the projects that initially wanted it, ended up falling through or moving forward without it because of all the red tape.

[housingdev-TParker]

Does anyone know of any incentives or subsidies being offerred to offset the cost, thereby justifying an "affordable" project?

There are indeed substantial subsidies available if the developer does the right research (and is willing to balance all of these options). I sort through these options almost on a weekly basis with my job right now. As far as downtown buildings, I would target a few areas for subsidiary funding. Historical tax credits can be applied if the structure has been registered within a historic district. If the project lies within a Main Street initiative, some funding might be drawn from that as well. Now, if it is an affordable housing development from a legal standpoint, you can also apply for Low Income Housing Tax Credits. Additionally, if the project falls within a Qualified Census Tract, you have additional funding. Not to mention if the City has a strong interest in the development. Grants, and or loan assistance might be an option in that case.

[nimsjus]

New Downtown Mobile Alliance Newsletter:
http://www.downtownmobile.org/images/news/dan_oct.nov.pdf

[nimsjus]

Article in the PR today about the completion of the conversion of St. Louis St to two way traffic again. These conversions make downtown so much more navigable, especially for people who have never or infrequently come to downtown.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1192439750223370.xml&coll=3

The article said the city had long term plans for converting two others to two way, but money had not been appropriated nor had plans been confirmed. I think it was St. Joseph and maybe St. Francis. I can't remember and now the article has dissapeared from al.com.

[spookyapp]

I finally managed to upload all of my downton Mobile pictures to flickr. Here's a panorama from the proposed Mardi Gras park site taken last Mardi Gras:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9229010@N03/1533435223/


feel free to let me know what you think of the other pictures :)

[Musicisright]

I love it. All of them are excellent. Great photography.

And War Eagle!

[pkp]

Living downtown is what I fantasize about while lying in bed at night.:yes: It just needs to be more affordable for that to happen. I think that eventually builders will realize that and start building more affordable places to choose from.

Check out Oakleigh, Church Street East, or De Tonti. It is an easy walk/bike ride, you can actually have a house, and there are still good deals on the smaller houses.

I live close to Guidos - it is a 25 minute walk or less than a 10 minute bike ride to Bienville Square, but I still have a car (sorry, but still tough not to in Mobile), a little bit of yard, and 2600 square feet. We wanted to live "downtown", but could not justify the money for what you get when the other choices are so good and so close. The 2 bedroom/2 baths that were available were damn near 1/2 $mil "downtown".

[CottonCity251]

Here are a couple of developments around town from PR's Kathy Jumper column...

A Nashville-based hotel developer has a contract to purchase 13 acres on South Beltline Highway off Airport Boulevard and Interstate 65 and plans to build a 100-room Homewood Suites by Hilton on part of the land, according to Alpesh Patel of Kana Hotel Group . He is investing $12 million to build the four-story, upscale, extended stay hotel, he said. The hotel should open in spring 2009.

An investor purchased the former Burger King restaurant building at 565 Government St. for $787,500, according to M.J. Baxter of Baxter & Associates . The building has been leased for a Hardee's franchise, and the fast-food restaurant will open next month, she said.

A Macon, Ga., developer has received city approval to build University Crossing, a 222-unit upscale apartment complex on 17 acres he plans to buy on University Boulevard, south of Old Shell Road, according to Burton Clark of Cummings & Associates. Plans call for commercial space on 1,000 front feet on University Boulevard, with the apartments located behind it, Clark said. The land, across from J-Ray Shoes , is owned by the USA Founda tion , and the purchase should close by the end of the year.

The $60 million renovation of the Riverview Plaza Hotel at 64 S. Water St. should be finished in late November, and a 125-foot spire will be installed on top of the roof via crane by year's end, according to Ron Blount , project director for the Retirement Systems of Alabama , which owns the 375-room hotel. The spire will match the top of the 35-story RSA Battle House Tower a block away. The hotel will carry Marriott Corp.'s Renaissance brand.

[elb401]

I have some pictures from the downtown living tour and I would like to post some of them and share. Can someone give me a name to a free site that I can upload my pictures from. For some reason I forgot the name of the site that I used. I know it sounds crazy that I could forget something like that. i haven't post any pictures in a while. can ya'll help?

[elb401]

HA I just remembered....photobucket.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/054.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/051.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/050.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/042.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/041.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/040.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/039.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/038.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/037.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/036.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/035.jpg

These pictures are at the Mattress loft factory condos and the ones at night were taken Sunday night when it was raining. Sorry I know these pictures were not that great! That tour took all day, but it was worth it to see every apartment, condo, and home!!

[Musicisright]

Awesome. I used to live a block west of the old mattress factory. Glad to see it converted so beautifully. Wish I could have made it down for the tours.

[nimsjus]

I wish someone could get their hands on the Hoffmans Furniture building seen in the fourth picture. The building is beautiful, but is in horrible condition. Restored it could be a real beautiful building for retail/residential and it, along with mattress factory/carriage house, would help keep stretching the revitalization effort westward toward Broad. The building also has a great old neon sign for Hoffman's that would be cool to salvage and keep on the rennovated building.

[elb401]

I agree.... i wish the owners would put it up for sale or something. They might just be sitting on it.

[SouthSky]

Damn, I want one of those condos. That is one nice location! Good pictures, by the way.