[nimsjus]

New Lagniappe is out. The cuisine options(all of which were in midtown/downtown) sound amazing. I cant wait to get back and try these places.
The restaurant scene just keeps getting better and better.
True, the French restaurant in the Legacy Village shopping center off Dauphin Street just west of the Interstate, should be opening soon. I also have heard that something is going into the GM&O building off Water. I’ve heard everything from fine dining to a sandwich shop. I ran into the Dream Chef people I profiled earlier this year at the Farmer’s Market downtown (more about that in a bit) and they are opening a restaurant on Old Shell Road (I believe behind Nixon’s Drugs on Infirmary Drive) serving lunch and dinner. Their breads are great and I had a wonderful sausage biscuit hot off the griddle at the market last Saturday.
Adding to this is the return of Cortland Inge to Mobile – which I am thrilled about. He will be opening around the beginning of he year in the old Gus’s building on Dauphin Street. Beyond being a pioneer in Downtown about 15 years ago by opening the Courthouse Café on Royal Street across from the Riverview, he went on the open the Bakery Café.At the time, this CIA graduate (Culinary Institute of America. He’s not a spy) was brining new tastes and preparations to Mobile. And he is just an overall nice guy without any of the generalizations made about chefs – no pretentiousness is found in Cortland. After years spent away in Washington DC, Chicago and Seattle he has found his way back home.He came for a visit and was literally blown away with what is happening here, and the growth of local restaurants. He specifically mentioned in our meeting that Liquid has unbelievable sushi – that what they are doing could hold up against anything found in Seattle. Cortland also went on and on about the crab and corn bisque and the beef tenderloin small plate at the Royal Scam. After four back surgeries, and being unable to do anything for two years after the last one, he is back on track. In Seattle, he had sold a successful BBQ joint and was thinking about opening a French Bistro when he came home.He met Eddie Cornell, who owns the building, and after establishing not only a business relationship but working in concert with each other, began to work on getting what will be named the Courtyard Manor up and running. Courtland plans on bringing in a chef from out of town, and bringing to our area items that are innovative but not overly snobby. I am expecting great things.
http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/1166

[NitekKetin]

The GM&O building is a bit far north for fine dining.

[nimsjus]

The GM&O building is a bit far north for fine dining.
I would love for downtown to get to a point where the GM&O building was not "out of the way", "too far north", or "out over by itself". I hear comments like that all the time, and at the moment they are true. It is very isolated. Sadly it is one of a handful of great old buildings Mobile thought enough of to save(actually it was probably more a case of noone else wanting that land, or else it might be gone too). If more could be made of either side of Water St it would help the GM&O area out tremendously. The PR went out of its way to build their new building in this area to spark positive energy in that area. If the city ever followed through with that plan they came up with for Water St, this area could thrive. I guess they have to start/finish the Bring Back Broad St project first...

[NitekKetin]

I think there needs to be increased infill development along Royal Street, in order to entice people northward beyond even St. Louis Street.

[nimsjus]

Nice article from sundays real estate section on what Lyons, Pipe, & Cook laf firm has done for downtown in the past decade or so. A really good read. These guys do alot of positive things for downtown that many others don't bother to do.
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1193563433221640.xml&coll=3

[CottonCity251]

Not really about downtown, but check out this article in US Industry Today about Mobile's growing economy...

US Industry Today (http://www.usitoday.com/article_view.asp?ArticleID=F271)

[LHG]

I must say, this forum is a great resource for all of the great press coming out about Mobile right now. We deal with several out of town clients that look at Mobile as a great opportunity for investment. It certainly helps to have a cheerleading section!

[CottonCity251]

Has anyone heard anything about someone going to build a Six Flags Amusement Park out by the Alabama MotorSports Park? Haven't found anything concrete.

[Port-City_J]

I haven't heard anything about that, but it would be great though!!

[elb401]

umm i haven't but it sounds like it could be a rumor. They have New Orleans right. I also think that they don't wont to expand and build anymore parks.

[Alxx611]

I was at Greekfest and they had a few nice old pics of Downtown that I liked:

How have i never heard of this 20-story proposed hotel that was to be built in the 20s? It was to be on South Royal Street

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00977.jpg


What is this building? Its not the Cathon Hotel is it?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00966.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00965.jpg

Greek Orthodox Church, much more beautiful on the inside.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00978.jpg

Hampton Inn cranes downtown-hard to see in the first pic.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00994.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSC00995.jpg

[pboo74]

if anyone is reading please anwser,have you heard about the maritime museum what's the word on it,also about the waterstreet landing project?

[elb401]

The maritime meusem is still in the fund raising stage. the director is saying its on time. The company that was going to develope the condos went bankrupt. that doesn't mean they still cant do the project. it just makes them less believable. they say they are still going to do them. They say they are just waiting for the right time. so who knows if that is the truth.

Oh that is a picture of the Beinville hotel. its gone now and an office building is there now. Its the southwest corner of the square across from woodlands bank and the old subway.

[CottonCity251]

umm i haven't but it sounds like it could be a rumor. They have New Orleans right. I also think that they don't wont to expand and build anymore parks.

I thought New Orleans hasn't opened since Katrina and will not open?

[CottonCity251]

I've heard about the Malbis Hotel, I think is the name, in the first picture. Plans were scrapped because the stock market crashed the day after the anouncement which begin the Great Depression. NBC 15 featured it on one of its Tricentennial Moments during the city's 300th year celebration.

[nimsjus]

Great pictures...Sunday's PR featured an article on downtown parking.
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1194171304227800.xml&coll=3
I kind of agreed and disagreed with some of what was said. I agree that there may not be a major parking shortage downtown just yet. However I disagreed with the people who said the problem was Mobilians are not willing to walk a block or 2 for parking. I think the biggest problem is that people do not know where they can and can't park, and what parking is free or paid. Most of the parking downtown is poorly marked and some of it looks pretty bad too. Im downtown all the time and there are still times where I cant figure out if a lot is private/public, free/paid, etc. If the city would just force all public lots(paid or free) to maintain a certain level of upkeep/signage, it would help out alot. The city could also look into converting some parallel spots on side streets into the diagonal metered parking to squeeze in a few more spots, especially on the less used north/sout streets. Just a few thoughts. Has anyone got any pictures of the Hampton Inn construction? I hear there are cranes up now

[CottonCity251]

The maritime meusem is still in the fund raising stage. the director is saying its on time. The company that was going to develope the condos went bankrupt. that doesn't mean they still cant do the project. it just makes them less believable. they say they are still going to do them. They say they are just waiting for the right time. so who knows if that is the truth.

Oh that is a picture of the Beinville hotel. its gone now and an office building is there now. Its the southwest corner of the square across from woodlands bank and the old subway.

I am beginning to hope that they don't build the condos at Waterstreet Landing. I think they should just move forward with the retail counterpart. Along with the rest of Mobile Landing, the retail should attract more people to the area and wouldn't be to high to block views of the bay.

[SouthSky]

I love this website... Downtown Mobile Alliance. They recently released the updated the Major Investment Report for the downtown area. On this report there are several updates on buildings referenced in this thread along with new investments within the Broad Street perimeter.

Link: http://downtownmobile.org/images/news/major_investment_report6.pdf

Video: http://www.airwind.com/portfolio/downtown/ Cool skyline shots

[nimsjus]

That report was great. I had seen it on another site. I really like the look of the gayfers project. I was shocked at how many condo projects were slated. A few of those I had never seen until that report(the former florist building, and some of the smaller projects). Curious what others though of those projects.

[LHG]

http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/1188

After hearing various rumors for the past two weeks, I finally found out the name of the restaurant soon to open in the GM&O building in downtown Mobile is Le Rose Café, operated by Master Chef Max Zuellig from Switzerland.
He has restaurants in L.A. and Houston according to my source, and has another place called Sabatinos gourmet foods in Newport Beach, Cal. He will be serving lunch and take-out dinner, European fare and will also be making his own sausages, in addition to having a deli meat case and sweets.
The menu will really be bringing some different foods to town. For example, you can eat such things as Swiss ostrich steak salad with horseradish honey mustard, hot German salad made with knackwurst, potatoes, onion, tomatoes with mustard parsley vinaigrette. Escargot is also on the menu.
Sandwiches range from a caprese, smoked salmon, schnitzel, ostrich burgers and salmon burgers. Entrees include Swiss dumplings with country ham, Alpine potato pancake – shredded potatoes, smoked bacon and onions sautéed and topped with a fried egg. German head cheese may sound good to some, but not me. And with dinner to go, the entrees run from Hungarian goulash, Wiener schnitzel and pork loin. I will keep you posted when there is an opening date.
New Trolley at the Loop
I understand from several people that Trolley’s, in the former Midtown Café location at the Loop, has some creative things in the works. Apparently they will be making all kinds of hand-cut fried concoctions – from buffalo fries to chipotle – sounds interesting, I plan check them out for lunch soon.
Several of the Lagniappe staff have already been by for lunch and offered a good report, saying the fare is delicious and a little off the beaten path. Sounds good.
ESho Dreaming
California Dreaming, a restaurant whose press release touts "a fall-off-the-bone baby back" is open at the Eastern Shore Centre in Malbis. They are already well known across South Carolina with locations all over the state, including Charleston, and on the outskirts of Atlanta.
American food, as you can guess, is their specialty, with steaks prepared "Pittsburgh Style," which means a charred crusty exterior. Prime rib, chicken and seafood appear to be the mainstays, and items are served with a salad and sides such as creamed spinach, red skin mashed potatoes and baked potato. Other appetizing options include nachos – creamed spinach, barbeque, seafood and traditional. They are open for lunch and dinner. The complete menu can be found at www.centraarchy.com.
Saucy out West
Speaking of fine American cuisine, the good folks over at Saucy Q are opening their newest restaurant in WeMo, where Cottage Hill and Schillinger meet. And to think, I can remember the days when Elbert Wingfield operated out of that tiny spot on Spring Hill Avenue. Now they have three locations.
I’m sure the folks out on that end of town will enjoy having Wingfield’s awesome ribs, pulled pork and chicken as a new option.
Wintzell’s new place
The owners of Wintzell’s Oyster House tell us their latest and biggest venture is going full-bore in Hattiesburg and has been a huge success for them. Wintzell’s isn’t just a household name in Mobile anymore.

[Verve]

http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/1188


Saucy out West
Speaking of fine American cuisine, the good folks over at Saucy Q are opening their newest restaurant in WeMo, where Cottage Hill and Schillinger meet. And to think, I can remember the days when Elbert Wingfield operated out of that tiny spot on Spring Hill Avenue. Now they have three locations.
I’m sure the folks out on that end of town will enjoy having Wingfield’s awesome ribs, pulled pork and chicken as a new option.


I hope that Saucy does better on service at the new location. I've been disappointed with the wait at their location on Gov't. On 3 different occasions at lunch time, they were excessively slow in taking orders and bringing out the food. It's been several months since I've been there and maybe it has improved. The new Gov't location is nothing like the smaller place where even during the heavy lunch period they got the orders out quickly. I attribute it to growing pains with the larger building and sit down service.

[Verve]

I noticed on my way home this evening that they are preparing to put the crown on top of the Riverview Hotel. They are preparing to erect a crane and staging across the street in front of the Convention Center and in the vacant lot where the waterfront condos are supposed to be.

If anyone knows when the actual lifting of the crown takes place, please let us know.

[nimsjus]

I was a little dissapnted at the choice of cuisine for the new place in the GM&O building. That is one of the best buildings in Mobile, and I wish something very successful would go in there. I am not sure this style of food would work anywhere in Mobile, much less in a remote locale. Maybe the influx of european workers living downtown that RSA brought in to staff their hotels will help keep this venture afloat.

[Musicisright]

If anyone knows when the actual lifting of the crown takes place, please let us know.

I'm thinking they'll probably lift the crown piece by piece, like they did with the RSA Tower. It will be fun to watch nonetheless.

Fox10 ran a good story about the christening of the Riverview. Here's the link to the story (http://www.myfoxgulfcoast.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId=4856289). Watch the video by clicking in the grey box under the picture.

[LHG]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/02/AR2007110200988.html?tid=informbox

Mobile Homes: So Many Stories

By Gary Lee
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, November 4, 2007; P01



The Kate Shepard House -- a Queen Anne home in Mobile, Ala., with a stately turret, ornate latticework and second-floor balcony -- seemed to have something to say, and so I listened. The separate pieces of it were constructed 500 miles away in Tennessee, back in 1897, and then shipped from Knoxville by train in 13 boxcars and assembled in Mobile. The owner, a Mobile railroad executive, had ordered it from a catalogue.

Wendy James, who with her husband, Bill, now runs the 13-room mail-order manse as a bed-and-breakfast, told me this nugget of house history as I checked in for a long weekend stay. But there was more. They had found a cache of documents in the attic that would seal a place in Civil War history for the Shepard family, the original owners, and for the house as well. She'd share the details in the morning.

Oh, the stories Mobile's mansions tell. In this slow-paced city lining the banks of Mobile Bay, the former residences of cotton merchants, maritime traders and landed gentry could be chatty characters in a Eudora Welty novel.

I devoted a three-day weekend to touring Mobile's architectural riches. Spring, when a rush of azaleas adorns many front lawns, and Mardi Gras week are the high seasons, but fall and winter are better times for a quieter architectural excursion. Although Hurricane Katrina wreaked destruction here in 2005, I saw few signs of it during my stay.

Battle House, a remnant of an era when travelers didn't dare appear in the hotel lobby without donning hats, coats and ties, is a high point of any architectural visit. The hotel was constructed in 1852, ravaged by a fire in 1905, rebuilt, then closed in 1974. After a full-scale restoration, it is once again a stately structure, crowned by a century-old colored-glass ceiling covering the massive lobby.

I also went gaga over the historic Oakleigh House, whose owner invested his fortune in the ornate Greek Revival structure and ended up bankrupt. Another favorite was Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 15 elegant rooms surrounded by one of the South's premier gardens. Finally, there was the smaller-scale Kate Shepard House, where I spent two nights.

These old buildings are Mobile's treasures and the strongest legacy of the city's special place in Southern history. Established as the capital of French Louisiana in 1702 and ruled by Spaniards from 1780 to 1813, it was at once a stronghold of Europe and a thriving port in the South. Eventually the city was dwarfed in style and population by New Orleans, a two-hour drive south; in the 1970s, Mobile's economy slumped and it fell off the traveler's path. In recent years, however, a vigorous push by local preservationists to breathe life into historic buildings has made Mobile a draw for visitors.

A good guidebook and the elaborate architectural map created by the Mobile Historic Development Commission are all you need for a self-guided tour. Fanning out from the downtown area are examples of a wide range of building styles: Greek Revival and Italianate, bungalow and neoclassical.

Of the city's seven historic districts, I was most intrigued by Oakleigh Garden and Detonti Square -- gilded residential neighborhoods near the city center, where lacy cast-iron gates give way to dazzling gardens and regal homes. There's also much to see in the Lower Dauphin Street commercial district, starting with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with its classical portico, steeples and cast-iron fence.

Battle House is a good starting point. Every Mobilean of a certain age has a Battle House story to tell; for decades the hotel had been the backdrop for Mardi Gras balls, weddings and other celebrations. Students of Southern history trivia know it, too. Stephen A. Douglas stayed here the night he was defeated by Abraham Lincoln for the presidency in 1860. When Alabama seceded from the Union, the announcement was made from a Battle House balcony.

In a bid to bring back that exalted stature, developers mounted a four-year, $220 million restoration, completed in May. Pains were taken to re-create the original spacious, rotunda-shaped lobby, a handsome room surrounded by columns, adorned with balconies and crowned by a spectacular colored-glass ceiling. The guest rooms (which start at $169 a night) are contemporary in design, but the feel of historic Mobile is recaptured in the spacious Crystal Ballroom, with its curving staircase and row of crystal chandeliers. A 35-foot "whispering arch" on the second floor, which allows a whisper in one corner to be heard on the other side, adds a touch of intrigue.

Oakleigh, a mile west of downtown, is more intimate. With pillars rising out front, surrounded by 3 1/2 lush acres, the 1830s Greek Revival-style home, now a museum, looks every bit the country estate it was. James Roper, the original owner, was a cotton trader who was hit by the Panic of 1837. Unable to repay the $20,000 he had borrowed to build the house, he sold it to his brother-in-law, who allowed him to live in it rent-free.

A guide dressed in 19th-century garb points out the house's unique details: a piano with keys made of mother-of-pearl, a cantilevered front staircase, grandly decorated back-to-back parlors. With a small cottage used as slave quarters out back and a mid-level property built for servants also on the grounds, the Oakleigh museum complex reflects 19th-century Mobile life.

Eager to see the Alabama countryside, I drove a half-hour southwest to the grounds of the Bellingrath Gardens and Home. The 68 acres of flowers and exotic flora, including more than 200,000 azaleas, camellias and roses, are the major attraction here. But the home, on the banks of the Fowl River, is just as impressive. Paula Moore, the longtime caretaker, led me through all 15 rooms, pausing to point out Limoges porcelain, Chippendale dining furniture, antique Coca-Cola bottles and Bohemian decanters. An adjoining guest house features one of the biggest collections of Boehm porcelain in the world.

Moore also told of the philanthropy of the house's original owners, Coca-Cola executive Walter Bellingrath and his wife, Bessie. Often locals in need of money would arrive at the house selling off pieces of pottery or silver from their homes. Usually, Moore said, Bessie would give them far more than the value of the pieces and then give the items away.

The next day I focused on my own slice of Mobile's past, the Kate Shepard B&B. Co-owner Wendy James has decked out the guest rooms and common areas with a mix of antiques and reproductions: antique ships and maps, a grand piano and handsome wooden four-poster beds. Over a cup of rich, dark coffee, she told me how she and her husband, cleaning out the attic in 2003, had found several dozen boxes of papers that documented how England had helped finance the Confederate Army's arms purchases.

In the early 1900s, the house had belonged to Kate McRae Shepard. Her grandmother had been the sister of Colin McRae, an agent in Europe for the Confederate government. The documents, which show how the South financed its purchases during the Civil War and how they got to the South, were bought last year for more than $250,000 by the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room in Columbia.

Later, James and I took a driving tour of the Oakleigh Garden Historic District, one of the most alluring residential neighborhoods in the city. There were pretty 19th-century frame houses around Washington Square and an elaborate Queen Anne mansion on Government Street. The Lott House, a Classical Revival number on Rapier Avenue, was particularly stunning.

They looked like they had stories to tell.

[nimsjus]

Was there anything interesting in the real estate section or Kathy Jumper's column in today's paper? AL.com didn't bother to update that sectin with today's articles.

[Musicisright]

Cool article in the WP. Except I don't know about that title: Mobile Homes...:P

[Verve]

Was there anything interesting in the real estate section or Kathy Jumper's column in today's paper? AL.com didn't bother to update that sectin with today's articles.


Not very much in her column regarding downtown development. She mentioned the Le Rose European Cafe & Deli that will open in the GM&O Building in early January.

She also had a blurb on the crane that is being assembled to put the $4.6 million dollar spire on top of the Riverview Hotel.

The PR also had a photo on the front page of the Real Estate section showing the progress of the Hampton Inn on Royal Street. The seven-story, 150-room hotel is due to open in the fall of 2008.

[nimsjus]

Nice... Ill have to see if I can find the picture on the internet

[nimsjus]

PKP...Whats the status on your TCBY? Haven't heard an update in a while.

[nimsjus]

For all you high rollers out there-
Yacht for hire set to return by month's end
Posted by Kaija Wilkinson November 13, 2007 2:30 PM
The Spirit of LaSalle, a 115-foot yacht formerly known as the Grampa Woo, will return to the port of Mobile by the end of November, its owner said today.
Robert Ruleau III, of Menomee, Mich., bought the boat last year from Capt. Dana Kollars. Kollars had for the past few years offered cruises and hosted private parties in Mobile during winter months. Ruleau said he intends to expand what was previously offered, adding early bird cruises, dinner cruises and cocktail cruises. The Spirit of LaSalle will be located on the Mobile River behind the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center at 1 South Water Street.

[CottonCity251]

Here is NBC15's Here's Darwin piece about the spire being added to the Riverview.

Mobile's Skyline Getting a Second Spire (http://www.nbc15online.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=240316@video.wpmi.com&navCatId=78)

[Scottybo]

Wonder if Darwin was using a play on words when he said "A SHOW we can enjoy for year's to come" ?

[Musicisright]

So we have another lighted crown to look forward to! That's exciting, think how that will look at night coming down I-10...I'd like to see them lift the crown and get some shots, anybody know when they're lifting the pieces?

[CottonCity251]

Very soon, if it is suppose to be finished by year's end.

[nimsjus]

Not quite downtown, but very cool none the less...
http://www.thevillageofspringhill.com/charrette/index.asp
Renderings from Dover Kohl's suggestions and other information is included throughout the site. If this group can follow through with these plans, this area would boom. It is already Mobile's pemier address, but these plans look amazing. If I was a property owner in this area, I would be drooling over how much money could be made because these ideas would make property values go through the roof.

[NitekKetin]

From those conceptual plans, Spring Hill will almost as charming as Fairhope.

[CottonCity251]

From those conceptual plans, Spring Hill will almost as charming as Fairhope.

I agree.

[pboo74]

have anyone heard any new plans of something coming to downtown?i'll be back home this weekend to take a look around my old city.

[CottonCity251]

Nothing big. I went down there yesterday and there were way more developments on existing building then mentioned on the Downtown Mobile Alliance's website.

[CottonCity251]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

[pboo74]

went home wednesday and alot of work is going on downtown and it looks good,but still has a ways to go,we need more infill a couple or more of 10-12 stories or so downtown?

[nimsjus]

Kind of downtownish...A little industry
Berg Spiral Pipe on track to open in September
Company names key Mobile managers Tuesday, November 27, 2007By KAIJA WILKINSONBusiness Reporter
Berg Spiral Pipe Corp. reports that it is on schedule to start production in less than a year as its $75 million plant takes shape on the old International Paper site near the Mobile River.
The plant's 200,000-square-foot pipe building is expected to be finished this week, and about $40,000 worth of equipment, most of it from Germany, is expected to arrive in February, said Dave Delie, president and chief executive officer.
Next to the main pipe building, foundation work has begun on an 80,000-square-foot pipe coating facility, he said. Steel for that building will start going up in January, Delie said.
Parent company Panama City, Fla.-based Berg Steel Pipe Corp., a subsidiary of German EUROPIPE, has hired a human resources manager and controller for the Mobile plant, and continues to interview for key management positions, he said.
Lynn Funchess, human resources manager at Berg's Florida headquarters, said the new hires, both of Mobile, are Stephen Landry, controller, who is a certified public accountant with more than 11 years' experience, and Jim Key, human resources and safety manager, who has nearly 30 years' experience.
Both men live in Mobile, she said.
With the help of Alabama Industrial Development Training, the company plans to start hiring hourly employees early next year, Delie said.
Pay will start at $12 to $13 per hour, but production incentives could tack on 20 to 30 percent, Delie said.
The plant ultimately may employ more than 100 people.
"We are right on schedule," he said. "We will start doing some tests in July and August (of 2008), and be in production in September."
Delie said large oil and gas transmission companies -- The Williams Cos. Inc., BP PLC, Duke Energy Corp., El Paso Corp. and TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. -- will be the main customers of the large-diameter (or spiral) pipe produced in Mobile. "The demand is strong," he said.
City, state and Berg officials announced in May that they had signed a deal to build a pipe plant in Mobile, following the sale of 86 acres of Alabama State Port Authority property to Berg for $2.6 million.
The deal included about $6.6 million in incentives.

[trmdrftr]

Can anyone tell me when they are going to start the Bring Back Broad Street Project and how long they are expecting it to take to complete?

[SouthSky]

The Press-Register had a picture of the Renaissance Riverview spire being erected in the paper and the online edition today.

Here is the pic:
http://www.al.com/images/newshp/tower2.jpg

[CottonCity251]

Out of a scale of one to ten, what would you'll rate the Riverview's crown?

I myself would give it a 6 now from the renderings that I saw but that may change when its complete.

[Alxx611]

Two renderings were released.

In this one it looks bad because 1. Its a black building with a white and greenish spire and 2. its a round/square spire on an oval building. and 3. its in the middle of the roof and doesnt start on one end of the roof and end at the other, its just plopped in the middle:

http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/mobrv/mobrv_areainfo_left.jpg


In this rendering though, I think it looks badass:


http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/mobrv/phototour/mobrv_phototour01.jpg

[bayou15]

374ft + crown150ft = 524ft........second tallest in the state:cheers:

[NitekKetin]

Too bad they couldn't relocate that air conditioning equipment and use that space for a high-end roof-top restaurant. Can you imagine the views of Downtown and Mobile Bay from up there!

[CottonCity251]

I don't think the spire is going to be specfic colors, more like a stainless steel or chrome...?? The color of the new panels on the window? I just hope it has lighting.

[Musicisright]

374ft + crown150ft = 524ft........second tallest in the state:cheers:


The news said it'll be 434 feet tall when it's finished. Would that still make it the second tallest in Alabama? That's a pretty sneaky way of adding feet.

[NitekKetin]

The second tallest in the State is more than 450'.

[CottonCity251]

I thought the crown is suppose to be 125 feet? If this is so, the building would stand right at 500 feet tall, or 499 feet to be exact.

[bayou15]

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/? Looking at the diagram she is at 374ft now. Reports last week in the Mobile Press stated it would be 150ft. But i heard 125ft the most, so who neauxs ?



But what ever it is . It will make the skyline look awesome:banana: Maybe someone with money will see this ,and redo the loook of the Amsouth bank building it's becoming an eyesore like the civic center:hell:



GEAUX TIGERS !!:tup:

[NitekKetin]

I would think Emporis' figure is more substantial than this site's diagram.

[nimsjus]

From today's real estate column in the Press Register-
Water Street Cafe has opened in the Moorer YMCA at 101 N. Water St., according to owner Richard Walsh . He had previously owned and operated The Lunch Box Cafe at the Gulf Coast Exploreum at 65 Government St. Exploreum officials say a new restaurant is now serving lunch, Creative Catering .

[bayou15]

thanks 4 da update:tup:

[Musicisright]

I got to see the Riverview yesterday and the huuuuge crane. Even though it's still way early in construction, I think I'll like the crown.

Also, the Hampton Inn is coming along very nicely! There are huge concrete pillars coming from the ground. Sorry, I'm not a construction expert so I don't know the correct term for them.

[CottonCity251]

Check this out from The Birmingham News...

Airbus may set Mobile, Alabama, plant to build commercial planes
Plans hinge on tanker contract with Air Force

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

DAWN KENT
News staff writer

Airbus could make commercial planes in the United States, with Mobile being a likely choice for the work, a German business publication reported Monday.

WirtschaftsWoche said Airbus is looking into establishing an assembly operation in the U.S. or Russia to lessen the impact of the falling dollar on its finances.

The weekly said Mobile is the most likely choice for Airbus' fourth assembly operation.

Airbus parent EADS already has plans to build an assembly plant in Mobile if it and partner Northrop Grumman win a contract to produce tanker aircraft for the Air Force. A decision on the contract, which could be worth up to $100 billion, is expected next year.

Alabama Development Office Director Neal Wade said his office is aware of the report and is seeking clarification from the company on what it might mean for the state.

"We've always hoped that, whether it was the tanker or something else, there would be some type of EADS presence in Mobile," he said.

English newspaper The Guardian said on its Web site Monday that EADS sources confirmed that Airbus could set up a new plant in Mobile for the final assembly of civil aircraft, alongside the A330-based air-to-air refueling plane for the Air Force. "But a precondition would be that we win the tanker contract," a source told the paper.

Airbus has been hurt by the falling value of the U.S. currency because its planes are priced in dollars but its costs are calculated in euros. The dollar has fallen sharply this year compared to the euro.

The U.S. currency's decline against the euro has been so dramatic that "we have no choice" but to move production of aircraft doors, fuselage parts and wing components outside Europe, EADS Chief Executive Officer Louis Gallois said in an interview on Paris-based radio station Europe1.

Airbus, which lost $839 million last year, plans to sell six plants in Europe and eliminate 10,000 jobs to help reduce costs. Airbus needs to have a supply base in countries either that offer low costs or are in the "dollar zone," Gallois said in the broadcast.

"We're not saying we may have to do this, we're saying we will do this," Gallois told Europe1.

Airbus now has two assembly plants in Europe and began construction in May on another near Beijing. It should open in 2011. Bloomberg News contributed to this report.

[nimsjus]

The city agreed to let USA use Ladd Stadium for free while they get their football program off the ground. Not sure USA will ever turn into a football powerhouse, but it is a move they have to make. They will be asked to leave the Sunbelt if the don't start a team, plus football brings lots of publicity to a university. I think USA students deserve to have this type of thing to enrich their college experience. I have always thought USA made a mistake when they didn't follow UAB's lead and move up to a better conference with a football program.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/119693664087120.xml&coll=3

[Scottybo]

The city agreed to let USA use Ladd Stadium for free while they get their football program off the ground. Not sure USA will ever turn into a football powerhouse, but it is a move they have to make. They will be asked to leave the Sunbelt if the don't start a team, plus football brings lots of publicity to a university. I think USA students deserve to have this type of thing to enrich their college experience. I have always thought USA made a mistake when they didn't follow UAB's lead and move up to a better conference with a football program.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/119693664087120.xml&coll=3

Trustees voted in favor. First game will be played in 2009. :banana:

[SouthSky]

Trustees voted in favor. First game will be played in 2009. :banana:

Anyone know the timetable for USA to move up to Division I football? I was thinking somewhere around 7-10 years.

[nimsjus]

First game-2009
Move to Div I-2013
Still a pretty quick time table considering you have to get 85 scholarship players on board in 5 years.

[Bama_75]

I will always be a Roll Tide fan, but it will be nice to have a local team to support!!

[LHG]

RE: Airbus article in the B'ham News.

Why on God's green Earth would this not be in the Mobile Press-Register! It makes no sense...

[10101000]

Well, it is about time that Mobile gets a football team. It will take a little bit to get it off the ground, but still, it is a start.

[10101000]

The way things are moving, by 2015 Mobile will be an Empire that everybody always wanted. All the sports you could want plus the beach near by and urban life. Where eles could you get that?

[SouthSky]

RE: Airbus article in the B'ham News.

Why on God's green Earth would this not be in the Mobile Press-Register! It makes no sense...

I am thinking the Press-Register people are confusing these new developments with the old Airbus tanker news. However, they are closely tied.

[Port-City_J]

Hell yeah we need a football team!!! The Mobile area is by far the most talented area in Alabama, and one of the best in the nation at producing athalets. This team will be good fast!

[bayou15]

The Airbus article needs to be on a national news level. We are talking lots of jobs on the line not only in Mobile but the whole Gulf Coast. But will only happen if we get the tanker project. If the national media like USA Today printed this , it would help Mobile's chances BIG TIME :cheers:

[SouthSky]

The Airbus article needs to be on a national news level. We are talking lots of jobs on the line not only in Mobile but the whole Gulf Coast. But will only happen if we get the tanker project. If the national media like USA Today printed this , it would help Mobile's chances BIG TIME :cheers:

It did make national news, even international. I read the article five days ago in a Guardian article from London, who quoted a German source.

Link to the Guardian article (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/dec/04/theairlineindustry.economics)

Link to the WirtschaftsWoche article (http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j-_N1hUMniCrzVl-_2QnqJn-A4eQ)

[initiald]

First game-2009
Move to Div I-2013
Still a pretty quick time table considering you have to get 85 scholarship players on board in 5 years.

Yeah, they are in the Sunbelt conference in other sports, so most likely will move there when they move to Div. 1A (a.k.a. Bowl Subdivision). Western Ky is in the process of moving up to Sunbelt, and will be in the conference with teams Troy, Middle Tenn., Florida Atlantic/International, La Monroe, La, Lafaytte, Ark. St. and North Texas.

[BlessedMobile]

I suppose football at South was inevitable but I just wish the administration had not put the budget on the backs of the students. It might make the school into a real college (life after class) but that will be seen in five or so years. If students were so much behind this program why did only a whopping 18% of the 14,000 students sign the petition? Where were the others...oh, they are out there taking night classes and making a living...not exactly jumping at the chance to charge themselves $300 per year so the administration can be entertained. I am willing to bet you that in five years the school will want the city to continue to give them EVERYTHING for free. Just the same...I want this lead balloon to fly.

[Port-City_J]

4get all that what u sayin. Mobile needs a football team period!!!! And now we got one it's worth the students having 2 pay whatever.

[BlessedMobile]

I agree that it is here. Mayer Mitchell was opposed to it and that seems like the only reason it did not come sooner; his influence on the board was exceptional. You can read that as being because of the $37,000,000 the Mitchell family had given the school over the course of time....I guess that would influence my vote! You have to wonder what kind of support students will give the program when the games are played on Saturday (suitcase and working students). Good luck South.

[SouthSky]

WKRG did a story on the Airbus developments related to commercial airplanes being built.

Link (http://wkrg.com/mobilesmakeover/article/building_commercial_planes_at_brookley/7809/)

[nimsjus]

Downtown Mobile Alliance Dec-Jan newsletter is out. I always enjoy the section on a piece of downtown realestate each month. They always give history, tenants and other interesting info about a building that we have all seen a million times, but have no clue about the inside, its past, etc.
http://www.downtownmobile.org/images/news/dan_decjan.pdf

[bayou15]

Wow! Said if we don t get the tanker project, Still a chance Mobile will build the planes. I wonder how many jobs this will produce?


On another note....Does anyone neaux about the RSA tower ? How much space is filled...60% yet ?

[LHG]

http://www.drummondgrouponline.com/images/IMG_4655.JPG

[elb401]

Nice picture....kind of big though. At least you can see the details!:)

[Port-City_J]

whats the deal on the race way in Prichard?

[Scottybo]

whats the deal on the race way in Prichard?

Keeps getting smaller and smaller. http://alabamamotorsports.com/media/releases/release_113007.html

[SouthSky]

Keeps getting smaller and smaller. http://alabamamotorsports.com/media/releases/release_113007.html

Yeah... I've seen that. Apparently "environmental" troubles are keeping this track from progressing with much fluidity.

[Port-City_J]

See thats the problem with Mobile, Co. It's like we don't really want to grow. They talk about doing this and doing that but they either take 4ever to do it or they just back out. Someone needs to step up and just start going with these projects! Just build the damn thang already. I fell the same way about the condos they were talking about building on water st. They would've looked great, but once againg we back out!!!!:hell:

[bayou15]

:iagree: The city needed those condos/retail :hell:

[CottonCity251]

We didn't back out, the developers backed out and that is a case all across the country. Every city has its "never built" list along with us. The thing about the motorsports park is they had to downgrade or do a lenghy environmental study, that would take at least two years, mandiated by the u.S. Corp of Engineers. So Dow took the quickest and really the easiest option by scaling back the project. They still own the land and Dow said it is highly likely that they would build the other venues in the future.

[Port-City_J]

Yeah of coures ever city has it's list of never built projects but I've lived in a few different places and have never seen so many people and companies want 2 be a part of a city as I have with Mobile. And we turn down or don't back people. Those are just 2 things that I brought up I can go on and on about the things I've heard in the last 2 years that we should have done.

[bayou15]

example.....Bass Pro Shops i heard was supposed to be next to Hank Aaron Stadium or in Tillmans Corner and not Baldwin County. But you can t tell this to the people of the Tillmans Corner area whom which are strongly against annexing to the city of Mobile :( Some people just don t want a change.

Spainsh Fort had their money ready at the drop of a hat.


THE biggest BUST of Mobile was not letting casinos into town. Donald Trump had big plans and no telling who else in the early 90's:hell: Back then you think the leaders of Biloxi had doubt of the revenue and development ? Hell they lick their chops now when they see 40% of the cars at the casino have a Mobile County Tag !

And .....The eyesore of a civic center in Downtown, It is a shame they cant even shine the lights on the dome at night!! What a joke!

I need a cigerette......later.....

[Port-City_J]

Man I 'll tell u this bayou guy has all the right Ideas we think alike. They should let us run this city and Mobile would be the place to be. We could make Mardi Gras fun for people other than 8yr olds.

[NitekKetin]

Isn't Spanish Fort giving Bass Pro Shops some rather lucrative tax incentives? That shopping center where Bass Pro is going to anchor, had to be scaled down, because the developer was having difficulty finding additional anchors.

The tracts of land north of Hank Aaron Stadium are going to be developed for big box retail, anyway. Costco and Target are being courted as potential tenants there.

[Bama_75]

Here is the RSA with the Christmas Colors on the crown.

These are made with my cell phone, so they are not so great.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii80/Kevin_1975/tw1.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii80/Kevin_1975/tw3.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii80/Kevin_1975/tw2.jpg

[Port-City_J]

Looks good Bama75

[bayou15]

:cheers: looks great!..........Just think next month when Mardis Gras and the Senior Bowl happens at the same time. Out of towners will look up and say " WOW! is this Mobile? "

[CottonCity251]

Austal USA will build a new $200 million-plus expansion whether it wins major new military work or not, creating about 1,200 jobs. The company will break ground on its 700,000-square-foot modular shipbuilding facility, covering 16 acres near its current shipyard, in the third quarter of 2008. Here is the article from the Press-Register...


Austal to go ahead with expansion

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

By KAIJA WILKINSON
Business Reporter

Austal USA plans to go ahead with a $200 million-plus expansion of its Mobile River shipbuilding facility, whether it wins major new military work or not, company officials said Tuesday.

The shipbuilder expects to learn sometime in January whether it wins a preliminary, $3 million design contract for a high-speed troop transport ship.

The U.S. Navy is leading the purchasing process for the Joint High Speed Vessel program that could eventually involve at least eight ships -- five for the Army and three for the Navy and Marine Corps. Austal is one of five teams vying for the work.

Katie Dunnigan, a spokeswoman for Naval Sea Systems Command, said the first vessel is set for delivery to the Army in 2011. Congress appropriated $210 million in fiscal 2008 for the first ship, she said.

The vessels would be used for quickly ferrying military personnel and equipment within theaters, much as the Army already uses a fast ferry it leases from Austal USA's parent company, Austal Ltd. of Australia.

Austal USA has spent the last three years ramping up facilities and employment, largely on the promise of building a new breed of warship for the Navy. In 2004, Austal received $10 million from state and local governments to expand its Mobile River shipyard with the multibillion-dollar Littoral Combat Ship program in mind.

The Navy had said it wanted up to 55 of those ships, but cost overruns on the first two prototypes -- one built by a Lockheed Martin Corp. team in a Wisconsin shipyard and the second about 70 percent finished at Austal in Mobile -- has put the future of the program in doubt.

Congress earlier this year gutted the budget for the LCS, and the Navy has canceled contracts for vessels given to Austal and its partner, General Dynamics Corp., and the Lockheed team.

As recently as September, Austal USA said that could put its expansion on hold. But Tuesday, Bob Browning, Austal USA's chief executive, said the company will break ground on its 700,000-square-foot modular shipbuilding facility, covering 16 acres near its current shipyard, in the third quarter of 2008.

"The thing is, we see that sort of infrastructure improvement as an enabler to business that is able to support our Navy and commercial shipbuilding programs, as opposed to going out and building that facility as a consequence of winning the work," Browning said.

Tax abatements have already been approved to support the new construction, but this time, governments did not announce any cash incentives.

On May 16, the Mobile Industrial Development Board granted breaks to Austal on property and sales taxes, except those that benefit schools.

The breaks were said to be worth about $1.2 million over 10 years. The package expires in June 2009 if construction isn't complete, unless Austal asks for an extension.

In exchange, Austal agreed to hire 400 more workers, raising its total to 1,123 employees and maintaining that level for a period of time.

"Austal is solely financing the majority of the (modular manufacturing facility)," Browning said.

Bill Pfister, Austal's vice president of government programs, said Austal now has about 1,176 employees. The expansion, Browning said, could add nearly 1,200 more jobs.

Browning and Pfister said the company is striving to diversify its order book, hoping to add contracts for crew boats and offshore support vessels for the oil and gas industry to its military and fast ferry work.

(Press-Register reporters Jeff Amy and Sean Reilly contributed to this report.)

[Musicisright]

Great news. Hope they build something other than a skyline view-blocking metal box.

[nimsjus]

Did the coffee shop ever open up next to the Three Sisters Building at Royal and Dauphin? I remeber a while back hearing it would open soon. I believe the same guys own another coffee spot out in TC. Just curious...

[Alxx611]

Moon Pies at midnight in 2009?
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
By DAN MURTAUGH
Staff Reporter

Forget Times Square and its famous Waterford Crystal ball. Mobile is working on a plan to ring in 2009 with Moon Pie madness.

Ideas for the New Year's Eve event have included dropping a gigantic, handmade Moon Pie onto the ground, or building a huge Moon Pie-shaped pinata that would spill thousands of the real thing onto the street.

Both City Councilman Fred Richardson, who dreamed up the idea, and Chattanooga Bakery Inc., which makes Moon Pies, had hoped to pull off the event this New Year's Eve.

But city spokeswoman Barbara Drummond said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones wanted to wait until next year. For example, she said, the city had not been able to find a company to construct the giant pinata.

"We wanted to wait and plan something that fits with the historic character of Mobile and its relation to Mardi Gras and make it something that will become a signature event for Mobile," she said.

Moon Pies were invented by Chattanooga Bakery in 1917 after Kentucky coal miners told a company salesman they wanted a filling snack as big as the moon. The chocolate-covered, graham-cracker-and-marshmallow treat has been a mainstay at Mobile Mardi Gras parades for decades.

Tory Johnston, vice president for marketing at Chattanooga Bakery, said the company was disappointed that 2008 wouldn't be the Year of the Moon Pie in Mobile, but it's looking forward to taking part next year.

Johnston said discussions about the event began in January but then put on the back burner until about two weeks ago.

Originally, he said, the company proposed baking a 4-foot-wide, 60-pound Moon Pie and drop it onto the street from the top of a building.

"Just think David Letterman. It could have been hysterical," Johnston said. "I don't know. Maybe they don't have a bent mind like I do."

Dialogue continued, Johnston said, and the city and company eventually agreed on lowering a giant Moon Pie-shaped pinata during the last 10 seconds of the year.

When the clock strikes midnight, he said, the pinata will open, and thousands of Moon Pies will fall to the ground.

"And when the Moon Pies hit the ground," Richardson said, "the fireworks would start, and the band would start playing, and the band would march the residents over to the Moon Pies."

Richardson took some gentle ribbing at Tuesday's City Council meeting over his enthusiasm for the idea -- Councilman Clinton Johnson pretended to snore during the discussion -- but Richardson remained undeterred.

"If I have to drop it myself," he said, "next year there will be a pre-emptive Moon Pie drop in the city of Mobile."

[Bama_75]

That could be fun.

A lil different from First Night Mobile.

[BlessedMobile]

Great news. Hope they build something other than a skyline view-blocking metal box.

I hope you are right as the other two building are gosh awful ugly. Even the ugly building will block the view for only a few years as the future bridge will tower way over them all. Yes, I think it will be built on the northern most route south of downtown.
Music...I still have your banner. Do you want it?

[BlessedMobile]

You gotta' admire Fred Richardson....he can come up with some wild ideas sometime. This one is catchy even if just a bit odd but hey at least he is not going to shoot his gun in the air! It would be neat to have something "only Mobile" to drop on New Years. I don't think I would trust the crowd to stand back when the pies hit the ground...that is where instinct takes over and one climbs on the back of some poor littlle kid to get a 25 cent pie that you will probably give away. Let's do something novel that will get people downtown for New Years. I would go down there if they dropped a big pie from atop the RSA...oh yea.:tup: