[elb401]

okay........:sly:

[elb401]

Are there any plans to renovate the AM south building? Its so ugly and in bad condition in the inside.

[Brown Duckz]

Are there any plans to renovate the AM south building? Its so ugly and in bad condition in the inside.What year was it built?

[elb401]

OOOO not sure I think it was built in the 60s

[Blazer85]

What is housed in the AmSouth building there? You know Regions bought out AmSouth and I've heard Mobile will be among the markets most affected by the buy-out (even moreso than Birmingham). Once the acqusition is complete, the tower may even be sold to someone else.

[elb401]

Its called the Amsouth building but its owned by toomey (i wish he would sell it to someone that would take care of it). Yeah, the buy out will close some of the branches and they are going to downsize some of the amsouth offices. There are some smaller local banks, and some from mississippi and florida that have actually said that they might take advantage of the merger and buy some of the buildings of the closing branches in Mobile to expand their market. hope so, but I really don't think that the merger is going to effect Mobile in a very bad way.

[nick1982]

There are several AmSouth and Regions bank branches within eyeshot of one another.

[sahara727]

What year was it built?

i believe the amsouth buiding was completed in 1964...ancient history.

[B'ham Bound]

That building does the Mobile skyline no justice. I swear, the architecture community let out one enormous collective fart during the sixties. That period produced some of the most god-awful architecture.

[Scottybo]

There are several AmSouth and Regions bank branches within eyeshot of one another.
Not to mention the Regions Bank Building and the AmSouth Bank Building are within a block of each other.

[pkp]

The AmSouth building is actually owned by a REIT out of NY and managed by Toomey. AmSouth will move, but they take up very little space anyway. I think the building could easily have a facelift and be back up to par. Hey, its no worse than the Regions Building in B'ham, which reminds me alot of a hospital built in Poland during the cold war.
:haha:

Not a B'ham crack - its my company's headquarters.

What's interesting is that AmSouth and Regions are across the street from one another, but AmSouth has agreed to move into the RSA when complete, which is one block away. Unlike the other banks, Regions actually owns its building. So, what's going to give? Two Regions towers? Although the RSA building is going to be fine - I'd hate to move out of my beloved building.

I hope that a non-bank firm gets naming rights to the AmSouth building after they move. I've always wondered wy Cooper T Smith (one of the world's largest steveadoring companies, among other things) has not bought the building they are in (the Commerce Bldg) or built their own headquarters.

[pkp]

What is housed in the AmSouth building there? You know Regions bought out AmSouth and I've heard Mobile will be among the markets most affected by the buy-out (even moreso than Birmingham). Once the acqusition is complete, the tower may even be sold to someone else.

Mostly law firms, real estate companies, some transporation companies, etc... I think AmSouth only has four or five floors. The combined Regions/AmSouth market share in Mobile will be 65% - which means the regulators are going to force some major divestments - branches, deposits, employees, everything.

[NEWNANGuy]

That building does the Mobile skyline no justice. I swear, the architecture community let out one enormous collective fart during the sixties. That period produced some of the most god-awful architecture.

Amen...:tup: :worship:

[B'ham Bound]

Hey, its no worse than the Regions Building in B'ham, which reminds me alot of a hospital built in Poland during the cold war.

Actually, I don't think the building is that bad. Just a typical 1970's edifice. Besides, I think Regions also owns or operates out of the Financial Center across the street so they get redeeming points for that. :D

[pkp]

I agree - but could the AmSouth Building in Mobile be so ugly, that it might actually be somewhat attractive? Kind of like ALF - ugly, but loveable at the same time.

:)

[B'ham Bound]

Haha... Touche!

[Alxx611]

I know this is really tacky, but my scanner wasn't working, and I really thought this pic was cool, so i just took a pic of the page

Its the Amsouth Building under construction circa 1965, from the History of Mobile Book:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/DSCF0542.jpg

Anyone have any pics like this of any other places in Mobile?

[MobileAl1]

The AmSouth Building was the highlight of Mobile skyline but now it is time for a renovation.

[Exodus]

http://static.flickr.com/16/19817086_4650d07165.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dystopos/19817086)

- Photo courtesy of the Magic City Flickr Group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/magic_city/)Damn hot day.

[Musicisright]

I remember that...what thread did it come from?

EDIT: Ohhh yeah, that thread where I posted the link to the WPMI weather blooper that said it'd be like 600 (don't remember the exact number) degrees that day or something.

[MobileAl1]

It felt like 346 degrees in Mobile today.

[pkp]

I know this is really tacky, but my scanner wasn't working, and I really thought this pic was cool, so i just took a pic of the page

Its the Amsouth Building under construction circa 1965, from the History of Mobile Book:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/DSCF0542.jpg

Anyone have any pics like this of any other places in Mobile?

At least the Cawthorne was still there...

[elb401]

not anymore.....:(

[MobileAl1]

I kind of like the crown.
http://www.riverviewmobile.com/images/photogallery/Exterior.jpg

[B'ham Bound]

I'm sorry but I think they're just going too far with that crown. I fail to see how it compliments the existing structure.

[MobileAl1]

It really doesn't make the building look better or worst.

[Blazer85]

I'm sorry but I think they're just going too far with that crown. I fail to see how it compliments the existing structure.

It's just a mini-RSA crown. I think theyre adding a mini-RSA crown to another building as well. I'll be looking next for RSA to buy the AmSouth building and give it an RSA-like crown as well. Just no sense really. Why have 3 buildings with nearly identical crowns? Have some originality, RSA.

[MobileAl1]

Here is another view.
http://www.riverviewmobile.com/images/photogallery/cityscape.jpg

[nick1982]

The should build a mixed-use highrise over the parking structure next to the Renaissance Riverfront.

[elb401]

I haven't heard of a third tower getting a "RSA" crown. I hope they don't. If they really want the riverview to have a crown why can't it be something that matches the building itself instead of another one.

[MobileAL2]

Me either.

[nimsjus]

Anyone got any new pics of the tower? I am in college and don't make it home often, so I depend on you guys to show me the progress.

[BamaGrad04]

Anyone got any new pics of the tower? I am in college and don't make it home often, so I depend on you guys to show me the progress.


Sorry to repost all these. But since a few people have asked for updates, I'll repost my pics.

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02580001.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02600002.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02610003.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02630005.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02640006.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02660008.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02720014.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02730015.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02710013.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02670009.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02620004.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02700012.JPG

Burned out shell on Dauphin:
http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02740016.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02770019.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02780020.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02800021.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02820022.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02840024.JPG

Exciting:
http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02870026.JPG
http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02880027.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02680010.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02690011.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02890028.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02900029.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02910030.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02920031.JPG

Grand Ballroom:
http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02930032.JPG

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02940033.JPG

Anyone know what these are?
http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02950034.JPG

http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06232/DSCN02960035.JPG

http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06232/DSCN02970036.JPG

Site of the future Water Street Landing project:
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06232/DSCN02980037.JPG

http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06232/DSCN02990038.JPG

http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06232/DSCN03000039.JPG

Site of Mardi Gras Park/Condo/whatever Sam Jones decides:
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06232/DSCN03010040.JPG

http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06232/DSCN03020041.JPG

Lafayette Plaza, soon to be Holiday Inn??http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06232/DSCN03030042.JPG

My favorite shot:
http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02650007.JPG

[Randy Sandford]

As I stated the first time around, awesome photos!

[elb401]

My favorite one is the last one!

[nimsjus]

Thanks for the photos guys. Im not sure if missed those earlier or if I saw them and forgot. I cant wait to see that thing lit up. My girlfriends dad from Bham was in town for business last week and was really impressed with the view from over the bay and downtown.

[nimsjus]

Is anyone else concearned about the massive ammounts of construction workers leaving downtown after the completion of the building. Having worked construction I know alot of those guys eat out most days. I have also seen several post on the board about people knowing waitresses and such downtown who were giving them info from workers on the building. I guess the workers in the building and staffs at the hotel may make up the difference. Secondly I read an article in the Press Register saying they were looking at bringing in 2000 foreign workers for the Grand Hotel, Riverview, and Battle House. I think it would be amazing if they created some cheap residential space in some of the abandoned buildings downtown for these workers. It would help lower their living expenses(no car, gas etc) and it would give the city more residents downtown which would spur more commercial growth. It would also add alot of diversity to downtown. Alot of the workers will be from jamaica and eastern europe. Imagine an area of downtown with jamaican flair with some restaraunts and jamaican culture. It would add a whole new demension to downtown.

[elb401]

Yeah, the building will be bringing more workers downtown. Hopefully the construction workers will be back building the Maritime Museum, waterstreet condos, another cruise terminal, and working on all the downtown renovations!

[Strayone]

I'm sorta new to the forum, but I really enjoyed peruseing your thread. Beautiful building, kinda reminds me of the Frost Tower here in Austin with the setbacks, crown, plus the glass is exactly the same blue. I'm jealous its so much taller than the Frost. What is the official height gonna be.

[Brown Duckz]

I'm sorta new to the forum, but I really enjoyed peruseing your thread. Beautiful building, kinda reminds me of the Frost Tower here in Austin with the setbacks, crown, plus the glass is exactly the same blue. I'm jealous its so much taller than the Frost. What is the official height gonna be.745ft

[pboo74]

are they planning on building another cruise terminal?

[sabre0link]

Anyone know what these are?
http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06231/DSCN02950034.JPG


According to the Video about the tower on http://www.battlehousetower.com/ , they appear to be bases for flagpoles...

[elb401]

I think it depends on if it is another cruise company wants it. I don't think it be before the end of the year. Most of the companies are going to reorganize their fleets next year so Mobile will probably get another ship.

[nimsjus]

From what I understand there will not be a new terminal built if we get a second ship. I believe they will build another parking garage to accomodate the extra vehicles but the ships would be on different schedule with both using the same terminal.

[elb401]

that would make more sense....

[Buck]

Mobile's never looked better! GREAT shots!

[pboo74]

thanks...

[Musicisright]

Just a shot I took on Father's Day from Magnolia Cemetery

http://xs302.xs.to/xs302/06255/IMG_0322resized.JPG

[elb401]

Thats an awesome picture. I was there the other day too. beautiful place!

[nimsjus]

Did everyone catch the articles about downtown in the Press Register recently. I had to read it online because I am not in town, but it seemed like every section had a relevant article or two about what is going on downtown. Very interesting read and hopefully it will create more interest in downtown.
http://www.al.com/specialreport/downtown/

Also todays paper announced one of the tennants for the building.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/115139984279940.xml&coll=3

[BANKofMANHATTAN]

man, i love that tower!...but Mobile has to start filling in downtown with some other towers. hopefully that will come in the near future.

[elb401]

I'm so happy to have found this forum that doesn't trash the metro core.

[nimsjus]

Yeah I waste alot of time arguing with people on the AL.com Mobile Forum just trying to get people to not be so negative, much less agree with me. I would hate to know what people thought Mobile was like if there only ifo was that forum.

[Musicisright]

Hope everybody had a good Fourth of July. I went downtown with my new camera to get some fireworks shots. We stood on top of Riverview's parking garage and we had a great view.

The fireworks, which were lit from Battleship Park, were a little far away, but it was fun anyway.
http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0945resized.JPG

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0931resized.JPG

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0934resized.JPG

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0941resized.JPG

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0942resized.JPG

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0943resized.JPG


You know I can't post photos without showing a little RSA
http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0952resized.JPG

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0951resized.JPG

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0950_resized.JPG

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0954resized.JPG

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0953resized.JPG

http://xs303.xs.to/xs303/06273/IMG_0955resized.JPG

I hope y'all enjoyed it.

[SouthSky]

^ Loved the pics. Also - big news - I have heard from the same source that said IS' headquarters were moving to the RSA Tower that a LARGE company is also in the preliminary planning stages to move into the RSA Tower. I will not say the name of the company but will say that they contacted Bronner and not the other way around like it was with IS.

[BamaGrad04]

how large?

[TimCity2000]

that is a great looking building. i'm proud to have it in our state.

[SouthSky]

how large? It's the regional headquarters for an international company that made over $200B last year. They would most likely be the majority renters of space in the RSA if this goes through.

[Brown Duckz]

It's the regional headquarters for an international company that made over $200B last year. They would most likely be the majority renters of space in the RSA if this goes through.Bronner might need to build another one. ;)

[pkp]

Another good peice of hotel news. Apparantly, we are being monitored by someone, because I have posted on here several times that the lot in questions would be a perfect spot for a Hampton, or similar hotel (that or the Van Antwerp)

By Lagniappe staff

It looks like the Riverview Plaza and Battle House Hotel will soon have some company along Royal Street in downtown Mobile, as Hampton Inn plans to build a 155-room hotel between Government and Dauphin Streets.

Though no one could officially confirm the hotel is coming, the story was corroborated by several city officials. One also said Leon Maisel, president and CEO of the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau announced the hotel’s interest in locating downtown during a luncheon last week. Maisel was out of town and could not be reached prior to publication of this story.

The hotel will ostensibly be built on the west side of Royal Street, just north of the building occupied by Veet’s nightclub. Sources suggested the company would build a new structure, possibly in a vacant lot in that area, and might also incorporate the façade of an existing building.

Officials with Hampton Inn, which is part of the Hilton family of hotels, could not confirm their interest in building in downtown Mobile prior to publication.

The addition of the hotel would help toward alleviating a concern that has plagued the city’s efforts to land more convention business – namely a shortage of hotel space near the convention center. The Hampton Inn would also provide a mid-level alternative to the Riverview and Battle House, both of which will be higher-end hotels.

Other hotels in the downtown area include the Radisson Admiral Semmes and the Lafayette Plaza Hotel, which is currently working to establish itself as a Holiday Inn affiliate.

No word yet on when construction will begin.

[BamaGrad04]

A Hampton would be awesome. I really hope they make it architectually fitting. But I'd still like to see Van Antwerp converted to a mid-level hotel of sorts. Or condos! :shrug:

[Blazer85]

It's the regional headquarters for an international company that made over $200B last year. They would most likely be the majority renters of space in the RSA if this goes through.

What I saw only had them with 150 office employees. That will take up a decent chunk for sure, but I doubt it would fill the majority of the tower.

[pkp]

What I saw only had them with 150 office employees. That will take up a decent chunk for sure, but I doubt it would fill the majority of the tower.

Where have you seen that? He's talking about a different company...

[Dystopos]

According to Wikipedia there are only 4 companies that had over $200B in revenue in 2005: ExxonMobil, Wal-Mart, Shell, and BP.

Wikipedia:List of companies by revenue (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companies_by_revenue)

[Blazer85]

Where have you seen that? He's talking about a different company...

My bad... thought people were still talking about IS. My guess would be one of those oil companies I guess, but I thought many of them already had regional headquarters elsewhere.

[pkp]

Maybe Shell is moving its office from NOLA?

Seems like it could be the only option - although none of these companies are anywhere near the top of my "most admired list".

[Blazer85]

Maybe Shell is moving its office from NOLA?

Seems like it could be the only option - although none of these companies are anywhere near the top of my "most admired list".

It's possible I guess, but man would that leave a big dent in the 51-story One Shell Square where Shell is the main tenant.

[pkp]

Yea - I don't want to see it move or anything, but that's the only one I can think of. There may be some politics behind it if that were the case. The AL coast has one of the largest nat gas reserves in the world. The oil/gas companies have pumped it out for years without paying their share to the state - and there are very few oil and gas jobs in Mobile although we have to deal with the polution, ugly oil rigs, etc... LA has had to deal with these problems too, but the the petro industry is also one of the largest employers there. The largest nat gas pipeline in the world runs from Bayou la Batre to Tampa - we get the crap and FL gets the benefit becuase they won't allow drilling offshore.

If this is true, it might be Shell trying to do a little PR. I think they have a couple of hundred engineers in NOLA.

[elb401]

maybe so or the company that is moving here might not have made $200 billion. I would be neat though. oh, aren't they going to start drilling in florida now?

[nimsjus]

The Hampton Inn project sounds like good infill for downtown. If it happens I hope they do something interesting architecturally. I dont care about height, but I would like for it to be either unique or local looking. If they are just going to add a big box, then I think I would prefer they rennovate gayfers/vanantwerp rather than add a new, but boring structure. Now seems like a great time for chain retail/restaraunts to make the move downtown. I feel like fast food and a drug store would make a killing if they were the first to come back downtown. Plus they could end up benefitting in the long run if customers are loyal to whoever is first to give it a try. With the conventions, hotels, workers, and crusie ship, I am surprised a chain drugstore has not come in to serve as a quick shop alternative to hotel gift shops.

[elb401]

I hope they do it right too. a major chain might not go that far down yet because of the the one on Broad Street and Government. I hope the hotel fits in nicely.

[nimsjus]

Dont know how many of yall have seen this. If you go to www.mainstreetmobile.org, check out the Strategic Plan and the Public Space Plan on the toolbar to the left. They are both very lengthy, but they are full of great ideas to spruce up downtown without building any new buildings. Some of the big ideas are two way downtown streets, shrinking Water Street, adding more landscaping touches, etc. I hope Mainstreet Mobile can get the city to do these projects. They may be able to do some of the smaller stuff with their BID money. I encourage everyone to skim through if not read them both. Maybe it will help spur some discussion since the tower is at a lull in construction.

[austin356]

It's possible I guess, but man would that leave a big dent in the 51-story One Shell Square where Shell is the main tenant.


1,000 employees work in Shells offices in One Shell Square. If this speculation is correct, then that would fill at least half of the RSA tower.


Southsky, if this mystery tenant situation does play out, how long do you think it will be before a public announcement or possible leak will get out?

[SouthSky]

Southsky, if this mystery tenant situation does play out, how long do you think it will be before a public announcement or possible leak will get out?

In the next month or two. Leaked information could be out in the next couple of weeks. This company is looking for a quick way out of NOLA and, like I said, contacted Dr. Bronner directly about moving into the RSA Tower. I also heard that they may be looking at Houston, but the RSA seems to be their number one option. I feel if the state can get an incentives package together that fits this companies wants, we will see this happen. This is BIG news about the tower and exciting news at that.

Again, this is from the same source that told me about the IS relocation a couple of weeks ago.

[SouthSky]

Also, this will be one of my last updates in a while, as I am travelling for about a month (without a laptop). So, if I hear of anything and find a working computer, you better be sure that I will try to post it on here. Starting tomorrow, I am cut off - well, hopefully not...

[SouthSky]

Sorry for the consecutive posts, but would somebody - a mod or just a regular member - please go to page 22 on this thread and look at the pictures, and see if a nasty pic shows up. If it does, would a mod please edit it. I would rather not see that kind of stuff on this forum.

It looks like our banned friend has an interesting hobby. :haha:

[Exodus]

:whatthefuck: :yuck:

[neuhickman79]

THAT is NOT OKAY!!! I'm at work!!! That's no skyscraper!!!!!!

[Randy Sandford]

Problem solved.

[Brown Duckz]

I noticed that the other day and didn't think to say anything.

[SouthSky]

Problem solved.

Thank you.:worship:

[Musicisright]

What was it? Must've been pretty bad.

[Exodus]

What was it? Must've been pretty bad.It was a pic of a nude girl that had a penis instead of a vagina. Disturbing.

[SouthSky]

It was a pic of a nude girl that had a penis instead of a vagina. Disturbing.

Apparently, old lolzxzxlolzxzx had some hobbies that shouldn't be made public. I think he may have updated some porn onto his photobucket account and it uploaded over some of his legitimate pictures, resulting in the substitution. Funny and disturbing for us, but very embarrassing for him. :D

[Randy Sandford]

Apparently, old lolzxzxlolzxzx had some hobbies that shouldn't be made public. I think he may have updated some porn onto his photobucket account and it uploaded over some of his legitimate pictures, resulting in the substitution. Funny and disturbing for us, but very embarrassing for him. :D

Most photo hosts give a new URL when you upload photos UNLESS you choose to edit an existing photo by uploading another image to replace it in which case the URL doesn't change. Since he is banned, he cannot edit a message to change the URL of images he posted before being banned, so he probably used the image edit option to replace the original photo as a way of retaliating against us.

[austin356]

it was almost certainly deliberate; because he made sure he was posting over the one Southsky said "he/she liked". Pretty clever, somehow funny, immature, and plain sickening.

[SouthSky]

it was almost certainly deliberate; because he made sure he was posting over the one Southsky said "he/she liked". Pretty clever, somehow funny, immature, and plain sickening.

You now, know that you say that, it probably was very clever... but there is no way that idiot came up with that idea.

[Blazer85]

Congrats Mobile folks! Saw yall's skyline on CNN. Someone snapped a photo after a shower when a rainbow had formed over the skyline. Wasnt one of you guys, was it?

[Musicisright]

I didn't see it! What show was it on? Maybe they'll replay it in the late night hours. Was it a good view? Could you tell where it was taken from?

[Blazer85]

I didn't see it! What show was it on? Maybe they'll replay it in the late night hours. Was it a good view? Could you tell where it was taken from?

It was on "Inside the Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" ...strange that it was on there really, but they had it. It was a pretty good view, but it wasnt all that great. The view was similar to this one: http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=387350 but it wasnt that good because it was focused moreso on the rainbow, so it was more zoomed in than this picture and was angled higher towards the sky. The RSA Tower crown and top of the Amsouth building were the two buildings most prominent in the photo.

[pkp]

That photo was also in the paper this morning.

[nimsjus]

Made the Bham News this morning too. I picked one up here in Auburn at a local breakfast place and there was our skyline in their paper. Great shot and as much as it takes away a large buliding, I kinda liked that RSA coveed up Amsouth from that angle.

[nimsjus]

What exactly are they doing on the project right now. The crown is the obvious place where work is being done but how much finishing out is going on on the office floors? or is that completed? I drove by when I was in town last weekend and it looked just like it did a month ago in picture posted here.

[Mike06]

I've been checking this site out for the last couple of months and have enjoyed it. Pretty cool to be able to see the progress of the RSA Tower and other developments in the city and around the world.

I was wondering if any of you guys were going to hear something on a big company coming in (RSA Tower). My mom went to an election party about four weeks ago. I talked to her the next day, she said everyone was giddy and excited about a BIG tenant moving their regional headquarters here. So, I started checking to see if anybody heard the same. South Sky came out with a hint and I knew who he was referring to. The same company my mom was told and the same company several of you have guessed. I don't think it's a done deal, but they were pumped. It would be huge for Mobile.

In todays paper there is an article about building a sports complex in Mobile. There will be a meeting Monday night at 6:00. Twelve lighted fields (for soccer, football, and other sports), indoor track facility, three Olympic size pools, cross country trail, and other facilities are proposed. One guy mentions it being more exciting than the cruise terminal.

[thoraudio]

was down in Mobile thursday and friday for fishing outta Dauphin Island. Tower looks great. Especially liked the veiw from the new 'Original' Oyster House. :)

[austin356]

Mike, welcome.

It is also great to hear another voice concerning the speculation of the previous page. 1,000 corporate employees is a hell-of-a-snag for a city the size of Mobile.

Also, last year I think I remember something about EADS N.A. moving some type of HQ to Mobile also. What exactly was this? Just a division within EADS NA moving it division hq to mobile, or was it the entire NAmerican division moving its HQ from DC (I think DC, not sure)? Can someone please elaborate on this.

Any info on the EADS engineering centere to be built in Mobile?
Any info on the tanker contract?

Any info on Shell moving its NOLA offices to Mobile? I know several months ago NOLA celebrated when Shell returned. They are a "make or break" company for NOLA right now. But they have to make a decision that is best for their shareholders right now, not what is best for the community they are in.
1,000 jobs with a average salary most likely in the triple digits, would be a huge boon for inner city Mobile. Many people would come from Daphne, and Fairhope, but the majority would reside in Mobile.

D-town projects which need info or updates on:

the Hampton inn project.
the Water st landing project; has construction begun yet?
the courthouse condo tower.
the admiral semmes hotel expansion, which I think was suppose to start this year?
Any words on the gayfers project?


A little update:
I was at the Riverview plaza the other night and found out the amount of renovations have been pushed up again. This time to 65$ million.

Alittle background that I can remember:
RSA bought the tower for 10-15 million from ?Adams mark?.
They said they were going to put twenty something into it.
they then said forty something.
Then 55$M.
Now 65$M.



This latest jump might not be any actual changes, but instead a reflection of the increased cost of constuction, perticularly materials for the crown; and the effect of the major increase in regional construction labor cost.

[DruidCity]

I was down in Mobile thursday and friday ... Especially liked the view from the new 'Original' Oyster House.

I ate there last week. I'm in the process of buying a small condo in Daphne as an investment & the complex there has a view of downtown Mobile across the bay.

[elb401]

Yeah, I like the view too fromt he Original Oyster House. I was downtown yesterday with my girlfriend looking for a place to rent and went by some of those places, austin.

1) EADS might have a regional office (dont know yet) here but their headquaters are in Arlington, VA.

2) The engineering center is being built at brookley right now...pretty sure but if someone can back me up please do.

3) constuction hasn't started yet on the condos on waterstreet...I think they start this fall.

4)oh and about the Riverview, thanks for sharing!

[Scottybo]

I think EADS is going to be at Mobile Regional.

[Mike06]

Yes, the engineering center is being built now. There was a picture in the paper about a week ago. It looked to be coming along nicely.

EADS is submitting two planes for the tanker project, while at least three companies are proposing one.

If I remember correctly, the Water St. Landing condos are supposed to start the sale (pre-sale) of units this month. While they are clearing the CSX building of asbestos before demolition.

Does anyone know what the height of the Riverview will be after the crown is finished?