[eastbayblu]

This article was in the Mobile Press Register Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005.
Exciting stuff!

A DOWNTOWN LIFE
By KATHY JUMPER

Before the foundation could be poured, one of the four townhouses at the Clarkson buildings, under construction at Cedar and Dauphin Streets downtown, was sold for just under $300,000.

Forty people are on a waiting list for 11 apartments under construction on Dauphin and St. Emanuel streets, set to open next February.

And all but three of the 24 loft units at the Mattress Factory at 412-416 Dauphin St. have sold. The units range from $196,900 to $259,900.

The demand for downtown residences is on the upswing, according to developers and Realtors.

"People want to come back downtown and we've got to get the inventory up," said builder Tilmon Brown of the JTB Group, who is working on several residential projects downtown. "Everything I'm doing I'm trying to keep below $200,000."

"As long as rates remain reasonable, you're going to see a good, strong demand for residential downtown," said John Peebles of Grubb & Ellis/Peebles & Cameron. "The Battle House Hotel alone will have an employee base of 300 to 400 and about 10 or 20 percent will be in pay brackets that can afford the kind of housing coming on line. The product is just not there for them."

The 250-room Battle House at Royal and St. Francis Streets should open next summer.

There are almost 200 apartments and condo units downtown, according to the Mobile Historic Development Commission. That number will make a major jump when developers build the 239-unit Water Street Landing at the foot of Government Street at Water Street.

Millennium Mobile based in Pasadena, Calif., plans to buy 1.6 acres owned by CSX Railway later this month, and work could begin soon on the Water Street Landing condo units, according to Chris King of Roberts Brothers, who will help market the project.

The prices have not been set for Water Street Landing, but the other new projects coming on line are pricing units from the high $200,000s to more than $500,000, according to Realtors. The rents on new or renovated apartments with secured parking and amenities can go as high as $1,200 per month, according to Realtors.

One of the most upscale condo projects is St. Francis Place at St. Francis Street, where several of the 30 units are for sale from just under $300,000 to more than $500,000 for a penthouse unit. The units are in a renovated 1908 baroque building.

St. Francis Place was pricey at the time it came on the market several years ago, said Jean Lankford of J.A. Lankford & Co. "But the values have increased, construction material costs have increase and the ability to borrow money has increased. Now there's demand, available funds and buyers."

"Everything downtown sells, and I'm going as fast as I can," Brown said. He is building 11 apartments in the former Campbell Pharmacy building where rents will range from $550 to $1,100 per month, and he's constructing the loft units at the Mattress Factory.

"The key to downtown Mobile is to maintain the historic preservation efforts and more importantly you've got to do infill," Brown said. "You build new structures to fit into the space."

The Clarkson townhouse buildings on Cedar and Dauphin are an example of infill, according to King of Roberts Brothers. He is marketing the four townhouses for the nonprofit Oakleigh Venture Revolving Fund. The units are priced under $300,000 and were designed by local architect Douglas Kearley. The Oakleigh Fund revives abandoned, rundown houses or builds homes on vacant lots in historic districts.

There's a demand for rentals or condo units with office space on the ground floor, according to Peebles. He will soon renovate a two-story former appliance building on Church and Bayou streets into two, 1,200-square-foot apartments with attached garages. He also has an option on another downtown site to build five condo units with office space for lease on the first floor.

Lydia and Robert Craft of REMAX Partners purchased one of the units she is marketing at the Mattress Factory. The couple plan to rent it to companies or individuals for the day, week or month. "People will use it for BayFest and Mardi Gras and other events downtown," she said.

"We seem to have hit that point where there's more confidence in doing residential development," Elizabeth Sanders, director of the Business Improvement District in downtown Mobile.

"Some people are buying for their own use and some buying as an investment," Sanders said. "That shows an optimism that hasn't been there before with residential development."

Article Link:
http://www.al.com/business/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/business/113369173828070.xml&coll=3&thispage=2

[elb401]

That is awesome. I can't wait until I get one. Well, I guess I have to get on a waiting list first. Did you read about the Bring back Broad Street project headed by Palmer Hamilton. Its great it has renderings and everything. There is a whole article with pictures in the Mobile Bay Monthly December issue. I suggest you read it!:)

[eastbayblu]

Thanks...I will check that out...

[elb401]

See, I think it will be good when they reduce broad street to 3 lanes. I think they should think about putting in the old rail lines to connect the GM&O building with the new Arlington park.

[pboo74]

so there going to build another residential tower?downtown?also what do the broad street project consist of?

[elb401]

First a lot of the houses near Broad Street in Oakleigh are being renovated and there is some new construction. But the project:

Phase 1: the construction of the "Gateway to Downtown" segment., extending from Spring Hill Avenue to Government Street. The plans include two pocket parks with biking or walking trails.

Phase 2: Broad Street serves as a divide between downtown and the other historic districts. To end this the 5 lane avenue will be reduced to 3 lanes. A "road diet" opens possibiliies for stores and strolling and a return to a neighborhood feeling.

There is more to it and they add more to it every week. It calls for stores to be closer to the street and us the more green space to try and create a comfortable urban setting. I encourage you to read the artilce it gives more information.

[elb401]

I was reading Mobile Bay Monthly and they have an updated rendering of the water street landing proposal.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/emmileeeb/WaterfrontcondoinMobile.jpg

[elb401]

sorry the picture isn't very good.

[Musicisright]

Wow, the lights make it look better. It still kind of looks like something you'd find in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. What's the structure on the very right hand side of the picture?

Thanks for the update, elb.

[eastbayblu]

The structure on the right looks like the proposed pedestrian foot bridge that was in the Register a couple of months back

[MobileAl1]

It looks nice! It looks to be taller than the Riverview?


BTW, Happy New Year Everyone!

[elb401]

It looks about 25 stories, which is about 3 stories smaller than the riverview hotel. I really don't know what that is in the background...maybe the proposed new I-10 bridge, Walk-way, or something that might be built on cooper riverside park. I don't know. I think the condos look nice. I hope they don't change the renderings again.

[MobileAl1]

In the far right, there is the proposed pedestrian bridge.

[sahara727]

i like that rendering. i'm a fan.

[sahara727]

has anyone heard of when construction is going to start? and why do y'all think the new rendering didn't make the news?

[sahara727]

It looks about 25 stories, which is about 3 stories smaller than the riverview hotel.

also, the new crown on the riverview should put it head and shoulders above this anyway, right?

[elb401]

okay, its the pedestrian bridge. The pedetrian bridge looks bigger and has more design to it than I thought. But its cool. I have no idea why it didn't make the news. who knows. Maybe it came out when all the katrina stuff was going on. i don't know. I was suprised to see it in the magazine. It was just talking about all the development and population growth around the bay area and they had this picture of the project. Oh does anyone know how tall the crown will be on the riverview? it came up in conversation and no one knew. they keep saying that the construction will start soon on the condos. the land is bought. I would guess it would start sometime this year. I hope.

[pboo74]

when are they going too start construction on the condo's and the maritime center?anybody know?

[Buck]

It looks rather wide, but nice. The lighting looks good.

[elb401]

Here are some pics of residences in Oakleigh Garden District.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/Mobile001.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/Mobile002.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/Mobile003.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/Mobile004.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/Mobile005.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/Mobile006.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/Mobile011.jpg

[elb401]

and detonte square downtown.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c369/elb401/Mobile010.jpg
This was an old home that was turned into an office and now is being turned back into a home.

[SouthSky]

Good pics! I enjoyed 'em.

[Musicisright]

Nice pics, elb! We don't see a lot of pictures out of the OGD.

I'm liking the avatar, SouthSky.

[SouthSky]

I'm liking the avatar, SouthSky.

Thanks, musicisright.

By the way, I am thinking Mobile forumers would be interested in this website that I stubbled upon:

http://www.downtownmobileliving.com/

[pkp]

Me likee!

[SouthSky]

Me likee!

By the way, I submitted my name for information on the precedings.

[pkp]

I think I'll do the same!

[pkp]

Lets just do this - from the site:

http://www.downtownmobileliving.com/images/rendering.jpg

[eastbayblu]

I am so ready to see construction start on this...it will be interesting to see how they handle the railroad tracks.

[Musicisright]

Cable television access on the balconies, what!

Thank God it's going to have a grocery.

"...Garden structures on roof..." That should be cool.

This thing is really going to happen! Good find, SouthSky!

[Musicisright]

I am so ready to see construction start on this...it will be interesting to see how they handle the railroad tracks.

Yeah, me too. I wonder how loud the trains will be. Hope that doesn't discourage people from buying.

P.S. I like the pedestrian bridge, was there a final decision on that?

[elb401]

I agree.....i'm so happy to finally see a web site made. When they finish building it, make sure you tell us! When I was in the Convention Center I couldn't hear the train.

[jmbreland]

That's exciting! The building looks awesome. I'd have to say, though, that it'd be better if they construct two separate towers instead of three and make it less of a wall than it is and have smaller footprints.

[mayhem]

Looks alright. At the least its another addition to the Mobile skyline.

[nick1982]

I hope the "upscale" ambience extends into the retail component. The grocery store should be on par with Bruno's or Fresh Foods. There should also be free wi-fi available on the property, so visitors can surf from scenic Cooper Riverside Park.

[pboo74]

I think by this new cruise ship coming to mobile they need to build a new high rise hotel and to put a resturant like 'friday's' or a big sports bar like the one that's on airport blvd with alot of t.v's. ''' What do you guy's think about that.This will be good so you pretty much would'nt have to leave downtown, walk or ride the bus to your destination?

[SouthSky]

...they need to build a new high rise hotel... What do you guy's think about that.This will be good so you pretty much would'nt have to leave downtown, walk or ride the bus to your destination?

They are already building a high-rise hotel in the Battle House Hotel/Tower, though...

[pboo74]

yeah, but downtown is growing and there isn't enough hotels downtown?

[pkp]

They are building a 30-something room boutique hotel by Ft. Conde. I think after that, the Radisson will likley expand. I would really like to see the Van Antwerp building turned into something more mainstream like a Hampton Inn. Something that is affordable, with good brand recognition from a company that knows how to run hotels in historic buildings. The Battle House and Riverview will be 4 stars when all is said and done, and if the Radisson gets a face lift, it will be more upscale. So I think something middle of the road would work well - especially for business travelers.

I also think something on the other end of Dauphin St. (close to Broad) could spark some interest in that part of Dowtown.

As far as the subject of the thread, the residential development going on right now is amazing. Who wants to bet we have 2,000+ units come on line within the Broad Street loop by 2010?

[pboo74]

are there any plans to put a big name resturant downtown,and what else is going on downtown?

[skycaptain]

I'm sorry, but I think the design for this development is all wrong. It looks like something that should be somewhere in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores; not in the middle of a beautiful 300-year old city like Mobile. Surely they can do better than that!! I am anxious to see if it gets through the design review process looking like that.

[pkp]

I agree with you on the design somewhat. However, there are a couple of things I do like about it:

Balconies for every unit
Utilizes the very narrow lot space
The three tower design
Great access to public park and soon to be built maritme musem
Access to bridge connecting development to Conti Street.

I don't like the beachy look (although it is on the river). I also am not quite sure how they are going to integrate that building on Water Street. That is basically an interstate and people drive like morons there. They really need to do something to slow down the traffic.

I would like to see them try to put some more details in the building that would make it blend better. However, it's hard to do that in a condo unit with balconies.

[skycaptain]

It is really amazing how we clamour so for the same chain stores and restaurants that anyone can find anywhere else in America. Why would I want to come all the way to Downtown Mobile to eat at an Applebee's or Olive Garden? That's like going to Paris or New Orleans and eating at McDonald's. I just don't get it!!!:shrug:

[elb401]

true....I would rather see the resturants down there now do well. keep the competion local unique.

[pboo74]

it'll be for residents that live downtown,also people who work down there and for vistors coming in off the cruise ship,mardi gras etc...instead of going all the way to midtown/west mobile

[pkp]

I don't honestly think people that are visiting would drive (if they have a car) five miles down Airport Blvd to eat at Ruby Tuesday (I hope not at least). By the way, we have a great sports bar - Heroes! It beats the hell out Friday's. There was another one until a couple of years ago (where Martinis is now) that had over 100 tvs. But the food sucked. I know for sure Bob Baumhower (sp) that owns Wings and Mangos is Orange Beach is putting a new place in the Roussos building that is a new concept - I hear a steakhouse. Plus, Brennan's had bought the old Gus's place to open a resturaunt and that may still be on line. There is also a new sushi place opening. I'm sure we'll see several more places come in the next couple of years.

[SouthSky]

Good news on some condo units downtown. I put the big stuff in bold.
______________________________________________________________

From the Mobile Register Sat. February 25, 2006:

http://www.al.com/business/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/business/1140862611285010.xml&coll=3
Property acquired to build on river

Work on Water Street Landing project could start next month, developers say

Saturday, February 25, 2006 By KATHY JUMPER

Real Estate Editor
Developers of Water Street Landing condominiums purchased needed land Friday in downtown Mobile from CSX Railway for $1.8 million, and presales and site work should start in late March, according to Andrew Oliver, project manager for Millennium Mobile.

Millennium, a Pasadena, Calif.-based company, spent almost nine months negotiating with CSX to purchase the 1.6-acre site, at the foot of Government Street at Water Street, that will house its residential and retail project.

The developers plan to build 239 condo units and 60,000 square feet of retail space. Trains will travel through the project on the CSX track, just as trains run underneath the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center.
"We've got the land and we can actually start building everything, and we have the rights to cover those tracks," Oliver said.

This will be the first riverside residential project downtown, allowing people to live full-time within the developing waterfront area now called Michael C. Dow Mobile Landing. Bringing people back to the waterfront to live, dine and shop is key to a renaissance for downtown Mobile, some city officials have said.

White-Spunner Construction in Mobile was hired to build Water Street Landing, which should take two years to complete. A 22,000-square-foot railroad office on the land must first be demolished, after it is cleaned of asbestos, Oliver said.

White-Spunner is the contractor for the interior finishes for the Retirement Systems of Alabama's Battle House Hotel and built the $20 million Alabama Cruise Terminal at Mobile Landing.

The condo unit prices should be released in a week, according to Oliver, who said the number will hinge on the final design and construction costs. The developers have said their project could cost as much as $60 million.
Typically, construction does not start on a project until 80 percent of the units are taken as presales, but Oliver said that work can start while presales are in progress.

MDi, a media group, the marketing agency for Millennium, has a list of 450 people who have expressed interest in the units, Oliver said. Roberts Brothers and REMAX by the Bay on the Eastern Shore will market the units.

"It's amazing the number of people that are talking about the project," said Chris King of Roberts Brothers. "I have calls all the time from prospective buyers. They like the lifestyle it will create, and the location. Right now, the downtown residential market is great."

A commercial broker will be hired to find tenants for the retail portion of the development, Oliver said. Locally owned Wintzell's Oyster House has committed to opening a restaurant there, but with a Caribbean theme, he said.

"The whole back side of our commercial space will have a Caribbean theme to tie into the cruise ship terminal," he said.

[Bama_75]

Not to mention, the old court house is coming down. The new park will be a neat area for people to spend afternoons and evenings when they get home.

[eastbayblu]

I love Mobile. Yay for downtown!

[pboo74]

this is good news ,maybe other investors will see how they sell and that there is a huge demand for more residential towers downtown?

[Musicisright]

That's really awesome. When I get rich, that's where I'm gonna live. I love the Wintzell's idea.

[sahara727]

and i thought we were going to be without contruction cranes in our skyine now that rsa is almost finished...silly me. fantastic news, can't wait to see construction begin.

[sahara727]

or skyline. skyine or skyline. whichever...

[pkp]

Land sold - construction underway!

[elb401]

Has anyone seen what the condos next to wintzell's are going to look like when they are done?

[Musicisright]

No, and I had no idea there were some getting built there until I walked past them on Fat Tuesday.

[jmbreland]

A Caribbean-themed Wintzell's is fantastic! I hope to God that means they'll be planting palm trees on the property. It makes me mad that Mobile Landing & Copper Riverside Park have not one single palm tree! The cruise ship terminal is still devoid of any landscaping. Mobile was built on a palmetto swamp, and the city has had a long history of having palms in its landscapes. There are many palms in the downtown/midtown area that are centuarians. Government St. and Springhill Ave. were once lined with cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) but they were dug up and sold during the Great Depression, leaving only a handful of lonely individuals. I hope to see more palm tree plantings in the downtown & riverfront area after writing to certain individuals reminding them of the fact that palms do grow here and that they would be a great addition to the landscape.:tup:

[elb401]

Yea I agree. I love the type of palms that were planted by the GM&O building.

[elb401]

I'm so glad to see the construction signs up now!

[pboo74]

constructions signs up of ?

[eastbayblu]

March 12, 2006 Mobile Register

"Local investors paid $485,000 for a 20,000 square foot building at 54 and 56 St. Emanuel St. and a parking lot on Conception Street, according to M.J. Baxter of Baxter and Associates, who represented to seller. The top floor of the former Central Optical building will be renovated for eight condominium units, and the first floor will be used for offices, according to Grubb & Ellis/Peebles & Cameron, which worked for the buyers."

More downtown residential development for Mobile make me happy happy! Anyone know anything about this building...I can't picture it from the location on Mapquest.

[SouthSky]

^ That's certainly excellent news... the revitalization of downtown continues...

[BamaGrad04]

besides http://www.downtownmobileliving.com , are there any other websites for other residential developments downtown? It would be nice for out-of-towners to have places to go to check out the different projects.

[BamaGrad04]

guess not! :hmmm:

[pboo74]

mobilians our forum is dead compared to others, where is everybody,what's the word on waterstreet condo's?

[BamaGrad04]

I'll be in Mobile Wed-Sun of next week. I'll make a trip downtown and get some new pics. :tup:

[Verve]

Here are some photos of the buildings recently purchased on St. Emanuel Street mentioned in an earlier post.

http://www.timbooktu.com/photos/st_emanuel_P7300967.jpg

http://www.timbooktu.com/photos/st_emanuel_P7300964.jpg

[eastbayblu]

Those are going to be such awesome condos...I am so happy that residential development has taken a foothold in Downtown...

Also...more signs...

An ad in the Lagniappe for two apartments at Jackson St/Dauphin St...awesome building, very, very reasonably priced...so much in fact that I am considering one...

:tup:

[nick1982]

Perhaps that parking lot across from the street will be the site of a new mixed use development.

[Musicisright]

:previous: Yeah, I always thought those parking lots would be a great place for some development...Even though from there you do get an unobstructed view of Riverview Plaza, AmSouth, and now RSA.

[SouthSky]

Here are some photos of the buildings recently purchased on St. Emanuel Street mentioned in an earlier post.
pic

pic


Great first pic post! Thanks and welcome to SSP. :)

[pboo74]

does anybody have any updated pics of downtown? and any more news on new resdential downtown?

[austin356]

New development on Dauphin St about 10 blocks from RSA
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Picture171.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Picture170.jpg
To be Dauphin St condos
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Picture178.jpg
More to be Dauphin St Condos under redevelopment
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Picture169.jpg
St. Emanuel Place Condo's under renovation
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Picture167.jpg
Anyone know who is building this building in on the square?
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Picture166.jpg
Restored 19th century hotel to 4 star
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Picture198.jpg
About to be three highrise residental towers
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/Picture211.jpg

[pboo74]

thank you austin356?when are the three residential towers being constructed?

[pkp]

Ann Bedsole is building that, one Austin - as well as renovating the 120 yr + building next to it.

[Blazer85]

Around how many residential units are under construction or approved in Mobile right now?

[elb401]

great pictures austin. I didn't know the buildings in the 4th picture are being turned into condos. thats great!

[Exodus]

If these condos go through, the number of skyscrapers in Mobile will double instntly including the RSA. Now that's a boom.

[austin356]

Does anyone know what is going to happen with the port terminal on the river in downtown? I know choctaw point is being developed, so does that mean this terminal will not be needed? If so what would the best uses be? This property has soo much possibility.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/austinw356/portofmobile.jpg

[Verve]

Does anyone know what is going to happen with the port terminal on the river in downtown? I know choctaw point is being developed, so does that mean this terminal will not be needed? If so what would the best uses be? This property has soo much possibility.

Not sure what they plan to do with the space although it would be great to have it as more open waterfront area. So much of the waterfront is used for industrial and not quite enough for leisure use. Sometimes it's hard to remember that the riverfront is there especially from a pedestrian, street-level perspective.

[elb401]

Yea, it would be cool if they used it for a public park.

[SouthSky]

The other day I received some information on this area of the port. Before, it was assumed that this area would be moved south towards Choctaw Point, but that might not happen soon.

The two sites would be operated by two different companies so a partnership and conglomeration are not assured. It would need an agreement AFTER the Choctaw Point completion to free up that pictured space above. Only then would they begin to dismantle this area and (I guess) sell it to developers.

[elb401]

thats okay.........I really didn't think they were going to sell off that land. I would think the port would hold on to it, since more and more shoreline is being used for public use.

[austin356]

It would be a mistake for the state to hold on the most valuable 100 acres in mobile county, if at all possible not to.

This could possibly become a national attraction (due to the fact of being 30 to 45 min. boat ride from GS and OB who get millions each year) such as a 1/3 French Q. and 1/3 Atlantic Station and 1/3 San Antonio Riverwalk.

[elb401]

yea....that would be cool. I think that the city should focus more on its bay front than its river front though. I think the river is important because it is so close to downtown but I think the bay has a lot to offer too.

[pboo74]

any updates?man,mobile forums are dead.

[skycaptain]

Blazer- Sorry you have gotten no responses. It is so easy to be ignored in these forums. Perhaps you should precede your questions with something inflamatory? You are bound to get at least a few responses!!

[pkp]

OK - weird. Probably no answer because no one knows.

[Alxx611]

Just wait, as soon as that CSX building gets demolished, the forum will be rolling again.

[Musicisright]

Blazer- Sorry you have gotten no responses. It is so easy to be ignored in these forums. Perhaps you should precede your questions with something inflamatory? You are bound to get at least a few responses!!

nobody knows, it's hard to keep track of them all.

[elb401]

have they set a date yet for the destruction of the CSX building?

[pboo74]

If Anybody Is Out There In THE Mobile Forums,whats The Latest On Residential Development Down There,and Whats Up With The Demo Of The Csx Bldg?

[Musicisright]

I don't know and I'm not sure.

[eastbayblu]

NBC 15 reported today at 5pm that a new high rise condo is panned for part of the Old County Courthouse site next to Government Plaza...they also reported that the Mardi Gras Park will be part of this development. They did not show a rendering.

[pkp]

wow - that is great news!

[nick1982]

Very good news. The old County Courthouse site just shouldn't have remained an open space.

[BamaGrad04]

Man that is awesome. I hope it really is planned and not just proposed. Interesting to see a timeline for development. I looked all over WPMI.com but couldn't find a link. Hopefully they'll put something up soon.

[eastbayblu]

Man that is awesome. I hope it really is planned and not just proposed. Interesting to see a timeline for development. I looked all over WPMI.com but couldn't find a link. Hopefully they'll put something up soon.

go to yesterday evening's "news on demand" in the video section...that's where it was

[elb401]

The Press-Register talked about it a little in the state of the couty, city article.

[BamaGrad04]

go to yesterday evening's "news on demand" in the video section...that's where it was

Thanks.