[pboo74]

Originally Posted by nouveau_Mauvilla

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

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

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

In other development news:

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

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

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

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

In other retail news:

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

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

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

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

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

That is good news hopefully more good news will follow....Thanks Nouveau for the info.....