Montgomery development news

[kevinlpugh]

A $300,000 grant that will help provide sewer services and a treatment facility will bring the first business and about 38 jobs into Prattville's I-65 Industrial Park.

TWB Co. will become the first business to locate at the new industrial park. The company, which makes products for major U.S. carmakers as well as Far East and European auto manufacturers with plants in America, represents an investment of about $6.5 million.

"That is fabulous news," said Connie Bainbridge, the leader of Prattville's Chamber of Commerce.

She said the funds will join state and local dollars to make the TWB project a reality, and will help fund crucial improvements that will make the park more likely to experience further growth.

Gov. Bob Riley awarded the grant, using funds made available to the state through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He approved the Community Development Block Grant for Autauga County.

The funds will be used to provide sewer services, including a treatment facility, to the industrial park. The park is on U.S. 31 just north of Prattville and Interstate 65.

Getting sewer service to industrial parks in rural areas is a major obstacle for economic developers.

"Sewer service was one of the pieces of the puzzle to make the park more attractive," Bainbridge said. "This is wonderful news. The project was a partnership from the local to federal level."

TWB is a supplier of laser-welded steel used to make cars.

Another local economic development official is hoping TWB's arrival and sewer service will lead to more announcements for the 55-acre park.

Bill Tucker, director of the Central Alabama Regional Planning Commission, also expects TWB to expand.

"We are anticipating phase two to come rather quickly," Tucker said.

He added that the expanding auto industry in Alabama will prompt fast growth and more jobs in TWB's immediate future.

The company will occupy a 60,000-square-foot facility built by Marshall Construction in Montgomery.

TWB is based in Monroe, Mich., and has four plants in the U.S. and two in Mexico. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.

[Brown Duckz]

Colonial's builder lending trend raises eyebrows

By Francis X. Gilpin
Montgomery Advertiser

Colonial BancGroup Inc. has lent $6.4 billion for construction projects, five times the average for banks nationwide.

The dollar amount accounts for almost 40 percent of the loans held by the Montgomery-based bank, according to research firm Foresight Analytics LLC. The only other bank with that much money outstanding is Compass Bank in Birmingham.

Foresight, which examined only those U.S. banks with at least $1 billion and 20 percent of its loans in construction, ranks Colonial 12th out of 30 banks that have at least 25 percent of their loans in construction. The highest percentage is almost 70 percent by another Southern bank, ANB Financial of Bentonville, Ark.

Construction lending is considered risky because, if a builder folds, banks sometimes struggle to sell unfinished developments in order to cover loan losses.

A "Heard on the Street" column in the March 22 The Wall Street Journal made the case that Colonial is overexposed because it has made too many construction loans in a slumping Florida real estate market. More than half of Colonial's $22.8 billion in assets were in Florida on Dec. 31.

Colonial head Robert E. Lowder said federal securities regulations prevent him from commenting on the Journal column so close to a scheduled April 18 release of the bank's first-quarter financial results.

Colonial executives have sought to reassure analysts about credit quality. They pointed to 2006 non-performing assets and write-offs, which were at their lowest rates of the decade.

An analyst at Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc. came to Colonial's defense after the Journal column. Noting the delinquency and loss ratios, Robert S. Patten wrote in a report: "This is a leading indicator of lower credit losses ahead."

Colonial lends money mostly to local homebuilders well known to loan officers, according to Patten.

Another analyst, however, doubts Colonial's lending strategy will be enough to withstand what is happening in the Sunshine State.

"Given that Colonial sees itself as primarily a real estate bank, they're vulnerable," said Richard X. Bove, of specialty investment bank Punk Ziegel & Co.

Since 2000, Colonial has bought six Florida banks with assets of $3.5 billion. A seventh acquisition of a $1 billion-asset bank is pending. Many of the deals looked wise at the time because Florida's economy was sizzling and home values were soaring.

Today, a Florida real estate bank must deal with plummeting sales and a growing list of abandoned projects, giving credence to the experts who told the Journal that the state "is undergoing one of its worst housing recessions ever."

Bove said the damage to banks with extensive Florida franchises has yet to show up in their financials.

"Wait till next quarter," Bove said. "It's not just Colonial. A lot of banks are going to have trouble. They're all in a difficult environment right now."

Analyst Kevin Fitzsimmons put a "hold" rating on Colonial stock after bank managers early in the year refused to project earnings. He counted at least seven times during a January conference call when they answered questions about 2007 with: "We don't give guidance."

Fitzsimmons, of Sandler O'Neill + Partners LP, said much of the call focused on a $9.5 million increase during the fourth quarter of 2006 in non-performing assets, loans that aren't producing income. Much of the jump was due to a loan that Colonial since has sold, but not before writing off $2 million.

So far this year, Colonial has eliminated 200 jobs, or almost 4 percent of the bank's work force, according to Todd Hagerman, an analyst for investment firm Fox-Pitt Kelton Ltd. With Colonial promising Wall Street what Hagerman called "a disciplined cost control program" for 2007, the bank might have to cut deeper into the payroll, perhaps even in Montgomery, if Florida losses mount.

Christopher Marinac of FIG Partners LLC was disturbed by the bank's decision to stop forecasting earnings.

"Does this signal impending issues at this company in 2007?" the analyst wrote. "Perhaps this is a quiet signal that the new year is not as fruitful as the past 12 months."

[kevinlpugh]

By Andre Coe
Montgomery Advertiser


Pamela Patton is fed up. She doesn't want to make drastic changes to her life because the company she worked for merged with another one.

For years she worked at Regions Financial Corp., which recently merged with AmSouth Bancorporation. The resulting changes likely could mean that Patton and others will have to leave their homes here to keep their current jobs.

Patton and almost 100 other current and soon-to-be-former Regions employees attended a job fair Wednesday at Auburn Montgomery. The state of Alabama spearheaded the job fair, along with local government and private entities to give the employees a chance to find work that would allow them to remain in the area.

Others said they attended the job fair because they were concerned about the commitment to current employees that they have seen from Regions.

Employees were given a choice to stay with the company, but many still don't know their fate. Some who have been with the company for as many as 20 years could find themselves competing for the job they currently hold with other employees who hold similar jobs in Birmingham, said Amy Creel, a nine-year Regions employee. Beverly Gilstrap, who is Creel's team leader at Regions, agreed.

Both women are looking for work, and want to stay in or around Montgomery.

Creel said Birmingham's a nice city. But she used to live there and has no desire to return. She doesn't want to uproot her family, either.

"I love to visit Birmingham, but I fought that traffic for seven years," Creel said. "It's much worse now. Plus, I have a child who goes to school here."

Gilstrap said the merger will take just about all mainframe information technology jobs out of the Montgomery area. She went so far as to call the merger a layoff. Even though she believes hundreds will be affected, she remains upbeat.

"You either can embrace it and move forward or continue to increase bitterness and recess in your career," she said.

Andy Hornsby, an assistant finance director for the state, organized the job fair after learning some employees did not want to relocate.

"We've already hired some people out of Regions in finance," Hornsby said. "A lot of people I heard from, because of children or family, couldn't make the move to Birmingham. The goal is to find as many jobs for people who cannot relocate."

Steven Chambers, a representative of Regions Financial Corp. who attended the job fair, said he would not be qualified to speak on behalf of the company.

Job seekers interested in employment with the state can contact Personnel Manager Rachel Dickinson at 242-3199 or by visiting www.personnel.state.al.us.

[thoraudio]

Legislature talking about possibly a new state house. The one they are in now is terrible.

Alabama House Votes to Study Solutions to Cramped State House Building - WSFA.com

Legislators, lobbyists, news reporters and others often complain about the narrow hallways, small meeting
rooms and inadequate space at the Alabama State House. The Alabama House voted Monday to create a commission to study ways to create more meeting space for the Legislature.

Options include remodeling the current State House or constructing a new building for the Legislature in downtown Montgomery. The bill passed the House 90 to nothing and now goes to the Senate for debate.

The top administrators in the Legislature, House Clerk Greg Pappas, and secretary of the Senate, McDowell Lee, have both called for a study of the feasibility of building a new State House. The sponsor, Rep. Richard Laird (D-Roanoke), said the space in the current building is very limited.

[Brown Duckz]

Of course constructing a new building is the best feasible option. It's also good to see that the vote was 90 to nothing on the study of new building, obviously everyone in the "house" agrees that new construction is best.

Thoraudio, what's the best possible location for this new building... I'm guessing it would need to be centrally located on the Capital campus?

[Brown Duckz]

Great article from Montgomery-City-Guide.com, which also has a publication.



Trendsetters and the Downtown Draw



Residents of downtown Montgomery and those involved in the revitalization effort are excited that renovation has begun on the Hilltop Arms building at the heart of Five Points. The new owner has a vision for its future which is much like the vision that has come to so many investors in downtown metropolitan areas across the country. It is a vision for improvement and community development. A vision for Montgomery’s renewal. A vision for urban loft residences. And the visionary’s name is Kim Henderson.
A Montgomery native who currently resides in Virginia, Henderson purchased the property at the corner of Goldthwaite and Montgomery Street in June 2006. When asked what originally sparked his interest in the downtown, Henderson stated that he first became interested several years ago when he learned of the City’s plan for downtown revitalization. In 2002, armed with the knowledge that the City was set to invest significant resources in an effort to change the face of downtown, Henderson embarked on a 3-year search for the right investment property. He eventually chose a 1950’s-era mid-rise with remarkable views of the Alabama River and Montgomery’s downtown.

Seated in the heart of the renaissance district, The GrandView at Cottage Hill has some of the best views in the city, and the units are preselling now.

Plans for The GrandView include 30+ luxury condominiums that will range in size from approximately 1400 – 5000 square feet of living space, designed by the award-winning architects at Goodwin, Mills & Cawood. The GrandView offers future residents all the comforts of a luxury home with Florense kitchens and baths with oak finishes, opaque glass cabinets, granite countertops, and innovative storage systems, all combined with the convenience and culture of downtown living. These state-of-the-art lofts will create an entire lifestyle and community experience as loft owners enjoy the fitness center, private-viewing theater, and other beautifully-appointed public spaces. Prices range from the $300,000’s to the $600,000’s.

The redevelopment in the downtown area is seen as an asset to the vitality and strength of the city’s community, and excitement about Henderson’s GrandView project is shared widely in the nearby neighborhood of Cottage Hill. In a recent edition of the Cottage Hill Foundation newsletter, Mary Webster wrote, “This location will be in prime demand, setting the stage for an influx of eateries, shops and entertainment venues along Goldthwaite Street. [With] favorable effects upon the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Just down the street from the GrandView at Cottage Hill, another luxury loft development is taking place. This one by urban pioneer, Byron Berry, owner of Phoenix Homes.

Berry purchased 109-111 S. Court Street next to New South bookstore in March 2006, and began restoration work on the building immediately. His plans: four 1000-1700 square foot loft residences and one 1200 square foot commercial space. The lofts, designed by Doug McNab of Cherry McNab Architecture, will be completed this summer, and the commercial space has already been purchased by New Orleans native, Darien Clark, who plans to open a Smoothies-n-Things there.
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Berry has performed much of the restoration and renovation work himself, and his eye for detail and creative design has served him well in this project, as these lofts are the ultimate in urban chic. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings and flexible track lighting set the mood in these high-end homes, which are all pre-wired for networking and full home automation. The gourmet kitchens are equipped with stainless appliances and and quartz counters. The bathrooms feature heated floors, air tubs and stunning glass tile. The lofts also utilize cost-efficient tankless water heaters which are space-saving and convenient. A trendsetter by nature, Byron already has his eye on a couple of buildings downtown for his next project. He’s interested in urban townhomes and infill development, and says that his next endeavor will likely be more affordable housing, attractive to younger professionals, artists and students.

Berry is a huge proponent of Smart-Code, which allows for mixed-use buildings, combining retail and residential spaces, and providing greater quality of life benefits for those who live there. Of course, SmartCode has only recently been adopted for downtown redevelopment, and Berry says that until the downtown revitalization has really taken off, urban pioneers must be willing to exchange the convenience of being right next to a grocery store for the convenience of being right next to work.

But suffer, they won’t. With restaurants like Lunde’s and long-time establishments such as Lek’s Railroad Thai and The Brew Pub, residents certainly won’t have to look far for a great meal. And with the completion of the Riverwalk Park and amphitheater, residents of the new downtown lofts now have entertainment options like the free TGIT Concert Series, the Riverwalk Summer Film Festival and Biscuits ballgames all within walking distance.

Berry’s passion for preservation and restoration goes beyond the buildings he renovates. Berry also serves as Associate Pastor of Creative Arts at CityChurch.

“The improvement of Montgomery’s downtown will have a ripple effect throughout the entire city,” says Mark Lawrence, of Seay, Seay & Litchfield. “The uniqueness of Montgomery lies in its downtown, and under the current Mayor’s leadership, we are now rediscovering the city’s core assets,” he said.

Seay, Seay & Litchfield is the firm responsible for such historic renovations as the exterior of Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, the interior and exterior of the sanctuary and chapel of St. John’s Episcopal Church, the new wing of The Archives and History Building in Montgomery, and the long-range restoration plan for the Governor’s mansion. Lawrence first began working with Seay, Seay & Litchfield during an internship while studying at Mississippi State, and came to the firm full-time following his graduation in 2003. With a passion for preservation and history, Lawrence enthusiastically shares his views on Montgomery’s rich history and the benefits of the trends that are currently being seen in the city.

“The geographical features and spatial aspect of downtown make it compelling and rich. It’s where the culture is. Downtown is a virtual pop-up book for the history of this city,” states Lawrence.

According to Lawrence, the influence of new urbanism is having a positive effect in Montgomery, as people are beginning to realize that the quality of life is better when you’re closer to everything you use. He believes that Montgomery is shifting from the nomadic tendency toward sprawl, and moving toward an urban/metropolitan revival, the likes of which has been occurring in major cities across the United States for well over a decade. The efforts of Mayor Bright and other city leaders combined with private investment have provided foundational pieces to build on, but Lawrence says that’s only the beginning. “We need creative, vibrant young twenty to thirty-somethings to bring energy into the city. People that find value in gazing upon and appreciating the history of Montgomery which is right before our eyes,” says Lawrence.

Lawrence runs daily from his 1924 Capitol Heights bungalow into downtown, down Dexter Avenue and up the Capitol steps. (Yes, like Rocky.) He says it gives him the chance to check on how construction is progressing, and to do his own history-gazing. Lawrence says he loves studying the urban fabric of any town, but finds especially fascinating the shifts in American culture that began here in Montgomery.

“Montgomery’s downtown has a permanence to it that should not be underestimated, and the full cross-section of Montgomery and its people groups that are represented are all the more reason to embrace the revitalization effort,” he says.



http://www.grandviewatcottagehill.com

[Brown Duckz]

Wetumpka purchases land for Riverwalk project


The Wetumpka City Council agreed today to purchase five acres of land behind the new Civic Center to give the city access to the Coosa River for its impending Riverwalk project.

The city will buy the land for $157,000. Council Chairman Chick McConnell said the land will adjoin property the city already owns behind the old Colonial Bank building, which is where new municipal offices are being built. It will also tie in with city’s Riverwalk project.

“I think it’s a great investment for the city,” McConnell said. “We’re able to purchase land on the river to complete what we’ve already started and tie it all in.”

In other business, the city also approved up to $50,000 for a public works project (converting the bank to city offices).

— Erin Elaine Mosely

[EXbubba]

Originally Posted by Brown Duckz

Great article from Montgomery-City-Guide.com, which also has a publication.



Trendsetters and the Downtown Draw



Residents of downtown Montgomery and those involved in the revitalization effort are excited that renovation has begun on the Hilltop Arms building at the heart of Five Points. The new owner has a vision for its future which is much like the vision that has come to so many investors in downtown metropolitan areas across the country. It is a vision for improvement and community development. A vision for Montgomery’s renewal. A vision for urban loft residences. And the visionary’s name is Kim Henderson.
A Montgomery native who currently resides in Virginia, Henderson purchased the property at the corner of Goldthwaite and Montgomery Street in June 2006. When asked what originally sparked his interest in the downtown, Henderson stated that he first became interested several years ago when he learned of the City’s plan for downtown revitalization. In 2002, armed with the knowledge that the City was set to invest significant resources in an effort to change the face of downtown, Henderson embarked on a 3-year search for the right investment property. He eventually chose a 1950’s-era mid-rise with remarkable views of the Alabama River and Montgomery’s downtown.

Seated in the heart of the renaissance district, The GrandView at Cottage Hill has some of the best views in the city, and the units are preselling now.

Plans for The GrandView include 30+ luxury condominiums that will range in size from approximately 1400 – 5000 square feet of living space, designed by the award-winning architects at Goodwin, Mills & Cawood. The GrandView offers future residents all the comforts of a luxury home with Florense kitchens and baths with oak finishes, opaque glass cabinets, granite countertops, and innovative storage systems, all combined with the convenience and culture of downtown living. These state-of-the-art lofts will create an entire lifestyle and community experience as loft owners enjoy the fitness center, private-viewing theater, and other beautifully-appointed public spaces. Prices range from the $300,000’s to the $600,000’s.

The redevelopment in the downtown area is seen as an asset to the vitality and strength of the city’s community, and excitement about Henderson’s GrandView project is shared widely in the nearby neighborhood of Cottage Hill. In a recent edition of the Cottage Hill Foundation newsletter, Mary Webster wrote, “This location will be in prime demand, setting the stage for an influx of eateries, shops and entertainment venues along Goldthwaite Street. [With] favorable effects upon the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Just down the street from the GrandView at Cottage Hill, another luxury loft development is taking place. This one by urban pioneer, Byron Berry, owner of Phoenix Homes.

Berry purchased 109-111 S. Court Street next to New South bookstore in March 2006, and began restoration work on the building immediately. His plans: four 1000-1700 square foot loft residences and one 1200 square foot commercial space. The lofts, designed by Doug McNab of Cherry McNab Architecture, will be completed this summer, and the commercial space has already been purchased by New Orleans native, Darien Clark, who plans to open a Smoothies-n-Things there.
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Berry has performed much of the restoration and renovation work himself, and his eye for detail and creative design has served him well in this project, as these lofts are the ultimate in urban chic. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings and flexible track lighting set the mood in these high-end homes, which are all pre-wired for networking and full home automation. The gourmet kitchens are equipped with stainless appliances and and quartz counters. The bathrooms feature heated floors, air tubs and stunning glass tile. The lofts also utilize cost-efficient tankless water heaters which are space-saving and convenient. A trendsetter by nature, Byron already has his eye on a couple of buildings downtown for his next project. He’s interested in urban townhomes and infill development, and says that his next endeavor will likely be more affordable housing, attractive to younger professionals, artists and students.

Berry is a huge proponent of Smart-Code, which allows for mixed-use buildings, combining retail and residential spaces, and providing greater quality of life benefits for those who live there. Of course, SmartCode has only recently been adopted for downtown redevelopment, and Berry says that until the downtown revitalization has really taken off, urban pioneers must be willing to exchange the convenience of being right next to a grocery store for the convenience of being right next to work.

But suffer, they won’t. With restaurants like Lunde’s and long-time establishments such as Lek’s Railroad Thai and The Brew Pub, residents certainly won’t have to look far for a great meal. And with the completion of the Riverwalk Park and amphitheater, residents of the new downtown lofts now have entertainment options like the free TGIT Concert Series, the Riverwalk Summer Film Festival and Biscuits ballgames all within walking distance.

Berry’s passion for preservation and restoration goes beyond the buildings he renovates. Berry also serves as Associate Pastor of Creative Arts at CityChurch.

“The improvement of Montgomery’s downtown will have a ripple effect throughout the entire city,” says Mark Lawrence, of Seay, Seay & Litchfield. “The uniqueness of Montgomery lies in its downtown, and under the current Mayor’s leadership, we are now rediscovering the city’s core assets,” he said.

Seay, Seay & Litchfield is the firm responsible for such historic renovations as the exterior of Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, the interior and exterior of the sanctuary and chapel of St. John’s Episcopal Church, the new wing of The Archives and History Building in Montgomery, and the long-range restoration plan for the Governor’s mansion. Lawrence first began working with Seay, Seay & Litchfield during an internship while studying at Mississippi State, and came to the firm full-time following his graduation in 2003. With a passion for preservation and history, Lawrence enthusiastically shares his views on Montgomery’s rich history and the benefits of the trends that are currently being seen in the city.

“The geographical features and spatial aspect of downtown make it compelling and rich. It’s where the culture is. Downtown is a virtual pop-up book for the history of this city,” states Lawrence.

According to Lawrence, the influence of new urbanism is having a positive effect in Montgomery, as people are beginning to realize that the quality of life is better when you’re closer to everything you use. He believes that Montgomery is shifting from the nomadic tendency toward sprawl, and moving toward an urban/metropolitan revival, the likes of which has been occurring in major cities across the United States for well over a decade. The efforts of Mayor Bright and other city leaders combined with private investment have provided foundational pieces to build on, but Lawrence says that’s only the beginning. “We need creative, vibrant young twenty to thirty-somethings to bring energy into the city. People that find value in gazing upon and appreciating the history of Montgomery which is right before our eyes,” says Lawrence.

Lawrence runs daily from his 1924 Capitol Heights bungalow into downtown, down Dexter Avenue and up the Capitol steps. (Yes, like Rocky.) He says it gives him the chance to check on how construction is progressing, and to do his own history-gazing. Lawrence says he loves studying the urban fabric of any town, but finds especially fascinating the shifts in American culture that began here in Montgomery.

“Montgomery’s downtown has a permanence to it that should not be underestimated, and the full cross-section of Montgomery and its people groups that are represented are all the more reason to embrace the revitalization effort,” he says.



http://www.grandviewatcottagehill.com

I still have not seen any exterior elevations of this white elephant.

[RSAHort]

Originally Posted by Brown Duckz

Of course constructing a new building is the best feasible option. It's also good to see that the vote was 90 to nothing on the study of new building, obviously everyone in the "house" agrees that new construction is best.

Thoraudio, what's the best possible location for this new building... I'm guessing it would need to be centrally located on the Capital campus?

I believe at one time the parking lot to the south of the Gordon Persons building and just behind the current State House was being talked about as an option. But that was several years ago.

[thoraudio]

Originally Posted by EXbubba

I still have not seen any exterior elevations of this white elephant.

well, aren't you a bundle of joy.





This are some old, bad pics. It's been stripped now, all the windows have been removed, to be replaced.

this is a small sketch from the Cottage Hill web page.

[EXbubba]

Those pics are certainly representative of what I was speaking. Notice all the glorious archtectural detailing. I hope they save all that beauty! Seriously, this redo is scary. The location is fabulous, better even than the old Aronov Apartments at the top of Court Street (home of the old Dales Penthouse). I guess its just too chancy to build a really classy building in a, shall we say "up and coming" neighborhood with the best views in town. The archtecture is explemplary of the worst of fifties modern, and while sincere in its time, was never recognized as anything more than a humdrum aprartment building. Sorry there hasn't been more vision. Maybe next time.

[EXbubba]

Originally Posted by thoraudio

Legislature talking about possibly a new state house. The one they are in now is terrible.

Shouldn't let'em build another building til they write a new constitution that the whole state can live with.

[Brown Duckz]

I don't quite understand why you are here Bubba, care to explain?

[Brown Duckz]

More seats ordered for Riverwalk


Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright said Wedneday that the city opened the riverwalk earlier than planned because residents were eager to see the project, a move which may have lead some to believe it was complete.

The first phase of the three-phase project has been warmly received by the public, the mayor said, but city officials haven’t overlooked issues such as the current lack of seating in the area. About 20 benches and garbage receptacles have been ordered for the riverwalk, Bright said.

The first phase of the project includes an amphitheater and a pedestrian bridge, tower and passageway connecting the new transportation center to the riverwalk, said Ken Groves, director of planning and development for the city.

Future phases are expected to include an extension from Cypress Creek to the North Boulevard overpass. The nature portion of the riverwalk could eventually include hiking trails, Groves said.

-Andre Coe

[Brown Duckz]

Officials outgrow cramped quarters

By Erin Elaine Mosely


When a newly hired supply clerk reports for her first day at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office next week, she might not have an area to report to.

Because of overcrowding at the Sheriff's Office, Sheriff D.T. Marshall and his deputies have had to do some creative maneuvering to find places for employees to work.

Marshall said he hopes the supply office can be rearranged to make room for the new hire. If not, the supply clerk will have to work somewhere else.

"We're going to have to move some file cabinets out to give her some space," Marshall said. "We really want her in the supply room, so she can make sure things are accounted for and entered into the computer."

A project expected to begin in July should free up some space in the South Perry Street office. The Montgomery County Commission recently approved plans to renovate the old Montgomery Advertiser building on Washington Avenue downtown. Once the renovations are completed, commission offices, the probate judge's office and the revenue commissioner's office will be moved to that building.

County Commission Chairman Todd Strange said he expects the project to start in July, and the offices to open in July 2008.

The renovations will cost about $17 million, which is roughly $4 million less than the cost of a new building, Strange said.

"Commissioner Dmitri Polizos gets a lot credit for having the vision of not tearing down (the building) and renovating it," Strange said. "Obviously, getting all the sheriff's people together under one roof and adding more convenience to the public is important."

Cpl. Steve Smith, a deputy with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, said the main addition the Sheriff's Office will get is a new lab. Smith is the crime scene technician for the sheriff's office but uses the Montgomery Police Department's crime lab to examine evidence.

"It's their lab, and they have to maintain chain of custody in their lab," he said. "I don't work for the city, so I'm at their leisure. If they're all out on cases, then I can't get in there."

Smith said a new lab would allow him to turn cases over more quickly. "Something that would take 30 to 45 minutes takes three hours," he said.

Plans call for a wing on the second floor to house administrative offices for the sheriff, chief deputy and assistant chief deputy, as well as the pistol and civil permit offices. Fingerprinting and background checks also will be conducted on the second-floor wing, along with the community relations and internal affairs.

The first floor will be roughly the same, but there will be more room opened up for the warrants office and expansion of the dispatch room. Narcotics, investigators and the new lab will move to a wing on the fourth floor.

"This is something we've needed badly for a long time," Marshall said. "The County Commission has really had the foresight to look into the future and prepare for the county entities."

[Brown Duckz]

Montgomery Mall tenants await change

By Cosby Woodruff

Three weeks after Dothan-based Venture 1 purchased Montgomery Mall, the mall tenants are still waiting for changes that could revitalize the shopping center.

Some tenants say traffic is starting to pick up. Others say the mall has fewer shoppers than ever.

They agree they are eager to hear what Bryan Lee, who owns Venture 1, has to say about the mall's future.

Security remains visible, both inside the mall and in the parking lot, but the mall's office is unstaffed. Tenants who need assistance or have questions call Lee at his Dothan office.

On Thursday, a few shoppers milled about the mall, but only a minority of them were carrying recent purchases. Only one eatery was open in the food court, and no customers were eating at tables at the end of the lunch hour.

Mallory Zachery, who manages The Finish Line shoe and apparel store, counted the change in his register while two other employees milled about.

Zachery started working at the Montgomery location a few weeks before Venture 1 purchased the mall for $4.4 million from Ohio-based Glimcher Realty Trust. He said at his store at least, things were improving.

"Sales are down everywhere," he said. "It is an awful time for retail, but here it looks a little bit better."

He said some of that was because school has let out and teens have more time to spend at the mall. He also said some of it was because the mall itself was beginning to turn the corner.

"More people are walking around, and there is a lot better attitude," he said.

He sees evidence of that better attitude in the increased security that is more responsive to his concerns. He said under previous management, an outside security door that leads to a hallway behind the stores often was left unlocked.

Stores have their own security doors, he said, but he noted that with the outside door being unlocked, anyone could get into the hall and wait for employees to leave at closing time.

Now, he said security checks that door on a regular basis.

The Finish Line is in a good location at the Montgomery Mall. It is near the an entrance and is surrounded by other stores.

Echoes of Italy, a men's apparel store, doesn't have that going for it. It is isolated on a wing near an empty anchor and not much else.

Store manager Idil Achajai said that only shoppers looking for his store make it down his way.

Achajai said his store is struggling badly -- badly enough that it almost certainly will have to relocate, either to a better location in the mall or outside the mall.

He said Venture 1 officials seemed more concerned than Glimcher was. But he pointed to an empty mall office and nearly empty stores, and then raised his arms with his finger crossed.

Achajai said mall officials told him they may make an announcement as early as next week.

He said he had no idea what that announcement might be.

"Anything will be good," he said. "It is still kind of early to say anything."

Doors at the mall office were locked Thursday, but business equipment and furniture were visible through the windows.

A security guard on patrol in the parking lot confirmed that nobody works in the office on a regular basis.

Lee did not return calls seeking comment for this story, but did send a statement by e-mail indicating that while change at the mall may not be coming as quickly as some might like, it is coming.

"We are in the process of getting a better understanding of the various functions of the facility, setting up our vendors and training a new staff," he said.

"I am sure there will be some kinks in the process. I am currently studying the layout of the property and have had some input from some of our current tenants as well as prospective tenants."

[Brown Duckz]

Area schools 'counting on' $42M from state

By Jamie Kizzire


A massive bond issue passed by the Alabama Legislature will bring almost $42 million to tri-county K-12 schools.

The $1 billion bond issue for school repair and construction projects passed the Senate 29-2 on Thursday, and the Alabama House of Representatives concurred 100-4.

Local legislators said the bond issue is a much-needed help for area schools.

"It will impact it in a big way," said Sen. Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery.

He noted that Montgomery County schools get $25.1 million, Autauga County schools get $7.9 million and Elmore County schools get $8.9 million.

Sen. Larry Dixon, R-Montgomery said although he was concerned about certain parts of the legislation, the impact the money would have on area schools was too great to oppose the measure.

"They're counting on that money to build new schools," Dixon said.

The bill goes to Gov. Bob Riley to be signed into a law.

Tara Hutchison, a spokeswoman for the governor, declined to say whether the governor would sign the bill. However, she said the governor agreed to the two changes made to the bill in the Senate.

Those changes include an additional $7.2 million for the University of Alabama System. That additional money was added to compensate for money lost under a distribution formula that benefited other schools.

Another change gave a legislative committee discretion over a pool of $55 million. The governor would supervise the other pool of interest money, which could be as much as $100 million.

Senate President Pro Tem Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove, praised senators for passing the bill after a standoff stalled legislation for much of the session. He said "naysayers" believed the Senate would keep the bill from passing.

"With a lot of hard work, we proved the naysayers wrong," he said.

Several senators questioned various details in the bill.

Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale, questioned why the state should go in debt for such a project when the economy is generating revenue. "I'm afraid we're going to have buyer's remorse," said Beason, who voted against the bill.

He also suggested an ongoing maintenance plan for school buildings.

"How we can let steel girders and concrete blocks fall apart is beyond me," he said.

[OldCloverdale]

Originally Posted by Brown Duckz

Of course constructing a new building is the best feasible option. ... what's the best possible location for this new building... I'm guessing it would need to be centrally located on the Capital campus?

How about tearing down the old Pizitz (?) building down by the fountain and building a new state house there? It would mean drastic revitalization of Dexter Ave: restaurants, bars, offices, loft apartments, etc.

[rbp]

Originally Posted by OldCloverdale

How about tearing down the old Pizitz (?) building down by the fountain and building a new state house there? It would mean drastic revitalization of Dexter Ave: restaurants, bars, offices, loft apartments, etc.

I'm assuming this is the boring building in the middle of the block. I'd love to see it torn down but not wasted on the legislature. Let's make it public parking and give it access to Washington from behind as well.

[pkp]

Nice animation - That would be very nice - I hope you are joking about public parking. Why would you want to make one of the most focal parts of your downtown a parking lot/garage?