Mobile Development Thread - Page 127

CottonCity251 · #**2521** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 2:41 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by nimsjus

Since education will play an important role in the future success of Mobile (training workers and competing with neighboring municipalities with school systems), I wanted to get some peoples take on Manzie replacing Fleet Belle and Crenshaw replacing Fournier. I think a few of you guys said yall were from Toulminville and I don't know alot about that community, the schools, or the officials that pepresent that area. I have always heard that Fournier and Belle (Thomas before him) were pretty corrupt and caused alot of problems for the school board and the system as a whole. Will the new blood on the board help change the school system for the better or are we in for more of the same? I know there was alot of drama with the Manzie vs Belle election. I also was curious about Crenshaw coming from Bishop St. There has been alot of scandal surrounding the Bishop St and previous administrators from there (David Thomas). Was Crenshaw a better choice than Marshall?

Being an alumini of LeFlore and a native of Toulminville I thought for sure Fred Marshall was going to take the district seat but I was wrong. Fred Marshall name still can be heard echoed through the halls of LHS for success of his administration at the school. I started as a freshman years after he had already left the school. During his tenure, LHS was the most renown high school from Mobile County Public School for its academics, sports, and community service. If I'm not mistaken, he had the longest running administration of all high schools with him being at LeFlore for about 14 years straight. After he left, the school enrollment decline, the white population at the school drasticly declined, and crime/suspension/discipline increased. With about 43 years with the school board, it seems like he was the man for the job but I guess people are tired with the pass of the system and want a new beginning. I think Crenshaw will do a great job though. As far as Fleet Belle, he got on the board to be a superstar....kind of glad he is gone. I hope some more faces get gone in the next few years.

Bogue · #**2522** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 3:08 PM**

I would love to see more shopping in Mobile, but if it don't happen then it doesn't bother me that bad. Anything that's really needed can be found around town. What few stores I would like to see that aren't around will come as the population and/or economic situation increases. I suspect this problem will pretty much solve itself over the next decade.

Earlier in the thread I heard an allusion to a new shopping center that would be north of Mobile. Anyone know any specifics on that? Have any renderings?

MobileLSUboy2005 · #**2523** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 3:20 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by (Tim)

No, Mobile is not hurting because of Biloxi and Pensacola. Baton Rouge is very close to New Orleans and it is not hurting. You cannot label Mobile like that at all. I lived in Pensacola and the people that I knew there came to Mobile. Mobile has so much more than Pensacola, things that Pensacola want's bad. LSU boy you must be oblivious to the development in Mobile and what we have. If you want to break it down, the Mall of Louisiana was to be built in Mobile back in 1995 when Mobile and it's bourgeois rejected the whole deal. The development firm Jim Wilson & Associates from Montgomery, decided to move in to Baton Rouge. The Mall of Louisiana looks so much like River chase. Too bad that old Mobile did not want it. Things are so much more different now and I see a much better attitude than before. Mobile does have a lot of the same stores they are just scattered all over the metro.

I am very aware of the change of attitude in Mobile. I know the city is changing, and its gonna be great - eventually. I work for one of the largest national commercial construction companies, headquartered in Mobile, although I am working in the Baton Rouge office right now, but I know all about Mobile and surrounding area developments. I know our local economy is expanding while nationally, well, we all know what its doing. I also knew that the Mall of La was going to come to Mobile, but didn't. My point was not to say how terrible Mobile is and will be, but that yea, its changing, but growth is while right now speedy, not in the direction I would like it to be going, meaning I would like to see higher-end retailers and dining, etc. than whats currently planned/already there. Make Mobile more upscale than it already is. Show that we have some class. The last things we need are more crappy-ass dollar stores and walmarts, although walmart has been cutting back big-time on their new-store building (the company I work for has the national walmart contract). Does anyone know what is going on with the one on Airport by Providence though?
And as far as saying Baton Rouge's proximity to New Orleans doesn't hurt it? Well i think it had in the past, pre-katrina. And of course Pensacola doesn't compare to Mobile, but it most certainly takes away from our tourism industry since they have the awesome crystal clear water that we don't. If Alabama could legalize gaming or a lottery or BOTH then that would certainly help. We are the ONLY state in the Southeast without either. Keep Alabamian's money in our own state's pockets!

10101000 · #**2524** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 3:59 PM**

I understand how you feel, I am just glad that Mobile is what it is now.

Bogue · #**2525** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 4:01 PM**

Quote:

I know the city is changing, and its gonna be great - eventually.

I happen to think the city's great right now. Certainly it can be better, but that can be said of any city. I don't think the lack of high-end shopping is make-or-break for a town b/c it affects only a tiny percentage of the city population (which also goes for any city).

I would prefer that the city's recruiters lean more towards finding more options for the middle class for shopping/dining and towards more family-friendly entertainment options for locals.

Randallg223 · #**2526** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 6:43 PM**

Now with so much residential development going on downtown, I think it's time to focus on making DT more liveable. I know if I lived DT I'd want a grocery/deli store, drug store, high end clothing, hardware, etc, within walking distance and not driving distance. To me part of the beauty of living DT would be the need not to have a car to do daily errands, to make our city a walkable city.

What about Mobile having a aquarium, and yes I know New Orleans, Atlanta and Chattanooga all have aquarium's. And I've been to all of them, and that's my point, build it and they will come. We need to make Mobile a destination city to the tourist industry. Over time I'm sure more money can be make from tourism than any tanker project. With two cruise ships we'll have visitor's evey couple of days instead of every four of five days, if we had a aquarium, maritime museum, explorium/IMAX (we have), riverwalk shopping, sidewalk cafe's etc......give the cruiser a reason to drive/fly in a day or two before and explore our DT.

CottonCity251 · #**2527** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 7:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MobileLSUboy2005

I am very aware of the change of attitude in Mobile. I know the city is changing, and its gonna be great - eventually. I work for one of the largest national commercial construction companies, headquartered in Mobile, although I am working in the Baton Rouge office right now, but I know all about Mobile and surrounding area developments. I know our local economy is expanding while nationally, well, we all know what its doing. I also knew that the Mall of La was going to come to Mobile, but didn't. My point was not to say how terrible Mobile is and will be, but that yea, its changing, but growth is while right now speedy, not in the direction I would like it to be going, meaning I would like to see higher-end retailers and dining, etc. than whats currently planned/already there. Make Mobile more upscale than it already is. Show that we have some class. The last things we need are more crappy-ass dollar stores and walmarts, although walmart has been cutting back big-time on their new-store building (the company I work for has the national walmart contract). Does anyone know what is going on with the one on Airport by Providence though?
And as far as saying Baton Rouge's proximity to New Orleans doesn't hurt it? Well i think it had in the past, pre-katrina. And of course Pensacola doesn't compare to Mobile, but it most certainly takes away from our tourism industry since they have the awesome crystal clear water that we don't. If Alabama could legalize gaming or a lottery or BOTH then that would certainly help. We are the ONLY state in the Southeast without either. Keep Alabamian's money in our own state's pockets!

You must work for White-Spunner? I used to work for the delivery company that delivers their plans to the office and construction sites downtown...and must were Wal-Mart, Sam's, and Home Depot. Is their new office finished yet?

MobileLSUboy2005 · #**2528** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 8:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by CottonCity251

You must work for White-Spunner? I used to work for the delivery company that delivers their plans to the office and construction sites downtown...and must were Wal-Mart, Sam's, and Home Depot. Is their new office finished yet?

Yea, i do work for White-Spunner, you must have worked for Ridgeways or Callagaz? haha yea the new office is finished, and I saw part of it in a video-confence call this morning, but I havent been in it yet! I want to, but Im only in Mobile on weekends. I worked in the main office and on jobsites in Mobile last summer but that (obviously) was their old location. Luckily I was able to find a position here in Baton Rouge for this summer (for sure beats living with the parents at home...)

Musicisright · #**2529** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 10:07 PM**

Thought everybody would get a kick out of this.

Port_of_Bama · #**2530** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 10:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogue

I would love to see more shopping in Mobile, but if it don't happen then it doesn't bother me that bad. Anything that's really needed can be found around town. What few stores I would like to see that aren't around will come as the population and/or economic situation increases. I suspect this problem will pretty much solve itself over the next decade.

Earlier in the thread I heard an allusion to a new shopping center that would be north of Mobile. Anyone know any specifics on that? Have any renderings?

I talked to Dow last summer in Books A Million and he told me there is a plan for a new mall in either Tillmans Corner or Saralnad near the Motor Sport park. I havn`t had a chance to talk to him since then about updates.

During the next city meeting I hope we all can voice our opinions on better shopping and attractions. Every Christmas I see more Mississippi tags in Bel- air parking lot than I se Mobile county and Mobile county is borderd by 3 Miss counties.

Huntsville has 3 Malls but I would take Bel-Air over any of the three any day and that includes there bridgstreet which is very simular to Eastern Shore Centre but with no big box stores such as Belk or Dillards.

Scottybo · #**2531** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 10:56 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicisright

Thought everybody would get a kick out of this.

We've got Big Titted Sphinxes ...

pboo74 · #**2532** Posted **Jul 19, 2008, 1:12 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Port_of_Bama

I talked to Dow last summer in Books A Million and he told me there is a plan for a new mall in either Tillmans Corner or Saralnad near the Motor Sport park. I havn`t had a chance to talk to him since then about updates.

During the next city meeting I hope we all can voice our opinions on better shopping and attractions. Every Christmas I see more Mississippi tags in Bel- air parking lot than I se Mobile county and Mobile county is borderd by 3 Miss counties.

Huntsville has 3 Malls but I would take Bel-Air over any of the three any day and that includes there bridgstreet which is very simular to Eastern Shore Centre but with no big box stores such as Belk or Dillards.

Will anyone from here will be going to the city meeting about downtown on the 22nd,if so please ask about downtown having a shopping mall,movie theatre,aquarium,the moda to run later, resturants to open later,zoo,dinner night crusies/sightseeing crusies all for downtown.I can't stress this enough when people come to town for the holiday cruise ship it will give them something to do as well as shopping spending money in the city even coming in town a day or to early, also helping the hotels business.Think leaders of Mobile and take quick action were're getting left behind by other midsize cities?Please present some of these ideas at the meeting....

pboo74 · #**2533** Posted **Jul 19, 2008, 1:22 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Port_of_Bama

I talked to Dow last summer in Books A Million and he told me there is a plan for a new mall in either Tillmans Corner or Saralnad near the Motor Sport park. I havn`t had a chance to talk to him since then about updates.

During the next city meeting I hope we all can voice our opinions on better shopping and attractions. Every Christmas I see more Mississippi tags in Bel- air parking lot than I se Mobile county and Mobile county is borderd by 3 Miss counties.

Huntsville has 3 Malls but I would take Bel-Air over any of the three any day and that includes there bridgstreet which is very simular to Eastern Shore Centre but with no big box stores such as Belk or Dillards.

I wonder if it will be a open air,or a closed in mall?

SouthSky · #**2534** Posted **Jul 19, 2008, 2:56 AM**

Destruction of American National Bank 'building' downtown.

• Video Link

NitekKetin · #**2535** Posted **Jul 19, 2008, 4:08 AM**

From the June 22 Press Register Real Estate Column:

"A Huntsville investment and development firm paid more than $9.5 million for 95 acres at the northwest corner of Interstate 65 and Alabama 158 in Saraland and plans to build a shopping center, according to John Hughey of Propst Development , one of the buyers. The Mitchell Company, based in Mobile, will also work on the project, he said. The land was owned by the Altmayer family, which was represented by Re gions Bank trust department."

The regional shopping center proposed for these 95 acres will probably be another large power center anchored by the usual 'big box' suspects. Costco may even enter the market at this site.

nimsjus · #**2536** Posted **Jul 19, 2008, 7:13 PM**

I was downtown today. Between the cruise ship loading and the market, downtown was pretty lively. I had not realized how close Fort Conde Village is to the dock. I think we could work with Carnival to convert that into a Cruise stop that they advertise as part of the trip, either beginning or end. I know the cruise companies are usually very hokey with what they do at their stops, but as long as they respect the historic buildings I would be down for cruise realted, touristy, hokey stuff being down there as opposed to empty historic buildings and a few offices. Plus Carnival could help foot the bil for the preservation work. There is also the Conde-Charlotte Museum there for them to be entertained. There were tons of people parking 25 yards away that did not come towards town because Ft Conde Village is the closest thing to the parking lot and it is empty. I bet Rousso's is kicking themself for leaving now that a couple of thousand people now park twice a week across the street from there old spot. I know they have already moved out at the Eastern Shore Center. I also took some pictures of onging projects so here goes...
O'Gwynn Condo on Conti

Office/Retail on St Emanuel behind the new Hampton

10 St Emanuel Condos (6 tiny condos with Gayfers building wrapped all around it)

Kress and Neisners Buildings (No work has really started)

Hampton Updates

Space 301 (Completed)

Future site of a bakery on Dauphin according to Downtown Alliance

Catherdral Square Gallery's new spot across from Liquid/Bicycle Shop

Carriage Works (This, along with the Clarkson Townhouses, is my favorite residential project downtown. I wish I could live here).

I did not take any of Gayfers or the one on St. Francis because no work has started on either as far as I could tell. I took some more artistic pictures for my house that I'll post later.

NitekKetin · #**2537** Posted **Jul 19, 2008, 9:42 PM**

Thanks for the update! I thought the former Rousso's building at Fort Conde Village was going to be a steakhouse at one point.

mobile · #**2538** Posted **Jul 19, 2008, 9:48 PM**

It would be nice if someone would really invest in the Fort Conde Village area. Make that a spot with a lot of foot traffic, something for tourist and for us. That could be made into a real nice spot with the road work that’s already there.

mobile · #**2539** Posted **Jul 19, 2008, 9:50 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobile

It would be nice if someone would really invest in the Fort Conde Village area. Make that a spot with a lot of foot traffic, something for tourist and for us. That could be made into a real nice spot with the road work that’s already there.

Any Ideas on what we could turn that area into?

SouthSky · #**2540** Posted **Jul 19, 2008, 11:27 PM**

Nice pics, nimsjus... the Hampton is coming along quite well.

I think you could make Fort Conde into a fashionable bar/shop district with some upscale restaurants. If Mobile supports it, then cruisers will enjoy the company in the village.