Mobile Development Thread - Page 210

BlessedMobile · #**4181** Posted **Jun 20, 2009, 3:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Port_of_Bama

Camp Hill is also know as Camp Ground. I know of a few ways to get to it,If you take MLK Avenue west on the left side like the Bishop State side is considerd Camp Hill. Springhill Avenue going downtown at 5 points(near the closed Churches Chicken) just make a left on Ann street and it will also take you into Camp Hill.You will also see a sign that says Welcome to the Camp Hill historic district. Also you can just take Govt st east and make a left on Ann street north just keep going straight once you cross Springhill Avenue past the closed Churches Chicken then your in Camp Hill.

I hope that helps !

Speaking of Van Antwerp did you guys know that, that building is the first skyscraper in the south east and was the tallest in the south east. I see Mobile has a history of building the tallest in Alabama !!

Guys Bayou mean no harm he`s just a skyscraper maniac thats all .

yea, yea...I know where it is now. I have been to Franklin's Medical Mall many times and, of course, Bishop State. I can see the value of getting a historic designation as the residents could then qualify for some low interest loans for home improvements, etc. I'll take the neighborhood tour next time I am in the area. Thanks.

BlessedMobile · #**4182** Posted **Jun 20, 2009, 3:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by NitekKetin

Forget the skyline, actual block development/density is a higher priority. There needs to be more activity at the ground level. I couldn't care less about some stupid 800 foot tall skyscraper if it is setback 1,000 feet from the streetfront and surrounded by a banal concrete sculptural garden.

"banal concrete sculptural garden"....is that like expensive yard art? I know the really expensive stuff is the bronze statues like at USA Children's and Women's Hospital.

nouveau_Mauvilla · #**4183** Posted **Jun 20, 2009, 4:35 PM**

OK, that's where I figured it was; hopefully it can become an official historic district.

Yes, that fact about the Van Antwerp is just one more reason for it to be fixed up. I suppose I could at least look through my address book, Blessed..

And hey, there's nothing wrong with having the tower fever. I think I have a little of it in my system.

Lastly, another great Market on the Square. Lots of people, good music, tasty local food. Topped off with some coffee from Serda's, it was a very nice outing. I wonder if it could ever become more permanent (the market)? Maybe start having it on Sunday as well as Saturday to start off and see how it goes?

Port_of_Bama · #**4184** Posted **Jun 20, 2009, 6:38 PM**

yeah thers nothing like that downtown atmosphere, and for some reason when i`m downtown no matter what time of the year I can feel the spirit of Mardi Gra.

I would love to see some of those ugly surface parking lots raise. The one that is behind the police precinct, and another one on goverment street right near the 1713 Mobile City Limit historic marker.

The new Court house annex building is a great addition to Govt st. I love to see city density to the point a city feels heavy.

Mobile has more density (structuraly)than most or if not all the cities that are simular in size. Cities like Baton Rouge,Shreveport,Jackson,Montgomery,Huntsville and others.

CottonCity251 · #**4185** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 1:21 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Port_of_Bama

Camp Hill is also know as Camp Ground. I know of a few ways to get to it,If you take MLK Avenue west on the left side like the Bishop State side is considerd Camp Hill. Springhill Avenue going downtown at 5 points(near the closed Churches Chicken) just make a left on Ann street and it will also take you into Camp Hill.You will also see a sign that says Welcome to the Camp Hill historic district. Also you can just take Govt st east and make a left on Ann street north just keep going straight once you cross Springhill Avenue past the closed Churches Chicken then your in Camp Hill.

I hope that helps !

Speaking of Van Antwerp did you guys know that, that building is the first skyscraper in the south east and was the tallest in the south east. I see Mobile has a history of building the tallest in Alabama !!

Guys Bayou mean no harm he`s just a skyscraper maniac thats all .

It is the Campground Historic District...never heard of or known it as Camp Hill. From wikipedia, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 2005. It is roughly bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Rylands Street, St. Stephens Road, and Ann Street. The district covers 370 acres and contains 166 contributing buildings. The buildings range in age from the late 19th century to the middle 20th century. Most of the shotguns are right behind the old Church's at Spring Hill and Ann. MLK Redevelopment Inc. has built many new homes in the Campground and the Bottom.

Randallg223 · #**4186** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 1:36 AM**

I've been Downtown two days in a row, and the traffic both auto and foot has been heavy. The vibe is totally changing. Looking north on Royal St. from Gov't, it's starting to look dense. With the addition of the Candlewood Suites it just add's to the density. Even though it will only be four stories, everything helps. Once we recover from this economic down turn, my hope is that some investor's (David Bronner, RSA) will have the vision that we all do and build a highrise living tower, somewhere in the 25 - 30 stories range. Once you get enough people living downtown the retail will follow. Also the city needs to do everything possible to get two cruise ships, and then make it easy for the cruiser's to get to CBD. This would just add to the foot traffic. Downtown's across the nation are making comebacks, and highend retailers love to be in thriving, hip and urban area's. I really believe Mobile is on the right track. I can't wait to see the results.

nouveau_Mauvilla · #**4187** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 6:06 AM**

Quote:

yeah thers nothing like that downtown atmosphere, and for some reason when i`m downtown no matter what time of the year I can feel the spirit of Mardi Gra.

Maybe that's because of the Mardi Gras beads in the trees/ power lines.

Quote:

I would love to see some of those ugly surface parking lots raise. The one that is behind the police precinct

Is that the one that is behind Spot of Tea as well?

Randall, it's true about how much has changed. People are always walking and going about their busiess even at not peak hours. That goes for businesses and infill as well. If you haven't seen downtown in a couple years, you're behind the times. If you haven't seen it in 10 years, you would be absolutely shocked at the difference. I love watching downtown grow and improve and I can' wait to see what it will look like 10, 20, 30 years from now!

Port_of_Bama · #**4188** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 7:31 AM**

I believe the city should focus on rebuilding the CBD before anything else. It is vital for revenue ,quality of life ,entertainment and everything esle,not that there not I just believe before they decide to promote anything to the city downtown should be looked at first.

Port_of_Bama · #**4189** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 7:33 AM**

LOL about the beads but very true and yes i`m talking about that ugly thing behind spot of tea it`s an eye sore !!!

I can just see what downtown will be in 5 years !!

I see our friend Randall had mention about density,and I agree with you my friend downtown is starting to look heavy and Royal street is not the Royal street I can remember back in 2005. I remeber seeing a cool rendering of a pedestrian bridge for cruise goers.

Nouveu:Thats why I try my best to promote downtown living on that other site becasue downtown is safe and it`s thriving and I have no doubt if we were not in a recession. A lot more would be going on downtown, but we have people from Eastern Shore telling others that downtown is a piece of a 3rd world country.

phoenixboi08 · #**4190** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 12:39 PM**

This is an office tower recently constructed in Phoenix, AZ...I'd love this idea adapted for the AMSouth building...the crown is still a feature, but not too much so...

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=137527&page=41

nouveau_Mauvilla · #**4191** Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 10:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Port_of_Bama

Nouveu:Thats why I try my best to promote downtown living on that other site becasue downtown is safe and it`s thriving and I have no doubt if we were not in a recession. A lot more would be going on downtown, but we have people from Eastern Shore telling others that downtown is a piece of a 3rd world country.

I know, and I also try to promote downtown living and playing. Why do people have such bad impressions of downtown and sometimes Mobile in general?

I guess it's up to us to spread the truth about our city.

Phoenix, that looks pretty good. Subtle but not too boring.

nouveau_Mauvilla · #**4192** Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 12:44 AM**

Not Mobile, but fairly close nonetheless.

Major development planned around Lulu's restaurant

http://www.al.com/business/press-register/insider.ssf?/base/business/1245575704259190.xml&coll=3

Quote:

Now he plans to parlay Lulu's destination status by surrounding the eatery with a 250-room hotel, five-story parking deck, 1,000-seat conference center and a casual fine dining restaurant, retail and office space on Ala. 59 and East 29th Avenue. A new ferry terminal, with room for two high-speed vessels, might eventually take 250 passengers to Biloxi casinos and bring them back again.

He would also like to put a lighthouse, similar to the Middle Bay Lighthouse in Mobile Bay, near the existing marina, and have a bar and deck extend from the lighthouse to the casual fine dining restaurant, which will be located under the Holmes bridge.

Ferry service to Biloxi? Lighthouse? Pretty "ambitious" plans. Wonder if it will happen..

Electrical Porpoise · #**4193** Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 1:28 AM**

Ill never understand the appeal of spending a weekend on "the ditch."

nouveau_Mauvilla · #**4194** Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 2:14 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electrical Porpoise

Ill never understand the appeal of spending a weekend on "the ditch."

Hah! That's what my family calls it to. But really, why wouldn't you stay on the beach side?

Electrical Porpoise · #**4195** Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 2:26 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by nouveau_Mauvilla

Hah! That's what my family calls it to. But really, why wouldn't you stay on the beach side?

Absolutely no idea. Money wise there isnt a difference once you add up fuel, groceries, misc., etc. Everybody is different I guess.

Port_of_Bama · #**4196** Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 8:16 AM**

A little economic expansion at Evonik Chemical Plant in Theodore.
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1245489338121450.xml&coll=3

Reading this article especially at the end, I see Riley is very concerned with the economy in Mobile.
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/124540297322830.xml&coll=3

Good to see Austal will be adding on as well.
http://www.al.com/business/press-register/index.ssf?/base/business/1245489361121450.xml&coll=3

Phoenix: I can see that on the Amsouth tower, I always invisoned lights running from top to bottom on all 4 corners. With the litted top that would be a good look for Amsouth.

BuenaVista · #**4197** Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 1:32 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by CottonCity251

It is the Campground Historic District...never heard of or known it as Camp Hill. From wikipedia, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 2005. It is roughly bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Rylands Street, St. Stephens Road, and Ann Street. The district covers 370 acres and contains 166 contributing buildings. The buildings range in age from the late 19th century to the middle 20th century. Most of the shotguns are right behind the old Church's at Spring Hill and Ann. MLK Redevelopment Inc. has built many new homes in the Campground and the Bottom.

My bad- I meant Camp Ground.

BuenaVista · #**4198** Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 1:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Port_of_Bama

yeah thers nothing like that downtown atmosphere, and for some reason when i`m downtown no matter what time of the year I can feel the spirit of Mardi Gra.

I would love to see some of those ugly surface parking lots raise. The one that is behind the police precinct, and another one on goverment street right near the 1713 Mobile City Limit historic marker.

The new Court house annex building is a great addition to Govt st. I love to see city density to the point a city feels heavy.

Mobile has more density (structuraly)than most or if not all the cities that are simular in size. Cities like Baton Rouge,Shreveport,Jackson,Montgomery,Huntsville and others.

The new Courthouse Annex may be providing density, but it sure ain't providing good architecutre- the cornice is a travesty, and a pediment that sticks out a foot beyond the pilasters at each side on the main area behind Dr. Levert's Office/ Bar Assoication Building is against every architectural principle. And the county logo slapped in the middle of it all!

If you are going to play the classical game, than you need to play by the rules. If you are going to go postmodern, than do that, but do not try to mix the two, which is what is apparently going on here. You will only end up with a disaster.

A really good example of modern architecture with a Mobile twist was demolished in favor of this behemoth- what a crying shame!

bayou15 · #**4199** Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 2:40 PM**

Guess that condo tower is geauxing to look out of place! ,sitting next to da annex!

Bayside · #**4200** Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 8:37 PM**

I heard Reggie Copeland speak the other day. He said that the old CSX property on Water Street is now owned by a California bank. The bank has approached the city about selling it to the city. Copeland said that he and Sam Jones think it would be a good location for a parking garage. It would service the convention center, the proposed maritime museum, etc. I suppose it could be used for overflow cruise parking as well.

In this economic climate, it looks like as good a use for it as any.