Mobile Development Thread

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Yeah, British Park is a cool little jem.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Mobile Becomes Football Central in January

Being home to two bowl games brings attention and fans to the Port City. Wouldn't it be great to really roll out the red carpet for them?

First up is the GMAC Bowl on January 6, 2010. This year Alabama's own Troy University is facing Central Michigan University, and thousands of alumni, students and parents will be in town for the match up. You can make them feel welcome by displaying team colors or mascots in your windows. It's a special time for them and small gestures can make it even more special. It might even encourage them to come back to such a friendly city!


The Under Armour Senior Bowl kicks off on January 30, 2010, but we all know the preliminary activities bring in visitors almost two weeks before that. It's a festive time in Downtown Mobile with famous sports figures spotted on every corner. It's also another great opportunity for businesses to send a message that we welcome these visitors and would love them to return to the Port City.
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Alliance Addresses Homeless Population Issues

Three downtown business owners, David and Leigh Ann Naman and Roy Pope, addressed the Board of the Downtown Mobile Alliance this week with concerns regarding the negative impact homeless individuals are having on downtown. Board president Sam Covert made a commitment that the Alliance would serve as a round-table in the search for solutions to this problem now facing every American city.

The Alliance's Public Space Committee has identified four areas of focus and has begun meeting with stakeholders. Though the overall issue of homelessness won't be solved, we're certain that by working with the city and the providers of homeless services, the situation can be much better managed.

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Downtown Doings

Some holiday events around Downtown Mobile

Friday Night Flicks and LoDA ArtWalk
December 11, 6:00 p.m.
Cathedral Square and the Cathedral Square Arts District

Friday, December 11th, bring the entire family to the Cathedral Square Arts District for free fun and entertainment.
Visit 25 LoDa venues which open their doors and invite you inside to meet local artists, musicians, carolers and your neighbors!
Be sure to bring a chair and a blanket and bundle up in the Square as we show the holiday classic: "A Christmas Story" beginning at 7:30.

In case of inclement weather, be prepared to watch the movie from the 3rd floor auditorium @ Space 301.

Happy Holidays from the Neighborhood & Community Services Department

________________

The City of Mobile's Christmas & Holiday Parade takes the streets of downtown on Saturday, December 19 at 1:30 p.m., featuring high school bands, colorful floats, giant balloons and everyone's favorite Santa Claus!

Mobile's Christmas and Holiday parade is presented by McDonald's, and features floats and balloons sponsored by the City of Mobile and local companies. A special "Christmas Kids Day in Bienville opens at noon in Bienville Square, with free fun activities such as face painting, balloon clowns, ornament making and Christmas Carols.

The newest addition to the parade is the Holiday Market on the Square in Cathedral Square from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The market will feature fresh fruits, veggies, breads, and pastas for your holiday parties. In addition there will be artisans and craftsmen for those who love giving hand-crafted gifts.

The parade will follow its annual route beginning at the Civic Center, traveling north on Claiborne St. to Government St., turning left on Royal St., left on Dauphin St., and left on Claiborne to finish at the Civic Center. The streets will be blocked off one hour prior to the parade and all cars parked on the street along the route should be removed 2 hours prior to the parade. In case of rain or snow the parade will be presented on Sunday, December 20, at 2:00 p.m.

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Santa's Helper Workshop at Space 301

Saturday, December 12, 9:00 a.m. - noon
Space 301

Come get in the spirit of the season with some fun holiday activities. Create artistic holiday ornaments that you can either keep or give to your family or friends as gifts. Parents, this is the perfect time to get in some last-minute holiday shopping without your little elves poking around!

Activities for ages 4-6 and 7-12

$10 CLA members/$15 non-members, each session
Call 208.5677 for more details or to register.

Studio 301 Winter Class Schedule Now Available

We've got several ways to pass the dreary winter days. Adults, choose from classes and workshops including Bookbinding, Wire-wrapped Glass Jewelry, Ceramics, Quiltmaking, Drawing, Oil Painting, Sumi-e, and Pine Needle Basketry. Kids, try a class or workshop in Ceramics, Acrylic Painting or Watercolors.
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Mobile Symphony Yuletide Spectacular
Saturday, Dec 12th at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Dec 13th at 2:30 p.m.
Saenger Theatre

There's nothing like the Mobile Symphony to get you into the holiday spirit. The Big Man in Red, sleigh bells, elves (and maybe even some snow) will all make an appearance as the Mobile Symphony serves up a bowlful of holiday cheer. We present all your favorite carols, hilarious Christmas pops tunes, moving and inspiring spirituals, great classics of Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky... and of course our annual sing-along. Bring your best singing voice and a big smile. Perfect for the whole family!

Please call Mobile Symphony Box Office for Tickets

251-432-2010

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Mobile Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" featuring Maia Wilkins and Michael Levine, formerly with the Joffrey Ballet.

December 12th at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
December 13th at 2:30 p.m.
Mobile Civic Center Theater

Mobile Ballet

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Pillars of the Community- Mobile's Greek Revival Movement
Museum of Mobile
Now through January 10
The love affair of the city and its architecture is a story retold in The Museum of Mobile's newest temporary exhibit. As a companion piece to the new book by John Sledge, the exhibit explores the people who in the 1820's changes the region physically from a fortifies colonial town to a more modern American city. "Pillars of the Community" will examine the extraordinary early nineteenth century intersection of personality, economics, architecture and technology that made Mobile's columned masterpieces possible.
Also, don't miss the Springdale Barnes & Noble Bookfair from December 11 - 13. During this weekend, a portion of all sales in the store will be donated to the Barton Academy Preservation Fund. John Sledge will be on hand to sign The Pillared City Dec. 12 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Museum of Mobile

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Saenger Theatre
Christmas Film Series

Tickets are $6 for adults
$3 for Seniors (60+) and Children (12 and under)
Tickets are sold at the door.


It's A Wonderful Life

Thursday,
December 17th at 7pm

George Bailey (James Stewart) has spent his life serving his community, often at the cost of his own happiness. One Christmas Eve, faced with bankruptcy and jail, George is reduced to despair and contemplates suicide. So, heaven sends his guardian angel to show George how dismal life in his hometown would have been if he had never been born.


White Christmas

Friday,
December 18th at 7pm

Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star as two song-and-dance men who team up after the war to see a charming New England inn through its holiday season. A veritable treasure of Irving Berlin classics including "Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep," "Sisters," "Blue Skies," and, of course, Bing Crosby's immortal rendition of "White Christmas."

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WWE Presents RAW Live!
Friday, December 18, 2009 at 7:30pm

Tickets are on sale now.

RAW returns to Mobile for the first time in over two years!

Triple H vs. The Big Show
-Special Attraction #1 Contender Street Fight Match-

Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton

Plus more of your favorite RAW Superstars in action, including: MVP, Mark Henry, The Miz, Jack Swagger, Legacy, Santino Marella, Evan Bourne, Melina, and many more! (Lineup is subject to change.)

Ticket prices: $60, $40, $30, $20, $15

Tickets can be purchased at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

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Moonpie Over Mobile
This year's event will be held on December 31, 2009 and will feature the national recording group, Jimmy Hall and Wet Willie on the banks of Cooper Riverside Park, action packed entertainment for children at the Exploreum and Museum of Mobile. Sponsors are excited to add to this year's festivities, "A New Year's Eve Ball featuring MoonPie Over Mobile" at the Arthur Outlaw Mobile Convention Center...and much more.

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Centre for the Living Arts Diamonds and Denim New Year's Celebration
December 31, 8:00 - midnight
Space 301

Let's Make Fireworks Together!
The Centre for the Living Arts celebrates the New Year. Wear denim or diamonds or both.
And...

Shake - Drinks begin at 8:30
Rattle - Plates are set, dinner served at 9:15
Roll - Dancing starts at 10:30

Then, let the fireworks begin with champagne on the roof at midnight
Music by Rick Carter and the League of Legendary Artists

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Downtown Holiday Specials

If you'd like to go really green for the holidays, Green Solutions is offering an end of the year special for downtown businesses. Green Solutions picks up glass, cardboard, plastic, paper, kitchen grease, aluminum, electronics...just about everything we generate.

Bins are provided and maintained by Green Solutions and the recycling is sorted, cleaned, transported and recorded. Email Burton Rabby at [email protected] or call 228-219-3653 for prices or to schedule a free consultation.

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Three Georges is offering all downtown property owners and Downtown Mobile Alliance members a 5% discount on orders today through Dec. 24th. Choose wonderful gift items from Three Georges Southern Chocolates and from the Nuthouse on the website: 3georges.com, or stop by the candy shop on 226 Dauphin Street. You can call in your order to be ready for pickup at 433-6725. Scott will pack and ship your order until Dec. 24th.

[oscottscotto]

My aunt and uncle got married in British Park, around 15 years ago. It's a neat, little park. Nothing much to it.

(just thought I would throw that little nugget out there)

[Exodus]

I always thought it was an extension to Spanish Plaza.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Mobile downtown redevelopment plan may take first steps

http://blog.al.com/live/2009/12/mobile_downtown_redevelopment.html

By Dan Murtaugh
December 14, 2009, 8:02AM



(Photo courtesy City of Mobile) This is a artist rendering showing a view of Civic Center Arena looking north. Fort Conde Village and Riverfront Master Plan Vision. This would change the route of entrance and exit from Interstate 10 to and from Downtown Mobile.

MOBILE, Ala. -- Last October, a group of researchers unveiled a new plan for downtown Mobile that included proposals such as revamping the Mobile Civic Center, creating a medical research corridor and building a boat slip for dinner cruises near Dauphin Street.

At a cost of more than $400,000, the new plan was one of the signature initiatives of Mayor Sam Jones' first term.

It's taken more than a year, but some of the plan is about to be put into action. The city received the final draft at the end of November, and officials are parsing through it to pull out a list of inexpensive, near-term projects that they can begin implementing at the beginning of next year.

Officials are focusing on those projects right now because, while the plan was developed during the post-Katrina building boom, the city is now mired in a deep financial slump.

"We're calling them low-hanging fruit," said Laura Clarke, the city's urban development director.

Clarke has already identified a few such projects, such as changing the landscape and tree ordinance to generate more green space in downtown and considering new zoning along major downtown thoroughfares, such as Government and Dauphin streets and Spring Hill Avenue.

Some of the bigger projects -- such as using the Civic Center parking lot for a mixed-use commercial and residential development or converting the Hickory Street landfill into a massive sports park -- may have to wait until the city can generate more revenue or find grants or stimulus money, said Al Stokes, the city's chief of staff.

Mobile in December 2007 hired Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based EDSA to create the plan. The firm met with large groups of residents and civic leaders over the next several months before unveiling the plan in October 2008.

The firm was supposed to submit a final draft to the city by November 2008, which would then be approved by the Planning Commission and City Council before becoming part of the city's master plan.

But city officials were not satisfied with the first draft. Dan Dealy, a consultant working for the city on the project, has said the city wanted the plan revised, in part so that it focused more on findings and less on methodology. That process took the better part of the past year.

The city will start the Planning Commission and City Council approval process in January, Dealy said.

The city pushed forward with many of the plan's recommendations while it was waiting for the final draft, Dealy said.

City officials, for example, applied for a grant to provide a wireless Internet bubble over the downtown area. They also borrowed money to build a maritime museum, and Dealy said they applied for a grant to make that museum a rail station for a proposed Amtrak route through Mobile.

Officials have also used the plan when prospective developers have shown interest in downtown, Dealy said.

"We didn't stop cooking what was already on the stove," Stokes said.




Planners came up with several initiatives the city could take to improve downtown:

--Lobby the Alabama Department of Transportation to tear down the onramps leading from Water Street to Interstate 10 and the Wallace Tunnel to allow Fort Conde Village to expand with more homes and businesses.
--Offer incentives to businesses, such as grocery stores, to move to key intersections, such as the corner of Broad Street and Spring Hill Avenue.
--Transform Barton Academy into either a culinary arts or performing-arts school.
--Create a new quasi-governmental organization to help put together large developments by purchasing and combining smaller lots.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

A few observations of mine. Sure, I think they should redevelop the Civic Center parking lot as a mixed-use kinda thing. But look at the pic. 3-4 stories, fine whatever. At grade parking enclosed behind the units, not great but I guess ok. But hold on, what's with the faux-historical pitched roof ye old condos look? C'mon we can do better than that. Also, this "mixed use" looks like the condos (or apts) and then disconnected 1 maybe 2 story shops at the bottom of the pic. That isn't exactly "mixed use." And don't even get me started on all those roads and intersections running directly through the whole thing completely cutting the two halves off.

Also, rezoning? What? That could be disastrous, and they just causaly mention it.

Your thoughts?

[Dale]

"...the city is now mired in a deep financial slump."

I was under the impression that Mobile was faring better than most cities ?

[buckett5425]

Originally Posted by nouveau_Mauvilla

A few observations of mine. Sure, I think they should redevelop the Civic Center parking lot as a mixed-use kinda thing. But look at the pic. 3-4 stories, fine whatever. At grade parking enclosed behind the units, not great but I guess ok. But hold on, what's with the faux-historical pitched roof ye old condos look? C'mon we can do better than that. Also, this "mixed use" looks like the condos (or apts) and then disconnected 1 maybe 2 story shops at the bottom of the pic. That isn't exactly "mixed use." And don't even get me started on all those roads and intersections running directly through the whole thing completely cutting the two halves off.

Also, rezoning? What? That could be disastrous, and they just causaly mention it.

Your thoughts?

Looks like Florida based EDSA has been drinking the Andreas Duany Kool-Aid...or have simply spent way to much time in Seaside, Florida....

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Originally Posted by Dale

"...the city is now mired in a deep financial slump."

I was under the impression that Mobile was faring better than most cities ?

It probably is, but it would be nearly impossible for any city to not be in a financial slump right now.



As for the mixed use architecture, I would like to see the historic New Orleans and Mobile architecture. You know, the ones that you see with the second story balconies and porches on each building. A lot of the downtown buildings in Tuscaloosa have embraced this and some are even adding them to the buildings.

[buckett5425]

Originally Posted by Alabadrock

It probably is, but it would be nearly impossible for any city to not be in a financial slump right now.



As for the mixed use architecture, I would like to see the historic New Orleans and Mobile architecture. You know, the ones that you see with the second story balconies and porches on each building. A lot of the downtown buildings in Tuscaloosa have embraced this and some are even adding them to the buildings.

Faux Architecture doesn't age well and in 10-20 years looks very cartoonish. The old Spanish Style is cherished so much because it is original and rare to both New Orleans and Mobile. To go around and recreate these old styles is a slap in the face to the ingenuity of Mobilan's to actually develop an identity for their historic core. Those "historic" styles were at one time cutting edge and in vogue. Copying historic architecture devalues the original buildings and recreates a faux place to be, then actually spending time developing new ideas of what architecture could be in mobile.

For example, the two new hotels in downtown Mobile look terrible IMO. Rather then just admit they are a new structure, and be designed that way, the developer pretended to mimic the styles of the old in a contemporary way, and cover it with stucco... Mobile could have done so much better.

To sum it up, buildings can no longer be constructed in the old historic styles for cost and craft reasons and will always look fake. If you want to see a perfect example of why not, please visit Perkins Rowe in Baton Rouge and you will get the picture.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Originally Posted by buckett5425

Faux Architecture doesn't age well and in 10-20 years looks very cartoonish. The old Spanish Style is cherished so much because it is original and rare to both New Orleans and Mobile. To go around and recreate these old styles is a slap in the face to the ingenuity of Mobilan's to actually develop an identity for their historic core. Those "historic" styles were at one time cutting edge and in vogue. Copying historic architecture devalues the original buildings and recreates a faux place to be, then actually spending time developing new ideas of what architecture could be in mobile.

For example, the two new hotels in downtown Mobile look terrible IMO. Rather then just admit they are a new structure, and be designed that way, the developer pretended to mimic the styles of the old in a contemporary way, and cover it with stucco... Mobile could have done so much better.

To sum it up, buildings can no longer be constructed in the old historic styles for cost and craft reasons and will always look fake. If you want to see a perfect example of why not, please visit Perkins Rowe in Baton Rouge and you will get the picture.

Very good points

However, I believe that there is always a way. I think it would be possible to do it "respectfully" but, after readying what you said, I believe that it would take way too much time and money to do correctly.

I would love to see a new type of architecture that is pretty much born in Mobile. That would be awesome, being a tourist attraction in itself.

When you think of historic buildings in these cities, what do you think about?

Miami
San Francisco
Charleston
New Orleans
Washington

They all have distinct architecture, and it is very unique. There has to be some way to create a unique development without employing the previously mentioned "ye olde" architecture.

[Exodus]

The old architecture was "cutting edge" when it was new, because, well, it was new, just like any kind of architecture from any era. The point being is that because something is new in style doesn't make it better, look at the 60's and 70's for example So it's not the age that matters, it is the style, because things are going to age no matter what, again, look at the 60's and 70's for example So why not build a style that looks good, and fits, as long as it can be done right ? After all, you won't please everyone, no matter what, because some will bash any new style because "it doesn't fit", and others will bash a traditional style because, "it is phoney, just mimicing the "real" style, or it's "non progressive". In short, just rebuild Mobile back in the original style, a style that looks good, and a style that fits, and just be done with it.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Originally Posted by Exodus

The old architecture was "cutting edge" when it was new, because, well, it was new, just like any kind of architecture from any era. The point being is that because something is new in style doesn't make it better, look at the 60's and 70's for example So it's not the age that matters, it is the style, because things are going to age no matter what, again, look at the 60's and 70's for example So why not build a style that looks good, and fits, as long as it can be done right ? After all, you won't please everyone, no matter what, because some will bash any new style because "it doesn't fit", and others will bash a traditional style because, "it is phoney, just mimicing the "real" style, or it's "non progressive". In short, just rebuild Mobile back in the original style, a style that looks good, and a style that fits, and just be done with it.

It would be one thing if they were rebuilt according to what was previously there to mimick it exactly (not saying that it is the best way), but it wouldn't be. It would be some cheap knock-off that more than likely would not stick to the era and would be just another sorry pomo mess. Why are people so scared to build with the latest styles? The 60's and 70's didn't look good then and they weren't supposed to. They were built completely for function. Gothic, Craftsmen, Art Deco, etc. were all new at some point, and they were embraced during their time. Anyway, its not even that important what the "style" is, what matters is how it is used and works with people. Preferably while having a minimal impact on the environment. That is what architecture should be about.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Originally Posted by buckett5425

Faux Architecture doesn't age well and in 10-20 years looks very cartoonish. The old Spanish Style is cherished so much because it is original and rare to both New Orleans and Mobile. To go around and recreate these old styles is a slap in the face to the ingenuity of Mobilan's to actually develop an identity for their historic core. Those "historic" styles were at one time cutting edge and in vogue. Copying historic architecture devalues the original buildings and recreates a faux place to be, then actually spending time developing new ideas of what architecture could be in mobile.

For example, the two new hotels in downtown Mobile look terrible IMO. Rather then just admit they are a new structure, and be designed that way, the developer pretended to mimic the styles of the old in a contemporary way, and cover it with stucco... Mobile could have done so much better.

To sum it up, buildings can no longer be constructed in the old historic styles for cost and craft reasons and will always look fake. If you want to see a perfect example of why not, please visit Perkins Rowe in Baton Rouge and you will get the picture.

Y'all listen to this guy.

[WEMO]

Really,, Mobile was before New Orleans.... So technically the historic architecture would fit in the city.. It is the city of Six flags.. so base it off of that.. Needless to say, Mobile sure stick with the future.. There is a whole new way to design and have a building that is just as breathtaking as it would be in the past..
Regarding the civic center, I think that something along the lines of Atlantic Station would be awesome, or Park Place in Seattle.. Such a good area for that. I like the idea of getting rid of the Water Street entrance and expanding Fort Conde Village. Bucket I like the way you think..

I am not too fond of Perkins Rowe design. It likes to much like vinyl siding on a manufactured home.

[elb401]

I have seen buildings and replications of buildings built that mimic historic styles to the T. It is very expensive to do it perfect. But it can be done. I work for a company that builds tnds and new urban neighborhoods and I have seen some pretty amazing stuff. Most of the really cool looking historic buildings have been built by developers that have a true vision and love for historic architecture, and money doesn't mean everything to them (which can be rare). they see the value that is added to the area, community, and property. the "old styles" are becoming more of a trend, so it could be seen as more of a revival of those styles.

So for downtown Mobile, let them build the "old" buildings in the historic districts, where they have to, and let them build interesting stuff or whatever they want when its not under historical guidelines. A diverse architectural landscape makes the most interesting one. Just make it pedestrian friendly! And don't build for the tourists, build for the people that are going to be living there! If you build for tourists you might just be left with an empty downtown without any people living and no community. tourist will visit the community if it is lively first.

Well thats what I think, but I drink the Andreas Duany Kool-Aid everyday I go to work.

[yeahwhatever]

Streets around Van Antwerp Building closed; 'building not safe right now,' says police spokesman

http://blog.al.com/live/2009/12/streets_around_van_antwerp_bui.html

While details are sketchy, police spokesman officer Ron Wallace said there appears there may be questions about the building's structural integrity.
"The building is not safe right now," said Wallace.

The Van Antwerp is Mobile's first skyscraper, built at Dauphin and Royal St. circa 1907.

[buckett5425]

Originally Posted by elb401

Well thats what I think, but I drink the Andreas Duany Kool-Aid everyday I go to work.

Haha, elb401, I was thinking that while reading your reply, then you go and say it at the bottom. I can go on a big long spiel on why TND's don't work, but thats a whole different argument.

I agree though, you need a diverse amount of architecture to create a truly interesting place. We should be preserving the great architecture that exist in mobile, because it is original to the city. However, when a new building should be built, it shouldn't be mimicking the old, it should be creating its own style.

People often lump buildings into two general categories, OLD and NEW. Old being anything before the 1950's and NEW being everything after. Buildings are to complicated and diverse to separate into two categories, such as that. You can have two "OLD" buildings right next to each other yet one is Spanish Styled right next to an Art Deco. Its because of that diversity and difference that makes a great street scape. Not all of the buildings matching.

Point is, what people consider "old" are actually many different architectural styles that when built, created the same juxtaposition that architecture of today makes with the preexisting urban fabric. Yet, when most people think of "old and historic" they aren't aware that such a relationship ever took place.

Sorry I keep referring to Baton Rouge, but it is what I am familiar with when trying to make a point. Here is an image of Mapp Construction's HQ design by Remson Haley Herpin. Old and New styles CAN work together to create something very appealing...

[Exodus]

Originally Posted by yeahwhatever

Streets around Van Antwerp Building closed; 'building not safe right now,' says police spokesman

http://blog.al.com/live/2009/12/streets_around_van_antwerp_bui.html

While details are sketchy, police spokesman officer Ron Wallace said there appears there may be questions about the building's structural integrity.
"The building is not safe right now," said Wallace.

The Van Antwerp is Mobile's first skyscraper, built at Dauphin and Royal St. circa 1907.

I just read this on my homepage and came here to see if somebody already posted it. It would be a massive shame to lose this highrise. Maybe when some engineers look at it the report might show that some detail work just fell and that some are over reacting to how bad the shape of the building is.

[Port_of_Bama]

WEMO : When I first read the new plans I believe that the city had an Atlantic Stataion type of development around the North of downtown.

buckett: This guy is one of the best when it comes to architecture.

Van Antwerp: Im very upset with the city about that building .The building is also the first skyscraper in the southeast.They should have tooken better care of that building than that. It would be sad to see history lost like that.


Alabama Motor Sports Park: I was reading in the PR the other day about the track so I assume that it is still in the running.Does anybody know of anything ??

There is nothing wrong with having new architecture in a historic setting as long as it complimints the area.