There is no better time to be in Downtown Mobile than April, except of course, for all the other great times! However, the beautiful spring weather seems especially inviting this year after the prolonged cool, wet season. Two recent events, one established and one new, brought out great crowds to experience just some of what downtown has to offer. The inaugural Easter in the Squares Parade and Dinosaur Egg Hunt drew more than 500 eager children and their parents.
And the ever popular Arts Alive!filled the Cathedral Square Arts District with fans of all forms of visual and performing arts.
Downtown is indeed a great place to be in the springtime, but as you'll see throughout this newsletter, the activities will continue non-stop, at least through the summer. But don't think things will slow down in the fall. We're just getting started!
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Development Buzz
The Regions Bank building at 106 St. Francis has several new tenants. Last month we reported that the Louisiana law firm of Galloway Johnson opened an office there. The Mobile firm of Frazer Green Upchurch and Baker moved from the GM building across the street to the Regions building.
Speaking of the GM, the architects have submitted plans for a new facade for the 45-year-old skyscraper to the Architectural Review Board for approval. The bold, new plans can be seen at the office of the Mobile Historic Development Commission in Government Plaza. The ARB will take up the matter at its meeting on April 21st. Click
here to see the full application.
In other development news:
A new art gallery is a great addition to the ever more lively Royal Street. The Kangal Gallery at the SAIL Loft is now open at 58 N. Royal Street. Photographer Susan Kangal is featuring the works of Gail Bramer, Patricia Lord and Karen Spaulding during the month of April. You'll find photography, paintings, mixed media, floor cloths, mosaic mirrors and much more. The gallery is open Wednesdays from 10:30 - 2:30 and during the LoDa Art Walks on the second Friday evening of each month, or by appointment. Contact Susan Kangal at 251-443-8939 or
[email protected].
Azalea Glass and Mirror has opened at 111 N. Joachim Street. The company offers complete residential and commercial glass services.
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Retail Happenings
Dining, Shopping and Entertainment News
The Retail Committee of the Downtown Mobile Alliance is busy looking through the inquiries generated by last month's announcement of two new retail incentive programs (Retail Forgivable Loan and Signage Grant). We're encouraged by the response and excited about the opportunity to fill some vacant storefronts.
In other retail news:
Inside Up's Customer Appreciation Day is May 1 and you don't want to miss this very special event in YOUR honor. Sarah Charles, owner of Home Spa in Silverhill, AL, and creator of the popular Hydrating Body Butter will be on hand demonstrating these and other local spa products the store currently offers. Sarah will have her newest line of spa products with her and will be giving complimentary mini hand massages to those who would like one!
Two of our downtown merchants made the fronts pages of different sections of the Press-Register on a recent Sunday. Many thanks to Cafe' Royal and Olensky Brothers for their efforts to create great downtown dining and shopping experiences.
Become a member of The Royal Dinner Club at Cafe' Royal, you will experience fine dining at its best in the heart of downtown Mobile. Membership Includes: Four course dinner for two, once a month. 50% off your first bottle of wine during your membership dinner. 10% off on large parties of 20 or more. Priority seating. And for every new member you sign up for the Royal Dinner Club, you receive an extra dinner for two. Membership cost: $50 per month. Join us at Café Royal and become a member today!
[email protected]
Three Georges Southern Chocolates and The Temple Downtown are creating a series of jazz concerts that kick off Saturday, June 5th. The first show features the smooth jazz of Drew Davidsen, and if that's not enough to entice you, how about the wine and chocolate that will be served. The inaugural concert is also a fund raiser for the Downtown Mobile Alliance, so you'll also have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items from our downtown merchants and supporters. Look for more details soon!
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Dangerous by Design
If you don't feel safe biking or walking on our city streets, it could be because of their design.
Cities across the country are taking a hard look at how their streets and roads work (or don't) for everyone...cars, bikes and pedestrians. Smart Coast is sponsoring a seminar to get that conversation started here in Mobile on Thursday, May 6th, from 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center.
Plan to attend and become part of a movement to change the way streets and roadways are designed in our communities so that all users have access to them. Hear about the national trends to increase sidewalks and bike lanes so that the needs of everyone is considered in our communities. The guest speakers include three of the nation's leading voices in the development of "complete streets."
Light refreshments will be served.
The Dangerous by Design seminar is only one of many events to be held during Healthy Coast Week, April 2 - 8, 2010. To see the full schedule, click
here.
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Exploreum Announces Three Exciting Exhibits
The Gulf Coast Exploreum has announced not one, not two, but three upcoming exhibits for 2010. The exhibits include a state-of-the-art engineering and technology center, exotic reptiles from around the world and a sea lion exploration and adventure. With the announcement, the Exploreum is offering a one-week, 10 percent discount off of its Standard Family Memberships, which are available for purchase at the Box Office or online at Exploreum.com.
The Technology and Engineering Careers exhibit opens May 1, 2010. The exhibit will enable Exploreum staff to offer instruction in robotics, engineering design, 3D design, architecture and much more. No other science center in the country offers this level of engineering and technology programming.
Reptile Planet will take place July 5th through Oct. 24th. The exhibit will showcase live reptiles from 20 different countries, including Burmese pythons, snake-necked turtles, veiled chameleons and American alligators. An interactive zoological experience, "Reptile Planet," will leave families with a new found appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures. Tickets for "Reptile Planet" will go on sale June 1st at Exploreum.com.
Coming in the fall of 2010 is Sea Lion Splash, that will be housed at the Mobile County Annex lot on Royal Street. The exhibit features live shows that entertain audiences as sea lions balance balls, shoot hoops and dance. The exhibit will also educate guests about the habits of these fascinating creatures. "Sea Lion Splash" will take place Nov. 10th through Nov. 21st.
And remember...you only have 10 more days before the Dinosaurs Downtown go extinct!
Visit the Exploreum website for all the details.
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Park Assessment Continues
We asked for your help in evaluating the current visitor experience in our downtown parks, and you have taken this project seriously. More than 55 responses have been entered so far for our nine urban parks, though most of the assessments are for Bienville and Cathedral Squares.
If you haven't yet downloaded a form, please do so now and spend a little time outside in this incredible weather (and be thankful we didn't ask for your help in January). Then enter the data in our on-line survey. You have until the end of April to complete this project.
We'll begin evaluating the data as soon as the survey is complete and will incorporate recommendations into the larger Civic Sidewalks initiative. Don't miss this opportunity to help shape downtown.
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Attention Residential and Non-Profit Property Owners in the BID
In order to more efficiently prepare for the billing process for property within the boundaries of the Business Improvement District, the deadline for filing exemptions for owner-occupied residential property and 50% reductions on property owned by non-profit organizations has been changed. You will now have until May 1, 2010 to file an exemption with our office. Please make a note of this date. If an exemption is filed after May, 1, 2010, an exemption will not be granted, except in the case of a change in ownership or use. The May 1st date is actually a 30 day extension of the deadline specified in the District Management Plan approved by the Downtown Mobile District Management Corporation and adopted by the City of Mobile in December 2009.
You may download the application form on the home page of our website.
Please contact Elizabeth Sanders at
[email protected] or 251-434-8498 if you have any questions.
Thank your for your support of and commitment to Downtown Mobile. Together we're making our neighborhood a great place to live, work and play!
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Downtown Doings
Events in and around downtown
The Harry Anderson Quartet featuring Audrey Shakir
Friday, Apr 16, 2010
Mobile Civic Center
8:00 p.m.
Come celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month by coming to this event. Tickets are $15. Cabaret style seating. Tickets may be purchased at the Mobile Civic Center box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call 1-800-745-3000
www.mobilecivicctr.com/calendar/month.php
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"Fruitcake Inn, Out of Order!!"
April 17, 2010
Carnival Museum
7:00 PM
This is our second trip to the tiny town of Fruitcake in Louisiana. Rose is still a kleptomaniac and her twin sister Daisy has taken up flying an ultra-light. The frog psychic purchased the Inn and he has become the county judge. This is his first day as judge and he is troubled by pigs in his courtroom, strange happenings around town and stories of creatures roaming the woods. He is about to learn that the tiny town known as Fruitcake, LA has a secret and mystery of astronomical proportions!!
Call 251-479-3212 - For Reservations - Reservations are Required
http://www.mobilemysterydinners.com/
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12th Annual Business Expo/Jobs Fair
Friday April 23, 2010
9:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.
Mobile Civic Center
Free Admission
More that 100 businesses will be present. For more information, please call South Alabama Regional Planning Commision: 251-652-0585 or 251-433-6541
www.sarpc.org
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FAB! Fashion, Art and Beverage!
Downtown Mobile, Dauphin Street
Saturday, Apr 24, 2010 - Sunday, Apr 25,
2010
Wine Tasting and Jewelry Show
Saturday, 4pm - 8pm
Sunday Brunch at Cafe 615 and Inside Up Fashion Show
Sunday, 2pm
Cafe' 615 and FAB present a weekend of Fashion, Art and Beverage! Join Upper LoDa on the 4th Saturday for the wonderful jewelry designs of Meagan Lam of Dion Jewelry, and Wine Tasting with GrassRoots Wine. Then Sunday, have brunch at 2pm at Cafe' 615. And don't miss the fashion show featuring the styles of Inside Up, Downtown's newest fashion boutique!
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Opening Day: Spring Market on the Square
Saturday, Apr 24, 2010
7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Cathedral Square
Shop for the freshest crops in town! This time of year is our favorite because you can get locally grown: tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, seafood, flowers, plants, baked breads, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods and so much more. Stay for live music on the green! Each Saturday through July 31st.
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"The Case of the Maple Tree Murder!!"
Saturday April 24, 2010
7:00 PM
The Bienville Club
107 St. Francis Street on the 34th Floor
Professor Egbert Yoke, creator of a world-changing frozen juice formula, has been found murdered, hanging from a large Maple tree in the front yard of his home in Vermont. The formula has gone missing. The Professor's daughter wants the formula back and to solve her father's murder, but who can help her? Enter Harley Ryder. Join Harley on a trip that takes him to far away places in pursuit of villains, an elusive formula, and the truth.
Call 251-479-3212 - For Reservations - Reservations are Required
http://www.mobilemysterydinners.com/
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THE COLOR PURPLE
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saenger Theatre
8:00 p.m.
A soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. Nominated for 11 Tony® Awards, THE COLOR PURPLE is a landmark theatrical event. It's a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and blues.
Tickets: $55 / $50 / $40 (plus service charges)
Childrens prices and group prices are available.
Tickets go on-sale February 12 at 10:00am
www.mobilesaenger.com - color purple
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Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra Featuring Pablo Sainz-Villegas'
Thursday, April 29, 2010
07:30 p.m.
Adults $20 Students $8
Works by Rodrigo, Berlioz, and Tchaikovsky.
Robert J. Seebacher, Music Director and Conductor
Please contact the Symphony box office for tickets at 251-432-7080.
www.mobilesaenger.com
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WWE Live
Saturday, May 1, 2010 Mobile Civic Center
7:30 p.m.
Tickets $15 - $60
See your favorite RAW Superstars in action, including John Cena, Triple H and Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton, The Big Show and Sheamus in a RAW 6 Man Tag Team Match. Plus Kofi Kingston, MVP, The Miz, Christian, Legacy, Kelly Kelly and many more! (Lineup is subject to change.)
Tickets are on sale now. Purchase tickets at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call 1-800-745-3000
www.mobilecivicctr.com/calendar/month.php
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Gulf Coast Reptile Expo
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Mobile Civic Center
May 1, 2010 9a-5p
May 2, 2010 9a-4p
We have decided to make the show much larger!! Which means we will be in a much larger section of the Civic Center and there will be far more vendors!
http://gulfcoastreptileexpo.com/
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The 7th Annual Mother's Day Concert on Live Oak Plaza
Sunday, May 09, 2010 Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Theodore, Alabama
Adults $11, Children 5 -12 $6, Children 4 and under are free
With different shades of white, pink and blue the delphinium is one of the treasures of Bellingrath's spring plantings. Like the delphinium, mothers are a cherished member of the family. On Sunday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. Bellingrath will celebrate mothers with a performance by Mobile Youth Symphony Orchestra with conductor Robert Seebacher on Live Oak Plaza. Guests are invited to bring chairs and a picnic supper.
www.bellingrath.org/events.html
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Barton Academy Open House Planned
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m
This is a perfect opportunity to tour this historic structure. The tour will feature Barton Academy memorabilia, an overview of the both Barton and the Yerby building.
The tour is free of charge, with the exception of the Dome tour, which will be $10.
John Sledge will be on hand to sign copies of his book The Pillared City: Greek Revival Mobile which features Barton Academy.
Complementary refreshments will be served. Donations to the Save Barton Academy Fund will be accepted.
This event is part of Mobile's celebration of Historic Preservation Month and is presented by the Downtown Mobile Alliance, the Mobile Historic Development Commission and the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.
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Gallery and Museum Exhibits
Opportunistic Architecture: The Works of LTL Architects
Space 301
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 - Sunday, May 09, 2010
Curated by Paul Lewis, Marc Tsurumaki and David J. Lewis
This hybrid exhibition combines the work of LTL Architects with student-driven design projects generated at the exhibition space. The show is organized around the question of design and environmental change, with a specific focus on the impact of rising water levels, changing weather patterns, and altered natural systems of coastal communities of the Gulf of Mexico. The exhibition documents the work of the architecture firm, LTL Architects (Lewis.Tsurumaki.Lewis) through drawings and photographs.
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Two Rivers - Two Lands: An American Passage Series
Space 301
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 - Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010
This exhibition of at least 27 works feature nationally recognized nature photographer and painter Lew Wilson. The Series began with two North Florida rivers called the Aucilla and Apalachicola and grew to include both intimate and majestic images of the Everglades, the Hudson River Valley, Yosemite for the Wild and Scenic Merced River, the High Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and most recently the Tensaw River Delta. Water is the central theme of the series.
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Downtown is Counting on You
The 2010 Census is underway and it's vital that downtown residents stand up and be counted. The information collected by the census is used by the federal government to allocate resources (your tax dollars) to communities across the country.
The data is also critically important to attracting some of the amenities you tell us you'd like to see here. Census numbers are also used by potential retailers, e.g. grocery stores, to decides whether enough people live in an area to warrant an new store.
If you live downtown, please return your form as soon as possible if you have not already done so. If you are a landlord, please encourage your tenants to get their forms in.
You can also track how well your neighbors are complying with this constitutional requirement. A Census Tracker map reports how well each census tract is performing. Click here to go to the map and then zoom in until you see downtown. Right now zip code 36602 (the central business district) has returned 59 percent of the forms mailed, but DeTonti Square, which is zip code 36603 is only at 53 percent. Both rates are below the state and national average of 65 and 69 percent respectively.
How about a friendly competition between the two neighborhoods! We don't know yet what the winner will receive...maybe a new grocery store!
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The Downtown Mobile exists to support the redevelopment of downtown through advocacy, marketing and the management of BID services.
261 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36602
251-434-8498
www.downtownmobile.org
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They could have atleast added the typical [I]ron cast balcoies that we see downtown to the building with more Palms.
. I trust him though, lol 
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