Mobile Development Thread

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Sounds like they're wanting to introduce a form based code, nice!

[elb401]

That is great news! However, a formed based code needs to be implemented for all of downtown and midtown. New and proposed developments in midtown include a proposed new Walgreens that is going to be built at the intersection of Springhill Ave and Mobile Infirmary drive, a new medical office building on Catherine Street, the rumored Publix near Spring Hill Avenue, the proposed old shell road magnet school Condo conversion with additional buildings, and the failed proposed Family Dollar store along Government Street (Public was against the proposed Family Dollar due to the fear it would be built out of scale within the neighborhood- a problem a form based code could fix). Not to mention the potential for residential infill projects. I am currently doing a demographic analysis (Years 2011 through 2013) of the 36604 zip code at work and according to the numbers these commercial developments will become more frequent over the next few years. The majority of these developments are being built just outside the official historic district lines but within the historic neighborhoods. These developments are starting to destroy the urban fabric of Midtown at some of its most important intersections. Midtown needs to be protected even if that means some of these stores choose not to locate in the neighborhood. But my experience with developers is that if money can be made they will fit the form and build their facilities to the new regulations.

[Port_of_Bama]

I wish they would turn the ugly surface lots downtown into urban parking concepts.





www.urbanparkingconcepts.com/docs/images/consulting.gif


www.spur.org/files/u48/3%20urban%20wallflower%20polk%20st.jpg



http://massarocorporation.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/north-shore-parking-garage.jpg

[phoenixboi08]

I'm shocked they didn't when they redid Amsouth...

[elb401]

I thought the city was planning one next to the convention center on water where the old train station used to be. The plans were put on hold due to the cruise ship leaving town. The area was paved and is used for parking for Cooper Riverside Park as an interim use.

[Alxx611]

From Al.com:

(MOBILE, Ala.) Downtown Mobile could soon see a makeover and you can help with the design.

The Downtown Mobile Alliance has hired the Miami-based urban design and planning firm Duany Plater-Zyberk to come up with new plans for the area. The goal is to develop new zoning and development procedures.

This week, the public will get the chance to weigh in on the changes. The Downtown Alliance wants business owners, residents, developers and property owners to come out and give input on how they want their downtown to function.

The schedule is as follows:

Opening Presentation: Setting the Stage for Mobile: 5:30-7:30 Tuesday
Open Studio: 10:00-5:00 Wednesday
Forum on The Importance of Signage to Commerce: 11-Noon Wednesday
Forum on Opportunities Presented by West Wallace Tunnel Redesign: 2:00-3:00 Wednesday
Open Studio: 10:00-5:00 Thursday
Forum on Entertainment, Trash, Crowd and Noice Management: 10:00-Noon Thursday
Forum on Thoroughfare Standards that Create Vibrant Urban Spaces: 2:00-4:00 Thursday
Midweek Update and Cookout: 5:30-7:30 Thursday
Open Studio: 10:00-5:00 Friday
Open Studio 10:00-1:00 Saturday
Presentation of the Vision: 5:30-7:30 Monday

Meetings will be held at the Temple Downtown at 351 St. Francis Street.

[phoenixboi08]

Originally Posted by Alxx611

From Al.com:

What evening?

[Port_of_Bama]

Hmmm Whole Foods may be headed our way soon.


Whole Foods coming to Mobile?
Published: Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 11:16 AM Updated: Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 11:20 AM
By Kelli Dugan | [email protected]

MOBILE, Alabama - Months of speculation regarding the arrival of Whole Foods Market to the Mobile area grocery scene might soon be put to rest.
Mobile City Council President Reggie Copeland announced during a meeting Tuesday that the Austin-based chain will be locating at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and McGregor Avenue.
Company officials, however, would neither confirm nor deny Copeland's announcement.
"We have no lease signed in Mobile at this time," said Darrah Horgan, spokeswoman for the chain's southern stores, via email.
More details will be reported as they become available.

http://blog.al.com/press-register-busine..._coming_to_mobile.html#incart_river_news

[elb401]

Finally, the Van Antwerp will be renovated. The city owes a lot of thanks to RSA.

http://blog.al.com/live/2012/11/rsa_buys_dowtown_mobiles_histo.html#incart_river_default

[Port_of_Bama]

Originally Posted by elb401

Finally, the Van Antwerp will be renovated. The city owes a lot of thanks to RSA.

http://blog.al.com/live/2012/11/rsa_buys_dowtown_mobiles_histo.html#incart_river_default

Yes ! The first skyscraper in the state deserves more attention than what the city has given it.

[phoenixboi08]

Originally Posted by Port_of_Bama

Yes ! The first skyscraper in the state deserves more attention than what the city has given it.

Just as long as they don't stick a spire on top.
I jest...

[Muskavon]

Just curious as to why, at an earlier time, you guys were happy with USA going to division 1 (FCS) series in football? No one supports them. I was just watching the highlights on WKRG of the game vs. FIU and there were 3 people in the stands. Probably the mothers of the people being forced to film it against their will. I feel sad for FIU. They are bad, but they do hope to actually be something in the future and do actually attract some people to their games in South Florida. Why does USA play games? None of you care and no one else shows up. Seems silly. An empty stadium for a team that has moved to the big leagues faster than any other I can recall. But no support. None! USA has failed in this experiment. If they are waiting to beat Alabama, LSU and Florida for crowd turnouts...well............................

[Port_of_Bama]

Originally Posted by Muskavon

Just curious as to why, at an earlier time, you guys were happy with USA going to division 1 (FCS) series in football? No one supports them. I was just watching the highlights on WKRG of the game vs. FIU and there were 3 people in the stands. Probably the mothers of the people being forced to film it against their will. I feel sad for FIU. They are bad, but they do hope to actually be something in the future and do actually attract some people to their games in South Florida. Why does USA play games? None of you care and no one else shows up. Seems silly. An empty stadium for a team that has moved to the big leagues faster than any other I can recall. But no support. None! USA has failed in this experiment. If they are waiting to beat Alabama, LSU and Florida for crowd turnouts...well............................

I believe South`s horrible record has a lot to do with it this year.

[NitekKetin]

Originally Posted by Port_of_Bama

Hmmm Whole Foods may be headed our way soon.


Whole Foods coming to Mobile?
Published: Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 11:16 AM Updated: Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 11:20 AM
By Kelli Dugan | [email protected]




http://blog.al.com/press-register-busine..._coming_to_mobile.html#incart_river_news

I'll believe it when I see the 'coming soon' sign at the proposed site.

[jmbreland]

Originally Posted by elb401

Finally, the Van Antwerp will be renovated. The city owes a lot of thanks to RSA.

http://blog.al.com/live/2012/11/rsa_buys_dowtown_mobiles_histo.html#incart_river_default

Finally! I hope the bland southern and western facades are tastefully decorated.

[dsjj251]

Originally Posted by Muskavon

An empty stadium for a team that has moved to the big leagues faster than any other I can recall.

really ??? you cant think of any ?

it took South Alabama 6 years to get to FBS(from the announcement of creating a team)

Umass announced they were moving to FBS 8 months ago and they will play their first full season in FBS in 2013 along with Texas State and UTSA

cant say much about attendance though

[SouthSky]

Former Gov. Bob Riley talks Airbus, economic development during leadership gala address
Mike Kittrell | [email protected]
Former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and wife Patsy arrive to present the keynote address during the Mobile County Leadership Gala honoring county business and civic leaders Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, at the Marriott in Mobile, Ala. (Mike Kittrell/[email protected])
Former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley Speaks in Mobile Nov. 15, 2012 gallery (11 photos)

MOBILE, Alabama – State, city and county officials should have a "strategic effort" to entice Airbus suppliers to relocate to Mobile, former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley said today.

Riley said he emphasized with Mobile County Commissioners the need to "concentrate" in the coming year on developing a plan to attract suppliers into the area.

"They have been through this before, this is not their first rodeo," Riley said after delivering the keynote address during Mobile County's bicentennial leadership gala at the Mobile Marriott. "The suppliers who want to come in, they will be there wherever they decide to locate for the next 30 to 40 years." Continue

Also:

McArtor: Hypothetically, enough space at Brookley to build an entirely separate campus even after FAL at full 8 planes per month capacity.

McArtor: Compact Brookley site "allows room for expansion for other things we might want to do here at Brookley."

As if we needed a reminder on how big this will be for the area... we are in for some good times!

[Alxx611]

Originally Posted by jmbreland

Finally! I hope the bland southern and western facades are tastefully decorated.

As long as they keep the vertical " Van Antwerp" signage down the building's sides. Would also be nice if they add the roof top cornice that the building had back in the day

[SouthSky]

RSA has also bought the northeastern corner at that intersection as well... seems like they are planning something big (I'm thinking Airbus related, but really not sure)

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Originally Posted by SouthSky

RSA has also bought the northeastern corner at that intersection as well... seems like they are planning something big (I'm thinking Airbus related, but really not sure)

Perhaps EADS could move their North American headquarters?

EDIT: Yay for my 2,000th post!