My, Hasn't It Grown! RSA Battlehouse Tower Update

[austin356]

Originally Posted by Blazer85

Great pics of the RSA Tower.

Any news on the RSA-like crown expected to be put on another of Mobile's buildings?

Nope, but I stayed there a couple of months ago, and they told me that they increased the amount they anticipated on renovations by 15million to 65m. Considering they bought the thing for <15m that is a pretty substantial renovation that will certainly have the crown you speak of if all of that money is actually spent.

[pkp]

Originally Posted by Alxx611

Is this not the most beautiful building in Mobile?

Yes, except it has been totally isolated from the rest of downtown by Water Street, I 165, gas stations, housing projects, etc... It will probably remain that way unless we get some good mass transit. How about a street car line that runs down the middle of Water Street, turns onto Broad and then makes it way back down Government? That would re-connect that part of dowtown and help revitalize Broad Street!

[Alxx611]

^^Yea, the area where I took alot of the above pictures was very abandoned. I didn't realize how empty and run down North Downtown is. With the exception of the Press Register headquarters, a few gas stations, and the GM&O Building, it is so tacky. I always hear people complain about all the empty lots downtown but I thought they were just being negative, but now I see what they mean.


As far as the spire on the Riverview Plaza, it still looks like they'd do it. Since renovations first took place,some of the top half of the building's facade has been removed and there are still those elevator shafts of the sides that lead to the top.

[Musicisright]

Have those blue-ish vertical stripes always been on the Riverview?

[nick1982]

^I don't think so; they're part of the Riverview's extensive renovation.

[elb401]

I think Palmer Halmilton is working on bringing the street cars back with the bring back broad street thing. That project is a lot bigger than people think.

[Scottybo]

Originally Posted by elb401

I think Palmer Halmilton is working on bringing the street cars back with the bring back broad street thing. That project is a lot bigger than people think.

That would be awesome. I was just watching the street cars restarting in New Orleans and wondered if something like it could be developed in Mobile.

[elb401]

OH the plan calls for them to run from a new Arlington Park on the bay down Broad street past Oakleigh and then down duval street and end near the GMO Building.

[pkp]

Where can you find details on the plan. I live just three blocks off Broad...

[elb401]

They were in an article about a year or so ago. They just need more funding and final approval with arlington park. I keep most articles and I think that I have that one. I'll look for you.

[BlessedMobile]

I am assuming that the "old" Arlington Park was on the Bay. Is that on the Bay side of I-10 where they sometime park all the school buses? I can't imagine the state docks giving that up for a park. If nothing else, let's put a theme park there with a big roller coaster. People drive halfway across the country to ride those things. But a street car down Broad....who and why would anyone PAY to ride it?

[elb401]

The proposed park is just south of choctow (SP) point and just north to the coast guard base. the only problem is that it is so close to the base. I think it would be a great idea. I've seen the renderings of the park. The street cars would help replace some of the buses and moda's that run downtown. they get plenty of ridership.

[Musicisright]

A gas leak forced the evacuation of the RSA Tower construction site and surrounding buildings on Monday around noon. Here's the video.

[elb401]

I was stuck driving around downtown for 30 minutes trying to get to work. I eventually drove down a one way street.

[pkp]

Originally Posted by BlessedMobile

But a street car down Broad....who and why would anyone PAY to ride it?

I would - because I hate driving, hate traffic, wouldn't have to pay for parking and I would live 3 blocks from the route.

[BlessedMobile]

Bronner is spending the Alabama government employees money at home. He invest in golf courses which make money and builds buildings we need when private money won't take the chance. Look at it as large public works projects in our own backyard. That's how all the great but unnecessary buildings of Europe were built...as the people in an area got enough influence to warrant a project the king would take their and other peoples tax money and build a lavish project. I've seen those buildings and only the government with a blank check could have made such a long project out of building those things...try 20-50 years. Even if the RSA Tower is not full for a few years we can grow into it...yea, maybe! Anyway...it adds to the skyline. Throw me some money Mr. Bronner.

[cmixon001]

Are there any renderings of the proposed Arlington Park? Or any website concerning the proposed street car route?

[elb401]

I think I might have some out of a Mobile Bay Monthly magizine from about a year ago. I will try and check and if i find them I will put them on. th quality wont be that great, i think.

[Blazer85]

Mobile folks... whatever happened to that gateway condo development planned for the causeway? Did someone kill it?

[BlessedMobile]

The city of Spanish Fort decided to review the allowable building height and make it something on the order of 60-70' max. Hardly what the lawyer/investor liked. Don't look for anything like that on the Causeway. It is a sacred cow to environmentalist and to those who just like the simplicity of businesses on the Causeway. No one I know liked it at all! Besides all that it would block the Mobile view of those on the Spanish Fort hill.