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Downtown Real Estate & Development News
Greetings!

There is no denying the economy in the U.S. and even globally is sluggish, at best.  However, Downtown Mobile has a series of projects in the pipeline that deserve attention and praise.  We have hotel, office, government and even multi-family developments that are in varying phases that continue to change the downtown landscape. 

Thank You,
Fred Rendfrey

Welcome These New Businesses To Downtown Mobile
Aerial of DowntownQuiznos
Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen
     and Taproom
Robertson Gallery
Commonwealth National Bank
Planet Cellular
Alion Science and Technology
Wellborn Ideas
The Story Company

 
If you interact with The City of Mobile's Planning/Permitting Website then Please Take This Survey

City of Mobile

A common criticism among the real estate development community is the City of Mobile's permitting process. 

Mayor Jones has shown great leadership by charging the City Engineer, Nick Amberger and the CitiSmart Coordinator, Bill Harkins to partner with the Downtown Mobile Alliance's Development Hurdles Committee with the task of assessing the City's development process. 
 
One of the issues presented in preliminary findings is Urban Development's website.  In order to ensure this tool is usable and accessible to permitting customers, Mr. Harkins is conducting a brief survey of the permitting website and associated links. 

If you are associated with any aspect of the City's permitting process, now you have an opportunity to provide input.  Please take this brief, 12 question survey electronically or respond via e-mail to Bill ([email protected]) no later than Monday, August 10th. 
 


"Forbes" lists Mobile as one of the best cities for recovery. 
"This Gulf Coast region has seen job growth in mining, natural resources, transportation and utilities. With unemployment above 8%, the recession can be felt, but that didn't stop Mobile from making Forbes' list of the best medium-sized cities for jobs. (See "Best Mid-Sized Cities for Jobs.")"

Forbes' The Best and Worst Cities for Recession Recovery

Candlewood Suites Groundbreaking August 7
Candlewood Suites

Candlewood Suites is a mid-priced extended-stay hotel chain that is bringing their concept to Downtown Mobile.  Part of the InterContinental Hotel Group, the new Candlewood Suites is an exciting break from the current offerings in the downtown sub-market; with the extended stay format, the traveler is moving in for a little while.  Located at 121 N Royal Street, two blocks north of The Battle House Hotel and opening in August of 2010, these 81 suites have almost everything a business traveler could ask for.  The rooms consist of studio and one-bedroom suites and they include furnished kitchens, a work area, a recliner, two telephones, complimentary wireless internet, 32' LCD television and DVD players.  The common area includes a fitness center, complimentary guest laundry, complimentary computer stations and a meeting room.  Outside there will be a courtyard with fire pits, grills, and rocking chairs.  There are several "green" components to this hotel.  First, the solar panels will heat the domestic water for the entire building.  That includes the saltwater swimming pool, kitchens and laundry.  There will also be recycling stations on every floor for guests to separate their recyclables and bike racks for guests who like to get out and experience downtown from two wheels.  The developer also salvaged materials from the bank building that once occupied the site and will be reusing slate, tile, iron and brick in the new construction. 
Leavell InvestmentsLeavell Investments HQ is Nearing Completion
Tom Leavell's commitment to Downtown Mobile is unwavering and after nearly 30 years of being involved in downtown revitalization, his vision is being fulfilled with the completion of a new corporate headquarters for Leavell Investments.   Richard Stimpson, an Investment Counselor who is very involved in this project, wanted to make sure people understood their commitment to Mobile and to their clients.  Stimpson said, "Leavell Investments is an Alabama company, headquartered in Mobile, and we want to be positioned as close to our clients as possible. In downtown, our employees and our clients have easy access from the interstates." The newly renovated 17,000 SF stand-alone building includes 9,000 SF of office space on the second level and 8,000 SF of flexible storage space on the ground level.  With a surface parking lot all employees and clients will have great access. 

 
Apartment Project

A developer by the name of St. Michael Apartment SiteLee, Lorin & Todd LLC is quietly in the middle of a new multi-family project in Downtown Mobile.  In the picture to the right, the fence surrounds what once was 354 St. Michael Street.  Originally, the developer had the intent to save the underutilized building.  But as with many infill redevelopment projects, flexability is key.  The contractor went in to gut the building and found that it could not be saved and meet the goals of the developer.  The developer is in a new design phase for the project with the goal of building 7 upscale apartments.  They are tentatively planning 3, 1-bedroom and 1-bath apartments and 4, 2-bedroom apartments.
Residential Downtown Development Deals

DeTonti Commons Townhomes
DeTonti Commons View 1

DeTonti Commons View 3
The developer of the new townhomes show above, Etsie Foreman, is pleased with the progress that has been made and feels confident that because of the neighborhood the demand for them will be high.  These four condominiums, designed by Ben Cummings, are 1650 + SF with 2 bedrooms, 2 and a half baths and are priced at $299,000.  Both floors have 10' ceilings which really makes the seem large.  There are two covered parking spaces for each townhome in the back.  Another feature that makes these special is the back porches and the patio common area.  DeTonti Square is Mobile's oldest continuously habitated neighborhood. 
Call Etsie Foreman at (781) 888 - 4971 for more information.
 
Commercial Downtown Development Deals

223 Dauphin Street/formerly China Doll Restaurant

For Lease

223 Dauphin Street

  • Sits prominently on Dauphin Street in the heart of the retail/dining/nightlife core
  • Located next to the popular Hurricane Brewery(brewpub) and two doors down from Soul Kitchen(live music hall)
  • 8,800 SF total on 3 floors, 2,900 SF ground floor
  • Price negotiable.
  • For more information call Bill Monahan - (251) 454-2053

 
There is never a better time to visit or do business downtown.  For more information on real estate or business opportunities, call me at the Downtown Mobile Alliance. 
 
Sincerely,
 

Fred Rendfrey
Downtown Mobile Alliance
[email protected]
(251) 434-8498 office
(251) 533-5017 cell