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Downtown Details
News from the Downtown Mobile Alliance |
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| Greetings! |
If there was ever any doubt that Downtown Mobile is the cultural center of the region, it was laid to rest during the Arts Alive! weekend in April. Not only was Cathedral Square brimming with artists and emerging bands showcased in the South Sounds  Music Festival, but Space 301 opened the groundbreaking, nine- month Memory Project, the Mobile Symphony performed Carmina Burana and Fluxus kicked off its effort to raise money for public art in Mobile. We hardly have time to catch our breath, however, as downtown gets ready for a fabulous Cinco de Mayo celebration and the beloved Market in the Square opens for the season. Be sure to check out the events highlighted below and click here for a full list of everything that's happening downtown!
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Development Buzz
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 After more than 30 years on Water and St. Michael streets in downtown, the Moorer YMCA will be moving into a new facility in the Kress Building on Royal Street. The space and layout of the new location is in keeping with the national trend among YMCAs to develop smaller, more focused facilities, known as Healthy Living Centers. Though the new Y won't have a pool or gym, the Kress space will allow for more group fitness programs, and will feature the latest in exercise/fitness equipment. The new location will certainly be a short walk away from downtown's major office towers, taking away just one more excuse for not working out! In other Development News:
- An international information technology firm is opening an office in Downtown Mobile. Falls Church, Virginia-based Computer Sciences Corporation has leased 10,000 square feet in the Riverview Office tower on Royal Street. According to a company website, Computer Sciences employs 98,000 people in 90 countries with more than $6 billion in annual revenues.
- Fuji San Downtown is scheduled to open soon at 101 N.
 Conception Street. This will be the restaurant's second location and will feature its popular Japanese, Thai and sushi menus. Fuji San Downtown will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and will offer happy hour specials.
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Retail Happenings
Dining, Shopping and Entertainment News
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If you haven't had a chance to respond to our Dining and Shopping Survey, you still have a few more days to let us know how we can make those experiences better. We'll be closing the survey Monday at 5:00 p.m., so click on this survey link before then to let us know what you think.
Shopping News
- It's Customer Appreciation time at Inside Up, 7 N. Conception Street. Be sure to stop in May 4th and 5th for special discounts and a complimentary mini hand massage by the owner of Home Spa and creator of popular bath and beauty products. Click here for coupons and more information. Don't forget to stop back by during the May ArtWalk, Friday, May 11th featuring saxophonist Jerry Robbins.
- Kangal Gallery at 58 N. Royal Street is getting ready for Mother's Day with a shop full of original art and wonderful home decor and accessories perfect for summer entertaining. Try the Windflame indoor/outdoor oil lamps. Buy one container of Purefuel and get one free. This is also the last week to register for Spring Door Prizes! Click here for gallery information.
Dining News
One of downtown's hottest spots for lunch during the work week is now open for Sunday Brunch. Panini Pete's at 19 S. Conception (corner of Conception and Conti) is serving up his distinctive brand of creative sandwiches and burgers on Sundays between 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Mother's Day - Sunday, May 13th The Bienville Club is offering a special Mother's Day Brunch for members and non-members. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. $25/person for members, $32/person for non-members, $10.99 for children 6-12. Call 251-433-4977 for reservations. The Admiral Semmes is bringing back its popular Mother's Day Champagne Brunch from 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. $35/person. Call 251-432-8000 for reservations. The Renaissance Riverview Hotel's Mother's Day Brunch Buffet even offers a special Children's menu. $36/person, $31/person for seniors, $16 for children 6-12. Call 251-415-3092 for reservations. Entertainment News Crescent Theater 208 Dauphin Street crescenttheater.com Juan of the Dead May 3 - 5, 2012 Showtimes: 9:00 p.m. Juan of the Dead (Spanish: Juan de los Muertos) is a 2011 Spanish-Cuban zombie film written and directed by Alejandro Brugues.
Juan is 40 years old, most of which he spent in Cuba doing absolutely nothing. Juan's only emotional tie is his daughter, Camila, a beautiful young girl that doesn't want anything to do with her father because the only thing he's good at is getting into trouble. Suddenly some strange things start to happen, people are turning violent attacking one to the other. Juan was first convinced it's just another stage of the Revolution. Little by little Juan and his friends start to realize that the attackers are not normal human beings and that killing them is quite a difficult task.
Cabin in the Woods May 4 - 10, 2012 Showtimes: 6:30 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2:30 Five friends go to a remote cabin in the woods. Bad things happen. If you think you know this story, think again. From fan favorites Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard comes The Cabin in the Woods, a mind blowing horror film that turns the genre inside out. |
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Legislative Update
| Two bills important to future redevelopment efforts in Downtown Mobile are being considered in the last days of this legislative session. Both the bill that would allow the establishment of Cultural Districts in many Alabama cities and the bill creating a state New Markets Tax Credit program have been passed by the House of Representatives and have gained committee approval in the Senate. We are now waiting for them to be introduced on the Senate floor for a vote, and then signed into law by Governor Robert Bentley.
With just a few days left in the legislative session, there is little room for even the slightest delay. The delegations from Mobile and Baldwin counties, however, have been great champions thus far and we are confident they will carry the day. They are to be congratulated for their tireless efforts to pass these bills that could provide much-needed development incentives.
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Making Downtown More Bikable and Beautiful
|  Main Street Mobile has installed several "artful" bike racks over the years, creating opportunities for public art with a functional side. The bike racks have been created by some of the region's most notable artists, including Casey Downing, Corey Swindle and Bruce Larson, and have encouraged the use of two-wheeled vehicles on downtown's many bike-friendly streets.
The latest proposal is from Wanda Sullivan, whose work has graced galleries throughout Mobile. The butterfly inspired sculpture reflects Wanda's latest interest in the lovely winged creatures. Main Street will need to raise $3000 to fund the proposed bike rack...if you'd like to sponsor the project, please contact Elizabeth Sanders at esanders@downtownmobile.org.
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Hargrove Engineers is Alabama's Second Brightest Company!
|  In a recent statewide trivia competition benefiting Impact Alabama, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors finished just short of the top prize. In March Hargrove beat more than 30 local teams to become Mobile's Brightest Company and went on to compete for the state title. The Birmingham Public Library took home top honors and the $20,000 grand prize, but Hargrove was awarded $10,000 for its first place finish in Mobile which was donated to its charity of choice, Penelope House.
The "Brightest Company" trivia competition is organized by Impact Alabama, a service learning initiative for the state's college students. The $50,000 in prize money was donated by Protective Life, and will go to charities throughout the state.
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Downtown Developer Branches out in the News Business
| As a developer of cutting edge residential projects in Downtown Mobile, Tilmon Brown is used to being in the news, but now he's in the business of delivering the news. His newest endeavor, NuzzApp, is an on-line news service for smart phones and tablets. Brown says, "NuzzApp provides hyper-local news content aimed at people who live, work and enjoy the flavor of life in and around Mobile, Alabama and the surrounding Gulf Coast region."
The application conveniently separates content by neighborhood, so if you're looking for news in the downtown/midtown area, you're able to jump straight to that link.
The free app is available through the iTunes store or Android marketplace.
Visit nuzzapp.com to learn more. |
Downtown Doings
Events in and around Downtown |
 Downtown Mobile Margarita Tasting Contest Now - Saturday, May 05, 2012Cabo, the Haberdasher and The BullCalling all margarita lovers! The Margarita Tasting Contest has officially begun! Stop by Cabo Coastal Cantina, The Bull, and Haberdasher to taste 3 special Margaritas, and then vote for your favorite! The recipes were submitted by local Mobilians. The top three picks that will be served in the Margarita Contest are: * LODA Rita by Brooks Conkle: served at the Haberdasher * Shenanigans by Eric Kersten: served at Cabo Coastal Cantina * Cool as a Cucumber by Karla Gardner: served at The Bull The overall winner will be announced on Monday, May 7th and the grand prize will be awarded! Be sure to participate in all of the other fun activities going on downtown for Cinco de Mayo as well! Click here for more information Cinco de Spayo Saturday, May 05, 201211 a.m. - 4 p.m.Cabo Coastal Cantina Cabo Coastal Cantina and the Mobile SPCA are teaming up to celebrate Cinco de Spayo on Saturday May 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the entire family - including the dog! The Cinco de Spayo sidewalk party will feature a "Best Maragrita Recipe" contest hosted by the Downtown Mobile Alliance, margarita and taco specials, live music, and a pair of concert tickets to Jason Mraz and Christina Perry will be given away! Click here for more information Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky StyleSaturday, May 5, 2012Noon- UntilHaberdasher Downtown's newest bar, the Haberdasher, has big plans for Cinco de Mayo. They will host a party Churchill Downs-style with coverage of the Kentucky Derby playing all day! There will be a margarita contest, a hat contest with a $100 cash prize, live music, mint julep and margarita specials, and horse bidding. The fun begins at noon! Click here for more information Cinco de Mayo CelebrationSaturday, May 5, 201211 a.m.Live Music at 4 p.m.OK Bicycle ShopThe OK Bicycle Shop will be offering beer specials and a special menu just for Cinco de Mayo. Come by and try the Budlight Lime-a-Rita! The band Copper Light will provide the tunes! Click here for more information Travel Rally
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 11:30 a.m. Cathedral Square As part of the national campaign to generate awareness about our local tourism industry and its economic impact, representatives from hotels, restaurants, attractions and other travel-related services will come together in Cathedral Square to celebrate.
The tourism industry employs more than 15,000 people in Mobile and generates nearly $850 million in travel-related expenses each year. More than 2.5 million people visit Mobile annually and their spending has a direct impact on our area's bottom line.
Mayor Sam Jones will once again proclaim the first Tuesday in May as 'National Travel and Tourism Day,' and will join other distinguished speakers and guests as we focus on why TRAVEL MATTERS. LoDa ArtWalk  Friday, May 11, 2012
6:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Downtown Mobile Second Fridays in downtown is the place to be! With the LoDa ArtWalk in its 5th year, the event gets better and better each month.
Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk.
Click here for more information. Maps are available at the Downtown Mobile Alliance office and they include all the participating venues, featured artists, and live music. 
Brown Bag in Bienville
Wednesdays through May 2012
11:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Spring has sprung in downtown Mobile! Come out and listen to the soothing
Sounds of live jazz as you lunch in Bienville Square around the historic Ketchum Fountain. Catt Sirten sets up live musicians and the City sets up tables for your enjoyment each Wednesday in the Spring.
To make your Brown Baggin' easier, stop in at your favorite Bienville Square eateries and ask for the Brown Bag special. They will provide you with your lunch to go in a nifty "Brown Bag" that you can easily transport to the Square and recycle in one of Keep Mobile Beautiful's recycle bins!
Participating restaurants include:
Pollman's
Serda's Coffee Shop
Cafe Royal
Downtowners
Samurai J Sushi Bar
Three George's
Busaba's Thai Cuisine
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Mama's on Dauphin  Spring Market on the Square
Saturdays through July 28, 2012
7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Cathedral Square
Shop for the freshest crop 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, pastas, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods and so much more. Stay for live music on the green! Each Saturday through July 28th. This year organic vegetables will be available as well.
For a list of other downtown events, click here.
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Galleries and Exhibitions
| Memory Project
Through December 2012
Space 301
The Memory Project is the first phase of the CLA's plan to create a national model for community building through the arts. Running from April to December 2012, it involves a nine-month visual and performing arts program that examines the various intersections of individual and collective memory in the Gulf Coast and elsewhere. It will include a global to local exhibition of significant artists, as well as live music, film screenings, public forums and conversations, plus classes and workshops for all ages. Programming will be held at Space 301, the Saenger Theatre, and several offsite locations throughout the City of Mobile.
 Tornado Alley
Showing May 8 - September 3
Tuesday-Friday at 10am, noon, 1pm, 3pm, and 4pm.
Saturdays at 11am, noon, 1pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Sundays at 1pm, 2pm, 4pm.
Gulf Coast Exploreum
Through the power of IMAX®, join Storm Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchers of VORTEX 2, the most ambitious effort ever made to understand the origins and evolution of tornadoes, on this heart-pounding science adventure. Armed with a 70mm camera, a fleet of customized vehicles designed to withstand gale force winds, torrential rains and unrelenting hail, and an arsenal of the most advanced weather measurement instruments ever created, the stars of Tornado Alley take audiences on a thrilling quest to experience a tornado's destructive power-at point blank range.
RECOMMENDED FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES
Visit exploreum.com for more information.
For more informaion about Downtown Galleries click here. |
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Carol Hunter
Downtown Mobile Alliance
261 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36602
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