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MHDC ENews: October 2009 Volume 1 Number 4
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Greetings!
Barton Academy has been the topic of conversation in many circles this month as preservationists and concerned Mobilians wonder about the future of this stately building. We hope that you find this issue of the Mobile Historic Development Commission's ENews filled with answers to many of your questions. Our feature article on Barton will bring you up to date on advocacy efforts and fundraising plans.
Don't miss an opportunity to purchase John Sledge's newest book at the Museum of Mobile's fundraiser for Barton Academy on October 8. It will be a happy occasion to celebrate Mobile's Greek Revival architecture while raising money for the restoration of Barton.
And as always, we hope that you will share our ENews with your family and friends who enjoy and support historic preservation. Please feel free to pass along this electronic publication and encourage everyone to subscribe. It is our hope that this communication tool will help keep our community updated on preservation issues and special events. |
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Barton Academy Efforts Begin Anew
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 Barton Academy is part of Mobile's extraordinary Greek Revival flowering of the 1830s. In fact, construction on it and Government Street Presbyterian Church was begun on the very same day. Like Government Street Presbyterian, Barton Academy was designed by the talented architectural team of James and Charles Dakin, and James Gallier, a trio of New York builders newly transplanted to the Gulf Coast. Ever since its completion, Barton Academy's colonnaded rotunda has been visible from as far away as the river, floating above the oak canopy. The building fronts 136 feet on busy Government Street and the façade is dominated by a pedimented, hexastyle Ionic portico. The building's most important elements are the dome resting on the Ionic colonnaded rotunda and the surmounting lantern patterned after the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. As it stands, the building is an important example of antebellum wealth, taste and commitment to public education. - John Sledge, architectural historian, September 2009
From it's beginning, Barton Academy has stood as a symbol of Mobile's commitment to public education. When the Mobile County Public School System elected to relocate their administrative offices to west Mobile, the fate of this historic structure was in question. Barton Academy began drawing attention from historic preservationists and former students who attended school there as children. In 2006, the Mobile Historic Development Commission and the Historic Mobile Preservation Society, organizations that were both concerned about the condition of this historic landmark, joined forces. They formed a joint committee and began working together in an effort to advocate for the restoration of Barton.
Under the leadership of Allan Gustin, Chairman of the original committee, a detailed action plan was developed, and committees and subcommittees were formed. Phase I of the Barton plan was formulated - assess the true condition of the building.
In the meantime, the MHDC set aside $25,000 in a fund to be used for the benefit of Barton Academy. This fund came from a settlement with contractors representing GSA for construction violations in connection with the new Social Security Building, adjacent to Barton Academy. In 2007, the joint committee commissioned a structural study of Barton Academy, and obtained a $15,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help defray the cost of the study. This was the first step in the Barton committee's plan of action. TAG, an architectural firm, was hired soon after to do the building assessment, which cost $23,315.
The TAG study reported that the condition of Barton Academy was not as bad as people feared. The report showed the exterior to have some problems, but the inside is completely solid. "It dispelled the myth that the building was falling down," explained Jaime Betbeze, one of the original committee members. "The building's interior is habitable now - it's just dirty from sitting vacant," reported Devereaux Bemis, Director, MHDC. "Once a use for the building is determined, from that all things will flow."
TAG presented their findings to the Mobile County Public School Board in 2007, with both Dr. Harold Dodge and Dr. Roy Nichols in attendance. The presentation was met with positive responses from both the School Board and Dr. Nichols, who was just starting his tenure as School Superintendent.
Soon after the TAG study was presented, Dr. Nichols took action by appointing the Barton Academy Historic Preservation and Restoration Committee, a group of concerned citizens to advise the School Board on the preservation, restoration, and use of Barton Academy. That committee includes several members of the joint MHDC/HMPS committee, as well as representatives from the School System and other downtown redevelopment advocates. The School Board then approved a contract to retain Holmes and Holmes Architects as architect of record to do further study on Barton Academy's immediate needs and prepare documents for exterior renovations.
"We have partially completed the drawings for the exterior renovation," reports Nick Holmes III, a partner in the firm. "Barton Academy is structurally sound." Holmes also reinforced that Barton Academy's interior is usable. "There are some cracks in the exterior stucco that we believe were caused during Hurricane Frederic," explained Holmes. "Much of the exterior work will be stucco repair and cosmetic work, including repairs to the dome, the roof and the Yerby Building."
Recently Dr. Nichols recommended the appointment of Jaime Betbeze as Chairman of the Barton Academy Historic Preservation and Restoration Committee. Betbeze has reactivated the Barton committee and their first meeting was held in late September.
Members include Dr. Roy Nichols, Mobile County School Superintendent; Dr. Lee Taylor, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction, MCPSS; Nancy Pierce, Supervisor of Public Relations/Communications, MCPSS; Bill Seifert, Regions Bank; Elizabeth Sanders, Downtown Mobile Alliance; Linda Ingram, Mobile Area Education Foundation; Palmer Hamilton, Jones Walker Law Firm; John Peebles, Peebles & Cameron, LLC; Nick Holmes III, Holmes & Holmes Architects; Michael Pierce, MLK Avenue Redevelopment Corporation; Sandra Martin, Bishop State Community College; Robert Davis, Retired Teacher Association; and Christopher Lee, Bedsole Foundation.
"The committee's focus is finding a viable use for the building," stressed Holmes. Betbeze, added that the committee will be active in building public support for the preservation of Barton Academy and assisting the School Board in obtaining resources needed for its restoration. "There is much that we can do to help secure the preservation of Barton Academy while the School Board weighs its options of how to use the building," said Betbeze. "There is already tremendous public support for saving the building, as demonstrated by the impressive turn-out at the Downtown Mobile Alliance's 'This Place Matters' photo event, and we hope to capitalize on that enthusiasm to build a grass-roots network of alumni, preservationists, and other friends of Barton Academy to help secure its future."
Betbeze continued, "Barton Academy is one of the last great landmarks of Mobile's Golden Era. It represents the optimism of our people and the importance placed on education as the path to a more prosperous future. There are many opportunities for Barton Academy to continue as a beacon of hope through adaptive re-use of this remarkable structure."
Editor's note: The balance of funding from the easement settlement and the National Trust grant remains in the MHDC's Barton Academy Fund. Contributions from fundraising efforts will be housed in this account to help restore Barton Academy. If you would like to make a contribution towards the restoration of Barton, please contact the MHDC office at 208-7281, or email mhdc@cityofmobile.org.
Updates on fundraising efforts and news regarding Barton's restoration will be forthcoming in future editions of Enews. |
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MHDC Welcomes New Commissioners
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| The Mobile Historic Development Commissioners would like to welcome five new representatives to the MHDC. The new Commissioners will serve a four year term on the MHDC. Please welcome: Norman Pitman, Ashland Place Historic District; Lynn Stewart, Bragg Mitchell Mansion; Paul Shestak, Church Street East Historic District; Lane Pettis-Carleton, Colonial Dames of America - Conde Charlotte House; and Linda Ingram, District 6 representative.
The Mobile Historic Development Commission is made up of a governing body with representatives from each historic district, our sister preservation organizations, civic organizations throughout Mobile, representatives from each City Council District and representatives from the Architectural Review Board. Our mission is, simply, to save historic buildings and neighobrhoods.
For a complete listing of MHDC Commission members, please visit our website at www.mobilehd.org. |
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City Approves Contract for Surveys
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| The Mobile City Council has approved the contract to hire Shaun Wilson to conduct the surveys of the Oakdale community and Africatown. Wilson will walk through the neighborhoods, photographing and assessing the historical significance of every building in each area. Once the survey is complete, it will be forwarded to the Alabama Historical Commission who will asses the work. They, in turn, will forward the survey to the federal government who will recommend placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Oakdale community has an estimated 1,300 buildings in it. The neighborhood is located south of downtown, extending from Virginia Street south and west towards I-10.
Africatown is located due north of downtown Mobile, in the Plateau community. Africatown is the first town in the United States that was founded, continuously occupied and controlled by African Americans. This area has remnants of two distinct historical periods: the post-Civil War era and 1920s, coinciding with the construction of International Paper Company and Scott Paper Company.
Wilson has worked with the MHDC since 2003 and has prepared the historic surveys of the Campground, Leinkauf Expansion, the D'Iberville Complex, and resurveyed Old Dauphin Way, Ashland Place, DeTonti, Lower Dauphin Street, Church Street East, Oakleigh and Leinkauf. |
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Junior League of Mobile's Downtown Walking Tour wins Award |
 The Alabama Historical Commission has awarded the Junior League of Mobile the 2009 Distinguished Service Award for their work on the Downtown Walking Tour. The award will be presented on October 9 during a luncheon at the 2009 Alabama Preservation Conference.
The Downtown Walking Tour began in 1981 as a joint effort between the Junior League of Mobile and the Mobile Historic Development Commission. With the help of the MHDC, the tour was developed, and the Junior League offered it, free of charge, to all 4th grade classes studying Alabama history.
After several years, the tour was discontinued due to a shift in volunteer focus by the Junior League. In 2002, in celebration of Mobile's Tricentennial, the Downtown Walking Tour was revived and is now a signature project of the Junior League of Mobile. It is offered each year to 4th grade classes in public, private and parochial schools in Mobile and Baldwin County.
 The Downtown Walking Tour is designed to promote the history of Mobile, introduce students to Mobile's historic downtown structures and educate students on the importance of our past. Approximately 1,200 students, teachers and parents participate in the tour, conducted by trained Junior League volunteers, each school year.
Junior League members, who are trained as guides, give approximately 513 hours a year in volunteer service to the Downtown Walking Tour.
Along with the Tour, Junior League members created an activity book, Discover Mobile, that reinforces the lessons the students learn on the Tour. Each student is given an activity book at the end of the Tour to take back to their classroom as a study tool.
 The MHDC would like to congratulate the Junior League of Mobile on winning this well deserved award. The Downtown Walking Tour is a wonderful example of their dedication to improving the education of children and their commitment to historic preservation.
Commission member Christy Gustin, the Junior League's representative to the MHDC, served as chairman of the 2009 Downtown Walking Tour. We congratulate Christy on her leadership and dedication to this program.
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Oakleigh and Church Street East residents fight proposed gas station on Broad Street |
| Many residents living in the Oakleigh Garden District and the Church Street East Historic District have joined forces to help fight the proposed gas station and convenience store to be located at the corner of Broad and Elmira Streets. The residents presented a petition to Mayor Jones and the City Council expressing their opposition to the construction of the proposed business. A spokesperson for the residents said they felt that a gas station with five pumps, a business with a liquor license and the design plans for the site impairs the historic integrity of the district. They also feel that the efforts of "Bring Back Broad," and the new streetscape that is a part of this program, will be compromised because of this type of business.
News on this project will be forthcoming. |
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ARB at a Glance |
| The Architectural Review Board is continuing to work hard to protect our historic districts. Here is a look at their body of work for August 2009.
August 2009
Total Applications - 58 Applications Approved by Staff - 44
Applications Reviewed by ARB - 14
Applications Approved by ARB - 11
Applications Tabled by ARB - 1
Applications Denied by ARB- 1
Applications Withdrawn - 1
Applications in Design Committee - 0
Applicants estimate the proposed job costs for renovations and improvement to homes and buildings in districts under the Architectural Review Board's jurisdiction will cost an estimated $950,000.
For more information on the Architectural Review Board, and for a schedule of meetings, please visit the MHDC website at www.mobilehd.org. |
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Oakleigh Venture Revolving Fund Homes Available for Sale |
| The Oakleigh Revolving Fund currently has three newly restored historic homes for sale in the Oakleigh Garden District. All three homes are located on Marine Street.
For more information on the homes, or to view one of the properties, please contact Chris King, Roberts Brothers Realtors, 344-9220.
First time buyers may qualify for an $8,000 tax credit.
 301 Marine Street $149,500This cottage has 2 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths. The kitchen is fully updated and features stainless appliances, granite countertops and has a glassed in room off the kitchen that can be used as a breakfast area or sun room. The house has hardwood floors throughout and 9 foot ceilings. There is also a courtyard that adds charm to this home.
MLS number - 196547md
 310 Marine Street $149,500This newly renovated home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The kitchen has been fully renovated and features new granite countertops and stainless appliances. The home has 9 foot ceilings, hardwood floors and a great front porch. The yard is fenced.
MLS number - 196545md
 311 Marine Street $159,500This historic cottage has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The kitchen has granite countertops, stainless appliances and custom built-ins. The house features hardwood floors and 9 foot ceilings.
MLS number - 196591md
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Social Media keeps Preservationists linked |
| In the world of tweetering, texting and surfing, Mobile's historic preservation community is moving toward technology to stay linked.
The Church Street East Historic District and the DeTonti Square Historic District neighborhood associations have created Facebook pages to help stay connected. Old Dauphin Way Historic District has created a website, www.odwa.org., that allows residents to click on their calendar of events, history and preservation driven media articles. The Oakleigh Garden District Society and Ashland Place residents both have association email accounts that help to keep them informed of issues and events that effect their neighborhoods.
If you are a resident of one of the historic districts, be sure to sign up for your neighborhood's communication tool of choice.
It doesn't replace front poarch visits, but it sure is easy to get info out fast. |
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Pillars of the Community to open with both a book signing and a fundraiser for Barton Academy |
 The release of John Sledge's newest book will be a notable event for Mobile. The Pillared City: Greek Revival Mobile will be introduced at the opening of the Museum of Mobile's newest exhibit, Pillars of the Community: Mobile's Greek Revival Movement during a reception on October 8 at 5:30 p.m. Most importantly, the exhibit opening and book signing will be a fundraiser for the Barton Academy Historic Preservation and Restoration Committee, a cooperative effort of the Mobile Historic Development Commission and the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.
The exhibit, Pillars of the Community will celebrate the notable architectural structures standing along Mobile streets and pay homage to the many monumental buildings that have been lost. The exhibit will also tell the story of the men and women who made these public buildings and modest homes come to life. The exhibit will take you from Mobile's early days of the 1810s and transport you through the construction of a cosmopolitan city via the Greek Revival movement. The exhibit, and Sledge's book, The Pillared City, will take Museum visitors through a fascinating time in Mobile's history.
The Pillared City: Greek Revival Mobile is the third book written and photographed by the talented team of John Sledge, our architectural historian, and local photographer, Sheila Hagler. The duo have collaborated on two previous books, Cities of Silence, A Guide to Mobile's Historic Cemeteries, published in 2002; and An Ornament to the City, Old Mobile Ironwork, published in 2006. |
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Calendar of Events |
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Old Dauphin Way Historic District
October 8 - General Membership Meeting, St. Mary's School
October 24 - Plant Swap, 10:00 a.m., Old Shell Road School
November 12 - General Membership Meeting, St. Mary's School
Historic Mobile Preservation Society
October 22 through 24 - Haunted Oakleigh, 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. For ticket information visit their website at www.historicmobile.org.
November 11 and 12 - What's It Worth, antique appraisal. For ticket information visit their website at www.historicmobile.org.
Museum of Mobile
October 8 - Opening Reception and Book Signing for Pillars of the Community, 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Call 208-7653 to make reservations. Tickets $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Deadline is October 5.
October 11 - Pillars of the Community: Mobile's Greek Revival Movement will open in celebration of John Sledge's newest book, The Pillared City, Greek Revival Mobile. The exhibit will be open through January 10, 2010.
Market in the Square Opens for Fall
The Market in the Square opened on Saturday, October 3 for the fall season. The Market opens each Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m. and runs until 11:00 a.m. Get there early for flowers, seafood and to buy those in demand items from your favorite vendors.
Market in the Square is produced by Chris Barraza and the Office of Community and Neighborhood Services. For more information visit
Community Planning Session Scheduled
Renee Williams, president, Old Dauphin Way Historic District, is organizing a Community Planning Session on October 8, 7:00 p.m., in the Little Sister's of Mercy Building (under the blue awning) at St. Mary's School. All historic districts and neighborhood associations are invited to attend.
The Community Planning Session will form four committees that will work to improve quality-of-life issues, address crime and help everyone stay connected. The committees include: Crime - prevention and reporting; Beautification - litter control and plantings; Communication - media relations and networking; and Community Service - exploring a one-year project.
For more information visit the Old Dauphin Way website at www.odwa.org.
December promises to be full of Holiday Cheer
If you haven't visited one of our lovely historic house museums during the holiday season, you are missing a treat. The houses all open their doors the first weekend of December for special events, so mark your calendars now and make plans to take a day to visit each house. Dressed in decorations true to the homes historic periods, a December visit gives you a glimpse into how the Christmas season was celebrated in each home.
Watch for more information in our November calendar of events.
2010 Mobile Historic Homes Tour
The Historic Mobile Preservation Society has announced the dates for this year's Mobile Historic Homes Tour. Mark your calendar for Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20, 2010, when some of Mobile's most lovely historic homes will open their doors for this spring tradition. Plans are also in the works for some exciting new additions to this year's Tour. Among the new activities being offered are: guided tours of Church Street Cemetery, a presentation on Mobile's architectural history by award-winning architect Craig Roberts followed by a champagne reception, and afternoon teas.
If you would like to volunteer on this year's Historic Homes Tour committee, or if you are interested in sponsorship information, please contact Rhonda Davis, chair, at 342-2613.
Proceeds from the Mobile Historic Homes Tour benefit the Historic Mobile Preservation Society and Oakleigh.
To submit events, please forward information to Mobile Historic Development Commission at mhdc@cityofmobile.org. Please include contact information.
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To Subscribe
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If you have received a previous edition of the MHDC's Enews newsletter from a friend and would like to receive it on a regular basis, please feel free to subscribe. To sign up, simply click the "Join Our Mailing List" button in the right column of this mailing and enter your email address. You will automatically be added to our mailing list. If you would like ENews sent to multiple addresses - work and home - subscribe from each location.
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Sincerely,
Rhonda Davis
Public Relations Chair
Mobile Historic Development Commission
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