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Downtown Real Estate & Development News

Greetings!

 

It may be the dog days of summer, but that does not mean that activity has slowed in Downtown Mobile.  Downtown is welcoming new businesses and investment as the economic recovery continues.  Please read more and support these new small businesses.   

In This Issue
Welcome New Downtown Businesses
Downtowners on Dauphin Reopens Under New Management
Studio 205-Downtown's Newest Salon
The 2013 Downtown Living Tour was a Resounding Success
Downtown Office Market Report
Welcome New Businesses

Lyonstate in the Urban Emporium - 260 Dauphin Street
Mobile Arc in the Urban Emporium - 260 Dauphin Street
Competitive Ink - 61 N. Jackson Street
Seven Eleven Fabrication - 164 St. Francis Street, Suite 205
Downtowners on Dauphin Reopens Under New Management     
 
Downtowner's on Dauphin
Downtowners on Dauphin is Under New Management

 

The popular downtown lunch spot Downtowners on Dauphin Street is under new management.  Carl Haas, part of the new management team at Downtowners, pledges to make every plate perfect for your lunch.

Carl has a long history with Downtown Mobile, which includes stints at Drayton Place and Cathedral Square Gallery.  Most recently he served as the Food and Service Director at the Bridges, a substance abuse and behavioral treatment facility.   So, food is in his blood, but downtown kept tugging at him.  He is excited about the improvements to the downtown area and loves the sense of community and the camaraderie among downtown's business owners. 

 

A friend introduced him to Frank and Donna Seifert, the owners of Downtowners, who were struggling to manage a restaurant from out of state.  About two months ago, Carl decided he would quit the job he loved to move back downtown for a challenging, yet amazing new opportunity to run Downtowners.  

 

Carl wants to make some changes to the restaurant while keeping his long-time customers happy.  For example, Downtowners kept the popular potatoes after hearing from customers that they were a must.  However, he is adding new fresh salads, new sandwiches and great soups to expand his menu options.  Carl says that the new Cobb and Chef salads have been very popular and well received.  They feature fresh vegetables, great flavors and beautiful colors.  

 

One of Carl's specialties is making fresh soups.  "I love making soups," says Haas.  He uses home grown herbs and roasts his tomatoes to make his specialty, tomato basil soup.   He frequently runs soup specials including Brunswick stew, vegetable, Italian Wedding, and several cold soups for the summer. 

 

Downtowners on Dauphin is located at 107 Dauphin Street.  They can be reached by calling (251) 433-8868 or visiting their Facebook page,  www.facebook.com/107Dauphin, for daily specials.

 

Studio 205-Downtown's Newest Salon Opens in August
Studio 205 Sign
Studio 205 - Downtown's Newest Salon is Opening Soon
 
Roman Milburn, originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, found himself drawn to Downtown Mobile by the atmosphere and the small town charm.  The entrepreneur's first business venture, at the young age of 18, was a floral shop.  From there he expanded into the property management business.

Chance led Mr. Milburn to Mobile, however, much thought and planning has gone in to his next business venture in Mobile.  On August 1 he is opening Studio 205 at 205 Dauphin Street.  Studio 205 will be a full-service hair salon with a complete line of services for hair and nails as well as facials.  The building and business address are a little serendipitous.  205 also happened to be the building address number for the first business he ever opened, and it is still operational today.  

 

Studio 205 will be a very contemporary, upbeat salon.  The feel will be artsy, but will be comfortable, too.  There will be a coffee bar and free WiFi for the convenience of customers and to help solidify the salon as a staple of the community.  When the doors open, Salon 205 will have 8 seats, but will quickly expand to 10. 

 

Salon 205 will serve men, women and children.  Typically a woman's haircut, shampoo, blow dry and style will cost around $50; a cut, shampoo and style with highlights will cost around $150; facials are $50 and manicures range from $20 to $45.  Cuts for men are $15 and children are $10; however, prices for men and children are also subject to change with the addition of highlights, color, bleach, etc. 

 

Thursday, August 1 is the Grand Opening.  The location is 205 Dauphin Street, which is across the street from the Crescent Theater.  To make your appointment, Studio 205 can be reached by dialing (251) 586-8769.
 

 

The 2013 Downtown Living Tour Recap and Highlights 
2013 Downtown Living Tour Sold
Church Street East House filled with Tour Attendees

 

On Sunday May 19, Downtown Mobile was host to over 200 Downtown Living Tour attendees who viewed 16 single-family houses, condos, and townhouses that were listed for sale.  The Downtown Living Tour was organized as a way to showcase the popular trend of urban living.  Since the tour, a house and a condominium that were showcased have sold, and there is another house that is currently under contract.  Downtown Mobile is a great place for anyone seeking a vibrant and walkable neighborhood.   To view houses for sale and for lease visit www.downtownmobile.org/.

We would like to thank our sponsors Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, dakinstreet architects, Wintzell's Oyster House, and Draft Picks Sports Bar for making this event possible. 
2012 Downtown Office Market Report  
Van Antwerp Office Building
The Renovation of the Van Antwerp Building will add 60,000 SF +/- to the Downtown Office Market

 

The Downtown Mobile Alliance has released the 2012 Downtown Office Market Report, the sequel to last year's inaugural 2011 report.  The Report tracks the 28 largest, multi-tenant office buildings as a barometer for the health in the downtown office market.  A few noteworthy highlights are that Downtown Mobile has an overall occupancy level of roughly 79% with a high-end occupancy rate of almost 94%.  Additionally, from 2011 to 2012 almost 12,000 SF of vacant office space was absorbed.  To view the report visit our website: http://www.downtownmobile.org/images/news/2012_office_market_report_copy.pdf.
There has never been 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
www.downtownmobile.org
[email protected]
(251) 434-8498 office
(251) 533-5017 cell