39 replies to this topic

[Southron]

A thread for news, projects and construction in Dothan and the Wiregrass Region of Southeast Alabama.

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I-10 Connector

Alabama portion of the proposed I-10 connector -- from US 231 in Dale County through Geneva and Houston Counties to the Florida line:

[Southron]

Downtown dining renaissance continues

British native Paul Fripp will open his "Bistro" restaurant on April 19th at the North Foster Street site of the former Gracie’s cafe.  Fripp bought the building and the next door lot, which has been converted to outdoor seating with brick flooring and a fountain.  

The Bistro is the latest restaurant to locate in the central downtown area — joining The Basketcase Cafe, Hook’s Barbecue, La Le, Foster Street Coffee House and Serafino.  Fripp said he wanted to open the restaurant downtown because of the atmosphere, something that can't be replicated out on the Circle.


Dothan Eagle article

[HSVTiger]

ExpatBaman, on Apr 9 2007, 01:49 PM, said:

A thread for news, projects and construction in Dothan and the Wiregrass Region of Southeast Alabama.

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I-10 Connector

Alabama portion of the proposed I-10 connector -- from US 231 in Dale County through Geneva and Houston Counties to the Florida line:

boy it really bypasses Dothan, I remember they were having intense debates on the pros and cons of having it go downtown.
Don't know all the details but it sure would seem better for Dothan if it did.

[DruidCity]

The largest retail project I'm aware of down there is the Dothan Pavilion:
http://www.thomasent...rties/al1-1.asp

[Southron]

HSVTiger, on Apr 9 2007, 03:53 PM, said:

boy it really bypasses Dothan, I remember they were having intense debates on the pros and cons of having it go downtown.
Don't know all the details but it sure would seem better for Dothan if it did.

I don't see how it could be built inside the circle without a wide swath of politically unlikely demolition, unless it were elevated or something.

This route would intensify the sprawling development to the west, but the impact might not be so bad if there were fewer interchanges.  This is supposed to be an interstate connector and bypass, so I really don't get all the interchanges where it crosses these little podunk roads.  I would can all those interchanges except for US 84, AL Hwy 52, and the ones on US 231.  Otherwise, local traffic will soon clog the connector and defeat the purpose of its existence.

[DruidCity]

Proposed 2,500-acre "Lake Dothan" reservoir :
http://www.lakedothan.org/

[Southron]

Wiregrass Museum of Art Expansion Planned

Atlanta architectural firm Lord, Aeck & Sargent was chosen to design the renovation and expansion of the Wiregrass Museum of Art in downtown Dothan.  The firm's experience with museums and in renovating historic buildings helped seal the deal.

The museum is housed in Dothan’s original light and water building, constructed in 1913.


Dothan Eagle article

[The Dude]

HSVTiger, on Apr 9 2007, 03:53 PM, said:

boy it really bypasses Dothan, I remember they were having intense debates on the pros and cons of having it go downtown.
Don't know all the details but it sure would seem better for Dothan if it did.

The downtown route would have been a major mistake that would have to be rectified in 50 years or so. Cities all around the country are dealing with blight associated with elevated downtown interestate corridors. The elevated roads often act as a wall of sorts that block urban development often causing blight. I was in favor of the eastern route simply b/c it would have boosted the eastern side's development which has been lagging behind the western side for years.

[Southron]

The Dude, on Apr 13 2007, 01:08 PM, said:

The downtown route would have been a major mistake that would have to be rectified in 50 years or so. Cities all around the country are dealing with blight associated with elevated downtown interstate corridors. The elevated roads often act as a wall of sorts that block urban development often causing blight. I was in favor of the eastern route simply b/c it would have boosted the eastern side's development which has been lagging behind the western side for years.

I didn't know that an eastern route was proposed.  As you said, it would have boosted the east side and helped to balance out the development going on.

Some criticism of the proposed bypass is online here.  Thanks for the reservoir link, DruidCity.

[Southron]

Dothan to demolish downtown buildings

The Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Authority will use a $50,000 appropriation from the city to appraise downtown properties that will likely be demolished.  Mayor Pat Thomas said that several downtown buildings are beyond saving, and that the city could create open space and possibly parking by demolishing those buildings.

I don't know what buildings the mayor is referring to, but I question whether due diligence has been done to determine the structural integrity of those buildings.  This smacks of backward 1960's urban renewal.  Downtown Dothan already has too many vacant lots and surface parking lots, and the city certainly doesn't need any more.  

If these buildings really are beyond saving, then the city ought to get replacement projects solidified before they embark on a wholesale knock-down spree.

Dothan Eagle:  City to use $50,000 for downtown property appraisals

[Alabadrock]

ExpatBaman, on Apr 18 2007, 01:35 PM, said:

Dothan to demolish downtown buildings

The Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Authority will use a $50,000 appropriation from the city to appraise downtown properties that will likely be demolished. Mayor Pat Thomas said that several downtown buildings are beyond saving, and that the city could create open space and possibly parking by demolishing those buildings.

I don't know what buildings the mayor is referring to, but I question whether due dilgence has been done to determine the structural integrity of those buildings. This smacks of backward 1960's urban renewal. Downtown Dothan already has too many vacant lots and surface parking lots, and the city certainly doesn't need any more.

If these buildings really are beyond saving, then the city ought to get replacement projects solidified before they embark on a wholesale knock-down spree.

Dothan Eagle: City to use $50,000 for downtown property appraisals

Yea, I like what's going on up here in Decatur.  People have really started buying these old downtown buildings and fixing them up.  I can assure you, there are some buildings that they're talking about that are NOT beyond repair.  A Decatur building had a big fire in it, and they're redoing and re-enforcing the structure.  It's not impossible, you just have to WANT to do it.

[Southron]

Master plan proposed for downtown Dothan

Dothan city commissioners are considering approval of a downtown master plan that includes a new town square at the intersection of Foster and Troy streets. The plan, drafted by the HNTB firm, includes 60 revitalization recommendations, including the new town square, removal of angled parking along Foster Street, a two-level parking deck at the northeast corner of Foster and Troy streets, sidewalk expansions, and enhanced crosswalks for pedestrians.  Public hearings will be held before the city commission votes to formally adopt the plan.

If this is done right, downtown Dothan could really improve over the next few years.  I'd really like to see this master plan.

Dothan Eagle:   Master plan for downtown Dothan includes town square

[Alabadrock]

ExpatBaman, on May 9 2007, 02:06 PM, said:

Master plan proposed for downtown Dothan

Dothan city commissioners are considering approval of a downtown master plan that includes a new town square at the intersection of Foster and Troy streets. The plan, drafted by the HNTB firm, includes 60 revitalization recommendations, including the new town square, removal of angled parking along Foster Street, a two-level parking deck at the northeast corner of Foster and Troy streets, sidewalk expansions, and enhanced crosswalks for pedestrians. Public hearings will be held before the city commission votes to formally adopt the plan.

If this is done right, downtown Dothan could really improve over the next few years. I'd really like to see this master plan.

Dothan Eagle: Master plan for downtown Dothan includes town square

Sounds wonderful.  I like when cities try to recreate a town center.  I'd love to see that happen up here around Decatur.  It'd be beautiful, especially with all the government buildings centered around Lee Street, it'd really connect the area.

[Southron]

Abbeville's WestPoint textile mill is closing after 54 years of operation, costing the city of 2,963 almost 600 jobs.  A company spokesperson said the closing is due to "global restructuring."  WestPoint bought textile companies in Pakistan and Bahrain last year.

AP story

[Southron]

Movie Gallery financial troubles resulted in a 44 percent drop in company stock, and the Dothan-based company may be put up for sale. The company plans to continue cost-cutting efforts, including store closures and consolidations.

Dothan Eagle:  Movie Gallery could be for sale after huge stock drop

[Southron]

The larger cities in the Wiregrass are showing marked growth thus far this decade.  According to 2006 census estimates, Dothan's population increased 10.3% between 2000 and 2006, from 58,071 to 64,053. The population of Enterprise increased 11.6%, from 21,183 in 2000 to 23,653 in July 2006.

Dothan grew by 9.2% between 1990 and 2000. At its current rate, the city is on track to see 15% growth between 2000 and 2010.

Dothan Eagle article

[Southron]

One of Dothan’s largest employers, Pemco World Air Services Inc., is being sold by Pemco Aviation Group Inc. to an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners Inc. for $43 million.  The company, which employs over 850 workers in Dothan, provides heavy maintenance and modification services for commercial aircraft. Pemco bought the Dothan facility in 1986.

Dothan Eagle:  Few changes expected with Pemco sale

[Southron]

The Dothan City Commission will discuss the future of the Dothan Civic Center at a Tuesday meeting.  The civic center, which opened in 1974, is too small and in need of expensive repairs and improvements.  Commissioners may consider replacing the civic center rather than funding repairs.  A recent review by an architect showed that the existing arena cannot be expanded.  According to officials, Dothan missed out on hosting several basketball tournaments because the arena was too small.

Dothan Eagle:  City to discuss civic center's future


Edit:  Dothan city commissioners discussed the civic center, but no one seemed ready to start build a new one.  Dothan Mayor Pat Thomas said he would like to add banquet space to seat 1,000 people on the north side of the building, to free up the arena for more events.

Dothan Eagle:  Commissioners discuss civic center's future

Edited by Southron, 19 July 2007 - 09:17 AM.

[Southron]

A state-of-the-art $18 million library could be a key ingredient in the revitalization of downtown Dothan.  However, a local group that may help fund the project wants a suburban location, with convenient automobile access and parking as their primary concerns.  Hopefully, the main library will remain downtown so that it will be accessible to all, not just those who drive cars.  A satellite library could be opened in a retail location on the circle.

Dothan Eagle:  Location for new library could be swayed by money

[Southron]

The Dothan Planning Commission voted to approve the new downtown master plan, which must now be voted on by the city commission.  The master plan includes recommendations for making downtown more pedestrian-friendly, adding green space, building a parking structure, implementing zoning overlay districts, creating a town square and improving crosswalks.  Branding downtown to create an image as a cultural arts destination was recommended, as well as gateway features to help identify downtown for visitors.

Dothan Eagle:  Board OKs master plan for downtown Dothan