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Downtown Mobile Today, Mobile, AL (2025)

12/26/2025

NEW BIKE SHOP SET TO OPEN
As first reported in September, a new retail bicycle shop is rolling into downtown Mobile. Azalea City Bicycle Company will open at 107 Dauphin St., nestled between Mobile’s House of Vintage and Soul Kiss Vintage, adding another locally owned storefront to the heart of the district.

We’ll be sitting down with owners Chris Thistlewaite and Jesse Hutmaker soon to share more about the concept, offerings, and when the doors are expected to open. More details coming shortly. Stay turned!

12/25/2025

COMMENT: ON THE WATERFRONT
Downtown Mobile is rarely standing still. In just the past few years, the city has seen the relocation of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facilities, the demolition of the aging Civic Center, construction work on a new downtown arena, and the launch of million-dollar optimization projects along St. Louis Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Now, attention is shifting east — to the waterfront.

In recent media interviews, new Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis has outlined a vision to further transform downtown Mobile’s waterfront into a walkable, people-oriented destination centered on restaurants, shops, bars, and entertainment. It is an idea that builds on decades of public investment along the riverfront, but also signals a push for more private development and stronger connections to the rest of downtown.

At the core of the mayor’s vision:

• Calming and potentially reducing traffic on Water Street to improve safety and walkability

• Redesigning the Water and Dauphin streets intersection to better connect downtown and the waterfront

• Using the ongoing engineering study as a framework for long-term redevelopment

• Encouraging private investment to complement existing public waterfront assets

• Advancing mixed-use developments such as River Walk Plaza near the convention center

• Concentrating new food and entertainment options south of the Alabama Cruise Terminal

• Creating a waterfront task force to develop a master plan and identify underused shoreline properties

• Leveraging changes tied to the I-10 Mobile Bridge and Bayway project to open land for future development

• Reinforcing Mobile’s identity as a city shaped by its access to the water
It is an ambitious roadmap — one that would not be realized overnight, but rather unfold over decades. Still, it raises an important question about what kind of waterfront Mobile wants and who it should serve.

What do you think of the mayor’s vision for the waterfront? Do you have ideas of your own for the area? We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the Comment section.

(Commentary by Downtown Mobile Today)

12/25/2025

A BIG FIXER-UPPER
A long-vacant historic home in Downtown Mobile’s De Tonti Square Historic District has officially come on the market, offering a rare full-restoration opportunity on one of the city’s most architecturally significant streets.

The property, located at 307 N. Jackson St., is a Gulf Coast Victorian residence with strong Italianate influence that for decades operated as the Saint James Lodge. It is being offered for sale for the first time in generations and is described as one of the last largely untouched historic homes on the block.

Surrounded by extensively restored residences, the home retains many original architectural features, including tall ceilings, fireplaces, wood trim, a central staircase, transoms, double galleries, and tall windows. While the structure requires extensive renovation and is being sold as-is, its scale, historic integrity, and location are considered significant by preservation advocates and real estate professionals.

The existing layout includes two bedrooms, a kitchen and living room on the main level, and a large flex or loft-style space upstairs with an oversized closet. The property’s proportions and original detailing make it a candidate for a comprehensive historic restoration, a reimagined single-family residence, or other adaptive reuse, subject to zoning and regulatory approvals.

The home is located minutes from Downtown Mobile, Mardi Gras parade routes, the Africatown Cultural District, Bishop State Community College, and ongoing waterfront and core-area redevelopment projects. De Tonti Square is among Mobile’s most historically important neighborhoods and is known for its concentration of restored 19th-century homes.

The seller has priced the property to reflect the scope of work required. Buyers are advised to independently verify square footage, zoning, and renovation requirements.

Real estate observers note that opportunities to acquire unrenovated historic properties of this scale and prominence in the Downtown core have become increasingly scarce, making 307 N. Jackson St. a notable addition to the market as revitalization continues in surrounding areas.

Listed by:
Hanna Rudzinsky 251-586-7786,
Revitalize Realty LLC

12/25/2025

SPIRO: SAENGER SHOWS R FOR U
“Mobilians already know the Saenger Theater is a special place, but I’m excited to share that the historic venue recently earned recognition on the global stage,” Mobile mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said in his Christmas Eve newsletter.

“According to Pollstar’s final 2025 year-end rankings, the Saenger was named one of the world’s 200 best venues for ticket sales and box office performance. That recognition reflects the strong lineup of concerts, comedy shows, family entertainment, and local events we saw in 2025, including performances by ZZ Top, Anne Wilson, Boosie and more.”

“Looking ahead, I’m excited for what our partnership with Oak View Group will mean for the future of the Saenger Theater. Shows already booked for 2026 include Pat Benatar, NEEDTOBREATHE, and 2 Chainz and Piles, among many others.”

You can find the 2026 show that’s right for you at the following link:

https://www.mobilecivicctr.com/events/venue/saenger-theatre

12/25/2025

TODAY IN DOWNTOWN MOBILE
📅 THURSDAY, DEC. 25, 2025
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Restaurants open include LODA Bier Garten and Le Moyne's Chophouse. Bars include Stables, Alchemy, Brickyard, O’Daly’s and Hayley’s.
⛪ Christmas Day Services at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 9 a.m.
🎹 Live Piano Music in The Living Room at the Admiral Hotel, 5–8 p.m.
💄 “So You Think You Can Drag?” at B-Bob’s, 9:30 p.m.
🎸 Gabe Willis Band LIVE at Brickyard Dauphin Street, 9 p.m.

📅 FRIDAY, DEC. 26, 2025
🎸 Gabe Willis and Emily Stuckey LIVE at Fairhope Brewing Mobile, 6 p.m.
🎹 Live Piano Music in The Living Room at the Admiral Hotel, 6–9 p.m.
🎸 James “Milkshake” Patterson LIVE at Royal Street Tavern, 6:30 p.m.
🎧 Karaoke with DJ Mojo at Slurp Society, 7 p.m.
🎉 Friday Night Live at Gulf City Lodge, 7 p.m.–12 a.m. Party vibes with karaoke.
🎤 Beamin & TimOG supported by Nmbgjay / pete. / King TG / DJ Wermzer LIVE at Soul Kitchen Music Hall, 8 p.m.
🎹 Dueling Pianos LIVE at The Electric Piano Parlor, 8 p.m.
🎸 The Replacements LIVE at Veet’s Bar, 9 p.m.
🎸 Lee Yankie & The Secret Stash LIVE at Brickyard Dauphin Street, 10 p.m.
🎙️ Karaoke at Alchemy Tavern, 10 p.m.
💄 Drag Shows at B-Bob’s, 9:30 and 11:30 p.m.
🎤 Late Night Karaoke at Gabriel’s Downtown, 12 a.m.

📅 SATURDAY, DEC. 27, 2025
🥞 The Dauphin Street Stompers LIVE at Bob’s Diner, 9 a.m.
🎸 James “Milkshake” Patterson LIVE at Royal Street Tavern, 6:30 p.m.
🎭 The Dude Cave: Live Sketch Comedy LIVE at the Crescent Theater, 7 p.m. The dude cave is a sketch and character comedy hub, made up of mainly women. Maybe the dude was the cave all along.
🔥 The Mobtown Throwdown Vol. III: Krampus Edition LIVE at Soul Kitchen Music Hall, 7 p.m. Featuring Deathen, Meniscus, Crown Ov Decay, Seditious Deceit, Downer850, and Icon.
🎶 Symone French LIVE at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, 7 p.m.
🎤 Karaoke Night at Iron Hand Brewing, 7 p.m.
🎭Comedy Night at Oyster City Mobile, 8 p.m. Featuring Brandon Haynes, Peyton Clarkson and Aaron Kizer. Hosted by Carson Taylor.
🎹 Dueling Pianos LIVE at The Electric Piano Parlor, 8 p.m.
🎸 By The Way LIVE at Veet’s Bar, 9 p.m.
🎸 Nerf The World LIVE at Brickyard Dauphin Street, 10 p.m.
🎙️ Karaoke at Alchemy Tavern, 10 p.m.
🎤 Late Night Karaoke at Gabriel’s Downtown, 12 a.m.

📅 SUNDAY, DEC. 28, 2025
🎬 Lyfe Amongst The Waters: A Jerod D. Taylor Film at the Crescent Theater, 7 p.m. Lyfe Amongst the Waters follows Isaiah Lyfe, a young boy growing up in New York after being adopted by his aunt. With a scholarship in hand and questions about his past, he reaches out to the foster care system that once raised him and sets out on a journey to find his biological parents.
🎄John Coltrane Electronic Christmas Party LIVE at The Brickyard on Dauphin Street, 8 p.m. Get an electric finish to the Christmas Weekend with the John Coltrane Electronic Christmas Party, featuring Chris Spies, Blair Shotts, Kateri Farrel, John Milham, and Christopher Spies.

🌀 WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
🎲 BINGO NIGHTS: Tuesday at Moe’s (7 p.m.) and B-Bob’s (9:30 & 11:30 p.m.) | Wednesday at O'Daly's (6 p.m.) and Oyster City Mobile (7 p.m.) and Flip Side (8 & 9:30 p.m.)
🧠 TRIVIA NIGHTS: Tuesday at Nova Espresso (6 p.m.) and Stables Bar (7:30 p.m.) | Wednesday the Outsider (6 p.m.), Braided River Brewing and The Insider (7 p.m.) | Thursday at Fairhope Brewing Mobile, Blind Mule, Iron Hand Brewing, and Oyster City Mobile (7 p.m.)
🎮 GAME NIGHTS: Monday Night Mayhem at Alchemy Tavern, 9 p.m. | Board Games Wednesday at Iron Hand Brewing, 7 p.m.
🏃 RUNNING GROUPS: Old Mobile at Iron Hand on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. | Downtown Runners at Braided River on Thursdays at 6 p.m. | Saturday at 6:30 a.m. at Nova Espresso.

12/25/2025

🎺 GOOD MORNING DOWNTOWN MOBILE!
📅 Thursday, December 25, 2025
🌁 WEATHER FORECAST: Areas of fog early, then mostly sunny and mild. High 72°F, low 56°F. Winds light and variable.
🌅 Sunrise: 6:47 AM
🌇 Sunset: 4:57 PM

CALENDAR: Day 359 of the year – 6 days remaining in 2025

National Observances
🎄 Christmas Day
🥧 National Pumpkin Pie Day
🔤 A’Phabet Day (No “L” Day)
🐦 Christmas Bird Count Week
🚫 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

On This Day in History
🏛️ 352: First official Christmas mass celebrated in Rome
👑 800: Charlemagne crowned Emperor of the Romans
⚔️ 1066: William the Conqueror crowned King of England
🕊️ 1914: The Christmas Truce halts WWI fighting
🌍 1991: Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as President of the Soviet Union
Notable Births (Chronological Order)
👑 1250: John IV Doukas Laskaris, emperor of Nicaea
👸 1461: Christina of Saxony, queen consort
👑 1505: Christine of Saxony, noblewoman
🎼 1583: Orlando Gibbons, English composer
👑 1584: Margaret of Austria, queen consort
🎹 1601: José Ximénez, Spanish composer
✝️ 1624: Angelus Silesius, German mystic
🎨 1628: Noël Coypel, French painter
🇵🇰 1876: Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan
🎬 1899: Humphrey Bogart, American actor
🇪🇬 1918: Anwar Sadat, Egyptian president
🎸 1946: Jimmy Buffett, American singer
📊 1950: Karl Rove, political consultant
🎧 1977: Ethan Kath, Canadian musician
⚾ 1995: Enyel De Los Santos, MLB pitcher

🌇 Enjoy your Christmas in Downtown Mobile!

12/25/2025

JESUS IS BORN: Midnight Christmas service at the Cathedral-Basilica Of The Immaculate Conception.

12/25/2025

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM DOWNTOWN MOBILE TODAY

(The image for the card is from one of the many holiday-themed murals Elizabeth LaForce Art & Design did around downtown this season)

12/24/2025

PROVIDING A LIFT: Representatives of RH HomeCare & Transport Services were at Cathedral Square Park today offering free meals to the public as a way of giving back to the community.

12/24/2025

DOWNTOWN’S TOP 2025 STORIES
To identify Downtown Mobile’s top story of 2025, there is no need to look any farther than 11 S. Water Street — home to Amtrak’s Mobile Mardi Gras Service.

Passenger rail service returned to the Gulf Coast in August, marking the first time in two decades that trains once again rolled into Mobile. Since then, thousands of riders have passed through the downtown station, bringing new visitors into the city and earning consistently high satisfaction marks for the service.

Second on the list of top stories is construction of the new Mobile Arena. Ground was broken late last winter, and the project remains on track for an early 2027 opening. Month after month, visible progress has fueled excitement as the structure steadily rises, offering a tangible glimpse of a major addition to the downtown skyline.

The 2025 Mobile municipal election ranks third, largely because it brought significant leadership change. Voters elected Spiro Cheriogotis as mayor — the city’s first new mayor in 12 years — along with Samantha Ingram as the new District 2 city councilmember.

Cheriogotis’ election also marked the end of Sandy Stimpson’s tenure as mayor after three terms. During his time in office, Stimpson oversaw sweeping and often transformative changes across downtown.

Next is the closing of a long-standing downtown fixture. Hoffman Furniture Co., which had operated in the 400 block of Dauphin Street for nearly 90 years, shut its doors over the summer. A renovation and revitalization of the group of buildings, stretching back to Conti Street, is expected to begin next year.

The year also brought the retirement of downtown business icon Jerry Ehlen and the sale of his longtime establishment, B-Bob’s.

Several notable relocations reshaped the downtown map. The Frenchmen moved from North Jackson Street to 222 Dauphin, while Crown Hall Events Center relocated from Broad and Dauphin to a larger space on St. Louis Street, across from The Cheese Cottage. New event centers also opened at 350 and 316 Dauphin Street.

Alabama Music Box returned to the local entertainment scene with a new home at 659 Conti Street.

The historic Crescent Theater on Dauphin Street reopened as well — first operating primarily as a movie venue before evolving into a hybrid space featuring comedy and live music.

A new Dunkin’ restaurant opened at 62 South Royal Street, sharing space beneath the Hampton Inn and Suites with Jimmy John’s, which was already operating at the location.

The Hall of Fame Walk debuted in front of the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. The installation features large bronze statues honoring Mobile natives inducted into professional sports halls of fame, including baseball legends Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Billy Williams, Ozzie Smith, and Willie McCovey, along with NFL Hall of Famer Robert Brazile. The walk celebrates both individual achievement and the city’s deep sports heritage.

Deerfish Distilling opened on Government Street, becoming Mobile’s first craft distillery. Its flagship product is Fish Hook, a vodka seltzer.

An expansion project also got underway across from the Ice Box Bar on Monroe Street, where a former ice storage warehouse is being converted into an oyster bar.

Vintage retail gained momentum downtown with the opening of several shops, including Mobile’s House of Vintage, Soul Kiss Vintage, and Vintage Verb, all clustered toward the lower end of Dauphin Street.

Multiple downtown development projects moved into early planning stages following submissions made this year. Proposals include mixed-use apartment buildings on Congress and St. Louis streets, a bank and a Greer’s ACE Hardware on St. Louis, a five-story hotel on St. Francis Street, and six townhomes on North Franklin Street.

The business landscape received a major boost with the October opening of Gulf Distributing Company’s new headquarters downtown.

The Mobile Carnival Museum completed a comprehensive internal renovation and began planning a $1.5 million expansion. All 19 galleries were refurbished from floor to ceiling, featuring fresh paint, upgraded lighting, and restored flooring.

Street and public-realm improvements accelerated across downtown. The city advanced its Downtown Street Optimization program — including the conversion of St. Joseph Street and removal of selected traffic signals — and launched reconstruction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue under a Complete Streets framework designed to add on-street parking, enhance pedestrian and bicycle access, and calm traffic.

Crime declined overall during the year, though that positive trend was tempered by an increase in aggravated assaults. The year also included a tragic domestic violence-related shooting at the Saenger Theatre during a children’s dance competition, resulting in one fatality.

Those are our top stories of 2025. Did we miss anything? Drop your choices in the Comment section.

12/24/2025

REAL ESTATE TODAY: WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING
By Chrissi Moore, Roberts Brothers ~ Your Local Expert
(EDITOR’S NOTE: “Real Estate Today” is a new weekly column by Chrissi Moore focusing on the Downtown/Midtown real estate market)

As we move through the Christmas season in Downtown Mobile, the city feels both reflective and hopeful. Lights are up, events are filling the calendar, and conversations are naturally turning toward what’s ahead in the new year. It’s also a good moment to pause and look honestly at what the real estate market is telling us right now.

Downtown has always moved differently from the rest of Mobile, and that difference is especially clear as we close out the year.

DOWNTOWN/MIDTOWN MARKET UP CLOSE
While the City of Mobile overall has shown improvement this year, Downtown and Midtown ZIP codes have not shared equally in that growth. Citywide, the average home price (year over year) has increased by 10%, signaling a generally healthy and active market.

However, Midtown tells a more complex story. In ZIP code 36604, average home prices have declined by 29.7% (yoy), a significant contrast that reflects shifting buyer behavior rather than a lack of interest in the area itself.

Homes that are well-positioned, thoughtfully updated, and priced with intention are still selling. Others, particularly those needing major work or priced based on past market conditions, are facing longer days on market and more scrutiny from buyers.

WHAT BUYERS ARE ASKING
Downtown buyers are approaching purchases with clarity and caution. The most common questions I hear include:

• Does this home’s price reflect today’s market reality?
• Am I buying charm - or a project?
• Does this Downtown lifestyle truly fit my everyday life?
• How is the parking?

Buyers aren’t avoiding Downtown — they’re being more selective about how they enter it.

HOW THIS IMPACTS MOBILE OVERALL
Citywide growth often pushes buyers outward, but Downtown/Midtown behaves differently. As prices rise across Mobile, Downtown buyers expect value to be clearly justified by location, walkability, condition, and lifestyle.

What we’re seeing in Downtown also extends into Midtown, Oakleigh, and nearby historic districts — areas that share similar housing stock, historic character, and buyer considerations. As prices rise across the broader City of Mobile, these central ZIP codes are being evaluated through a more discerning lens, where condition, insurance costs, walkability, and long-term livability matter just as much as location. Rather than moving in isolation, Downtown and Midtown are moving together, reflecting a shared recalibration within Mobile’s historic and urban core.

THE LOCAL REALITY CHECK
Downtown Mobile isn’t struggling; it’s recalibrating. And a decline in average price doesn’t mean a decline in demand. It means buyers are setting firmer boundaries and rewarding homes that are realistic, well-prepared, and true to the Downtown experience.

Downtown doesn’t compete with the suburbs. It succeeds when it leans into authenticity, not when it tries to imitate something it isn’t.

CLOSING THOUGHT
As we enjoy Christmas in Downtown Mobile and look ahead to 2026, this season feels like a reset, both for the market and for the city itself. Downtown continues to evolve, and the coming year will favor clarity, creativity, and new developments coming closer to reality.

And as we ring in the New Year, don’t forget to join one of Mobile’s most beloved traditions, the MoonPie Drop on New Year’s Eve. A reminder that while markets shift, the spirit of Downtown Mobile remains constant.

I’ll be here each week breaking it all down, one Downtown detail at a time.

Merry Christmas Everyone & A Happy New Year!

Chrissi Moore ~ Selling Mobile
with Roberts Brothers and
ADTV Host

PHOTO CAPTION -- Listing of the week: 304 S. Georgia St. Mobile, AL 36604

12/24/2025

DOWNTOWN MOBILE URBAN LIVING
A two-bedroom condominium in the heart of downtown Mobile is now available, offering updated finishes and immediate access to some of the city’s most walkable dining and entertainment options.

Unit No. 1 at 709 Dauphin St. is listed at $369,000 and includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,463 square feet of living space within the Carriage Works Condominiums & Townhomes. The corner unit is located inside a gated community known for its central location and residential character.

The condo has undergone a full remodel and features new hurricane-rated windows throughout, providing increased natural light, energy efficiency, and storm protection. The kitchen is equipped with a gas range, and the unit offers ample closet space.

The primary bathroom is a notable feature, highlighted by detailed tile work that creates a modern, spa-like design. As a corner unit, the residence also benefits from added privacy.

Situated along Dauphin and N. Washington, the property is within steps of popular downtown establishments, including Moe’s Original BBQ, La Delicia Mexican Brunch & Cantina, and The Garage. The location places residents within easy walking distance of restaurants, nightlife, shopping, art galleries, and other downtown attractions.

Buyers are encouraged to verify all information during the due diligence process. Showings are currently available.

www.jpargulfcoast.com/property/207-7694684-709-dauphin-street-1-mobile-AL-36602

Downtown Mobile Today

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