For the past six months we've been optimistic (some would say naively) that Mobile would weather the 
current recession better than most communities. Last week Forbes confirmed that view, by naming Mobile one of the "Best Cities in America for Recession Recovery." This designation is not much comfort if you have been laid off or your company is facing difficulties, but if we continue to embrace a diversified economy (health care, education, shipbuilding and aerospace) the worst may be behind us.
Meanwhile, major announcements continue to set a remarkable pace in Downtown Mobile. Birmingham hotel developer Mike Cowart, who finished the new Hampton Inn in record time, has announced his plans for the site of the American National Building at St. Joseph and St. Louis Streets. Once again in partnership with the Edmonds family, he'll be building an 81-room Candlewood Suites Hotel, designed for the extended stay business traveler. He plans to break ground in early August, and if experience is any indication, business travelers will be able to rest their weary heads well before the end of next year. The project will feature such energy saving innovations as a solar-heated saltwater pool and solar panels to help heat water used by hotel staff.
In other development news:
- The 350 block of Dauphin is getting to be quite the concentration of creative energy. Joining Hernandez-Calhoun International Design and the Story Company ad agency on that block is the office of Wellborn Ideas. Stacy Wellborn specializes in direct marketing campaigns and internet based marketing, and has already been involved in some great downtown campaigns.
The Riverview Office Tower is now fully leased with the addition of Alion Science and Technology, a defense contractor. The office with 40 employees took the remaining space on the 9th floor.
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