Council Approves Bay Break Building Demo Plan

Fairhope, Alabama



June 2020

Proposed multi-use building.




TO BECOME 'PIER STREET MARKET'

The city council unanimously approved the site plan for a three story multi-use (commercial/residential) building where the former Bay Break Grocery building now stands (corner Mobile and Pier Streets); the Planning Commission approved the plan as well earlier in the year.

Constructed mostly of clay city tile, many locals remember it as 'Monk Green's' store.

The street sign is to remain as homage to the old structure by owner Wise Properties, LLC.


CITY STILL LACKS PRESERVATION INCENTIVES

The city currently has no official preservation incentives in place even though the historic preservation committee has made numerous proposals over the years (click).

All current city leaders oppose the committee's latest proposal as well.


Comments

Anonymous said…
Then maybe we need a new mayor and council who will get behind preservation for a change?
Anonymous said…
Perhaps the space could better serve this community as a convalescent facility.
Anonymous said…
Maybe we need another huge white structure like so many popping up downtown?
Anonymous said…
Has there ever been a construction project the council DIDN'T approve? My guess is 95% fly through.
Anonymous said…
I am pretty sure that this property is privately owned and it's doubtful that the City or anyone else would purchase such a small parcel that would need to be multi-story for a convalescent home.
Anonymous said…
Not a fan!
Anonymous said…
I think they should build it 5 stories tall!
Anonymous said…
Tear it down. Build brand new. Good ole' boys. Follow the money. #thefairhopeway
Unknown said…
Do destroy this building! Leave it alone and let someone open it as the building is. It could be a cute gift shop with unique things in it for locals and tourist to buy and take back home at a memory of Fairhope.
Known said…
"Do destroy this building! Leave it alone and let someone open it as the building is. It could be a cute gift shop with unique things in it for locals and tourist to buy and take back home at a memory of Fairhope."

I'm sure that they'll accept an offer well above appraisal. So, please invest your money, take all the risk, and wear the crown of our righteous savior.

Anonymous said…
Why demolish it? And new building plan is ugly. That place would be a great café and could also serve gourmet ice cream. Ideal spot to stop before or after a walk by the bay.
Anonymous said…
Another ugly structure by Wise. How about some good building design appropriate for the area? Who approves Wise ugly structures?
Anonymous said…
I grew up and still live 2 blocks from here and have seen all it's changes since 1956. A dream of mine when it was last for sale was to put in a coffee shop just like the Coffee Loft. But I'm not a rich man. What a great neighborhood hang out it would have been. BTW the area (on old city maps) is officially called Magnolia Beach not the fruit and nut section some real estate agent named it many years ago.
Unknown said…
Probably but what we need immediately is a new planning commission who are preservation minded and aesthetically inclined and not prone to arguments about how new sites will contribute economically. We need to make quality of life #1 in any decision. Again you want to put what on .20 acres!