Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com
 |
| September 19, 2026 |
 |
| Hatch's rendering. |
106 S. CHURCH STREET
After over a year's construction by contractor Rogers and Willard, finishing touches are being completed and furniture, equipment, and fixtures are moving in. All should be ready for the new tenant to officially take possession by about October 1st.
The Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (aka Baldwin Alliance) will then complete the interior space to its specifications as well as outdoor courtyards (front and back) in anticipation of a public grand-opening on November 19 for its new small technical business incubator called 'Hatch.'
The city's cost for the renovation was $6.1 million -- but $3.1 million of that was covered by federal grants. (The city paid $4 million to the Baldwin Board of Education for the property in 2019.)
From a May 2025 FT report:
"The city council ... passed an ordinance declaring the old K-1
building itself at 106 S. Church Street "not needed for public/municipal
purposes" -- and leasing it to the Baldwin County Economic Development
Foundation, Inc for use as a technology "business incubator and
innovation hub" called HATCH.
The term of the lease is 15 years, at $1 per year.
From the BCEDF website: "Hatch Fairhope is a business incubator, startup accelerator, and coworking space in Fairhope, Alabama. Founded with the goal of fostering innovation and economic growth, Hatch Fairhope is supported by the City of Fairhope, Coastal Alabama Community College, and the Baldwin Community and Economic Development Foundation (BCEDF). The BCEDF is a member of the Innovate Alabama Network, which positions Hatch Fairhope as one of the state’s leaders in nurturing Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem ... ."
A recent tour of the unfinished building by Hatch representatives may be found here (click).
 |
| Sept. 13, 2026. |