STATEMENT BY MAYOR SANDY STIMPSON - Mobile Civic Center
Jan 29th, 2015
Over the last several weeks there has been escalating conversation and speculation about the future of the Mobile Civic Center and its connected venues (Theater and Expo Hall).As Mayor, my responsibility to the citizens is to be a steward of their tax money while ensuring Mobile continues to grow as a vibrant city filled with opportunities for all of our citizens.
The Civic Center complex is over 50 years old and has served our community well. However, the cost of keeping this aging and deteriorating complex open is approximately $2 million dollars a year. It would cost nearly $20 million to bring it into ADA compliance and nearly $40 million to bring it up to modern standards. It is my opinion that the city cannot afford to continue to prolong the inevitable redevelopment of this complex -- redevelopment through a strong public-private partnership. Such a partnership will limit the cost burden to the city while realizing the benefit of the limitless possibilities that could emerge on the site.
I am sensitive to the fact that the Civic Center complex is home to many important annual events and to organizations such as Mardi Gras Societies, the Mobile Opera, Mobile Ballet, Distinguished Young Women and the Mobile International Festival. These organizations are important contributors to the quality of life we have in Mobile for both our citizens and guests. The city is committed to working with these and other organizations to minimize the inconvenience of a pending transition, but also to realize through a thoughtful planning process how we can better serve our arts and culture community. Organizations can maintain their use of the Civic Center complex until April 24, 2016.
With the cooperation of the City Council, it is my vision that the City of Mobile will pursue the following notional time schedule in addressing the future of the Civic Center complex:
- Spring 2015 Issue/Receive a Request for Expression of Interest
- Summer 2015 Community Conversations
- Summer/Fall 2015 Issue/Receive a Request for Proposal
- Winter/Spring 2016 Award Contract
- April 24, 2016 Civic Center Closes