Downtown Fairhope Growth?

Alabama Economy Proposed shopping complex in downtown Fairhope could jump-start sagging economy

by Pat Peterson

Published: Mon, January 05, 2009 - 6:34 pm CST Last Updated: Mon, January 05, 2009 - 6:37 pm CST

Linda Baham's downtown boutique struggled during the Christmas holiday season.

"Business was slow more than I thought during the holidays."

The Fairhope businesswoman hopes 2009 will be a profitable one. Baham believes a proposed retail and office complex that could be built near her shop would help.

"I think it'll bring renewed interest in downtown Fairhope," says Baham. "We have a lot of visitors from out of state and out of town and I think they're going to realize Fairhope is the place to shop."

A local developer wants to turn this vacant lot into an attractive, European style shopping area...highlighted with winding walkways, gardens and water fountains. The 13-unit development is still in the planning stages, but the developer already has at least one tenant committed to the project.

Concerns regarding the rapid growth and change in Fairhope have been raised, but city officials insist the project will not threaten the charm and character of the downtown area.

"I think something like that could be beneficial," says Jonathan Smith with the City of Fairhope Planning and Development Department. "When we do any project review we certainly try to make sure the integrity of the project is up to what the citizens of Fairhope expect."

If approved, construction on the project could begin in just a few months.

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