Arena-sized venue is demolition target in Alabama

Work on a major demolition project in Mobile, Alabama, may begin soon, depending on a vote this week by city councilmembers there.

According to WALA-TV, Council will vote on a $4.3 million contract that would approve Warners, New York-based Sabre Demolition Corp. to proceed with demolishing the Mobile Civic Center.

Sabre says its "extensive" experience in the demolition industry allow it to provide clients with both traditional and innovative project methodologies.

A Sabre project from 2005 was reported on by Construction & Demolition Recycling when the firm dismantled an iron ore production complex in a remote part of New York state while using hydraulic attachments to harvest 6,000 tons of recyclable steel.

In Mobile, the existing Civic Center complex includes an 11,000-seat sports and concert venue built in the 1960s as well as an adjacent smaller theater and an expo hall.

According to the WALA-TV, Council also will receive a resolution that would approve design work by Montgomery, Alabama-based Goodwyn, Mills and Caywood (GMC) representing first steps in building a replacement Mobile Civic Center complex.

The original 400,000 square foot complex opened in July 1964 and has been in nearly continual use year-round by hosting conventions, meetings, concerts and other performing arts displays and sporting events.

Regarding the complex designed to replace the 60-year-old original iteration, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson announced plans in March to construct a new, "world-class" entertainment destination suited for concerts, family shows and sporting events.

GMC's design will include multiple features to provide elevated experiences, including retail spaces, luxury suites, VIP clubs, premium seating and more, as well as flexible layout options to accommodate a range of activities, from smaller shows to events with 10,000 spectators.

The venue also will be designed to host professional hockey, ice skating, sporting events at all levels, concerts and live performances.

According to the firm, the city originally had planned to renovate the existing decades-old civic center.

“However, after in-depth assessments and planning with leading industry experts, it was determined that construction of a new arena designed to meet modern standards will create a better, more sustainable and longer-lasting facility to serve the region for years to come,” GMC adds.

GMC is working with Kansas City, Missouri-based Populous as the design architect, adding the two companies have a "successful history" of working together, most recently on the design of Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.

“Contingent upon the timely approval of necessary contracts, demolition should begin [this] August, and construction of the new facility would start in February of 2025,” GMC says.

With a two-year construction timeline, the new Civic Center is estimated to open in time for the 2027 Mobile Mardi Gras season. “Just in time to do what the city of Mobile does best—celebrate," GMC says.