The first two cities had preservation societies that waged campaigns to save historic landmarks. Entrepreneurs saw the potential and invested in dilapidated houses. City governments were totally on board.
There are some beautiful landmarks in the Port City. But overall, Mobile has done a poor job on historic preservation... more of a "scattered" approach. Much of the damage was done in the '60s, '70s and '80s when the City Commission there failed to pass stricter building codes, essentially ignoring the loss of many historic landmarks and selling much of the waterfront to the Alabama State Docks. I remember reading about the demolition of a house possibly dating back to the 1700s. When I was a child, Government Street was beautiful from downtown to the Loop. Now it's littered with filling stations and fast food restaurants. Visitors who passed through the city used to lament about the terrible transformation.
But you can't change the past. You have to move forward from where you are. Essentially, it's up to us to first care about historic preservation, then to act. The rewards are great.
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| The Fort Conde Inn is an example of what Mobile, Ala., can do. A house dating back to 1836 was rehabbed into a magnificent bed and breakfast in the Fort Conde Historic District. (Photo provided by the Fort Conde Inn) |
And, actually, it could be I'm being a little bit too hard on Mobile. Nashville could do a much better job as well. Historic preservation in Music City seems to be a lesser priority these days with all the new high rise buildings going up. So many historic buildings have been lost over the years. As as far as trees go, there's no comparison. Much of Broadway, West End, Church and Charlotte remain treeless.
One bit of good news for Mobile. A house dating back to 1836 has been rehabbed into the magnificent Fort Conde Inn. Check out the photos at The Mobile Press Register:
http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2014/06/cool_spaces_everything_old_is.html
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