Mobile, Ala. – The Burton Group, the developer behind the Riverwalk Plaza project, released updated renderings Wednesday that show a dramatically larger vision for the downtown waterfront. The new design calls for a 33‑story, 418‑foot mixed‑use tower that would become the city’s third‑tallest building, just six feet shy of the RSA Trustmark Building.
Project scope and amenities
The expanded Riverwalk Plaza will feature a full‑service hotel, luxury condominium residences, Class A office space, dining venues, retail shops, event facilities and additional riverfront amenities. According to the developer, a one‑bedroom condo will start at $790,000, with buyers able to register for units beginning at 8 a.m. on Nov. 12 by placing a refundable $5,000 deposit. The deposit secures a price below the expected market value, the company said.
City council action and timeline
Mobile City Council voted Tuesday to extend the city’s purchase option on the riverfront property until October 2027, giving the Burton Group additional time to move from design and engineering into sales and pre‑construction activities. The council’s decision follows a missed deadline by the developer to begin construction by the end of last year, a delay that had raised questions about the project’s viability.
Developer’s rationale
Philip Burton, president and CEO of the Burton Group, said the redesign reflects extensive market research and ongoing conversations with the City of Mobile, the State of Alabama and the Alabama Port Authority. “These updated project plans and the launch of condo registration mark a major milestone for this project,” Burton said. “We are appreciative of the strong support from the City of Mobile as we work to deliver this transformative landmark on our downtown riverfront.”
Local leadership response
Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis expressed enthusiasm for the announcement, calling the condo availability “fantastic” and emphasizing the importance of financial viability for the development. “I can’t wait to see the response from the community and to see that tower built because it will truly be a centerpiece of our waterfront,” the mayor said.
Community and economic impact
Local business leader John Brett, managing member and former president of Brett/Robinson, described Riverwalk Plaza as “an important investment in Mobile’s future and a truly unique opportunity for homebuyers.” The project is expected to generate construction jobs, create permanent positions in hospitality and retail, and increase tax revenue for the city.
Next steps
Prospective buyers can begin registering for condos on Nov. 12, and the Burton Group plans to move forward with sales and pre‑construction work shortly thereafter. The extended purchase option gives the city and developer additional flexibility to align financing, permitting and market timing before breaking ground.
As Mobile continues to pursue downtown revitalization, the Riverwalk Plaza tower stands out as a bold addition that could reshape the city’s skyline and bolster its reputation as a vibrant riverfront destination.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
