Here’s what the new, $300 million Mobile Civic Center arena could look like

Ahead of a vote next week to demolish the existing Mobile Civic Center, Mobile city officials are releasing what a new, $300 million civic center arena built in its place could look like.

“As we get closer to the proposed demolition, we want to celebrate the Mobile Civic Center’s history while embracing the future,” Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said in a news release. “Demolition will be the first step toward building an incredible new facility that will allow future generations of Mobilians to make new lasting memories with their friends, families and fellow community members.”

Next week, the Mobile City Council will vote to authorize the demolition of the existing civic center, which is 60 years old. The demolition contract with Sabre Demolition Corporation is worth $4.367 million. The council will also vote on a contract amendment to allow design plans to be completed.

As part of Stimpson’s plan to replace the old civic center with a new arena, Goodwyn Mills Cawood and Populous Architects had to complete 60% of the design plans before demolition could be authorized, in order to review costs before moving forward with demolition.

The new civic center arena cost is not to exceed $300 million, up to 56% of which could be borrowed. Stimpson said the new arena is “on budget and on time” after reviewing the 60% design plans.

In addition to completing the design of the new civic center, Goodwyn Mills Cawood will also design the groundwork for future development of the remainder of the site, according to a press release from Stimpson’s office.

Stimpson’s administration released “sneak peek” renderings of the arena now that 60% of the designs have been completed.

These two designs aren’t set in stone: Designs won’t be finalized until 100% of the design work is completed. And since the civic center site lies in the historic Church Street East district, the city’s Architectural Review Board will have final approval over the exterior design of the building.

“I also expect maybe a few changes to some of the elevations after the meeting with the consultants and the administration,” City Councilmember William Carroll said Tuesday. The civic center lies in Carroll’s district. “I think the building overall is really nice, too.”

Demolition of the existing civic center is expected to take place in August; construction on the new civic center arena is expected to begin in February.

The historic mosaics in the current arena will be taken down and preserved during the demolition. They will be reconstructed in the new arena once it’s completed.