When:  Thursday, March 19, 2009

Time:        5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Where:        1104 Old Shell Road

Why:        Historic Renovation

Literally, back from the ashes, the house at 1104 Old Shell Road has been

renovated by Steve May following its rescue by Restore Mobile a committee

of the Mobile Historic Development Commission.  Built on a small lot con-

sidered substandard by today's criteria, the property would have been unbuild-

able if the structure had been lost.

Restore Mobile bought the property on the courthouse steps, settled the tax bill and secured

legal assistance in clearing the title.  The organization did minimum stabilization while restoring

the house next door.  Mr. May bought the structure and spent eight months renovating the

house for resale.  Restore Mobile lost about $5000 on the property but was committed to see-

ing it renovated.

The house is now on the market and will be open for viewing on Thursday, March 19 at 5:00 for

anyone interested in seeing what can be done with a structure that was declared a public

nuisance by the Mobile City Council. 

We informed you recently of utility worker impersonators conning their way into several area homes and stealing valuables.  Unfortunately, we've received a report of a similar instance in another part of town.

On Jan. 29 at around noon, a black male knocked on the door of an elderly woman in West Mobile. He identified himself as working for the water company and said he had several reports of "yellow water" in the area and asked to check the lady's water.  She allowed him in and he helped himself to cash in her purse which happened to be easily accessible and fled the residence.

Please remember the following pointers in order to protect yourself against such crimes.