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Mobile, Ala. — The City of Mobile will be starting extensive renovations in historic Bienville Square beginning Monday, Aug. 22, which will require the park to be closed to the public for several months.
On Monday, Aug. 21, contractors will begin putting up fencing around the perimeter of Bienville Square to ensure the safety of the public while construction is actively underway. That process should take approximately three days. Full renovations will begin shortly after the fence is in place.
This $3.2 million project will make improvements throughout the interior of the park, including upgraded lighting, walkways, bluestone pavers, landscaping, and the addition of a seat wall. It will also include the installation of Ketchum Fountain, which has recently been restored and upgraded.
"Bienville Square is one of the most recognizable locations in Mobile and one of the primary gathering spaces in our historic downtown," Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. "We are very excited to begin these improvements and can't wait to see a revitalized Ketchum Fountain back in the center of this beautiful park. Once this project is completed, Mobilians and downtown stakeholders will like what they see."
These renovations are being funded through the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, which has funded transformational projects throughout the downtown area for decades. Local contractor JPayne Organization LLC will be leading the project on behalf of the City of Mobile.
The project is projected to reach substantial completion by the end of 2023, though some aspects of the planned improvements may not be fully completed until early 2024. The City of Mobile will reopen Bienville Square to the public as soon as it can be accessed safely. We appreciate everyone's patience while these improvements to the park are being made throughout the next several months.