As 2024 ends, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the top four stories that shaped Mobile and the Gulf Coast this year. From transformative announcements to encouraging statistics, these moments will have a lasting impact on our region’s growth and vitality. Here’s our roundup of the top four local news stories that defined 2024—each shaping the future of our community in meaningful ways.
Mobile announces new entertainment center to replace civic center.
Mobile’s Civic Center was built in 1964, and after 60 years of Mardi Gras balls, concerts, graduations, sports, and a multitude of other events, the building was at the end of its usable life. In March, the city of Mobile announced a new entertainment district would replace the Civic Center. Redevelopment of older commercial buildings and properties is a great sign of an area’s economic confidence! Read more at this link.
Austal announces two expansions.
The Mobile area has great reason for confidence in a booming future, with a large economic base that continues to expand. Austal, an international shipbuilder and one of the largest employers in Mobile county, announced not one but two distinct additions to their facilities: an additional waterfront assembly line and a submarine module manufacturing facility.
Baldwin County cities are among fastest growing in the nation
Across the bay, Baldwin County is also experiencing a lot of growth, with the Daphne/Foley/Fairhope metro area ranking in the top 10 fastest growing metros in the United States. All the growth in both Mobile and Baldwin counties makes sense when you realize that Alabama was listed as one of the top places to do business by Area Development Magazine!
Mobile marks substantial GDP and job growth in recent years
Data released in December 2024 shows that Mobile saw an impressive growth rate in both Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment from 2020 to 2023. Mobile County was the second-highest producing county in Alabama, bringing in 17% of Alabama’s total GDP! Mobile also saw significant job growth over the past year as well; read more at this link.
From business expansions to population growth to a widening variety of entertainment options, Alabama’s Gulf Coast is booming. These four big moments from 2024 capture only a small piece of the exciting things happening in Mobile and Baldwin counties. As our founder, Blacksher White-Spunner, said often before his passing this year, Mobile is in her golden era! Now is a great time to invest in our region, so if you’re looking for commercial real estate along the Gulf Coast, give the team at White-Spunner Realty a call.
