Gulf Shores planning new arts center

GULF SHORES, Ala. - City Councilman Steve Jones looks over the plans for the new Beach Cite Arts Facility planned for Gulf Shores.

The center will be 6,700 square feet and will host a recording studio, culinary arts room, and even a performing arts stage and it will cost $800,000.

Jones says its a good investment. "That is something that is valuable to every community. Where you don't have arts, I think people lose vision and things start to suffer," he said.

But there's some controversy involved in the building of this project. An acre of pine trees sits on the property. Jones said some people are worried about the number of trees that will be saved during construction.

"Those root systems will cause a lot of damage to infrastructure. So we are trying to be careful and review the exact location of saving these trees. Because in the long term, they could cause more damage than the actual preservation will value to."

If approved, dirt will turn within the next two weeks, with an anticipated opening date slated for December.

"It's an incredible opportunity I think and we are really excited about this coming to town," said Jones.

The city is partnering with Beach Cite non-profit group. That organization was formed by three local residents late last year.

Council members will lease the land for 99 years for one-dollar per year. The non-profit organization will take care of building and operation costs.