Causeway to see cosmetic changes

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Businesses along the Causeway are looking forward to some pretty big changes.

Two abandoned structures, the old Ramada Inn and Woody's Motel, are expected to be torn down in 2013.

Nearby businesses say the properties have been an eyesore for years.

“Here we are trying to do something good and then you see this nasty heap behind us,” said Alana McDonald, Manager of R&R Seafood on the Causeway. “I wouldn't want to eat by it and I sure wouldn't want to park by it.”

Spanish Fort Building and Zoning planner, Bruce Renkert says the city has cut a deal with owners of the former Ramada Inn to have it torn down by January 31, 2013. The dilapidated Woody’s Motel structure is also expected to be demolished by April 15 of next year.

Renkert says potential buyers are looking at possibly looking to replace the pink hotel structure with a brand new hotel.

“Owners of the property have shown us plans to develop a hotel-like property,” said Bruce Renkert.

However, he says those plans are not official and that nothing has been set in stone.

Local businesses though say the idea has got them seeing green.

“It’d be great if they built a nice big hotel and did a lot of advertising,” said McDonald. “Because we’re right in front of it."