Douglas Burtu Kearley, Architect

08/13/2026

DeTonti Square Project update

08/03/2026

An outstanding house and a great project! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1QBF1NGQjY/

HISTORIC RESTORATION BEFORE ARB
🏛 A $458,000 plan by 1818 Design to restore the 152-year-old house at 307 N. Jackson St. will go before Mobile’s Architectural Review Board on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

City historic-preservation staff found that the proposed work complies with Mobile’s historic-district guidelines. The Consolidated Review Committee and the Mobile Historic Development Commission’s Properties Committee have already approved the plans.

📜 The two-story Italianate home was built in 1874 for William B. Riley and is a contributing property in the DeTonti Square Historic District. Its Victorian features include a full-width, two-story front porch with turned posts, carved railings, decorative brackets and gingerbread trim.

1818 Design plans to preserve the historic exterior while renovating the interior with four bedrooms and 3½ bathrooms.

The 3,438-square-foot house was listed for $220,000 earlier this year as an as-is property requiring a full renovation. It was described as one of the last houses on the block awaiting restoration.

🔨 The project would repair the house’s wood siding, windows, doors, masonry piers and ornate front porch; remove a one-story rear addition built after 1955; and reconstruct the two-story rear porch that was enclosed after receiving ARB approval in 1989. Missing materials would be replaced to match the originals, while other improvements include a gravel driveway, brick walkway, new sidewalk, mechanical-equipment screening, foundation lattice, fence repairs and new gates.

The city also issued a Certificate of Appropriateness on June 26 for $13,000 in emergency work to stabilize the rear west wall. Portions of the wall had collapsed after years of deterioration, and additional sagging indicated a risk of further failure.

07/14/2026

https://mobilebaymag.com/inspirationhome2026/

Mobile Bay Magazine will showcase the restoration of the historic Chighizola House in Downtown Mobile, Ala. as the 2026 Inspiration Home.

06/10/2026

Thanks Downtown Mobile Today!

05/28/2026

Thanks Downtown Mobile Today

05/21/2026

New chancel and chancel arch at St. Francis at the Point. Point Clear

04/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EASZUHtKY/?

04/17/2026

The legendary Dew Drop Inn in Alabama is the kind of hidden gem you hear about and have to see for yourself. You pull in hungry, step inside, and the warm, no-frills vibe hits you right away like a step back in time. You order up crispy fried chicken, a juicy burger, smoky pulled pork, and tender country-fried steak that shows up hot and filling. You round it out with fluffy mashed potatoes, classic slaw, and sweet tea that tastes like it was made for a long drive home. You get served fast, the prices stay fair, and the folks behind the counter treat you like youve been coming in for years. You walk out full, happy, and already planning the next stop back.

04/16/2026

Work has begun on the restoration and chancel addition to St. Francis at the Point, Anglican Chapel.

04/16/2026

Vintage cast iron fence panels and reproduction cast iron fence posts installed today at the Chighizola House. Thanks Downtown Mobile Today for allowing me to share.