Foley Details Construction Projects, Beautification Awards Winners

The City of Foley has named major city construction projects following its announcement of investing approximately $72 million in capital improvement projects in its next fiscal year, beginning October 1. Intended to help Foley meet the challenges of growth without overspending, they include a new facility for the Foley Public Works Department with an estimated cost of $15 million. Also, work is to begin on the city’s new $20-million library in early 2024. The state announced a $5-million grant through the federal Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act that will be used to expand the Graham Creek Nature Preserve, and approximately $2 million is budgeted to begin the renovation of the former Alabama National Guard armory to be used for city offices and recreation space. Other projects include intersection improvements at County Road 12 and Highway 59 intersections at approximately $1.2 million and improvements on Philomene Holmes Boulevard in the Graham Creek Nature Preserve for approximately $1.5 million. Estimates on Wolf Creek restoration work are $2.5 million, with new hangars at the municipal airport to cost $1.3 million. The city also plans to widen the Foley Beach Express, expected to take $10 million. Mike Thompson, city administrator, said $30 million of the $72 million is anticipated to be grant money.

Additionally, Foley has awarded two historic downtown buildings as the winners of its 2023 Beautification Awards. The city presented the awards to Hollis Furniture on South McKenzie Street and the Foley Hotel building on East Laurel Avenue. The Foley Hotel was built in 1927. Today, the two-story brick building houses several retail businesses and offices at the intersection of East Laurel Avenue and South Alston Street. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the recent renovations of the building’s exterior by owner Frances Holk-Jones has added a great deal to the downtown location. “They’ve done an outstanding job with the hotel,” Hellmich said. “It just looks great.“ Wayne Hollis of Hollis Furnitures said Foley has always maintained a good environment for business in the years his family has operated the store. “I just want to thank the city for the cooperation that I have found in the last 70 years I’ve been in Foley. I’ve never had anybody more cooperative from business to city, and I certainly appreciate that,” Hollis added.