(Mobile, Al, November 04, 2020)- Mobile Bay Magazine - Restaurant Review: 1031 Meals
In an article written by Amanda Hartin, 1031 Meals, a tenant and friends of Lafayette Land Company, received a praising review on their food, service, decor and overall aura. Focus was placed on the company’s mission, which can best be found in the name its self - 1031 Meals comes from 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Lafayette Land Company is extremely proud of 1031 Meals and wishes them the best in their pursuit.
https://mobilebaymag.com/restaurant-review-1031-meals/
(Mobile, Al, September 23, 2020)- Lagniappe - Lafayette Land Company relocates to De Tonti Square
“Lafayette Land Company, a family-owned national real estate development firm headquartered in Mobile since 1986, recently announced the moving of its headquarters to the 1832 Hannah House properties in the De Tonti Square Historic District in downtown Mobile.
The company has been based at 740 Museum Drive in the Spring Hill area since opening in 1986 and has developed that site into an office and commercial property currently occupied by 1031 Meals, Classical Ballet of Mobile, Bienville Group, Coastal Contours, Heisler Heat Baseball Academy and Willie Huntley, Attorney at Law.
Locally owned Pediatric Associates of Mobile, P.A., is anticipated to lease the 8,338-square-foot office space that will be vacated by Lafayette Land Company. The medical practice plans to renovate and repurpose the property into a new children’s medical facility before moving in early January 2021.
According to a news release, Lafayette Land Company acquired the historic Hannah House properties from the U.S. government through an online auction after they reportedly received a reprieve from demolition by Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson.
The twin homes have three stories, three layers of brick, heart pine floors, mantels of marble, large original banisters and railings of dark walnut, tall ceilings clad with medallions, and large windows and doors. The residences are also known for the original owners of the property, Hannah and James F. Roberts, who built the properties and owned them from 1833 to 1835.
To date, Lafayette Land Company has completed almost 100 historic restorations and has been a key player in several downtown Mobile projects including The Cheese Cottage, Old Majestic Brewing, Iron Hand Brewing and Nova Coffee, and is currently finalizing the Greer’s Fresh Grocery on St. Louis Street (a restoration of the former Davis Auto Parts building).
Pediatric Associates was represented by Jay D. Roberds of NAI Mobile in the lease transaction. Lafayette Land Company was represented by Heather I. Huffman. More information about Lafayette Land Company can be found at lafayetteland.com.”
(Mobile, Al, March 04, 2020)- Lagniappe - Business moves, transactions
“The Park Center office complex, located at 744 Museum Drive in Mobile, is now 100 percent occupied according to Heather Huffman with Huffman Real Estate Services. Bob Isakson, president of Mobile-based Lafayette Land Co. Inc., is the owner of the business park. Huffman worked as the broker on all of the lease transactions.
Studio Drew will cover some 1,900 square feet of workshop and event space. Coastal Contours and Wellness will inhabit an office footprint of some 1,065 square feet. Both businesses are expected to open sometime in April.
To date, the complete commercial lineup at Park Place now includes Studio Drew, 1031 Meals, Coastal Contours and Wellness, Classical Ballet and Heisler Heat. The remaining office space is used as offices by Lafayette Land Company, which is headquartered at the site.”
The Alabama Historical Commission confirmed the Ashland Fire Station (located at 2407 Old Shell Road) to be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, including the property to be a part of the Midtown Historic District.
(Mobile, Al, July 10, 2019)- AL.COM - New downtown Greer’s called ‘tipping point’ for Mobile
In an Article Published on AL.COM, Greer’s Fresh, a Lafayette Land Company development, is discussed as a catalyst for downtown development, primarily apartment development and living solutions.
https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2019/07/new-downtown-greers-called-tipping-point-for-mobile.html
(Mobile, Al, July 01, 2019)- MobileBay Magazine - Restaurant Review: Nova Espresso
In an Article Published in MobileBay Monthly, Nova Espresso, a tenant of Lafayette Land Company, was highlighted as a featured retauraunt. The article puts emphasis on their history discussing their transition from Dallas living to Mobile and their amazement of the Downtown growth. For more, see link below:
Mobile, Al, May 18, 2019)- Historic Mobile Preservation Society, Inc
Bob Isakson was awarded an Architectural Design Award from the Historic Mobile Preservation Society for his design work on Iron Hand Brewing located at 206 State Street.
(Mobile, Al, April 04, 2019)- MobileBay Magazine - A Renovation Rescue Mission
In an Article Published in MobileBay Monthly, Lafayette Land Company’s own Robert J Isakson II was featured for his personal home renovation. For more information, see below:
https://mobilebaymag.com/a-renovation-rescue-mission-in-de-tonti/
(Mobile, Al, April , 2019)- Long a laggard, Mobile slowly making mark in the craft brewing industry
In an article published on Al.com , Lafayette Land Company’s developments with Old Majestic is detailed and gives an outlook on how it will enhance downtown Mobile’s scene .
(MOBILE, AL, MARCH 14, 2019) - AL.COM
DOWNTOWN MOBILE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDES NEW GREER’S GROCERY - by LAWRENCE SPECKER
“Yet another major development on Mobile’s fast-growing St. Louis Street corridor will include a grocery market tailor-made to serve an anticipated downtown residential boom, courtesy of Greer’s.
According to information provided by Lafayette Land Co., the project named St. Louis Street Place will redevelop property on three corners of the intersection of St. Louis and Jackson streets. That's three blocks north of Cathedral Square and two blocks west of the massive new federal courthouse on St. Joseph Street.”
Source: https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2019/03/downtown-mobile-development-includes-new-greers-grocery.html
(MOBILE, AL, MARCH 6, 2019) - AL.COM
TWO HISTORIC HOMES IN ONE - by LAWRENCE SPECKER
“The house was very old, yes, but it was in the way. With no one to love it and demolition looming, it was about to die along with its secret: that it just might be the oldest standing residence in Mobile.”
“Isakson said Native American artifacts had been founded on the site, along with plenty of evidence to suggest Union soldiers had been bivouacked there after the Civil War.”
“Isakson oversaw the surgical separation of the two homes, which prepared them for moving. He's taking the older portion to the De Tonti Square district of the north side downtown. Another preservationist, Steve May, will take the newer portion to a lot just off Government Boulevard near Common Street, just west of downtown.”
“Like Isakson, May thinks his portion is older than previous advertised. His own residence dates to 1859, and he thinks this house dates to the 1850s as well. Isakson thinks it may be as early as 1852. They cite panels of plaster on the front of the house as one piece of evidence.”
source: https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2019/03/this-home-was-saved-from-demolition-is-it-mobiles-oldest.html
source: https://youtu.be/w5OTxKZ8SyQ
(MOBILE, AL, FEBRUARY, 2019) - LAGNIAPPE
ASHLAND FIRE STATION COULD BE SOLD NEXT WEEK - By DALE LIESCH
“The Mobile City Council will vote as early as next week to sell a small fire station on Old Shell Road to a local developer.”
“Bob Isakson Sr., CEO of Lafayette Land Company,… envisions the unique 2,200-square-foot facility dating back to the 1930s being used for retail in the front and residential in the back.”
“This is the 88th or 89th historic building we’ve restored,” Isakson said. “We restore buildings to their original condition and then seek out a tenant with an applicable use.”
source: https://lagniappemobile.com/ashland-place-fire-station-could-be-sold-next-week/
(MOBILE, AL, JANUARY, 2019) - LAGNIAPPE
IRON HAND OPENS BRITISH STYLE BREWPUB - By Tom Ward
A project developed by Lafayette Land was featured in Lagniappe. “Iron Hand Brewing Co. on State Street in De Tonti Square held a soft opening at the end of December and is now ready for its grand opening on Friday, Jan. 18.”
“Named for the Italian explorer Henri de Tonti, whose right hand was lost in battle and replaced with an iron prostetic, the brewpub is different from others downtown in that it has a full kitchen and bar in addition to its own craft beers. I’ll leave the cuisine review to brother Andy, but the menu does look great, with much of the food — including the breads and the sausages — made onsite by Ross. It offers a number of food specials, including fish and chips on Fridays and a Sunday brunch every other week.”
source: https://lagniappemobile.com/51048-2/
(MOBILE, AL, DECEMBER, 2018) - MOBILE BAY MAGAZINE
THE RESURGENCE OF AUTOMOBILE ALLEY - By Jill Clair Gentry
In an article discussing the revitalization of Downtown Mobile and the focus of development of commercial real estate on the St. Louis Street corridor, 3 projects performed by Lafayette Land Company were highlighted.
These include the Cheese Cottage located at 650 St. Louis Street, Old Majestic Brewing Company located at 655 St. Louis Street, and Fowler Lighting located at 662 St. Louis Street.
Article and Photo Source: https://mobilebaymag.com/the-resurgence-of-automobile-alley/
Video walkthrough with Bob Isakson of possibly the oldest house in Mobile. Dating to the early 1820's. A Creole cottage combined to a Georgian style home. Both from the 1800's. Further historic analysis pending, development proceeding. Purportedly the oldest standing residential structure in Mobile.
Oct. 04, 2018 - From Left: Joe Emer (Fox10 Host), Sarah Bohenstiel (President -DeTonti Square), Robert J Isakson II (President - Lafayette Land Company)
(MOBILE, AL, OCTOBER 04, 2018) - FOX10 NEWS CHANNEL
A Studio10 production hosted Robert J Isakson II of Lafayette Land Company and Sarah Bohenstiel of DeTonti Square to discuss the Historic DeTonti Square Neighborhood’s annual fundraiser, downtown development, the future of the City of Mobile and Lafayette Land Company’s role in the remarkable growth we are experiencing.
Several of Lafayette Land Company’s projects were mentioned, including NOVA Espresso, Iron Hand Brewery, and the Cheese Cottage; all of whom are participating in the Dinner in the Square. An annual fundraiser for DeTonti Square.
DeTonti Square is known for being the largest gas lantern neighborhood purportedly in America. DeTonti Square has recently experienced significant growth in it’s residents and businesses, an has seized on this opportunity by using raised funds for repairs to sidewalks, gas lanterns, and historic Oak trees.
The Dinner in the Square Fundraiser is an open event, RSVP required. The meal is prepared by renowned Chef Bryan Cates of Kitchen on George. RSVP detontisquare@gmail.com
Photo Source: https://www.fox10tv.com/studio10/the-detonti-dinner-in-the-square/article_9ac55366-c81a-11e8-a05d-77a0c09d345b.html
(MOBILE, AL, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018) - AL.COM
From Left: Heather Huffman (NAI), Jeff Speck (Speck & Associates), Christopher Huffman (Lafayette Land), Doris Isakson, Bob Isakson (Lafayette Land). Photo taken September 14, 2018.
DOWNTOWN MOBILE ALLIANCE CELEBRATES ‘EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES’ - By Lawrence Specker
During the Annual luncheon of the Downtown Mobile Alliance and Downtown Mobile District Management Corporation, several downtown development projects, either completed or under construction, received praise and notable mentioning, in addition to receiving Innovation Awards.
Among those projects were several completed by Lafayette Land Company. Including the Cheese Cottage, Iron Hand Brewing, Majestic Brewery, and others.
Lafayette Land Company’s Chairman and CEO, Robert J. (Bob) Isakson, received the Leadership Achievement Award. This Award was also given to U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (Republican - Louisiana).
The Primary speaker of the event was Jeff Speck, a specialist on making city’s walkable. Jeff is well known for developing and designing Award winning projects, including a local favorite Rosemary Beach, FL.
Finally, 208 State Street, another Lafayette Land Company Project, received the Chairman’s Certificates for Major Renovation.
(MOBILE, AL, AUGUST 1, 2018) - LAGNIAPPE NEWSPAPER
THE REAL DEAL "SHOPPES AT RANGELINE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT"- By Ron Sivak
The Shoppes at Rangeline, at the intersection of Rangeline and Halls Mill Road across from the new Veterans Administration clinic and adjacent to both a Lowe’s and a Walmart Supercenter, are under new stewardship.
The property is now managed by Mobile-based Lafayette Land Co. Christopher Huffman, chief operations officer with Lafayette Land Company, is co-owner and manager of the site. Leasing work for the property will be handled by Heather Huffman with NAI Mobile.
The 13,000-square-foot center will receive a facelift and extensive restoration. An outparcel facing Rangeline Road is currently under contract for lease with Rosemead, California-based Panda Express Chinese franchise.
Several other leasing agreements from national tenants are pending, according to Huffman. “Pre-construction leasing interest from major tenants within the shopping center has been very strong,” he said.
Lafayette Land is a family-owned and -managed commercial real estate development and construction company headquartered in Mobile.
• Olde Mobile Antiques Gallery & Estate Sales has relocated from its former address at 1616 W. I-65 Service Road S., along the beltline, to 653 St Louis St. in downtown Mobile, directly across the street from retailer Fowler Lighting and adjacent to The Cheese Cottage.
The locally owned antiques dealer and retailer downsized from the 46,000 square feet of space it leased for 12 years to purchase a 26,000-square-foot showroom with a nearby 4,500-square-foot warehouse space, encompassing a total of 30,500 square feet.
The 1940s-era “Automobile Alley” former car dealership site was acquired for upward of $1.3 million, with an additional $2.2 million of capital investment for site renovation and repurposing prior to re-opening. Olde Mobile will also be holding its popular first-weekend-of-the-month estate sale from Friday, Aug. 3, to Sunday, Aug. 5. More information can be found on the shop’s website
(MOBILE, AL, JUNE 19, 2018) - CITY OF MOBILE - CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING
During the June 19th 2018 City Council Meeting, District 4 City Counselor John Williams, discusses his visit through downtown with Robert Isakson Sr. and compliments the work being done by him and other Developers in the development and furtherment of the Historical areas of Downtown Mobile.
(MOBILE, AL, MAY 02, 2018) - LAGNIAPPE NEWSPAPER
IN MOBILE'S FORMER AUTOMOBILE ALLEY, CHEESE COTTAGE GOES BOLDLY - By Andy MacDonald
The Cheese Cottage, housed in a historical gas station originally built in the 1920's, which was redesigned and constructed in house by Lafayette Land Company, INC and noted as a "sharp-looking" retail establishment, is the topic of this article.
The writer goes on to review the variety of locally sourced wine, cheese, bread and honey. Noting the charcuterie board, salads, craft beers and more.
(MOBILE, AL, JANUARY 15, 2018) - DOWNTOWN MOBILE ALLIANCE & DOWNTOWN MOBILE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION - 2016/2017 ANNUAL REPORT
In the opening letter from the President of the Downtown Mobile Alliance, two projects completed by Lafayette Land Company were mentioned amongst other local downtown development projects. The projects were discussed in relation to there contribution to the every expanding Downtown growth and development. The two projects were Fowler Lighting (a high end lighting supplier) and Cheese Cottage (a retail oriented, wine and cheese fast casual startup), both located in newly renovated historic buildings.
In total, five of Lafayette Land Company's downtown projects were mentioned within the report.
Lafayette Land Company is honored to received such recognition and pleased to serve the local community.
(MOBILE, AL, NOVEMBER 15, 2017) - LAGNIAPPE NEWSPAPER
NEW BUSINESSES COMING TO GOVERNMENT STREET - By Ron Sivak
"Lafayette Land Company, a local family-owned real estate development company, announced the opening of Boot Barn, a national western and work wear retailer located at 5456 Highway 90 in Mobile.
The building is the site of the former Gulf Pecan property, which has been unoccupied for the past 30 years, according to a news release. Boot Barn has 272 facilities throughout the country and this will be their second in Alabama."
Christopher Huffman, COO of Lafayette Land Co., was the developer and lead project Manager. Jacob Nobles was the on-site construction manager. Construction of the project was performed by Lafayette Land Company's newly formed in-house construction team.
(MOBILE, AL, NOVEMBER 08, 2017) - LAGNIAPPE NEWSPAPER
THE REAL DEAL - By Ron Sivak
Old Majestic Brewery will occupy a 10,000-square-foot former 1920s brick cotton warehouse building at 650 St. Louis St. in downtown Mobile. Relocating from Greenville, Mississippi, the top of the brewery’s roof will encompass a glass skylight and several 10-foot-wide by 13-foot-high windows will front the property. The warehouse is being dismantled, restored and historically reassembled in LoDa’s “Automobile Alley” Historic District.
The brewpub will be adjacent to the Cheese Cottage, which is to open soon in a restored 1930s Pure Oil Service Station located at 660 St. Louis St., and directly across from Olde Mobile Antiques, located in the former Nash Automobile Dealership in the 600 block of St. Louis Street, according to Bob Isakson, president of Lafayette Land Company.
Heather Huffman with NAI Mobile represented the owners of the Old Majestic Brewery. J. Antone Green with Bellator Real Estate and Development worked for the landlords.
(MOBILE, AL, NOVEMBER 02, 2017) - LAGNIAPPE NEWSPAPER
In an article by Dale Liesch and Jason Johnson, discussing the "City's Burgeoning beer scene...", two local historic projects, designed, managed and developed by Lafayette Land Company were mentioned.
The Article states, " Iron Hand is set to open as a brewpub in the DeTonti Square area of Downtown". The Building, a 1927 Historic Church, is being converted and repurposed, while retaining the architectural flavor and design of the original space.
The article continues by following another project by Lafayette Land Company, named the Old Majestic, which is set to open on St Louis St. The building is a 1800's cotton warehouse from Mississippi, which is being dismantled and trucked in. The user, Old Majestic, is another brewhub user.
The article continutes through discussing the nationwide trends of craft beers and local breweries. It reveals the legal issues with working in a once seemingly pro- prohibition town, and the zoning issues related to the use. The article concludes with wrap on the benefits of local businesses working with local consumers, the success of existing local breweries, and the future to come.
(MOBILE, AL, JULY 26, 2017) - LAGNIAPPE NEWSPAPER
In an article written by Ron Sivak and published in the Lagniappe Newspaper, a project Lafayette Land's principal's owned was discussed. The 4,400 Sq.Ft. multi-tenant retail building sold for "$622,500" and "is fully leased with an ABC Package Store as the anchor tenant". The project was managed by local agents, Heather Huffman and Jay Roberds.
(MOBILE, AL, March 28, 2017) - AL.COM
In an article entitled, "City block to be redeveloped in downtown Mobile" written by Kathy Jumper, One of Lafayette Land Company's Downtown Historic Projects were mentioned in regards to the opening of a new Retail QSR Restaurants named The Cheese Cottage. Project is currently under construction.
(MOBILE, AL, March 12, 2017) - PRESS RELEASE - AL.COM and MOBILE PRESS REGISTER
Lafayette Land Company was noted as a player in the Mobile Downtown Market Real-Estate Sector. Lafayette Land was commented on their recent Historical Development Projects including the 662 St. Louis renovation and the recent Acquisitions of the Hannah House Project and 206 STATE Street Project.
(MOBILE, AL, April 04, 2016) - PRESS RELEASE
Robert J Isakson II, President of Lafayette Land Company in Mobile, recently received the ICSC Certified Development, Design and Construction Professional (CDP) designation.
The ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers, Inc.) certification programs focus on raising the industry’s professional standards globally. There are 6,000 ICSC designees in 55 countries – representing fewer than 10% of the commercial real estate professionals in the shopping center industry. Of this elite group, only 500 designees have achieved CDP status.
Lafayette Land Company is pleased to have such an accomplished designation awarded in its ranks, and supports continued education and furthering of business knowledge.
(MOBILE, AL, December 21, 2014) - AL.COM
In an Article published by AL.COM entitled McGowin Park Land Deals, Lafayette Land Company is mentioned as the Local Developer for a new BTS Project for a National Tenant.
The Article states,
"A developer paid $455,000 for 3 acres on Halls Mill Road near Rangeline Road, and plans to construct a building for a national tenant to be announced soon, according to John Vallas of Vallas Realty. Robert J. Isakson II of Lafayette Land Company is the developer. The property is part of an 84-acre tract that has parcels under contract for a retail center, movie theater and medical offices."
(MOBILE, AL, December 23, 2014) - PRESS RELEASE - LAGNIAPPE Newspaper
In an Article published by Lagniappe Mobile entitled Bienville Business Center opens Downtown, Lafayette Land Company and Robert J Isakson II are mentioned as the Local Developer for a new BTS Project for a National Tenant.