The Mobile City Council just approved an $855,000 deal to buy a building that used to house the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
It sits off the West I-65 Service Road, and while it hasn’t been officially decided, the site is being considered for something the city’s needed for a long time: a new animal shelter.
The unanimous vote shows strong support from city leaders who are looking for a smarter, faster alternative to a pricier shelter plan that’s been in limbo due to rising construction costs.
This new direction could bring fresh possibilities—without the extra wait.
From Airwaves to Animals
The Trinity building is currently vacant, but it’s got potential.
It was once home to a religious broadcast station, but city officials are exploring how it could be turned into something that serves Mobile in a whole new way.
The original plan was to build a brand-new shelter on Montlimar Drive near Cottage Hill Road.
That plan isn’t completely off the table, but with building costs more than doubling expectations, this newly purchased property gives the city options.
If it ends up being used for the shelter, the Montlimar site won’t go to waste. Officials say they’ll hang onto the land and find another use for it down the road.
The Shelter Crisis
The current animal shelter, tucked off Virginia Street, was built in the 1960s and designed to hold only 87 animals. Today, it’s holding more than 150.
Advocates like Denise Grier say the situation is urgent. She’s taken matters into her own hands, opening her home as a makeshift shelter and feeding stray dogs across the city.
At the council meeting, she shared a moment from Conception Street Road where one stray turned into a dozen within minutes.
Her message was clear: the city needs more space, more resources, and a plan that works.
But she pushed back on the idea of using the Trinity building, saying it lacks outdoor space, green areas, and exercise room for the dogs.
Council Chooses a Step Forward
Despite the concerns, the vote passed with full support from the council. They see the property as a viable, immediate option in a situation that has already dragged on for years.
It’s a choice between waiting for a perfect plan or acting now with what’s available. The Trinity building may not check every box, but it offers a quicker path to solving a growing issue.
At the same time, it shows that the city is trying to be flexible and creative with its resources.
The property could be renovated and reworked to better suit the needs of the animals and staff, giving them a much-needed upgrade from the current shelter.
More Than Just a Building
This purchase opens the door to better care for animals in Mobile. It also highlights how the city is trying to adapt when costs and timelines change.
The debate around the location won’t end here, but the decision signals momentum.
For now, Mobile has a building. What it becomes will depend on how the next steps unfold.
There’s still a lot to decide, but it’s a step toward tackling a real problem that affects the city every day.
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