The City of Bay Minette announced in a news release posted to its Facebook page that the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission has awarded Phase I funding for the former Standard Furniture property, marking an early step toward the site's potential revitalization.

The EPA-funded Brownfields Assessment Grant will support environmental assessment and preliminary planning work for the formerly industrial property. The city said the funding will help provide the groundwork needed to evaluate the site and plan for its future use.

Earlier this year, SARPC received a $1.5 million EPA Brownfields Coalition Assessment Grant, one of only two awarded in Alabama. The coalition grant is intended to strengthen regional brownfield revitalization efforts and help return underutilized properties to productive use.

The coalition, led by SARPC in partnership with the Baldwin County Economic Development Foundation and the Escambia County Commission, is focused on "reducing environmental uncertainty, supporting economic development and helping communities transform long-vacant properties into assets," according to the city.

Throughout 2026, Bay Minette city leadership has worked closely with the Standard Furniture property owners to complete the review processes required to secure Phase I funding. The city described the collaboration as "essential in advancing the site toward new opportunities."

Phase I funding will provide 100% funded environmental and planning services at no cost to the property owner. The work includes a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, asbestos-related evaluations and preliminary redevelopment and reuse planning.

According to the city, those activities will establish the environmental groundwork needed to understand site conditions and guide future planning under the Brownfields Program.

City leadership said in the release that it is encouraged by the milestone and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the property owners and SARPC as future opportunities for the property are explored.