Fairhope's Working Waterfront project is one step closer after Fairhope City Council awarded the project to Roland Construction during a July 22 council meeting.

The project to revitalize Fairhope's waterfront park area was originally estimated to cost $6.2 million in 2022. Roland Construction's bid for the project was $9.9 million.

Richard Johnson, Fairhope public works director said the bid from Roland Construction met requirements set by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

The funding for the project is coming from a variety of sources. In 2022, the city was awarded a RESTORE Act Grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury for $5.2 million. The project was bid twice and came in $6.4 million over the amount allocated for construction costs. The bid was rejected. Then the ADCNR requested an additional $3.5 million in RESTORE Act Direct Component MIP funds from the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council. In April 2024, the extra funds were approved bringing the grant amount to $8.8 million. The city will cover the remaining construction costs of $1.2 million.

The biggest component of the project will replace the south seawall that has suffered considerable damage from storms over the years. Other key components of the project include new handrails, restroom and lights on the pier, new stairs to the bluff, fountain restoration and renovation of the parking lot. According to the advertisement for bids, the project will also include a funicular lift to be installed at the bluff.

"It's been a long, long time coming," Councilman Jack Burrell said.
He thanked the city staff for their work over the past four years and for securing the grants for the project but did have a question.

"The restaurant will be opening down there hopefully any day. Are they going to still have parking down there while this is going on?" Burrell asked.

Mayor Sherry Sullivan said there will be a preconstruction meeting to go over the project. She stated the plan is to complete the project in phases to ensure residents can drive down to the park.

According to the bid documents, the project is to be completed in 435 calendar days. No start date has been announced.