SPANISH FORT, Ala. — An advisory committee exploring the feasibility of constructing a long-discussed city complex has selected architectural firm Forrest Daniell and Associates PC to move the project forward.

The Daphne-based firm specializes in the design of luxury condominiums as well as religious, financial and educational structures across South Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.

The firm was one of six finalists the volunteer panel considered for drafting plans to develop an 18-acre site at the intersection of highways 72 and 31.

Mayor Joe Bonner said the panel was “very pleased” with each firms that made it to the final consideration phase because it was an “exhaustive hunt” for a firm capable of a little mind-reading in deciphering exactly what the city’s needs for the complex are and how to best design a set of structures that can grow as the city continues to expand.

“It came down to everybody agreeing Forrest Daniell did a really good job of listening to what we were asking for and understanding that there are some things we know we want and can’t quite express, but they get it,” Bonner said.

“It was a good, fair and right decision,” he said.

Bonner said the next step will be …

See the rest of this story in the July 21 Spanish Fort Sun.