Our Story

A Grassroots Success Story…

In 2006 a group of citizens concerned about the deteriorated appearance of the core area of Spring Hill organized a community meeting in Byrne Hall of Spring Hill College. Many ideas were shared, but the overwhelming consensus was that we all wanted to live in a community we could be proud of, and we all believed Spring Hill could be improved. A small group of those committed residents rose to the challenge and established The Village of Spring Hill, Inc. (TVSH) to effect positive change in the community. The all-volunteer organization has worked to bring dramatic changes to the Spring Hill community. Funding for projects has been and continues to be secured from residents, businesses, property owners, foundations, and City, County, and State governmental agencies to provide sidewalks, lighting, and other infrastructure and beautification improvements.

  • Sidewalks from Lavretta Park to University Boulevard on the north side of Old Shell Road are completed.
  • Sidewalks from Myrtlewood Lane to I-65 Service Roadare completed on the north side of Old Shell Road accomplishing one of TVSH original goals to connect the Village on both sides of Old Shell Road from University Boulevard to I-65 Service Road.
  • Newly constructed fire station is dedicated on February 10th.
  • Two 12’ tall Sable Palm trees and additional landscaping are incorporated into the existing landscape for the fire station.
  • TVSH receives a $50,000.00 grant from the Hearin-Chandler Foundation and raises another $50,000.00 as memorials to Spring Hill residents to construct a sitting pavilion and community patio on the site of the fire station on North McGregor Avenue.
  • Construction begins on infrastructure upgrades for North McGregor Avenue, including sidewalks on both sides completing a sidewalk network on McGregor Avenue from Dauphin Street to Springhill Avenue.
  • Sidewalk construction begins from Lavretta Park to University Boulevard on the north side of Old Shell Road.
  • New Village-designed fire station is constructed on North McGregor Avenue.
  • New maple and oak trees are added on Bit and Spur Road and South McGregor Avenue along newly constructed sidewalks.
  • New sidewalks projects are vetted for University Boulevard and I-65 Service Road.
  • Design for North McGregor Avenue infrastructure upgrades continues.
  • Sidewalk-A-Thon event is canceled due to Covid 19 concerns for the first time in eight years but still raises over $32,338.00 in corporate sponsorship.
  • TVSH sidewalk network proves to be a necessity in improving the quality of life for thousands of Mobilians as they shelter at home during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Hurricane damaged Drake Elm trees are replaced with Dahoon Holly trees in the Village Streetscapes.
  • University Boulevard sidewalk project is vetted and funding secured for the east side from Bit and Spur Road to Old Shell Road.
  • Sidewalks are constructed on Bit and Spur Road using funds from a State (TAP) Grant with matching funds from TVSH (2018) Sidewalk-A-Thon and a generous contribution from the J. L. Bedsole Foundation.
  • A Mini Park is realized along the newly constructed sidewalks on Bit and Spur Road in front of the Gates Subdivision. It features the second public sculpture for our Village, a horse celebrating the history of the area. The park was dedicated to the memory of Sissy Hungerford, a founding member of The Village of Spring Hill, Inc.
  • TVSH partners with Mobile Museum of Art to relocate a third sculpture for our Village from their sculpture trail in Langan Park to the center of the Roundabout on North McGregor Avenue. The sculpture named Centrifugal II was created of corten steel by local sculptor Casey Downing Jr. in 1983. The area was landscaped around the art.
  • 4 Village benches are added to the landscape at the Roundabout.
  • Sidewalks and infrastructure upgrades completed on the north side of South McGregor Avenue completing sidewalks on both sides, advancing our initiative to build a walkable community.
  • Additional landscape including live oak trees and azaleas added to the greenspace to the north of the EMA at the intersection of North McGregor Avenue and Mordecai Lane.
  • TVSH hires local architect L. Craig Roberts to collaborate on the design of the outside of the new fire station. With Craig’s assistance, the exterior elements were chosen by TVSH to reflect a more traditional style that is unique to our Village. The design included state of the art, custom designed, bi-fold bay doors found on the internet customized by L. Craig Roberts.
  • TVSH negotiates with the City of Mobile to move the fire station closer to the street on North McGregor Avenue as outlined in the Master Plan (The Blue Print for Spring Hill).
  • The 8th Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon raises $45,632.00 for additional sidewalks.
  • The Village of Spring Hill Inc. is awarded Engineering Project of the Year for outstanding achievements in engineering by the Mobile Area Council of Engineers (MACE) for our innovative initiative to build the first roundabout in the City of Mobile.
  • TVSH partners once again with Commissioner Connie Hudson to fund a total infrastructure makeover of North McGregor Avenue through County Pay-As-You-Go program. The project includes curb, gutter and sidewalks on both sides of the road and the reconfiguring of the intersection of Spring Hill Avenue and North McGregor Avenue to make it more pedestrian friendly.
  • TVSH guides new Maple Street Biscuit Company development to comply with Master Plan elements.
  • Dauphin Street median is landscaped and maintained by TVSH through funds acquired by Councilmember Joel Daves from the Hearin-Chandler Foundation.
  • The 7th Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon raises $55,351.00.
  • Sidewalks were installed along with extensive infrastructure upgrades on the east side of South McGregor Avenue. This project was funded by Council Members Gina Gregory, Joel Daves, proceeds from the (2016) Sidewalk-A-Thon and private contributions. Through community support $90,000 was raised for TVSH’s commitment to the sidewalk portion of the project.
  • 2 Old Mobile benches were placed along newly constructed sidewalks on South McGregor Avenue in memory of Spring Hill residents.
  • The 6th Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon raises a record $69,474.00 for sidewalks in the Village.
  • Design is completed for sidewalks on Bit and Spur Road.
  • TVSH is awarded two State TAP Grants to fund sidewalks on the north side of Old Shell Road from Lavretta Park to University Boulevard and Myrtlewood to I-65 Service Road.
  • Ligustrum hedge was planted in front of chain link fence at the Auburn Extension on North McGregor Avenue.
  • The first development is realized under TVSH ordinances on North McGregor Avenue.
  • A 10-year Anniversary reception was held at Spring Hill College Byrne Hall sponsored by Service First Bank. In addition, a special Screen on the Green movie presentation and fireworks funded by District 7 Council Representative Gina Gregory and District 5 Council Representative Joel Daves were part of the celebration.
  • The 5th Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon raised $36,701 to fund sidewalks along Bit and Spur Road.
  • Sissy Hungerford, one of The Village of Spring Hill, Inc. founding members passed away on July 11th after battling ovarian cancer for seven years while she continued to work tirelessly on and contribute to the overwhelming success of TVSH.
  • A $200,000.00 State TAP Grant was awarded to TVSH to construct sidewalks on the north side of Bit and Spur Road.
  • Spring Hill Baptist Church added TVSH Streetscapes to their campus renovation on South McGregor Avenue after collaborating with TVSH for three years.
  • A Ligustrum hedge was planted in front of the EMA headquarters on North McGregor Avenue to screen the chain link fence, along with 18 Live Oak trees around the perimeter of the newly constructed Roundabout.
  • The Village Streetscape in front of Spring Hill College was completed adding benches, trees and eleven of the Village signature streetlights. The project was funded by The Ben May Charitable Trust, The Samford Foundation and additional private contributions.
  • Sidewalks were completed on the north side of Old Shell Road from McGregor Avenue to Myrtlewood Lane. The project was funded by a $200,000.00 State Transportation Alternative (TAP) Grant. TVSH provided the required 20% match with funds raised in the (2015) Sidewalk-A-Thon and a generous donation from the J. L. Bedsole Foundation.
  • Eleven Village streetlights were installed along the sidewalk project, five of these were funded through the State (TAP) Grant.
  • After five years of planning, a $1.5 million dollar Roundabout at McGregor Avenue and Museum Drive was completed. This was the first Roundabout constructed in the City of Mobile. The project was initiated by TVSH following the implementation steps outlined in our Master Plan (The Blueprint for Spring Hill). It was funded with support from County Commissioner Connie Hudson through the County Pay-As-You-Go program.
  • The 4th Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon was held raising $34,518.00 for additional sidewalks.
  • Boundary signage was put in place to define the Village of Spring Hill, Inc.
  • Sidewalks were completed on the north side of Old Shell Road from Ridgelawn Drive West to McGregor Avenue, made possible by a State transportation grant. TVSH provided funds to the City for the 20% match through proceeds from the Sidewalk-A-Thon (2013) and a grant from The J. L. Bedsole Foundation.
  • TVSH announced the awarding of a third State of Alabama transportation alternative (TAP) grant. This grant provided funding for the planned construction of sidewalks on the north side of Old Shell Road from McGregor Avenue east toward Myrtlewood Lane. The grant also allowed a portion of the funds to be applied to Village lighting. The grant was made possible by the matching funds from the Sidewalk-A-Thon (2014) and The J. L. Bedsole Foundation.
  • Screen on the Green expanded to include a spring and fall series of outdoor movies and gained the sponsorship of Rouse’s Supermarkets.
  • Third Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon was held to raise funds for sidewalks.
  • A generous donation allowed the planting of 68 Drake Elm trees along Old Shell Road in the core of the Village bringing the total number of trees planted this year to 100.
  • TVSH wrote legislation and led the charge to restrict digital signs in the City of Mobile near residential areas. This ordinance was adopted by the City of Mobile to protect the integrity of smaller neighborhood areas throughout the city.
  • The 2nd Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon was held to raise money for sidewalks.
  • TVSH, in conjunction with the City of Mobile and numerous sponsors and donors, held its 1st Annual Screen on the Green. The family-friendly event featured a series of free movies in Lavretta Park.
  • The Monte L. Moorer Branch of the Mobile Public Library exterior plaza renovation was completed, and the first public sculpture, The Flame of Knowledge, was placed by TVSH. The sculpture was designed by Frank Ledbetter and made possible by a generous donation from The Hearin-Chandler Foundation.
  • 1st Annual Sidewalk-A-Thon was held to raise money for sidewalks.
  • TVSH installed sidewalks on the north side of Old Shell Road fronting Lavretta Park and continuing to Ridgelawn Drive West using Sidewalk-A-Thon funds, generous donations from The J. L. Bedsole Foundation, The Hearin-Chandler Foundation, residents of the area and businesses.
  • Alabama Power upgraded the look of the Spring Hill Substation and landscaped the streetscape including sidewalk, trees and a Village signature streetlight.
  • Historic Mobile Preservation Society presented to TVSH the New Commercial Construction Award in recognition of its involvement in influencing the design and construction of the CVS building and plaza at the corner of Old Shell Road and McGregor Avenue.
  • The Pocket Park on Old Shell Road at Regions Bank was dedicated.
  • Five Old Mobile benches and six Ocame Cherry trees were donated for Pocket Park.
  • A $50,000 grant was received from the Monte L. Moorer Foundation for renovating the front exterior plaza of the Moorer Branch of the Mobile Public Library.
  • Work continued on acquiring funding for new sidewalk initiatives.
  • TVSH initiated the concept of a Pocket Park next to Regions Bank. The park was designed by Terry Plauché, Landscape Architect, and was totally private funded. TVSH gained permission to use the land from Regions Bank.
  • TVSH commissioned a feasibility study and preliminary engineering for a roundaboutat Museum Drive and McGregor Avenue.
  • Two new sidewalks initiatives went into planning stages for TVSH.
  • The CVS Pharmacy was completed using a more traditional design appropriate to TVSH.
  • TVSH initiated and designed a plaza on the corner of Old Shell Road and McGregor Avenue which was part of the CVS construction.
  • A historic plaque was placed in the Plaza by the Threadgill family in memory of the Henderson family, long time Spring Hill property owners. Three memorial benches were donated by the family for the Plaza.
  • A Transportation Enhancement Grant for $379,000 allowed construction of sidewalks down the south side of Old Shell Road.
  • The community raised money to purchase a Village clock to go in the plaza in front of CVS. The clock was dedicated October 2009 in memory of Van Rusling, founder of Carpe Diem and president of the Spring Hill Merchants Association from 1996 to 2004.
  • 13 signature Village streetlights were approved, purchased and installed by property owners in front of CVS and along the new sidewalk in front of Holiday Place, AT&T, and Regions Bank.
  • 10 Old Mobile iron benches were placed on the right of way in the Village. This was possible through the grant for urban planning.
  • TVSH worked with a local engineering firm and the City Traffic Engineering Department to redesign a safer, more attractive intersection at Old Shell Road and McGregor Avenue. It included paved crosswalks, redesigned islands and new traffic signals. Construction costs for the new intersection, including decorative traffic light poles and crosswalk signals, were funded by City Council Member Gina Gregory with additional support from Council President Reggie Copeland. Appreciation is also extended to McCrory Williams, The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System, Riley Stuart Supply Company, and the City of Mobile Engineering Department.
  • The Blueprint for Spring Hill, a master plan, was developed with input from hundreds of citizens and key stakeholders. The Blueprint was approved by the City of Mobile Planning Commission and City Council, thereby making it part of the city’s overall Comprehensive Plan.
  • TVSH continued to work with The Mitchell Company and CVS regarding their plans for a pharmacy on the corner of Old Shell Road and McGregor Avenue.
  • An overlay zoning regulation allowing a denser, more pedestrian friendly, traditional “Main Street” approach to building design, as set forth in the Blueprint, received unanimous approval by the Planning Commission and City Council.
  • The 2nd Annual Village Clean Up Day was co-sponsored by TVSH and Keep Mobile Beautiful.
  • At the initiation of Senator Hap Myers, a $300,000 Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs grant was received for the creation of a master plan.
  • Renowned urban planning firm Dover, Kohl & Partners of Coral Gables, Florida, was hired to develop a master plan.
  • A charrette, an intensive week-long public design process which included all stakeholders to participate, guide and take ownership in the final plan, was held on-site in the community.
  • The 1st Village Clean Up Day was held, co-sponsored by The Village of Spring Hill, Inc. and Keep Mobile Beautiful.
  • Our story began in 2006 with the incorporation of The Village of Spring Hill, Inc. Local residents and merchants had become increasingly concerned about the deterioration of the commercial core of the Spring Hill area. The all-volunteer grassroots organization was formed to effect positive change in the community.
    • The first Spring Hill community meeting was held on March 16, 2006, with over 500 people attending.
    • The Village of Spring Hill, Inc. (TVSH) was incorporated, and the first Board of Directors was appointed.
    • 501 ©(3) tax exempt, non-profit status was approved.
    • TVSH met with the Mayor, representative of the City Council, Mobile County and Alabama Senate and House members to initiate an Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) grant for sidewalks to connect University Boulevard with McGregor Avenue on the South side of Old Shell Road.
    • 100 new oak trees were planted in the Village through the combined effort of City employees, paid labor and community volunteers.