In September 2020, Hurricane Sally, followed a month later by Hurricane Zeta, aimed at the iconic American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope, Alabama. The results were significant structural damage and necessary closure to assess what could be done to save the building. Rumors ensued as to the fate of one of Fairhope’s oldest and most cherished spots along the Eastern Shore.

Situated on a small bluff at the south end of Mobile Street, with a beautiful view of Mobile Bay and its spectacular sunsets, the American Legion is open to the public and serves as a place where the community meets its veterans. The Post features a wide beach, picnic tables, a gazebo, and bandstand on the sand with picturesque access to the waters. The renowned Tiki Bar greets visitors at the entrance to a long new wharf, built back twice by volunteers between hurricanes.

Post 199 serves many functions for our veterans including helping them transition from military service to civilian employment as well as serving disaster response teams when situations arise. However, it’s the many good times enjoyed there that endears the Legion to one and all, the public and American Legion members alike.

It was with great consternation that Fairhope and surrounding Scenic 98 Coastal communities waited to learn what would happen to the more than 100-year-old building, first named Pineneedles due to the majestic pine trees that surround the property. These trees were what ultimately caused most of the damage.

Founded in 1913 as the Mobile Women’s Business Club as a place to cool off and discuss investment strategy, it later became a boarding house replete with prohibition lore. In 1963, it was turned over to the American Legion, a military veteran’s organization that is open to the public.

Fortunately, the decision was made to not only save the building but to restore it to a Level-Three renovation, bringing it up to code in every aspect. The American Legion Post 199 is led by Commander Gerry Garcia, and he will oversee the reconstruction with the help of the Legion’s building committee, and a campaign committee for funding the renovation. Senior Vice Commander Michael Sumrall is Chair of the Fundraising Committee and can be reached at mhsumrall@gmail.com or call 703 973-8411 to learn more about making a gift to support the renovation project.

After a public selection process, Rebecca Bryant, and her team at WATERSHED a local green building architectural consulting service, were selected to plan and design the project.  The inspiration for Rebecca and her team was to determine the right balance; keeping the historical aspect of the structure while maximizing the potential functionality. If you don’t know the building, it has three stories but only the first floor has been in use primarily due to code restraints. The outside of the original building was covered over with vinyl siding years ago, so determining what was behind the siding was a challenge.

The biggest surprise for Rebecca was that so many of the original porches were still intact. The huge fireplace, the heart pine floors, and the third-floor boxing ring still exist. WATERSHED’s specialty is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and green design. In this case, the “greenest building is one you don’t have to build.” The redesign will have a minimal environmental impact but will be constructed to conserve energy and resources.

Plans are for the first floor to continue to serve as a bar and restaurant, with the second floor to be an event space for American Legion members. The third floor will be offices for leaders and members of Post 199. Reconstruction costs have not been finalized but it will take about two years to complete the project once it’s underway.

In the meantime, events will continue at the beach with live music and beverages at the Tiki Bar. You can check their upcoming schedule here. Patrons can still get food and drinks in the temporary facility set up on the west side of the main building. The Tiki Bar is open Wednesday through Sunday, weather permitting. Recently, a Reveal Party announcing the renovation plans was held with live music by Rondale & The Kit Kats opening with Doc Rivers and The Rock Dodgers. A good time was had by all!

The American Legion is arguably the best property along the Eastern Shore and It’s still the best place to kick back and watch incredible sunsets every day of the week. See you there! American Legion Post 199700 South Mobile Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532

For more information about education and employment services for veterans, please go to American Military University (link) and 50Strong. From 50strong Co-Founder and Andalusia native Kandi Owens Tillman: “I’d like to send my support to American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope as they renovate their iconic building. Connecting with and supporting veteran employment requires national, strategic attention combined with local, grassroots outreach. We welcome all to 50strong and support our local partners on the front lines every day. I’m excited to see this happening in my home state of Alabama."

For more information, see the following links!
American Legion Eastern Shore Post 199
Party like it’s 1912
Historic building to Get National Recognition