Demolition Began at Mobile Boykin Towers
Crews have started tearing down the vacant eight-story housing facility in Mobile.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Commercial
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Demolition crews have officially begun dismantling the Boykin Towers housing project in Mobile. The project follows the 2024 acquisition of the 250-acre site by the Mobile Airport Authority.
Why it matters
The site was cleared to help the Mobile Airport Authority develop a master plan for funding future operations. The Mobile Housing Authority had previously struggled to maintain the aging 122-unit property according to federal standards.
The demolished facility stood eight stories tall and contained 122 residential units. The entire property spans more than 250 acres located north of Interstate 10 at Michigan Avenue.
The players
Mobile Airport Authority
This entity manages regional aviation operations and now holds the title to the former housing project site.
Mobile Housing Authority
This local agency was previously responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Boykin Towers facility.
HUD
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development provides federal standards and funding for public housing projects nationwide.
The details
Using a long-reach trackhoe, crews methodically tore apart the walls of the vacant housing tower to clear the land. Neighborhood streets surrounding the property were blocked off to ensure public safety during the demolition process.
Timeline
Boykin Towers officially closed in 2020.
The Mobile Airport Authority purchased the site in 2024.
The board discussed the imminent demolition on September 16, 2026.
Demolition work began on September 18, 2026.
Roadmap
The demolition of the aging Boykin Towers follows the long-standing federal trend of modernizing or decommissioning public housing infrastructure to better align with contemporary urban development needs. This repurposing of urban land allows regional authorities to pivot toward more economically productive uses.
Local residents should expect temporary traffic disruptions as crews continue to block off streets surrounding the property. These changes to the urban landscape signal a major shift in land use for the area near the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley.
The takeaway
The transformation of the former housing project site marks a significant change in the development trajectory of the North Brookley area. Residents living near the site should remain aware of ongoing demolition activity in the coming weeks.
What happens next
Cleanup work on the surrounding neighborhoods is expected to follow the initial tower demolition, though specific timelines for this subsequent phase have not been established.
Further reading
For more information on local development, see Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al.
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