Del Castle Restoration
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The Del Castle was built in Ocean Springs, Miss., in 1925. Originally known as Casa Flores, it was built in the Classical Spanish style. More colloquially, the sprawling house became known locally as the Al Capone House, since it was reputed to be the famous gangster's Southern hideout and a base for running rum during Prohibition.
The original Casa Flores was also one of the last examples of the stucco designs of architect Gordon Hite of New Orleans, and built by the Jenson Brothers Construction Company for realtor, F.E. Lee, in November 1925.
The Del Castle was touched by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. While not severely damaged in the storm, the deteriorating house's owner decided it would be prohibitively expensive to bring the house back up to standard and code. Against the wishes of his parents, he petitioned the Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen for permission to demolish the historic structure. After a lengthy process, the Board eventually approved the demolition and the house fell to the wrecker's ball in March 2007.
Given the significant loss of historic structures in the area due to Katrina, the classic style of the Del Castle, as well as the lore surrounding the house, there is widespread sentiment along the Mississippi Gulf Coast to reconstruct the legendary house in another location.
The Green Builders Group, along with Alpha Opportunities International, has now taken up the call. We
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want to build a new Del Castle using advanced construction systems and highly energy efficient materials. We will then feature this historic re-creation as a showcase home for our innovative designs and environmentally friendly construction. To make the project viable, we are planning to make this building a museum and attraction highlighting the style and artifacts of the Prohibition period. We will also build a restaurant and prohibition era theme speakeasy bar and nightclub, meeting facilities, and a classic automobile museum, which will serve as an anchor to Gulf Coast classic automobile shows, rallies, and other events.
The project represents an opportunity to re-construct a part of the Gulf Coast's lost history and style while creating an exciting new attraction and museum and also constructing a key Green Builders Group showcase structure that will serve as a magnet for new construction business all across the Gulf Coast.
Proposed approach for Del Castle reconstruction
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Alpha Opportunities International, Inc., in collaboration with the Green Builders Group, is formulating a plan for reconstructing the historic Del Castle as a museum, attraction, and Green Builders Group showcase structure. We believe we have a viable plan for accomplishing all project objectives as stated herein.
The plan consists of the following elements:
1. Establishment of a non-profit governing organization responsible for museum planning and oversight, fundraising and investment attraction, land acquisition, historic authentication, and on-going facility management following the construction phase.
2. Establishment of a profit-making entity that would serve as construction manager and operator of the attraction elements of the project as well as promoter of the Green Builders Group showcase facility. The profit-making entity would essentially serve as agent of the non-profit organization and would contribute toward maintenance of the organization and historic elements of the project.
3. The actual facility, which would be located on a sizable (up to 100 acres, depending on availability and fundraising) site in or around Ocean Springs or elsewhere in the region in a high-visibility location, would feature a reconstructed Del Castle utilizing modern building materials and copntemporary construction methodologies. Specific proposed elements of the project include the following:
The main floor of the mansion, which is actually on the second level but would be made handicap-accessible by drawing a driveway ramp to the main entrance of the building. One wing of the upper floor would be constructed as a stylish, period-style residence which would house the museum caretaker and his/her family and also serve as a residential portion of the showcase structure. The feasibility of a very few bed and breakfast rooms is being considered.
The ground floor of the mansion would house a museum shop, office, and support facilities for the complex.
A separate structure would feature a restaurant and "speak easy" nightclub in authentic Prohibition-era style. Authentic period artifacts would be used to decorate the restaurant-speak easy, and wait staff and entertainment, as well as menu offerings, would be in keeping with the same period style. There would be meeting rooms as well.
A large separate structure, which would be a single-level building with roof and glass walls, will house a classic car museum and additional period displays forming part of the Prohibition era museum. Ample access doors will enable easy change-out of vehicles on display. This building may be connected by a covered walkway to the main mansion to enable all-weather access between the two structures.
Additional attraction elements may be included on the property, including both historic and recreational elements.
Adequate parking is planned for the complete complex.
It is anticipated that the non-profit entity would be responsible for all museum curation and oversight. The profit entity would be responsible for most revenue-generating elements of the project and for partial financial support of the non-profit entity, as well as promotion of the PowerHouse showcase facility. The profit entity may lease out the restaurant and speak-easy and other project elements on a concession basis.
Builder opportunities
The Green Builders Group business model is regional in scope, but can be expanded statewide, and even nationwide, eventually. With the GBG focusing on marketing and product development and promotion, an opportunity exists for quality builder partners to construct the proposed Del Castle project and to generate additional construction business based on the showcase project.
Investor opportunities
Along with top builders, the Green Builders Group also is looking for investors who wish to build showcase homes and other structures in various areas to generate new sales and referrals and to realize excellent returns on their investment.
The proposed Del Castle project would be a premier showcase facility, featuring both commercial and residential features, and would serve as a magnet for visitors all across the Gulf Coast and beyond. An individual investor, investor group, or syndicated investors would have a prime showcase from which significant new business opportunities can be referred. There is also potential income to be generated from associated facilities build as a part of the Del Castel complex.
Alpha Opportunities International, Inc.: Your Gulf Coast Connection
Green Builders Group is partnering with Alpha Opportunities International, Inc. to develop the Del Castle Restoration Project. We are actively seeking new Promoters, quality builders, and forward-looking investors who wish to get involved early in the exciting PowerHouse program. The approach to the Del Castle project described here was developed in partnership with Alpha Opportunities. A final project proposal would be developed in conjunction between Green Builders Group, Alpha Opportunities, project investors, and interested community members.
Alpha Opportunities International, Inc.
2434 Pass Road, Suite E
Biloxi, MS 39531, USA
Tel +1 (228) 385-8848 / Toll-free (877) 385-8848 / Fax +1 (228)
385-8848
Email admin@alphaopportunities.com
http://www.powerhouseconstructiongroup.com/alphaopptys
http://www.alphaopportunities.com
This is not an offering of any security or
investment.
Copyright © 2007, Alpha Opportunities International, Inc. All
rights reserved.
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Opportunities International, Inc
.
