09/04/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2026
Brownfields Grant Supports First Step in Revitalizing Standard Furniture Site
BAY MINETTE, Ala — The City of Bay Minette is pleased to announce that the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC), has awarded Phase I funding for the formerly industrial Standard Furniture property. This EPA-funded Brownfields Assessment Grant award supports essential environmental assessment and early planning work needed to prepare the site for future revitalization.
Earlier this year, SARPC received a $1.5 million EPA Brownfields Coalition Assessment Grant, positioning the region as a leader in brownfield revitalization and strengthening local efforts to return underutilized properties to productive use. This grant was one of only two awarded in Alabama. The coalition, led by SARPC in partnership with the Baldwin County Economic Development Foundation and the Escambia County Commission, is focused on reducing environmental uncertainty, supporting economic development, and helping communities transform long-vacant properties into assets.
Throughout 2026, Bay Minette city leadership has worked closely with the Standard Furniture property owners to complete the review processes necessary to secure Phase I funding. This collaboration has been essential in advancing the site toward new opportunities.
Phase I funding will provide 100%-funded environmental and planning services, including a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, asbestos-related evaluations, and preliminary redevelopment and reuse planning—all at no cost to the property owner. These activities establish the environmental groundwork needed to understand site conditions and guide future planning under the Brownfields
Program.
City leadership is encouraged by this milestone and looks forward to continued collaboration with the property owners and SARPC as future opportunities for the site are explored.
