Apparently much of Mobile’s historic areas, particularly near the downtown, had fallen onto hard times and become almost slum areas.  The city decided some 40-50 years ago to do something about it and the results are quite spectacular. Many homes were condemned and destroyed but others have been restored.  Needless to say the historical society is very particular about these structures and you have to do everything to their specifications. The house shown here is larger than many of those that have been resurrected and beautifully restored.  This one has a cantilevered stairway.