The Board of Adjustment voted to hold over an application to convert the Ace Theater into a cultural and performance space anchored to the Excelsior Band, citing community concerns about parking and impacts in a proposed Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District.

John Rusick, representing Porchlight and the Excelsior Band, asked for a variance to allow a concert/performance venue with 100 fixed seats in the T4 subdistrict. Rusick said the renovation would protect the historic building, provide rehearsal and educational space and anchor the proposed cultural district along MLK Avenue. Staff noted the application was advertised for 100 fixed seats while the structure’s total occupant load was reported at about 328.

During public comment, Daniel Neil (ILA Local 1410) and Pastor Michael Davis emphasized recurring parking pressure in the block, noting longshoremen gather nearby and Dunbar School is a block away. Vicky Howell, chair of the Mobile NAACP Economic Empowerment Committee, said many residents had not seen plans and urged deeper community engagement, warning of potential gentrification and the need to coordinate with nearby ILA Hall renovations.

Rusick replied that parking is not required by right in the district and that the space is intended primarily for the Excelsior Band's use rather than commercial rentals; he said some shared parking arrangements were possible. After board members said neighbors’ unresolved questions warranted additional outreach, a motion to hold the application for 60 days passed by voice vote. The board asked the applicant and staff to use the holdover to seek further neighbor dialogue and, where useful, a parking study or shared‑parking solutions.