The Mobile City Council intends to vote next week on the relocation of the childhood home of Hank Aaron. If the resolution is approved, the home will be moved to a new site in the Toulminville community.
This will be the second relocation of the home. Its original location and where Aaron grew up was in the Toulminville community, but it was moved in 2008 to Hank Aaron Stadium, where it was turned into a museum.
The council worked with the City of Mobile's Real Estate Asset Management Department to find a new location for the house. It will be on the property of the Mobile Police Department's 3rd Precinct on St. Stephens Road.
"While the site plans for the home are still in the early stages, this location would ensure that Hank Aaron's childhood home has a secure location in the neighborhood he grew up in," the city stated in a press release.
"We are thrilled to welcome Hank Aaron back to the Toulminville Community," said District 1 Councilman Cory Penn. "Hank Aaron is a revered figure in our community, city, and country. We strongly believe that the presence of Hank Aaron's home will ignite the aspirations of the younger generation, encouraging them to dream big while also attracting visitors to Toulminville. This landmark event will serve as a catalyst for attracting businesses to our community, aligning perfectly with the development of our Toulminville Neighborhood Plan Toolkit aimed at revitalizing the area."
Hank Aaron was born on Feb. 5, 1935, in Mobile. He played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball. In 1974, he hit his 715th home run while playing for the Atlanta Braves. That home run broke the record for the most home runs, which Babe Ruth previously held. Aaron finished his career with 755 home runs. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said his administration wants to preserve Aaron's legacy.
"I want to thank all our staff and the members of the Mobile City Council who worked with us to identify an appropriate location for Hank Aaron's childhood home in the Toulminville community," said Mayor Sandy Stimpson. "Our goal has always been to preserve and highlight Hank Aaron's incredible legacy in the neighborhood where he first learned the game of baseball. This is exciting news for Hank Aaron fans, the Toulminville community, and the City of Mobile."
If the relocation is approved, the city will pay JPayne Organization LLC $124,500 to move the house.
Hank Aaron died of natural causes at 86 in Atlanta in 2021.
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