08/06/2025
Too many questions to know where to start! How did William Carroll get such a sweet deal? Who did he buy it from? Someone who has interests before the city council? Is it a coincidence that its awful close to the Dearborn Y property? How is this not a conflict?!?!?
COUNCILMAN CARROLL GOES ‘CLUBBING’
District 2 Councilman William Carroll, through his construction company Carroll Inc., has plans to develop property in Downtown Mobile which includes a popular entertainment venue recently known as “Club 601.”
In August of last year, Carroll purchased 601 State Street, which includes a two-story brick and stucco building originally constructed in 1919. Known historically as the State Street Elks Lodge (Lodge No. 244), it is a Victorian-style structure with historical significance and is marked with a historic shield by the City of Mobile.
The $525,000 sale price also included adjoining and nearby properties at 600, 605 and 608 State St.
Carroll’s development plans apparently are the reason the monthly Jazz Jambalaya put on at 601 State St. by the Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed (MOJO) off and on since 2012 is looking for a new venue. This month’s concert will be held Aug. 25 at Cedar Street Social Club.
A document filed with the city states, “Carroll Inc. would like to develop from the Northeast corner of N. Dearborn Street to the Northeast corner of N. Warren Street.
The club measures around 9,700 to 9,800 square feet and sits on approximately 0.20 to 0.24 acres. Over the years, it has served various uses, including most recently operating as a nightclub or entertainment venue.
It includes features like a commercial-grade kitchen, two levels of bar and VIP seating areas, multiple restrooms, office space, storage rooms, and beamed ceilings. The interior has a mix of hardwood, tile, and carpeted flooring, and the building uses central heating and cooling systems along with ceiling fans.
While the building is not on the National Register of Historic Places, it does have recognized historic value at the local level. It sits in an area surrounded by other historic sites, such as the State Street AME Zion Church just down the road. The building could have potential for reuse or redevelopment depending on local zoning and permitting.
The building at 601 State St. has been referred to by several different names over time:
It was originally known as the State Street Elks Lodge, home to Elks Lodge No. 244. This name emphasizes its long-standing association with the fraternal organization.
In more recent local discussions and redevelopment planning, the property has sometimes been referred to as Gulf City Lodge, a nod to its historic roots and vision for future reuse as a music or cultural venue.
