DOTHAN, Ala. – “Everyone in Dothan can see that this place is coming to life,” says the bishop and senior pastor of New Beginning Mistie’s International Dr. Rawle P. Mitchell.
Porter Square Mall was Dothan’s second mall.
After being mostly vacant for years, the location is being reborn as the Kingdom Life Center.
“We want to be able to create something where when people come, they can get a cross section of services,” says Mitchell.
Many of the businesses listed on the directory at the mall here have not been in operation for years.
Soon they will be replaced with the names of a fitness center, daycare, salon, counseling services, and more.
Also, on the list: providing senior services, partnering with local colleges, and opening a Caribbean restaurant.
“This area being impacted where there are resources that people that don’t have the transportation normally get out to different places it will be right here and available for them,” says Arthur Bell.
“We’re going to be able to create over 100 jobs also to attract new businesses and to develop this property in such a way to where it’s no longer a blight to the community but a blessing,” says Mitchell.
The minister considers it a gift to be able to restore old things to their true purpose.
When I see something depressed, I can always see the glory of it and we’re seeing it right now before our eyes all of the dreams and the visions and aspirations as we pin them out working with,” says Mitchell.
The goal is to impact the entire community, but management is reaching out to a special group.
“We have a desire for men to regain their place back in the community and families and in society. We’re a place where they can come to get some guidance and some work to be able to help out rebuild the community,’ says Bell.
The entire building is being renovated not only for beautification purposes but also to ensure the property is structurally safe.
