[ad_1]
Services for the longtime architect and business owner will be held Tuesday, April 2, at First United Methodist Church
Montgomery lost a friend, father, architect, business owner and supporter of the arts with the passing of William Michael “Mike” Watson on March 22 at the age of 72, along with his family.
“Friday night we had to say goodbye to the best dad in the world,” Watson’s son, Mason Watson, wrote on social media on Monday.
According to Watson’s obituary, visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church of Montgomery on April 2 at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m.
In recent years, Watson has become known downtown for its connected AlleyBAR, Commerce BeerWorks, AviatorBAR and a small whiskey bar called Hiram’s (named after Hank Williams). He is also an architect and real estate developer and owns property on Fairview Avenue in Montgomery.
Electric Blue Yonder’s Johnny Veres has performed on Watson’s stage many times, but their connection goes beyond music. Veres, also an architect, met Watson when he applied to intern with him. While Velez reluctantly showed up for the interview in a suit to make a good impression, he found Watson relaxed in khaki shorts and a polo shirt.
“While interning for Mike, the first project I worked on was Bar 51,” Veres said. “He allowed me to find other friends in my class to hire, and over the summer we built most of the bar ourselves. It was a big step in my personal development because I got to be personally involved in the design and construction of the bar on that project.”
A few years later, Watson hired Veres to help design and customize the AlleyBAR.
“Mike showed me Montgomery was a blank canvas,” Velez said. “We spent a long time working on the EMT bar surface, the wood trusses and the manganese panels used as the backsplash. We went to Sable Steel and found these panels all along the edge of the property. They were originally sewn to canvas sheets, The side of a tent that was used as a military camp during World War II. Mike loves figuring out the history of things. Everything has a story.
“I have a lot of great memories of working hard while having fun with him and his team. Sometimes we would work until the Crackers (baseball team) started, go to the games, and then come back and work until the wee hours of the morning. Good morning,” Wei said. Reis said. “Another good friend, Andrew Lewis, helped us hang the plates. Mike just let Andrew and I hang the plates ourselves because we knew how they were supposed to go. When Andrew died tragically a few years later, Mike always remembered his dad. “Birthday and death date. He was very thoughtful about certain things. “
As Watson has found success downtown, attempts to develop commercial real estate in Cloverdale have also faced challenges.Veres said Watson has encountered resistance in the community
“It took a huge toll on Mike,” Velez said. “Cloverdale was his neighbor, he lived there and even attended Cloverdale-Idlewild Elementary School, but because he was successful downtown, people didn’t want him there. He Wanted to bring vibrancy and street improvements, and then this project ended up being one. Part of the reason I left was because of the impact it had on him, and although he wasn’t happy initially, he supported my decision and continues to support me in my efforts in the community and as a Budding artist.
“It’s fair to say that without Mike’s support, I wouldn’t have had the time to help transform the Jubilee Center into a shelter, nor would I have had the courage to go out and follow my dream as an Electric Blue Yonder,” said Veres. “Mike instilled in us a sense of urgency in life. Whether it was working hard or living life to the fullest. Developing alleyways, revitalizing downtown, and creating multi-level entertainment venues were all part of Mike’s dream to make Montgomery a better place.” To live. “
Verres said Watson had a passion and a sense of urgency that was sometimes uncontrollable. Watson also has a quick wit, which could get him into trouble. He’s willing to live with the consequences of a good joke. He worries less about labels and more about character, even if his definitions sometimes violate the norm.
“I’m glad I met him,” Velez said. “I have countless more stories that shouldn’t be shared in newspapers. If you want to hear some, come find me.”
a friend of art
“I absolutely love Mike,” said Danny Mitsios, Montgomery Ballet’s artistic and executive director. “I’m a huge fan of Mike Watson. He was a great person not only to me, but to ballet as well…I feel like Montgomery has really lost someone special.”
Mitsios and Watson met in 2018 at AlleyBAR. While building friendships, Watson also became a supporter of Montgomery Ballet through fundraisers, hosting the company and finding the company’s current home on Fairview Avenue in the Cloverdale neighborhood.
“He didn’t think Cloverdale needed apartments. It needed culture, arts and entertainment,” Mizios said.
Mizios said that in addition to being supportive of Montgomery Ballet, Watson was a genuine, caring friend who often invited Mizios to his bar for a drink and some relaxation.
“Mike is one of those characters that if you catch him in a great moment, he’ll be hysterical around you. He can make you laugh for hours,” Mizios said.
Bob Avery met Watson at the AlleyBAR shortly after he moved to Montgomery 15 years ago. Avery played with the late Henry Pugh at the Blue Room in Montgomery. When events shut down before the pandemic, Watson invited them to his venue.
“The thing about Mike was that he was very generous to the people around him, especially to musicians and the arts community,” Ivory said. “He was always willing to give up his space at Commerce BeerWorks or AviatorBAR to provide music for the community. I think that’s great because there aren’t a lot of places to hear live music like this. He’s just a super generous, super nice guy.”
Another person who works with Watson on multiple levels is Johnathan Avant, a musician and former president of the Downtown Montgomery Business Association. Avant praised Watson as a business owner who is very active in the city’s music scene.
“The thing about Mike, he was more willing than anyone else to help us with anything that was going on downtown,” Avant said. “No matter what the idea was, he was always willing to listen and help. It’s hard to get that from a business owner. It’s also hard to get that from a real estate developer. Mike was both. I will miss that contact and Easy conversation.”
Watson family and history
Watson was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie; Along with Mason, he is survived by three other children – Smith Beavers, Will Watson and Mallory Searcy – and seven grandchildren.
Watson, a Montgomery native, was a member of Jefferson Davis High School’s inaugural 1969 graduating class. He received a degree in architecture from Auburn University and was a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association.
“I will miss him and his love for Auburn,” Mason wrote. “Mom will take you back to heaven with her.”
In 1980, Watson co-founded 2WR with his father, Murray Watson, and Mike Rutland. Watson practiced as a 2WR for the rest of his building career. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is a past president of the association.
Watson also played a major role in the revitalization and development of Montgomery’s downtown entertainment district.
“Mike always said ‘Everybody has to be somebody.’ He was often referring to his decision late in life to switch from construction to hospitality,” Veres said. “This spirit also allowed him to be fundamentally accepting of most of the world’s weirdos. I began my young adult life with short hair, a shaved face, a button-down shirt, and khaki pants. Mike helped me see that. model and realize that I can be whatever I want to be, whoever I want to be.”
In lieu of flowers, Watson’s family requests that donations be made to Respite Ministries, First United Methodist Church, 2416 West Cloverdale Park, Montgomery.
“He meant so much and did so much to me and his family,” Mason wrote. “Rest in peace dad, I love you so much.”
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers exciting events in the River Region. Contact him: sheupel@gannett.com
[ad_2]
Source link