Mobile’s Gulf Distributing today announced it is beginning a $32.5 million project to relocate its operations downtown, in a move that will create 25 jobs.

One of the oldest beverage distributors in the Southeast, the company will relocate from Moffett Road to the former Press Register building at 401 North Water St.

The project will expand and modify the building’s existing warehouse and improve its offices. The remaining office space will be refurbished to lease as Class A commercial space to other tenants.

The move was announced today at a City of Mobile Industrial Development Board meeting.

Chairman and CEO Elliot B. Maisel said the project is necessary as the company is “bursting at the seams” at its present location.

“We feel this location can accommodate our needs for additional space while allowing us to upgrade to a more modern, efficient facility,” Maisel said. “Our employees are also excited to be in downtown Mobile, which has so much to offer with its restaurants and culture amongst the area’s most sought-after neighborhoods.”

The company employs 220 people and has been a presence in Mobile since 1973.

“This move will play a key role in the revitalization of Downtown Mobile, as we strive to recruit more back-office operations to our downtown area,” Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne said.