Atlanta Project Thread III

[cybele]

Well I see where Colonnade (http://www.atlantarealestateforum.com/colonnade-wins-gold-and-silver-at-2009-obies-19024/) has won both the Gold and Silver awards at the 2009 OBIEs.

Congratulations to Atlanta custom home builder Colonnade for bringing home two awards at the 2009 OBIE Awards Gala. The custom Earthcraft certified builder captured a Gold and Silver OBIE for Single Family-Detached Urban Development/Revitalization ($700,000 and above) for their work completed at The Park at Oglethorpe, a premier luxury new home community in Brookhaven.

[Hot_Pepper]

and Colonnade Restaurant should get 3 stars and 2 snaps for being delicious too.......:cheers:

[cybele]

Well we saw on TV where the Terminus (http://www.abnhtv.com/communities/view.php?id=371) had sold off 50 condos in 90 days but they had to cut the prices by about $200,000. According to them a lot of the buyers live in the suburbs but just like to come into town on the weekends.

[cybele]

Well you have to wonder what's up with that mixed use thing across from the St. Regis.

http://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/2009/images/proposed/09O0854.pdf

[Alfred E Neuman]

Waldorf Astoria?

[cybele]

Well it looks like they are getting ready to do the rest of that Peachtree Boulevard thing.

Peachtree Boulevard II first of many CID projects (http://www.reporternewspapers.net/Articles-c-2009-12-31-168196.113118_Peachtree_Boulevard_II_first_of_many_CID_projects.html)

Work will begin in February or March on Phase II of the Buckhead Boulevard project, which will continue the streetscape and traffic flow improvements on a mile-long stretch of Peachtree Road that passes Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza malls, the head of the Buckhead Community Improvement District (CID) said.

Construction is expected to take two years to complete, CID executive director Jim Durrett told the Buckhead Business Association on Dec. 17. The work will extend the Buckhead Boulevard project from the Ga. 400 bridge to Roxboro Road, which is twice as long as the completed Phase I section from Maple Drive (one block south of Piedmont Road) to the Ga. 400 bridge.

Speaking on "Quality of Life and Buckhead's Immediate Future," Durrett, who took over in September as head of the CID, outlined at least a half-dozen road and streetscape projects district officials are working on.

"What we are doing here in Buckhead," he said, "is trying to provide a place that works for people, not just for cars… but it works better for cars, too."

[smArTaLlone]

ATLANTA-Bank of America has renewed its longtime lease at the 55-story trophy office tower bearing its name in the Midtown submarket. The decision ends a local space search by the Charlotte-based financial giant that included several new buildings in the market.

Details of the new long-term lease were not disclosed, though the current asking rent at the 18-year-old skyscraper is listed at $19 per square foot. Bank of America Plaza, the tallest office structure in the Southeast, has nearly 1.3 million square feet at the corner of North Avenue and Peachtree Street, and is at least 80% occupied.

[smArTaLlone]

By Paul Donsky
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

At a proposed 46 stories with a dramatic, back-lit opening near the crown, 50 Allen Plaza promised to change the city's skyline and further cement Allen Plaza’s position as downtown Atlanta’s hottest new address.

ut construction of the office tower, planned during the height of the real estate boom, never started as the local economy nose-dived.

Now the project’s lender has started foreclosure proceedings on the property, a 1.6-acre tract located on the northern edge of downtown, after developers Barry Real Estate apparently failed to pay on two loans worth a total of $9.5 million.

50 Allen Plaza is the latest high-profile Atlanta project to fall into trouble. Construction of Ben Carter’s ritzy Streets of Buckhead retail district has been delayed. Downtown Atlanta’s Equitable building was foreclosed last year, while the Mansion on Peachtree building in Buckhead faces possible foreclosure in February.

http://www.ajc.com/business/lender-moves-to-foreclose-269575.html

[atl2phx]

as predicted by many....it looks like the commercial side will continue to get hammered hard this year and be a drag on the overall recovery.

[SteveD]

ATLANTA-Bank of America has renewed its longtime lease at the 55-story trophy office tower bearing its name in the Midtown submarket. The decision ends a local space search by the Charlotte-based financial giant that included several new buildings in the market.

Details of the new long-term lease were not disclosed, though the current asking rent at the 18-year-old skyscraper is listed at $19 per square foot. Bank of America Plaza, the tallest office structure in the Southeast, has nearly 1.3 million square feet at the corner of North Avenue and Peachtree Street, and is at least 80% occupied.

"...tallest office structure in the Southeast,..."

Interesting to see it described that way. In spite of all the high profile skyscraper construction over those same 18 years, Bank of America Plaza in Atlanta remains the tallest building in the US outside of NY or Chicago. "Tallest in the Southeast" doesn't really do it justice.

[trainiac]

"...tallest office structure in the Southeast,..."

Interesting to see it described that way. In spite of all the high profile skyscraper construction over those same 18 years, Bank of America Plaza in Atlanta remains the tallest building in the US outside of NY or Chicago. "Tallest in the Southeast" doesn't really do it justice.

True. You know, during the entire commercial real-estate boom the only thing taller I can remember getting proposed was that Signature building in Nashville. Were there any others seriously proposed?

[cabasse]

a hollow victory indeed... http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?searchID=45561966

[atl2phx]

a hollow victory indeed... http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?searchID=45561966

nice illustrations. houston's shell plaza is a joke.

charlotte's BOFA should be on there too, no?

[smArTaLlone]

Apparently, there was progress in talks to forestall a foreclosure for the site slated to become Allen Plaza's signature tower.

Hal Barry wouldn't say too much about his meeting with BB&T Corp. today, but the Atlanta developer did offer this: "We made great progress and "We hope to have this cleaned up by the end of the month."

Barry, chairman of Barry Real Estate and the developer of downtown's Allen Plaza, is in discussions with the lender about the future of the project.

Barry needs to refinance about $10 million in debt used to purchase the site of 50 Allen Plaza, the linchpin for the $2 billion proposed project that could eventually cover nine blocks between West Peachtree Street and Centennial Park.

Atlanta Business Chronicle (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/blog/on_the_market/2010/01/barry_says_theres_progress.html)

[smArTaLlone]

A proposed 170-acre research park, expected to be the engine of a redeveloped Fort McPherson, could generate up to 7,000 jobs and lure Big Pharma to southwest Atlanta.

The research park is part of an ambitious mixed-used makeover of the more than century-old army base that could generate up to 15,000 jobs. Next month, the McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority will accept proposals to help “fine tune” its plan to revitalize the 488-acre base, scheduled to close next year. The authority is expected to negotiate the transfer terms of the Army-controlled land by this fall.

The park, anchored by an institute that could focus on vaccine development, regenerative medicine, cardiovascular research, and neuroscience, would be marketed more as a research and development center than for large-scale manufacturing.

Moving the project from blueprint to bricks and mortar, however, will require significant public-private investment and collaboration between multiple stakeholders. The research park, alone, could cost up to $168 million to develop.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/01/18/story1.html?b=1263790800^2726281

[cybele]

Well I guess it's just a sign of the times.

Mandarin site faces foreclosure

The site proposed for a tony 53-story Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the heart of Midtown Atlanta is in danger of going back to the bank.

First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. of Columbia, S.C., has issued a foreclosure auction notice for the site owned by TP 1138 Peachtree LLC, a subsidiary of the proposed hotel’s developer, Tivoli Properties Inc.

The $13.5 million loan to acquire the 1138 Peachtree St. parcel was issued by Georgian Bank, which failed Sept. 25, and was acquired by First Citizens Bank. The note is scheduled to be auctioned off Feb. 2 if a resolution cannot be reached.

Full story (http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/01/18/story5.html)

[smArTaLlone]

By Rachel Tobin Ramos
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://www.ajc.com/business/streets-of-buckhead-development-279120.html)

Streets of Buckhead developer Ben Carter said Wednesday he is in talks with private investors to raise $200 million to resume work on the stalled luxury retail project.

Unable to get a traditional bank loan amid the credit crunch, Carter said he has been seeking private investment money instead -- a position many developers are in.

“I think that in the next 30 days we will have selected the investor and have completed an agreement with all existing lenders,” Carter said. “The goal is to start construction shortly after that.”

Carter said he now hopes to open the project in spring 2011, with 375,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space -- a smaller footprint than originally planned.

He said he has leased 60 percent of that, calling that a crucial threshold to help convince new investors to buy into the project. He said he signed 100,000 square feet since the fall, including two entertainment concepts, six restaurants, two retailers and a spa but wouldn’t disclose their names.

http://www.ajc.com/business/streets-of-buckhead-development-279120.html

[smArTaLlone]

Unfinished Projects Weigh on Banks (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704561004575013512823380310.html?mod=WSJ_HomeAndGarden_sections_RealEstate)

[cybele]

Well call me hard-hearted but I don't have a lot of sympathy for these banks. BOA just announced it's handing out record bonuses, courtesy of the trillions of taxpayer dollars that Bush and Obama are giving them. How about passing on some of that loot to the developers who are actually trying to build American cities?

[trainiac]

Unfinished Projects Weigh on Banks (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704561004575013512823380310.html?mod=WSJ_HomeAndGarden_sections_RealEstate)

Have you noticed the one local name that hasn't been mentioned in any of these crazy-huge development loans? SunTrust

I remember back in 2007 and early 2008 there were articles every week about how their stock price just wasn't high enough and how they should stop being so conservative in their dealings. I always held my breath during those moments thinking: "Please ignore these people". I think the biggest business change they did at that time was to start selling some of their enormous Coca-Cola holdings. And, look at that, they got great prices.

From what I remember, they also made it out of the Great Depression in better shape than their competitors.

Stay conservative!

[echinatl]

Have you noticed the one local name that hasn't been mentioned in any of these crazy-huge development loans? SunTrust

I remember back in 2007 and early 2008 there were articles every week about how their stock price just wasn't high enough and how they should stop being so conservative in their dealings. I always held my breath during those moments thinking: "Please ignore these people". I think the biggest business change they did at that time was to start selling some of their enormous Coca-Cola holdings. And, look at that, they got great prices.

From what I remember, they also made it out of the Great Depression in better shape than their competitors.

Stay conservative!

They're still in rough shape though. We'll see what happens tomorrow when they announce 2009 Q4 earnings. I switched to them when Wachovia was snapped up by Wells Fargo, I figured I should switch to the home team.

[cybele]

Well the newspaper says the Terminus has now sold over half its condos so that supposedly lets them tap into financing from Fannie Mae. I guess that's good news.

[cybele]

Well it's great to see more livable walkable communities popping up around the city. This fits right in with the ARC's Mobility 2030 plan to attack transportation congestion. By then many of today's younger crowd will be entering senior citizenhood and they're going to need these kinds of developments.

Windsong Recognized by AARP and NAHB (http://www.atlantarealestateforum.com/windsong-recognized-aarp-nahb-19927/)

Windsong Properties, Atlanta’s leading Active Adult courtyard homebuilder recently received the 2009 Livable Communities “special recognition” honor for Somerset in Woodstock. The award was presented by the AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) on January 19 at the 2010 International Builders Show in Las Vegas.

The AARP and NAHB created the joint awards program in 2007 to recognize forward thinking builders, remodelers, architects and developers who have constructed creative and unique homes and communities for active adults. By designing homes that improve daily comfort, ease of use and safety for all residents, no matter age, Windsong was awarded the “special recognition” honor.

Every Windsong home built meets the standards put in place by EasyLiving Homes®. Some of the criteria to be considered an EasyLiving Home® include no-step access, wide doorways and lever handles. In addition, the homes in the Somerset community are also EarthCraft Homes, ensuring that they have a lower cost to operate, are healthier and reduce their environmental impact.

[smArTaLlone]

Well it's great to see more livable walkable communities popping up around the city. This fits right in with the ARC's Mobility 2030 plan to attack transportation congestion. By then many of today's younger crowd will be entering senior citizenhood and they're going to need these kinds of developments.

What project is this related to?

[cybele]

Well it's called Somerset (http://www.windsonglife.com/somerset).

[smArTaLlone]

Well it's called Somerset (http://www.windsonglife.com/somerset).

A seniors subdivision in Woodstock....how could I have missed this?

[cybele]

Well it has won a national award! And all these 30-somethings will be 50-somethings by the time our transportation plan gets rolling. Twenty years zings by in the blink of an eye.

[smArTaLlone]

On Jan. 5, State Rep. Mark Burkhalter (Johns Creek) introduced House Bill 903, which would allow Fulton County to extend the expiration date — from 2020 to 2045 — on hotel and motel taxes used to help pay off bonds that built the Georgia Dome. Burkhalter’s bill includes a few stipulations for that extension, however. The GWCCA would have to agree to build a “successor facility” — aka a new dome — on its property. The GWCCA would also have to secure an NFL team to play in the facility for the duration of the tax.

In late 2009, the GWCCA began exploring whether the Dome needed a retractable roof, upgrades or perhaps even be built anew. Whatever the authority decides, says spokesman Mark Geiger, it’d like to see the Falcons play a part.

Creative Loafing article (http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2010/01/24/lawmakers-bill-could-help-pave-way-for-new-georgia-dome/)

[cybele]

Well this sounds like a pretty big deal.

New Broad Street to buy GM site (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/01/25/daily70.html)

The deal could close in early summer, when initial development plans and timetables will be disclosed, said New Broad Street president David Pace.

“This is the best urban infill site in the country for a large transit-oriented development,” said Pace. “It will be clean and green, incorporating environmental remediation of the former industrial site with best practices for sustainable development.”

New Broad Street Companies is based in Orlando, Fla. It specializes in large-scale mixed-use projects, including the redevelopment of the 1,100-acre former Orlando Naval Training Center property into Baldwin Park which commenced in 2001.

[smArTaLlone]

Atlanta Business Chronicle

Cox Enterprises Inc. said late Thursday it intends to start construction this year on a 600,000-square-foot expansion to its Sandy Springs corporate campus for its Cox Communications unit.

The expansion of its Central Park campus near Perimeter Mall represents one of the largest commercial construction projects announced in the past few years, and is a surprise given the state of the metro Atlanta's real estate market, where vacancies are above 20 percent.

“Our company’s growth necessitates the construction of additional facilities,” Marybeth Leamer, Cox Enterprises executive vice president, administration and human resources, said in a statement. “This rings especially true for Cox Communications, which is ramping up its operations to soon launch next-generation wireless voice and Internet services. We’re excited to further develop our Central Park campus to meet their specific needs.”

Real estate giant CB Richard Ellis is serving as an adviser on the project, and Atlanta-based Cousins Properties Inc. is slated to be the developer, Cox Enterprises said in a statement.

HGOR principal Bob Hughes and a team from Duda/Paine Architects have been enlisted for design, Cox said.

Completion of the office complex is expected in 2012.

Cox Communications, the cable and Internet service subsidiary, will move its information technology, Internet and the division’s engineering unit into the new complex. Its facility at 1400 Lake Hearn Drive will remain a hub for its non-technology workforce.

[smArTaLlone]

New Broad Street to buy GM site (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/01/25/daily70.html)

Its a HUGE victory for Atlanta and good TOD development that New Broad Street is getting the GM site instead of Sembler. :cheers:

[atlantaguy]

Its a HUGE victory for Atlanta and good TOD development that New Broad Street is getting the GM site instead of Sembler. :cheers:

Absolutely! Sembler would have been my last choice - so glad to hear that they've been shut out of this. If Hines didn't get it, I'm glad New Broad Street did.

I've seen what this firm did with Baldwin Park in Orlando. It's beautiful, and exactly what I was hoping for at the GM site.:tup:

[ATLaffinity]

In late 2009, the GWCCA began exploring whether the Dome needed a retractable roof, upgrades or perhaps even be built anew. Whatever the authority decides, says spokesman Mark Geiger, it’d like to see the Falcons play a part.

Creative Loafing article (http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2010/01/24/lawmakers-bill-could-help-pave-way-for-new-georgia-dome/)

What pansies! It's Atlanta for chrisakes.

How about a stadium with...no roof. :shrug:

There's nothing milder than autumn in Atlanta.

It's kinda disgusting to have a crisp fall day and go indoors to watch football.

[smArTaLlone]

What pansies! It's Atlanta for chrisakes.

How about a stadium with...no roof. :shrug:

There's nothing milder than autumn in Atlanta.

It's kinda disgusting to have a crisp fall day and go indoors to watch football.

The roof is all about the ability to host other events that are not held in Autumn like the NCAA basketball tournament for example.

[cybele]

I've seen what this firm did with Baldwin Park in Orlando. It's beautiful, and exactly what I was hoping for at the GM site.:tup:

Wow, that is cool. I like it.

[reet]

Absolutely! Sembler would have been my last choice - so glad to hear that they've been shut out of this. If Hines didn't get it, I'm glad New Broad Street did.

I've seen what this firm did with Baldwin Park in Orlando. It's beautiful, and exactly what I was hoping for at the GM site.:tup:

The architecture of Baldwin Park is very nice and that makes me excited to see what they do here. On the down side, Baldwin Park devotes a very Sembler-esque amount of land space to parking lots. I hope NBS doesn't repeat that with the Doraville project. Some underground parking along the lines of what's in Atlantic Station would be good. And I hope the project makes good use of the nearby MARTA station.

[smArTaLlone]

Yes there is surface parking but the walk-ability of the project is far superior to anything Sembler has done in Atlanta. Their developments are truly mixed use whereas Sembler does retail development with some residential thrown in. Plus the fact that this will be a TOD will likely result in different solutions such as higher densities for the Doraville project in comparison to Baldwin Park.

[trainiac]

Not sure if everybody saw this yet, but here's a nice animation showing the impact of John Portman on downtown. Pretty staggering when presented this way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_ii-54NTyM

I was in the Marriott last weekend and I'm pretty sure that's my favorite of his interiors -- especially with the renovations from a few years ago.

[cybele]

Well the man flat put Atlanta on the map. There wouldn't be much of a downtown Atlanta at all if he hadn't come along.

:tup:

[rythym]

Indeed. I was in 303 P'tree yestiddy fortunate enough to catch a nice view from suite 4000. While enjoying complimentary coffee I thumbed through a book on the history of Portman and various projects. That building is covered in Portman art and even the chairs on P'tree Center Ave. level were designed by Master P. What a talent.
Could someone post renderings or pics of his Atlanta home, Intelechy (sp?), perhaps?
Also, there is a beautiful Atlanta model in the Portman Holdings office on the main floor of 303. They are pretty cool about you going in to check it out. There is a nice model of phase 3 for Suntrust that I haven't seen on here.

[smArTaLlone]

Atlanta Business Chronicle (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/02/01/daily53.html) - by Douglas Sams Staff Writer



Alston & Bird LLP has chosen the developer Daniel Corp. to explore the feasibility of a new office tower for Atlanta’s largest law firm.

Daniel Corp., along with its partner Selig Enterprises Inc., is working with the architectural firm Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio LLC. Daniel Corp. may also consider bringing in another architect as part of the team.

Alston & Bird’s lease within Midtown’s 50-story One Atlantic Center and the smaller, adjacent Atlantic Center Plaza expires in 2013.

The law firm would need 350,000 to 400,000 square feet, making it one of the largest and most sought-after tenants in Atlanta.

The current economy makes a new tower difficult. Alston & Bird may instead renew its lease.

Daniel Corp. and Hines, the owner of One Atlantic Center, will bring proposals to Alston & Bird in the next several months, allowing the law firm to choose whether to launch a new tower or renew.

Daniel Corp. has two initial sites for the possible new tower, the first at 1125 Peachtree St., and a second at 40 17th St.

Cushman & Wakefield of Georgia Inc., which has a long history representing the storied Atlanta law firm, will help broker the deal.

A new tower would take at least 18 months to build.

“We, along with Cushman & Wakefield and Alston & Bird, are all going to be working together,” Daniel Corp. Senior Vice President Steve Baile said. “Our charge is to find the best solution. We look at this as a partnership.”

Any plans for a new tower immediately face hurdles.

The first is financing.

It would be difficult for Daniel Corp. to find a lender to finance a new tower, even one built for or anchored by a giant, well-established law firm like Alston & Bird. Underwriting standards have tightened considerably in the wake of the worst commercial real estate and economic crisis since the Great Depression.

“A new tower is going to offer consolidated services, technological and environmental advantages that aren’t always present in a 25-year-old building,” Baile said. “Alston & Bird is going to take our analysis and that of Hines and decide for themselves whether a renewal or a tower is the right choice.”

[trainiac]

Daniel Corp. has two initial sites for the possible new tower, the first at 1125 Peachtree St., and a second at 40 17th St.


Oooh! Isn't 1125 the last empty lot on the east side of Ptree? Where that carwash was? That would be amazingly awesome

[jurban8]

Umm..as much vacant space as there is right now in Atlanta and these guys are talking about a new tower? Frivolous.

[(four 0 four)]

Also, there is a beautiful Atlanta model in the Portman Holdings office on the main floor of 303. They are pretty cool about you going in to check it out. There is a nice model of phase 3 for Suntrust that I haven't seen on here.
I took these shots about 5 years ago after I was dragged into their office for taking pictures in the Suntrust lobby...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/four0four/ptreecentermodel2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/four0four/ptreecentermodel3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/four0four/ptreecentermodel.jpg

Here's the one that shows phase 3.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/four0four/ptreecentermodel4.jpg
I wonder if Portman also owns the block behind the church to the left of phase 3...it looks like a similarly styled building.

[rythym]

I don't believe so. In his books and on the models I have seen all of his buildings have been done in complete detail.
i.e. westin detailed; GP and 191 not.
So SunTrust Phase 3 detailed and the building behind the church isn't. Maybe this is why? I'm glad you posted the pictures. I didn't remember that building behind the church. Have you seen the Atlanta model at 50 Hurt Plaza? Not as cool to me, but easily accessible.
Someone posted some pics of the Allen Plaza model too a couple years back. But mos def worth checking out if you can get to the 9th(?) floor at 30 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd. That is where I heard minor rumblings of "Co-cola" (as my mother oft said) being courted to anchor 50AP.

[smArTaLlone]

Atlanta Business Chronicle

Atlanta Hall Management Inc., the non-profit tasked with building and running the new College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, hired Steve Ethier as chief operating officer.

Ethier, currently the executive director of the Minneapolis Convention Center, will come aboard on Feb. 26 to oversee the design and construction of the hall. He also has held construction and operational management positions with Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wis., Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., and with Major League Baseball‘s Office of the Commissioner.

Ethier’s event operations experience includes work on the 2008 Republican National Convention, 2008 MLB All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, MLB’s Exhibition Series in Beijing, China, 2002 MLB All-Star Game and the 1991 American League Championship Series and World Series in the Metrodome.

“As we move forward in the design and construction process, there is a need for an experienced leader to shape our collective vision into reality,” said Gary Stokan, president and CEO of Atlanta Hall Management and the Chick-fil-A Bowl, in a statement. “We have every confidence that Steve is the right choice and are looking forward to the expertise he will bring to this project.”

The new College Football Hall of Fame -- a 50,000 square foot, $50 million facility -- is set to open in fall 2012.

[echinatl]

They need to get started on the HOF soon if they're going to make the deadline right?
Also, wasn't the planned opening of the Human Rights Museum around that time? Has there been any new info on that front recently?

[smArTaLlone]

Atlanta Business Chronicle (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2009/07/27/newscolumn3.html)

Atlanta’s fourth-largest law firm is officially in the market.

Kilpatrick Stockton LLP has appointed real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. to help in its search. Jones Lang’s Brad Armstrong, Shan Gastineau and Duncan Gibbs are leading the effort.

Kilpatrick Stockton is the second giant Midtown law firm to jump into Atlanta’s best tenant market in memory, where landlords are throwing up to two years of free rent and from $80 to $100 in tenant improvement allowances at the biggest firms.

Kilpatrick Stockton, a 135-year-old law firm, has about 270,000 square feet at Manulife Financial’s 1100 Peachtree, where it has been located since 1992. The 21-story tower is about 85 percent occupied.

“We have a great opportunity to help Kilpatrick Stockton explore various alternatives in a market with unprecedented dynamics and opportunities,” said Gibbs, managing director in Jones Lang LaSalle’s Atlanta tenant representation group. “Numerous possibilities exist, including a renewal.”

[smArTaLlone]

Atlanta Business Chronicle (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/02/15/story2.html?b=1266210000^2872081)

Atlanta-based Turner Broadcasting System Inc. could invest about $600 million to potentially expand its Techwood campus and relocate some production work from New York to Atlanta.

TBS, which declined to make executives available for comment, said through a spokesperson that it will also invest the money in technology upgrades, broadcast facilities and in growing its sports digital properties, such as nba.com and pga.com.

While the potential investment will likely create local jobs, the company declined to say how many.

The potential investment shows TBS’ “continued commitment to Atlanta and to its expansion of the production capabilities in its corporate headquarters,” said Jack Myers, an independent media analyst.

In November, TBS, a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX), went before the Development Authority of Fulton County to secure $600 million in taxable revenue bonds, which will be drawn down over the next five years.

“These taxable revenue bonds provide low-cost financing to TBS, which allows us to grow and protect existing jobs in Fulton County,” TBS spokeswoman Misty Skedgell said.

TBS employs about 11,500 full-time employees companywide, including about 6,600 in Atlanta. The company operates CNN, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, Turner Classic Movies, truTV and Peachtree TV.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/02/15/story2.html?b=1266210000^2872081

[trainiac]

Atlanta Business Chronicle (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/02/15/story2.html?b=1266210000^2872081)

Atlanta-based Turner Broadcasting System Inc. could invest about $600 million to potentially expand its Techwood campus and relocate some production work from New York to Atlanta.


Hey, it only took them 5 years to figure out that Manhattan is more expensive than Atlanta. Hopefully they'll be taking more and more away from Time Warner Center over time. Everybody I know who had to move to either DC or NYC would love to come back here.

[atl2phx]

Hey, it only took them 5 years to figure out that Manhattan is more expensive than Atlanta. Hopefully they'll be taking more and more away from Time Warner Center over time. Everybody I know who had to move to either DC or NYC would love to come back here.

no doubt.

$600MM seems like one helluva bond issue that would cover extensive new facilities. i wonder if TBS can draw against it for any expense, is it limited to capital improvements/new facilities, or can it be that can be used to cover operating expenses related to re-locations of operations, people and equipment?

[smArTaLlone]

Atlanta Business Chronicle

Hapeville officials and Jacoby Development are looking into including a global market showplace as part of the redevelopment of the city’s old Ford plant.

The market centers proposed could offer anything from foods to mobile phones and could compete with similar marts centered near airports around the world.

The Hapeville Association of Tourism & Trade recently issued a request for proposals from consultants to study the idea.

The state is also involved in the project.

A Georgia Tourism Product Development grant is funding the nearly $20,000 study.

The grant is focused on projects with the potential to create jobs in the hospitality industry.

Jacoby Development bought the Ford plant — next to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — in 2008.

Jacoby Development, led by Atlantic Station co-developer Jim Jacoby, later razed the Ford plant, clearing the way to turn the factory into a 130-acre aerotropolis, a term for any development focused on aviation-oriented businesses.

Other concepts the upcoming study will consider include a world-class consulate headquarters, a museum, an entertainment complex and other tourism concepts.

The global commodity centers would be an important component of the 6.5 million-square-foot project, which still aims to create the first true office market on the city’s south side.

An international market would showcase imports that come through the airport, including flowers, foods and fabrics.

Plans for the global market centers coincide with the airport’s ambitions to increase its import volumes, including volumes of perishable items such as flowers.

Jacoby Development was inspired by successful marts around the world, including downtown’s AmericasMart, The World Market Center in Las Vegas, the Dallas Market Center and Cybermart in Shanghai, where stores offer a range of high-tech gadgets, from laptops to mobile phones.

http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/02/15/story4.html?b=1266210000^2872341

[Curious Atlantan]

Maybe people who had to move to NYC would love to come back to Atl. But in general way more people want to live in NYC than in Atl, judging by the prices. Just an observation! ;)

Hey, it only took them 5 years to figure out that Manhattan is more expensive than Atlanta. Hopefully they'll be taking more and more away from Time Warner Center over time. Everybody I know who had to move to either DC or NYC would love to come back here.

[trainiac]

Maybe people who had to move to NYC would love to come back to Atl. But in general way more people want to live in NYC than in Atl, judging by the prices. Just an observation! ;)

Right. I was talking about the CNN/Turner folks who had their shows moved from CNN Center up to Time Warner Center and DC. TV people don't make much money but they make up for it by getting to work crappy hours ;)

[atl2phx]

video on progress/process of replacing 6K windows of the westin peachtree plaza. roughly 1/6th of the way there.

1000 DONE, 5000 MORE TO GO WESTIN REPLACES GLASS (http://www.ajc.com/video?bcpid=1659825399&bclid=1716449804&bctid=67286845001)

by the way, there's definitely much more of a bronze tint to the new glass, i like it alot.

[echinatl]

video on progress/process of replacing 6K windows of the westin peachtree plaza. roughly 1/6th of the way there.

1000 DONE, 5000 MORE TO GO WESTIN REPLACES GLASS (http://www.ajc.com/video?bcpid=1659825399&bclid=1716449804&bctid=67286845001)

by the way, there's definitely much more of a bronze tint to the new glass, i like it alot.

i did not think there were over 6,000 pieces of glass on that thing!

[cybele]

That thing is one tall son of a gun. It was a very popular location for courting the young ladies back in the day and many a young fella popped the question there.

[echinatl]

That thing is one tall son of a gun. It was a very popular location for courting the young ladies back in the day and many a young fella popped the question there.

My good friend just proposed to his gf there a few months ago.

[smArTaLlone]

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Law firm Fisher & Phillips is moving its Atlanta headquarters from Buckhead to 12th & Midtown, chairman and managing partner Roger Quillen said Tuesday.

The firm will occupy two floors of the new 38-story office tower at 1075 Peachtree Street.

[smArTaLlone]

By Leon Stafford
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://www.ajc.com/business/football-hall-price-tag-324763.html)

The College Football Hall of Fame that Atlanta officials hope to someday build downtown could cost almost double the original price and be twice as large as previously envisioned.

At least that's what hall boosters said at a Tuesday hearing before the Georgia Legislature's joint economic development subcommittee.

"What we are trying to do is raise roughly $80 to $90 million to build something between 75,000 and 100,000 square feet," said Phil Jacobs, former executive at Bell South who spoke on the project's behalf. "That will allow us to open this thing in late 2011. "

That is far from the $50-million cost leaders were citing last fall when they landed the hall in a move from South Bend, Ind. At that time, the size of the facility, which they hope to locate around Centennial Olympic Park, was about 50,000 square feet.

The Hall of Fame backers, which included Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, came to the legislature in hopes of securing $10 million in general obligation bonds to aid in land acquisition for the building.

[echinatl]

By Leon Stafford
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://www.ajc.com/business/football-hall-price-tag-324763.html)

The College Football Hall of Fame that Atlanta officials hope to someday build downtown could cost almost double the original price and be twice as large as previously envisioned.

At least that's what hall boosters said at a Tuesday hearing before the Georgia Legislature's joint economic development subcommittee.

"What we are trying to do is raise roughly $80 to $90 million to build something between 75,000 and 100,000 square feet," said Phil Jacobs, former executive at Bell South who spoke on the project's behalf. "That will allow us to open this thing in late 2011. "

That is far from the $50-million cost leaders were citing last fall when they landed the hall in a move from South Bend, Ind. At that time, the size of the facility, which they hope to locate around Centennial Olympic Park, was about 50,000 square feet.

The Hall of Fame backers, which included Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, came to the legislature in hopes of securing $10 million in general obligation bonds to aid in land acquisition for the building.
I hope they do it! This was a massive win for Atlanta and if this slips away everyone should be extremely disappointed and embarrassed that we couldn't get it done.

[TarHeelJ]

I hope they do it! This was a massive win for Atlanta and if this slips away everyone should be extremely disappointed and embarrassed that we couldn't get it done.

Yes, the entire city should be embarrassed about the recession we brought upon ourselves...come on, it's bad everywhere.

[cybele]

Well if local folks feel all that strong about it maybe they should get involved and start ponying up some money and such. That's how we got things done back in the day.

[cybele]

Well it sounds like something big is happening at the Greenbriar Mall.

Greenbriar Mall's New Owner Kept Secret (http://www.globest.com/news/1606_1606/atlanta/183713-1.html?st=rss)

ATLANTA-The new owners of Greenbriar Mall plan significant capital improvements to the 807,697-square-foot property on 94.5 acres. They just don't want anyone to know who they are, or how much they paid.

Hendon Properties LLC says it has sold the 1960s vintage mall, one of Atlanta's first enclosed retail centers, to a "foreign investor" that it declined to identify. Jones Lang LaSalle handled the sale of the mall, which was reportedly in danger of foreclosure.

"In the past year, we've positioned Greenbriar extremely well with much positive leasing momentum," Charlie Hendon, the mall's previous co-owner, stated in a release. The mall is currently 94% occupied and is anchored by Macy's.

Margaret Caldwell and Kris Cooper, managing directors with the Atlanta office of Chicago-based Jones Lang LaSalle, stated that international investor interest in US retail assets is growing. "Greenbriar offered stable in-place income, combined with numerous opportunities for value-add and repositioning, making it an extremely attractive investment opportunity," Caldwell added.

Local commercial real estate observers, who were not involved in the transaction and don't want their own identities disclosed, speculate that global politics may be a reason for not immediately revealing the new owner of Greenbriar Mall. They also note that extremely low prices being paid for distressed assets are keeping parties to deals from being as forthcoming with information as they were when sales records were being broken.

What in tarnation does global politics have to do with it?

[echinatl]

Well if local folks feel all that strong about it maybe they should get involved and start ponying up some money and such. That's how we got things done back in the day.

Do you have any examples?

This is something that would generate revenue for the entire state, It's hard for me to see why anyone would be against it.

[cybele]

Do you have any examples?

This is something that would generate revenue for the entire state, It's hard for me to see why anyone would be against it.

Well what about the High Museum or the Woodruff Arts thing and the Aquarium and such as that? That was basically rich folks down in Buckhead putting up private money for the good of the city. I'm not saying anybody is against it, I doubt they are, I'm just saying you can't sit around and wait on the government to do everything, people have to roll up their sleeves and take care of business theirselves.

[echinatl]

Well what about the High Museum or the Woodruff Arts thing and the Aquarium and such as that? That was basically rich folks down in Buckhead putting up private money for the good of the city. I'm not saying anybody is against it, I doubt they are, I'm just saying you can't sit around and wait on the government to do everything, people have to roll up their sleeves and take care of business theirselves.

I agree that those would be the best way to do things, but the college football hall of fame thing was an opportunity that came out of the blue, a definite "oh shit how did we score that!?" type of thing. Did anyone think we would beat out Texas on this? Also I think 10 mil in private dollars have already been committed. I don’t mind the city helping because it will be a big revenue driver for the city long term. There are so many benefits, including a great chance the city will make back more than whatever they put in, and to me it out weighs the issue I have with the government using tax dollars for these types of projects. It's one of those opportunities that I think they should do whatever it takes to make it happen. Any really rich people able to donate?
Also looking around I noticed the high was founded in 1905, so that is probably too old to be relevant. The aquarium and Woodruff projects were awesomely lucky.

[cybele]

Also looking around I noticed the high was founded in 1905, so that is probably too old to be relevant.

Well to be honest the High Museum wasn't that big a deal until Mr. Woodruff and the other big wheels got behind it after the big plane crash in the 1960s. Ann Uhry Abrams wrote a book about the whole thing.

On the college football thing it would be great if the city had the money for museums and whatnot but from what they said on the TV they are running out of policemen and firemen and are still $100 million dollars short.

[TarHeelJ]

Well to be honest the High Museum wasn't that big a deal until Mr. Woodruff and the other big wheels got behind it after the big plane crash in the 1960s. Ann Uhry Abrams wrote a book about the whole thing.

On the college football thing it would be great if the city had the money for museums and whatnot but from what they said on the TV they are running out of policemen and firemen and are still $100 million dollars short.

It's not simply a "college football thing"...it's a nationally known hall of fame that will attract MANY tourists. If I visited the one if South Bend (and I'm a marginal college football fan) then I know it will be a great attraction for the city of Atlanta.

There is no need to try and minimalize the importance of this huge win for the city. Yes, there are more important issues in Atlanta, but forgoing a jewel like this would not be the route to take.

[cybele]

Well it's a good thing for Atlanta all right but I'm just talking about raising the money. Why put it on the taxpayers instead of private people who are all fired up about it going out and raising or contributing the money.

[TarHeelJ]

Well it's a good thing for Atlanta all right but I'm just talking about raising the money. Why put it on the taxpayers instead of private people who are all fired up about it going out and raising or contributing the money.

Exactly...why do anything good for the city? Just let it slip into oblivion - it's cheaper.

[trainiac]

They're tearing down one of the buildings across Butler from the original hospital building. Maybe one of the Children's Healthcare buildings?

Anybody know what they're building there?

[plorenc]

They're tearing down one of the buildings across Butler from the original hospital building. Maybe one of the Children's Healthcare buildings?

Anybody know what they're building there?

Yeah, it's Phase II of the Children's Healthcare expansion.

http://www.hjrussell.com/constructionProjects/healthcare-Hugesspalding.htm

Too bad they're moving the surface parking lot that the first new building replaced right in front of the new one. :yuck:

[TarHeelJ]

Yeah, it's Phase II of the Children's Healthcare expansion.

http://www.hjrussell.com/constructionProjects/healthcare-Hugesspalding.htm

Too bad they're moving the surface parking lot that the first new building replaced right in front of the new one. :yuck:

Yes it's too bad, but hospitals require parking. People simply can't always take public transit to the hospital.

[smArTaLlone]

Yes it's too bad, but hospitals require parking. People simply can't always take public transit to the hospital.

True but it looks like it would have been relatively easy to put the parking on the interior of the block as would have been done in any city "gets" urbanism. Its disappointing that new buildings like this keep going up in the heart of the city.

[cybele]

New bridge closes downtown street (http://www.ajc.com/news/new-bridge-closes-downtown-335070.html)

[echinatl]

Well it's a good thing for Atlanta all right but I'm just talking about raising the money. Why put it on the taxpayers instead of private people who are all fired up about it going out and raising or contributing the money.

We're in 100% agreement here for most projects, but as some others have also stated this is such a big deal with far reaching benefits I think the stance of the city should be do whatever it takes, even if it's something crazy like raising taxes temporarily. It would be great if they came up with a system that would allow anyone to donate, maybe put up a big cheesy "goal thermometer" at the planned site.. whenever that is announced.... I think I read somewhere that Atlanta has the highest number of corporate College Football sponsors in the country. I'm sure there are potential donations somewhere in that last sentence if it's true.

[Kenneth Disraili]

According to Mr. Ed Walls, Hotel General Manager for the Westin Peachtree Plaza whom I spoke with on the phone yesterday, there are 6,350 panes, but that includes the individual skylights at the top of the atrium which will also be replaced.

[Fiorenza]

this is such a big deal with far reaching benefits I think the stance of the city should be do whatever it takes

Even I support the use of public funds here. This is an investment, and it better be well-funded with a resulting venue that's impressive.

[cybele]

Well from what I hear there are no public funds. A friend of mine said he heard the mayor say the ATL could not do anything unless they take on more debt which they will probably have to do anyway just to try to pay the pensions on which they are already way in the whole, and if they don't pay that on time the feds and what-have-you will turn off the water on everything else. So they should probably raise the money from all those corporate donations echinatl is talking about. Whose going to own this thing anyway? If the taxpayers put up the money they should at least own the dang thing.

[Fiorenza]

I'm saying a College Football Hall of Fame will return any public investment many times over in the form of higher tax revenues. It's not like dumping money into government-subsidized housing or exorbitant pensions for government clock-watchers.

[Alfred E Neuman]

Somebody climbed up to the sign facing P'tree & Piedmont and surgically removed the T-E-R from Terminus 200 so it now reads: MINUS 200

[cybele]

Well we came to the city this morning and they are sure going to town on that big Cox thing across from the Costco.

[cybele]

Well it looks like the ATL may be getting a brand new old-timey church from Buffalo.

Heaven Help Us: Ambitious Project Both Reaffirms, Tests Faith in Sustainable Future (http://placeshakers.wordpress.com/2010/02/15/heaven-help-us-ambitious-project-both-reaffirms-and-tests-faith-in-sustainable-future/)


Norcross congregation buys Buffalo church (http://www.ajc.com/news/norcross-congregation-buys-buffalo-305194.html)

[Fiorenza]

in case you didn't see it, here's a nice piece on Doraville future thinking (http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/doraville-subdivision-changed-america-351033.html)

[cybele]

Well I know most folks in Atlanta would just as soon see the 1950s architecture blown up and so forth but the boys over at Tech keep sticking up for it. You have to wonder?

Phoenix Flies at Georgia Tech: Heffernan’s Masterpiece College of Architecture Building (http://docomomoga.org/wordpress/?p=294)

[smArTaLlone]

Atlanta Business Chronicle (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/03/08/daily65.html)

Atlanta has a verbal agreement to sell the City Hall East property to a real estate investment firm for $27 million, the same price as a deal that fell through last year, Mayor Kasim Reed told the city council Thursday.

Subject to the council’s approval, the city would transfer the vacant 2-million-square-foot building on Ponce de Leon to the Atlanta Development Authority, which then would sell it to Jamestown Properties.

The company is planning a mixed-use development at the site, the type of project it has done in other communities, Reed told members of the council’s Finance/Executive Committee.

“They have taken massive warehouses in other cities, including New York, and transformed them into living, breathing entities,” the mayor said.

The city worked out a deal in 2005 to sell the former public safety building to Ponce Park LLC for $27 million. But after more than three years of delays, the agreement fell victim to the real estate market slump early last year when the company couldn’t obtain financing.

Reed said the agreement with Jamestown calls for $13.5 million up front and another $13.5 million at a later date, a detail which is still being discussed in ongoing negotiations between the parties.

The mayor said he hopes to close the sale next month, in time to use the $13.5 million to help plug a $50 million budget gap the city faces in the fiscal year starting July 1.

[reet]

The company is planning a mixed-use development at the site, the type of project it has done in other communities, Reed told members of the council’s Finance/Executive Committee.

“They have taken massive warehouses in other cities, including New York, and transformed them into living, breathing entities,” the mayor said.

Mixed feelings -- I'd like to see something good done with this space instead of leaving it mostly vacant, so as far as that goes I'm happy for the Jamestown plan.

On the other hand, the idea of yet another node of density being developed so far from a MARTA station seems like a prescription for yet more drive-to urbanism in ATL. Of course, if a magic funding fairy allows for a transit component in this part of the Beltline, that would solve the problem.

[PedestriAnne]

On the other hand, the idea of yet another node of density being developed so far from a MARTA station seems like a prescription for yet more drive-to urbanism in ATL. Of course, if a magic funding fairy allows for a transit component in this part of the Beltline, that would solve the problem.

"Drive-to urbanism" is exactly why I don't understand the planned routes for the streetcar AT ALL. Well, the east-to-west component I get. But the need for light rail on Ponce, Piedmont and 17th and/or 14th over into West Midtown seems so much greater than on Peachtree.

Remember those nice, but ill-fated Circulator buses that ran downtown for a while? It would be great if they could get those buses back and run them on express/limited stop routes between these new developments and the nearest transit stations. It lacks the coolness of rail, but it might be enough to get people to leave the car at home.

[reet]

"Drive-to urbanism" is exactly why I don't understand the planned routes for the streetcar AT ALL. Well, the east-to-west component I get. But the need for light rail on Ponce, Piedmont and 17th and/or 14th over into West Midtown seems so much greater than on Peachtree.

I was reading on the Saporta Report today about how a light rail line on 17th St was part of the original vision for Atlantic Station. That E-W route through north Midtown would be a sweet spot for a rail line. Even with the old streetcar lines throughout the city in the first half of the 20th century, there was not a transit route that covered E-W ground in that area. I agree that routes like this would be much more useful than the Peachtree streetcar. The Auburn Ave route is the one I'm hoping for most of all.

Remember those nice, but ill-fated Circulator buses that ran downtown for a while? It would be great if they could get those buses back and run them on express/limited stop routes between these new developments and the nearest transit stations. It lacks the coolness of rail, but it might be enough to get people to leave the car at home.

Well, assuming they live some place where they can get to a transit station conveniently without a car. That's one of the down sides of the masses of detached housing that dominate the intown land area. So many intown residents are not in a situation where they can even connect to a transit hub easily without getting into a car.

But I do think having buses that run at close intervals along simple routes in the central business districts would be great. If they could be free shuttles, that would be even better.

[smArTaLlone]

Mixed feelings -- I'd like to see something good done with this space instead of leaving it mostly vacant, so as far as that goes I'm happy for the Jamestown plan.

On the other hand, the idea of yet another node of density being developed so far from a MARTA station seems like a prescription for yet more drive-to urbanism in ATL. Of course, if a magic funding fairy allows for a transit component in this part of the Beltline, that would solve the problem.

Well one thing that this potential project has in common with the proposed light speed high rail around the Beltline is that neither is likely to happen anytime soon. Besides having the density there doesn't preclude the possibility of adding transit at some point in the future be it on Ponce or the Beltline.

[CT340]

I was reading on the Saporta Report today about how a light rail line on 17th St was part of the original vision for Atlantic Station. That E-W route through north Midtown would be a sweet spot for a rail line. Even with the old streetcar lines throughout the city in the first half of the 20th century, there was not a transit route that covered E-W ground in that area. I agree that routes like this would be much more useful than the Peachtree streetcar. The Auburn Ave route is the one I'm hoping for most of all.


You Know every time I ride by Atlantic Station I tell myself that particular development is missing some kind of Rail transit. And the thing about it is that it's built like it's meant to include one. I thought for sure Marta was going to extend a lil "mile or two line" to and from it soon, but I guess that's not meant to be.

[PedestriAnne]

Well, assuming they live some place where they can get to a transit station conveniently without a car.

Well, yeah. That is assuming a lot. Most people who have a choice aren't going to do the "walk to the bus stop-wait-ride-get off-wait-transfer to second bus-ride-arrive" routine just to get to a shopping or entertainment destination unless parking at that destination is made very difficult or expensive. And once in the car driving to a transit station, they might decide to just drive all the way to where they're going.

That's one of the down sides of the masses of detached housing that dominate the intown land area. So many intown residents are not in a situation where they can even connect to a transit hub easily without getting into a car.

When I first moved here from Memphis I never understood why people talked about how low-density intown Atlanta is. Then I lived in DC for three years. Mystery solved.

But I do think having buses that run at close intervals along simple routes in the central business districts would be great. If they could be free shuttles, that would be even better.

Free shuttles are probably a better idea. Not having to stop and deal with money or fare media would contribute to making riding the bus "feel" much easier than driving.

[ATLaffinity]

On the other hand, the idea of yet another node of density being developed so far from a MARTA station seems like a prescription for yet more drive-to urbanism in ATL. Of course, if a magic funding fairy allows for a transit component in this part of the Beltline, that would solve the problem.

I disagree. You have everything in *walking* distance. You have a new park to the south. And the Beltline allows you to walk or bike to Piedmont Park without ever chaving to use a road.

You probably still drive to work but so do people who live right on top of intown MARTA stations.

It will be an amazing neighborhood if that building is restored with its own pocket park opening up onto the O4W park.

[reet]

I disagree. You have everything in *walking* distance. You have a new park to the south. And the Beltline allows you to walk or bike to Piedmont Park without ever chaving to use a road.

You probably still drive to work but so do people who live right on top of intown MARTA stations.

It will be an amazing neighborhood if that building is restored with its own pocket park opening up onto the O4W park.

Very true. Especially when the Beltline trail is completed, this will be a great area for residents to walk around. Even without a transit station, there can be a lot of pedestrian activity here, so that's a bright side. I lived in this neighborhood for a few years and miss being walking distance to Freedom Park and the nearby restaurants.

I'll still stand by my gripe about density around MARTA stations -- I think the city would benefit if nodes of mixed-use density (such as Atlantic Station and Glenwood Park) existed on top of transit hubs instead of being accessible so primarily by cars -- but I agree with you that the walkable potential for this space is a great positive. And I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens to this area when the O4W park is complete.

[ATLaffinity]

Very true. Especially when the Beltline trail is completed, this will be a great area for residents to walk around. Even without a transit station, there can be a lot of pedestrian activity here, so that's a bright side. I lived in this neighborhood for a few years and miss being walking distance to Freedom Park and the nearby restaurants.

I'll still stand by my gripe about density around MARTA stations -- I think the city would benefit if nodes of mixed-use density (such as Atlantic Station and Glenwood Park) existed on top of transit hubs instead of being accessible so primarily by cars -- but I agree with you that the walkable potential for this space is a great positive. And I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens to this area when the O4W park is complete.

I agree with you about AS and Glenwood. AS is so close to Midtown and yet so far.

City Hall East and Glenwood Park are two reasons that a circular transit system in ATL *would* get you places.

[smArTaLlone]

ATLANTA (March 11, 2010) - Jamestown, the homegrown/international firm that helped revive New York City's Chelsea Market, is making a play for Atlanta's behemoth City Hall East.

Jamestown would turn the vacant complex into a mixed-use project. "We've got a lot of experience with these types of projects," said Jamestown Managing Director and COO Matt Bronfman. "We're really well-suited for these types of efforts. We have done a lot of these projects and created senses of place."

The firm has two things in its favor to succeed where others failed with City Hall East. First, they have extensive experience with converting huge warehouses and factories such as Chelsea Market and 111 Eighth Ave. in New York to thriving mixed-use development that attract tenants such as Major League Baseball, Google and (Donny) Deutsch Inc. Second, Jamestown owns Green Street Properties, which developed Glenwood Park in Atlanta. Green Street President Katharine Kelley would play a key role in redeveloping City Hall East.

An intowner himself, Bronfman adds he's a fan of the neighborhood in which City Hall East is located. "It's an exciting opportunity." City Hall East's proximity to the planned BeltLine is similar to the situation at Chelsea Market, through which New York City's High Line runs.

At Chelsea Market, a 22-building complex, Jamestown is the managing partner and owns about 75 percent of the complex. It has established cool shops, an open-air market and restaurants. Corporate tenants such as Food Network, Google and MLB.com also have moved in. Chelsea Market is a former Nabisco factory where the Oreo Cookie was born.

[shivtim]

I would normally be wary of spending $10mil on a sports museum during a budget crisis (and while other museums are denied funding), but I agree with Perdue on this one.
I used to live in South Bend, and the CFHoF was great. It still pulled in nearly 100,000 visitors a year, even though it was in a boring small city in Indiana. I think it would have much higher attendance here in Atlanta, especially with spill-over attendance from Tech games, the Chick-fil-A bowl, the SEC championship, etc.
I'm glad that there is a core group of local politicians and businesses that are supporting it and trying to make sure it comes to Atlanta. Now if only we could get some more residential up and running in that area... Post Allen Plaza would be great.

[smArTaLlone]

The City of Atlanta’s Bureau of Planning seek public input in developing a zoning and land-use blueprint in anticipation of the closure of the Fort McPherson base.

The Fort McPherson Zoning and Land-Use Blueprint public meetings will be held from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the Atlanta Technical College, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, in the Academic Complex Auditorium. Meetings will be held March 17, March 24 (in the Dennard Center Ballroom) and March 31.

http://www.atlantaintownpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Rendering-of-the-Proposed-Revelopment-of-Ft.-McPherson.jpg

[Pompuss]

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

That would be a great development and all but does that look boring or what?