Midtown Mile

[DeliaC]

This morning they just knocked out one of the temporary walls of the retail underneath Viewpoint and it looks suspiciously like they may be putting glass up in its place.

[jurban8]

Are they doing that for the kitchen place or the new restaurant?

[Atlbanker]

I heard that Paragon Salon is going to move from their location on Monroe Dr. into Viewpoint.

[foxmccleod]

I noticed on my walk home this evening that many of the trees at the Campanile building have been marked. Has anyone heard if the building expansion to the street is about to commence?

[10101000]

Hi Everyone, my first post :)

Jimmy Johns in Metropolis just opened this Thursday!

http://www.hattmardy.com/matt/jimmyjohns.jpg

Nice place to eat...

[atlantaguy]

I noticed on my walk home this evening that many of the trees at the Campanile building have been marked. Has anyone heard if the building expansion to the street is about to commence?

Sorry, haven't heard anything.

They BETTER dig those beautiful Ginko trees up and transplant them. If they just cut them down...:hell:

[phantom]

Are they doing that for the kitchen place or the new restaurant?

This is toward the south end of the building, behind the panels touting Shic (or whatever it's called).

[phantom]

There's quite a bit of work going on in front of the Georgian Terrace. The word is that they're putting in a staircase on the corner of Peachtree & Ponce, which unfortunately ruins the rather interesting corner terrace.

What kills me is that so many visitors get dropped off half-way down the length of the building--either along Ponce or along Peachtree, where there are clearly main entrances, neither of which is used as such any longer. I've watched these confused folks wander up & down the length of the building not realizing that the foolish re-designs have shoved the entrance to the northern corner.

PS. Good grief! How fast was that guy who wrecked at 3rd & Peachtree going?

[joecool]

Sorry, haven't heard anything.

They BETTER dig those beautiful Kinko trees up and transplant them. If they just cut them down...:hell:

Maybe because its too much. I love tress and everyone is gonna freak when I say this but in some spots the trees are over kill. There are PLENTY of places that need trees and I just don't think we have to line every sidewalk with freakin trees!

[Terminus]

Maybe because its too much. I love tress and everyone is gonna freak when I say this but in some spots the trees are over kill. There are PLENTY of places that need trees and I just don't think we have to line every sidewalk with freakin trees!

I believe that the GINKO trees in this location are inappropriate and should be cut and replaced with building. A raised, tree planted green moat is an unacceptable frontage in a mixed-use core. They should be in the sidewalk or in a truly accessible public park/plaza.

[atlantaguy]

I believe that the GINKO trees in this location are inappropriate and should be cut and replaced with building. A raised, tree planted green moat is an unacceptable frontage in a mixed-use core. They should be in the sidewalk or in a truly accessible public park/plaza.

Why in the hell should they be cut? What's wrong with digging them up and transplanting them?

And I corrected the spelling, thank you. It's called typing too fast.....

[popewiz]

Maybe because its too much. I love tress and everyone is gonna freak when I say this but in some spots the trees are over kill. There are PLENTY of places that need trees and I just don't think we have to line every sidewalk with freakin trees!

I completely disagree with you. The trees in this city are beautiful and really make it a pleasure to walk around. Atlanta already has a difficult time differentiating itself from other sunbelt cities, but its trees are one of the major things visitors say they love.

[Terminus]

Why in the hell should they be cut? What's wrong with digging them up and transplanting them?

And I corrected the spelling, thank you. It's called typing too fast.....

I don't care if they're cut or moved. My point was that those particular trees within that landscaped moat are inappropriate at that location. They serve the same role as a blank concrete wall would - namely to isolate the building from the pedestrian and the surrounding urban fabric.

The Equitable Building's plaza, which has the same tree species, is a much better treatment.

[citywalker]

I am a huge tree lover and live half a block from this building and think the Ginkos are gorgeous! However...they do not all belong in such an important spot where street-front retail should and will be. I walked by tonight and counted 12 trees with an x. None of the sidewalk trees are x-ed and it's less that half of the total amount of trees surrounding the building. I agree and wish they could dig them up and maybe put a few elsewhere on the property or find a little pocket of grass maybe near the old Jocks n Jills to adopt them but don't count on that one happening...I can't wait to see a rendering of the new Campanile retail and maybe a list of possible tenants. Midtown Mile here we come...slowly....:banana:

[joecool]

I completely disagree with you. The trees in this city are beautiful and really make it a pleasure to walk around. Atlanta already has a difficult time differentiating itself from other sunbelt cities, but its trees are one of the major things visitors say they love.

Oh I love trees also but what I meant is that they are over kill in some spots, not all. Some spots trees make it hard to see signs, make walking difficult and things like that. But like Terminus said we can line the sidewalks with trees in some places but I don't think we have to have trees in every vacant hole in the ground just for the sake of having pretty trees to look at. I do think replanting is better than cutting down, I'll agree on that.

[smArTaLlone]

I noticed on my walk home this evening that many of the trees at the Campanile building have been marked. Has anyone heard if the building expansion to the street is about to commence?

According to the Transwestern flyer (http://atlanta.transwestern.net/pdfassets/leasepdf_800.pdf) its supposed to begin this month but considering the economy, it would be surprising if they kept that schedule.

I can understand why they left the plaza on the corner but I think it is still a huge waste of space. That corner would offer such a great presence for street level retail.


Site Plan
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/CampanilePlaza.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/Camppeach.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/Camp14th.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/Camp13th.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/Campaerial.jpg

[atlantaguy]

I don't care if they're cut or moved. My point was that those particular trees within that landscaped moat are inappropriate at that location. They serve the same role as a blank concrete wall would - namely to isolate the building from the pedestrian and the surrounding urban fabric.

The Equitable Building's plaza, which has the same tree species, is a much better treatment.

You don't care if they're cut? I guess you are more of an urbanista than I am.

I think this total disregard for these beautiful trees is a bit - cold.

I agree that the moat-like treatment leaves something to be desired, and I also agree with you on the Equitable Plaza.

[joecool]

According to the Transwestern flyer (http://atlanta.transwestern.net/pdfassets/leasepdf_800.pdf) its supposed to begin this month but considering the economy, it would be surprising if they kept that schedule.

I can understand why they left the plaza on the corner but I think it is still a huge waist of space. That corner would offer such a great presence for street level retail.


Site Plan
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/CampanilePlaza.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/Camppeach.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/Camp14th.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/Camp13th.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/Campaerial.jpg

Oh now thats HOT!

[trainiac]

PS. Good grief! How fast was that guy who wrecked at 3rd & Peachtree going?

I walked by there on Wednesday and didn't notice at all -- must have been looking at the old Agatha's building or something. Definitely noticed it walking by yesterday! Crazy people with cars

[Atlantan26]

Great plans for the Campanile building! much better than I was expecting. I also like the fact they kept the plaza. in the future when Atlanta is much more built up, those types of common spaces will be cherished.

[foxmccleod]

There's quite a bit of work going on in front of the Georgian Terrace. The word is that they're putting in a staircase on the corner of Peachtree & Ponce, which unfortunately ruins the rather interesting corner terrace.

What kills me is that so many visitors get dropped off half-way down the length of the building--either along Ponce or along Peachtree, where there are clearly main entrances, neither of which is used as such any longer. I've watched these confused folks wander up & down the length of the building not realizing that the foolish re-designs have shoved the entrance to the northern corner.

PS. Good grief! How fast was that guy who wrecked at 3rd & Peachtree going?

Actually there used to be a stair on that corner. This image came from atlantatimemachine.com

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt111/631myrtle/GeorgiaTerrpcard.jpg

[spfaust]

According to the Transwestern flyer (http://atlanta.transwestern.net/pdfassets/leasepdf_800.pdf) its supposed to begin this month but considering the economy, it would be surprising if they kept that schedule.

I can understand why they left the plaza on the corner but I think it is still a huge waste of space. That corner would offer such a great presence for street level retail.


Site Plan
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/CampanilePlaza.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/pincfx/Campaerial.jpg

As for the thought, "I can understand why they left the plaza on the corner but I think it is still a huge waste of space. That corner would offer such a great presence for street level retail," keep in mind that the 14th & Peachtree intersection is set to be reworked as a "pocket park" like was completed at 15th & Peachtree. The developer worked closely with Midtown Alliance to work with the concept envisaged for the area.

[joecool]

As for the thought, "I can understand why they left the plaza on the corner but I think it is still a huge waste of space. That corner would offer such a great presence for street level retail," keep in mind that the 14th & Peachtree intersection is set to be reworked as a "pocket park" like was completed at 15th & Peachtree. The developer worked closely with Midtown Alliance to work with the concept envisaged for the area.

When are they going to do this?

[jnihiser]

As for the thought, "I can understand why they left the plaza on the corner but I think it is still a huge waste of space. That corner would offer such a great presence for street level retail," keep in mind that the 14th & Peachtree intersection is set to be reworked as a "pocket park" like was completed at 15th & Peachtree. The developer worked closely with Midtown Alliance to work with the concept envisaged for the area.

Additionally, the renderings are visually "stretching" the actual dimensions of that plaza. I walked by there on Saturday and it was quite a bit smaller than I expected.

[smArTaLlone]

As for the thought, "I can understand why they left the plaza on the corner but I think it is still a huge waste of space. That corner would offer such a great presence for street level retail," keep in mind that the 14th & Peachtree intersection is set to be reworked as a "pocket park" like was completed at 15th & Peachtree. The developer worked closely with Midtown Alliance to work with the concept envisaged for the area.

In that case I think it is a mistake by the Midtown Alliance especially in an area that you're trying to develop into a shopping district. Andres Duany spoke about this situation in downtown where you have almost no "sense of place" even on Peachtree because of the gaps in the street wall and the way every other building has a different setback.

[phantom]

Well, color me corrected! My memory was clearly entirely wrong. I'll have to let my neighbors know. Thanks!

Actually there used to be a stair on that corner. This image came from atlantatimemachine.com

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt111/631myrtle/GeorgiaTerrpcard.jpg

[phantom]

Additionally, the renderings are visually "stretching" the actual dimensions of that plaza. I walked by there on Saturday and it was quite a bit smaller than I expected.

Yes, the drawings make the plaza appear much larger & more open than it is.

That whole intersection is nothing but plazas, really, though Tap's patio seating extends out some way to the corner.

The east-side of Peachtree St. between 14th & 15th has no street-front presence at all, since the entry to the subterranean Colony Square parking is right there in the middle of the block. That confuses the heck out of some pedestrians, I've noticed, who walk very dangerously along the concrete curb between the wall & the traffic lane!

[PremierAtlanta]

Oh my, that plaza reconfiguration will work wonders for the Midtown Mile experience. Oh if only the Bank of America Plaza further south could be so forward thinking.

[AUarch99]

I noticed sometime ago that the curb line for 12th & midtown phase two moved about 8 feet towards the center of the peachtree street. Maybe that's what they're going to do at the campanile. That would give them a good bit more sidewalk, at least along peachtree.

[jurban8]

I think the plaza at Campanille is fine. The owners of the building obviously have an interest in maintaining an impressive street presence for their own building, and Atlanta benefits from having more usable "public" space. It's a plaza I could see as being used if there's seating, which is rare for Atlanta. This will definitely be an integral element of the Mile, since street level retail in this part of Midtown has been void up until 1010 went up. Hopefully it makes its way off the drawing board...
On another note, is anyone as intrigued by the Crescent Avenue district as I am? I saw a poster for a pub crawl that's going to 9 places in that little vicinity. I know there are plans to build over there in the 12th and Midtown project, but I think it would be great to have it develop in as a more low-mid rise urban village that preserved what buildings are left from the former neighborhood. It's just a cool little place hidden behind all the POMO of corporate Midtown

[joecool]

I think the plaza at Campanille is fine. The owners of the building obviously have an interest in maintaining an impressive street presence for their own building, and Atlanta benefits from having more usable "public" space. It's a plaza I could see as being used if there's seating, which is rare for Atlanta. This will definitely be an integral element of the Mile, since street level retail in this part of Midtown has been void up until 1010 went up. Hopefully it makes its way off the drawing board...
On another note, is anyone as intrigued by the Crescent Avenue district as I am? I saw a poster for a pub crawl that's going to 9 places in that little vicinity. I know there are plans to build over there in the 12th and Midtown project, but I think it would be great to have it develop in as a more low-mid rise urban village that preserved what buildings are left from the former neighborhood. It's just a cool little place hidden behind all the POMO of corporate Midtown

I totally agree. I hope Opera and all of the cute little bars and places stay. I think that could be a really hip area that is hidden. I hope there will be more retail and stuff like that to make the area really cool.

[smArTaLlone]

DrewLewis, currently on West Peachtree, is taking its concept to the next level with a new space. Taking the former Universal Gear space on Peachtree Street, the new 3000 s/f space is considerably bigger than their current location. Carrying lines such as Rogues Gallery, William Rast, Band of Outsiders and Paul Smith, the store will expand its selection of its existing lines while also adding others. The store will also begin to carry suits and additional accessories.

1

[jurban8]

This is awesome news! I love MidCity Lofts but this place deserves a more high profile spot. Really one of the best shops in Midtown. Even though I'm still mourning the loss of Universal Gear lol.

[hattmardy]

They are doing construction on the south corner of the Viewpoint Peachtree side retail space, so I asked one of the construction guys what was going in.

They said it was going to be a Clearwire:
http://www.clearwire.com/

I don't understand how that will fit?

[jurban8]

I think you heard them wrong. What they really said was "Marc by Marc Jacobs." No? Oh well, one can wish...

[micropundit]

They are doing construction on the south corner of the Viewpoint Peachtree side retail space, so I asked one of the construction guys what was going in.

They said it was going to be a Clearwire:
http://www.clearwire.com/

I don't understand how that will fit?

It will fit because they are what is known in busines as a tenant: aclient who pays the landlord rent. Folks, this economy is no joke-forget about all of those pipe dreams of Marc Jacobs,etc.Commercial and residential developers are in a basic survival mode.Period!

[bwolfe71]

Micropundit hits the nail on the head. The CRE market is dead, and I mean D..E..A..D dead. Lots of defaults and BK (Bankruptcy) are going to be hitting the market big time over the next 3 to 5 years. Vancancy rates are at all time highs, drive around the city and you will see tons of empty space in new developments. Getting any tennant into a space is considered a major win.

I would look for nothing to be started here at until 2011 at the earliest. Getting the Civil Rights building out of the ground is about as good as it's going to get here. You can forget about the MO for at least 5 years. Apple store? Forget about it.

Sorry to be such a downer but I do risk mgmt for a living and the credit market is still as bad as it's ever been, regardless of the what the media is telling you. I just feel fortunate that ATL got so many buildings out of the groud as they did. Quite the transformation over the past 10 years.

[ashbowl]

They are doing construction on the south corner of the Viewpoint Peachtree side retail space, so I asked one of the construction guys what was going in.

They said it was going to be a Clearwire:
http://www.clearwire.com/

I don't understand how that will fit?

Clearwire coming to Atlanta. Just released today. Here:

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2009/05/11/daily85.html?ana=from_rss

[ATLaffinity]

This is awesome news! I love MidCity Lofts but this place deserves a more high profile spot. Really one of the best shops in Midtown. Even though I'm still mourning the loss of Universal Gear lol.

nobody tells me and i live here.

that is a tough space though the cafe has done better than i thought it would.

[jurban8]

Speaking of...article in the AJC today about the Mile and its struggles. I was surprised to read that 1/2 of the envisioned retail space has been built or has serious commitments to be built. The summary is that this too will pass and Midtown will be an urban shopping destination...someday.
http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2009/05/17/midtown_mile_atlanta.html

[smArTaLlone]

Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Douglas Sams

CB2, an offshoot of home furnishings chain Crate & Barrel geared toward Generation Y, is considering whether to enter the Atlanta market.

Crate & Barrel, based in Northbrook, Ill., confirmed May 27 that Atlanta is one of the metro areas it’s scouting for potential locations for CB2.

While Crate & Barrel would not confirm what parts of Atlanta it’s been considering, sources familiar with the search say it’s focused on Midtown and West Midtown, where new residential and retail redevelopment projects are still under way. Daniel and Selig Enterprises have made a presentation to officials from CB2 in recent months, according to sources familiar with the process.

Developers, however, really need to land a much larger anchor store to give the concept momentum, said Maranda Walker-Dowell, a senior director with CB Richard Ellis Inc.’s retail services group. “The Midtown Mile needs an anchor store to start creating that critical mass of retail,” Walker-Dowell said.

Full article (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2009/06/01/story4.html?b=1243828800^1835447)

[phantom]

No one seems to have mentioned it, but the Samuel Spencer statue has been moved from the Hardy Ivy Park at the corner of W. Peachtree & Peachtree downtown to the plaza out front of the Norfolk Southern building at 15th & Peachtree.

According to a display in the NS lobby, the statue used to stand before the old Union Station & then before the old Southern Railroad headquarters on Spring St. Two historic lamps will also be restored & emplaced near the new location.

I figure that moves it into the Midtown Mile, and therefore merits a comment here. I grabbed a photo yesterday (sorry about the huge size):

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/Photo_060109_001.jpg

[reet]

No one seems to have mentioned it, but the Samuel Spencer statue has been moved from the Hardy Ivy Park at the corner of W. Peachtree & Peachtree downtown to the plaza out front of the Norfolk Southern building at 15th & Peachtree.

Wow, that was fast. I was just taking pics of that statue in it's previous location a little over a week ago.

Speaking of the NS building, every time I catch a glimpse of that cool old green engine in their lobby I think about how cool -- and appropriate -- it would be for Atlanta to have a large railway history museum. That would make for a good reuse of Underground Atlanta.

[DonTallPaul]

it would be for Atlanta to have a large railway history museum. That would make for a good reuse of Underground Atlanta.

That actually have a really good one (in terms of equipment, the facilities seem to be a work in progress) in Duluth called the Southeastern Railroad Museum. Got a lot of great stuff (including old Atlanta street cars). It would be awesome to see that at Underground or otherwise a more accessible location in the city. However, the proximity to the rail line and donated property means that's not very likely to happen. Regardless if you are into trains, it's worth the drive out to Duluth to check it out.

[trainiac]

No one seems to have mentioned it, but the Samuel Spencer statue has been moved from the Hardy Ivy Park at the corner of W. Peachtree & Peachtree downtown to the plaza out front of the Norfolk Southern building at 15th & Peachtree.

According to a display in the NS lobby, the statue used to stand before the old Union Station & then before the old Southern Railroad headquarters on Spring St. Two historic lamps will also be restored & emplaced near the new location.

I figure that moves it into the Midtown Mile, and therefore merits a comment here. I grabbed a photo yesterday (sorry about the huge size):

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/Photo_060109_001.jpg

Wonderful! Good to see the king of the great Southern Railway in a more suitable spot. He really was an amazing guy, and from Columbus, GA.

[smArTaLlone]

With luxury retail in the tank, Midtown’s biggest developers are trying to strike deals with moderately priced stores to anchor their Peachtree Street projects.

Selig Enterprises Inc. and Daniel Corp., partners in 12th & Midtown on Peachtree, and Jamestown, the developer reshaping 999 Peachtree, continue to chase Apple Inc. and a new prospect, Dick’s Sporting Goods, sources familiar with the market say.

CB2, an offshoot of home furnishings chain Crate & Barrel geared toward Generation Y, also recently confirmed to Atlanta Business Chronicle that it’s considering whether to enter the Atlanta market.

Selig and Daniel have been trying to land the retailer.

CB2 is interested in West Midtown as well, sources said.

The focus on frugal rather than fancy comes as the high-end market continues to sputter, with some analysts saying it may not begin to recover until 2011.

As Midtown real estate developers have tried to line Peachtree with new storefronts in the past two years, the effort has included the pursuit of luxury clothing designer Tom Ford, whose flagship store is on Madison Avenue; Prada, famous for opulent handbags and sunglasses; and Dolce & Gabanna, also known for its high-end accessories.

In recent years, Selig Enterprises said it wanted luxury retailers and flagship stores to locate in Midtown.

However, many of those retailers have shelved plans for new locations, as affluent shoppers curtailed spending. Lately, Nike Inc., which has also been a prospect for Midtown, says it has no new store concepts planned for Atlanta.

Midtown’s shift in strategy comes as the Midtown Alliance, a group of business leaders laying the groundwork for the Midtown Mile, says it’s starting to gain a “critical mass” of stores and restaurants along Peachtree. At a Midtown Alliance meeting June 16, Will Herbig, the group’s director of urban design, said Midtown has added nearly 133,000 square feet of new retail during the past 18 months, primarily at two anchor projects: Novare Group Holdings LLC’s Viewpoint, and 12th & Midtown.

The additions bring the Midtown Alliance halfway to its goal of 1 million square feet of retail on Peachtree Street between North Avenue and 15th Street — the stretch known as the Midtown Mile.

Major projects along the Midtown Mile include Tishman Speyer’s Colony Square, 12th & Midtown, Novare Group’s Viewpoint and 999 Peachtree.

“We’re seeing activity in Midtown from both regional and national retailers, focusing on lifestyle and home furnishings,” Michael Phillips, creative director with Jamestown.

Retailers like CB2 and Apple cater to the Midtown demographic, said Jackie Wammock, vice president of Coro Realty Advisors LLC, who specializes in retail leasing.

Midtown tends to be a younger demographic, and CB2, for example, focuses on a young urban shoppers with good disposable income — something Midtown definitely has, she said.

Atlanta Business Chronicle (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2009/06/22/story3.html?b=1245643200^1847444&page=2)

[trainiac]

With luxury retail in the tank, Midtown’s biggest developers are trying to strike deals with moderately priced stores to anchor their Peachtree Street projects.


One of these midtown articles the last few days mentioned that Waffle House is scouting a location! Yippee. The new one above Underground Atlanta is pretty darn nice and quite handy. That's the first one I've ever seen that didn't have a parking lot surrounding it.

[smArTaLlone]

One of these midtown articles the last few days mentioned that Waffle House is scouting a location! Yippee. The new one above Underground Atlanta is pretty darn nice and quite handy. That's the first one I've ever seen that didn't have a parking lot surrounding it.

It was that same article. It also says that something called Hibbett Sports is looking for space Midtown.

[DonTallPaul]

Hibbett Sports is looking for space Midtown

Hibbett Sports is a chain of sporting good stores, and there are a number of them in metro Atlanta already (in the burbs, I'm not aware of any intown locations). Smaller foot print stores generally than the big boxes like Dick's and Sports Authority.

[trainiac]

Took a little walk to 12th and Midtown area today. The new sushi place was doing gangbuster business. At the Crescent & 12th corner, RiRa Irish Pub is open now and I walked through -- it is drop-dead gorgeous inside. Great little stage and there's some awesome portraits of historic Atlanta folks (Peters, Candler, Mitchell, etc). The old bar is way cool.

Kitty-corner, the old SAGA building that they've been working on seems to have a name at least: "joia".

Back on Peachtree, they've started working on the street to straighten out 11th!! It's going to be great without that little jog there. Things are looking good in midtown.

[dirtybird]

...RiRa Irish Pub is open now and I walked through -- it is drop-dead gorgeous inside. Great little stage and there's some awesome portraits of historic Atlanta folks (Peters, Candler, Mitchell, etc). The old bar is way cool.

They hired 8 girls straight from Ireland to give it an authentic feel! I found out when I talked to an Irish waitress (Maggie) who said she's been in Atlanta for only 2.5 weeks. I asked her where she was before that and she said her and 7 coworkers came straight from Ireland. How cool is that?!

[NativeAtlantan]

that's very cool, dirtybird....will have to go check it out.

[phantom]

1) I believe a restaurant is going in the Viewpoint at the north end of the Peachtree St. facade. I base my guess on the equipment I saw being delivered, and that it's been under construction for the past 2 weeks or so--though mostly behind closed doors, so it's tough to be sure. Anyone know more?

2) Piola, whose sign has graced an empty storefront on the south side of the 1010 building--directly next door to Ra Sushi, was to have a wood-fire pizza oven, but code dictated that the exhaust chimney exit straight up through the several stories above, which would have put it right in the middle of the pool, so that's been on hold. I heard this from one of the building's residents.

[pdpmishap]

1) I believe a restaurant is going in the Viewpoint at the north end of the Peachtree St. facade. I base my guess on the equipment I saw being delivered, and that it's been under construction for the past 2 weeks or so--though mostly behind closed doors, so it's tough to be sure. Anyone know more?

2) Piola, whose sign has graced an empty storefront on the south side of the 1010 building--directly next door to Ra Sushi, was to have a wood-fire pizza oven, but code dictated that the exhaust chimney exit straight up through the several stories above, which would have put it right in the middle of the pool, so that's been on hold. I heard this from one of the building's residents.

I heard the restaurant at Viewpoint is Evos which is apparently a fast health food place. I read it on another forum after searching around a bit when I saw them installing restaurant grade sewage systems.

http://www.evos.com/

[smArTaLlone]

2) Piola, whose sign has graced an empty storefront on the south side of the 1010 building--directly next door to Ra Sushi, was to have a wood-fire pizza oven, but code dictated that the exhaust chimney exit straight up through the several stories above, which would have put it right in the middle of the pool, so that's been on hold. I heard this from one of the building's residents.

That sucks. Can't have too many good pizza joints.

[Harry Cane]

Speaking of which, I had dinner at Ra for the first time last week. Pretty cool place. The food was not bad. They seemed busy enough for a middle of the week night.

Really young crowd, though. I mean, probably barely legal.

[cybele]

Things change fast in today's world..27 and you're about done

[atl2phx]

Things change fast in today's world..27 and you're about done

ha! thats funny, cause it actually seems to be the other way around. economic conditions withstanding, there's never been a better time to be in your 40's, 50's, 60's, etc....particularly in atlanta and north georgia.

it's no wonder about the youthful cleintelle of RA, that's the demo they target and that's who you see at all their locations out west. as time goes by the newness will become mundane and the cleintelle will become much more age diverse. :)

[phantom]

The construction barrier has come down around the new Loews hotel at 11th & Peachtree.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/th_Photo_080509_001.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/?action=view&current=Photo_080509_001.jpg)

The curbs are in, and they're grading the new 11th St.

The southeast corner of the intersection describes an extended point, now that 11th St. curves north as it meets Peachtree. I wonder what the plans are for the enlarged sidewalk there.

[phantom]

I see the owners are going gangbusters once more. The new Vision location is finally showing on the exterior:

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/th_Photo_080509_002.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/?action=view&current=Photo_080509_002.jpg)

All of that glass was revealed during the day today.

[trainiac]

The construction barrier has come down around the new Loews hotel at 11th & Peachtree.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/th_Photo_080509_001.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/?action=view&current=Photo_080509_001.jpg)

The curbs are in, and they're grading the new 11th St.

The southeast corner of the intersection describes an extended point, now that 11th St. curves north as it meets Peachtree. I wonder what the plans are for the enlarged sidewalk there.

Woo-hoo! 11th Street will be straightened out finally. Now we just have to figure out what to do with the sections at Howell Mill and Piedmont :)

Seriously, I'm glad to see this finally happening

[reet]

I see the owners are going gangbusters once more. The new Vision location is finally showing on the exterior:

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/th_Photo_080509_002.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/?action=view&current=Photo_080509_002.jpg)

All of that glass was revealed during the day today.

It's nice to not have a vacant storefront on this part of Peachtree anymore -- but every time I pass by here I'm struck by how these low-rise buildings on this block cause a (to me, at leat) unpleasant disconnect with all the nice, her-rise urban development that's happened in this part of Midtown in the past few years.

[popewiz]

It's nice to not have a vacant storefront on this part of Peachtree anymore -- but every time I pass by here I'm struck by how these low-rise buildings on this block cause a (to me, at leat) unpleasant disconnect with all the nice, her-rise urban development that's happened in this part of Midtown in the past few years.

Don't be surprised if Vision doesn't get its permit for operation. There's a pretty organized group of people showing up at all the review board meetings in opposition. I tend to agree with them as the old Vision never really gave us anything but excessive noise, and the occasional shooting.

[phantom]

It's nice to not have a vacant storefront on this part of Peachtree anymore -- but every time I pass by here I'm struck by how these low-rise buildings on this block cause a (to me, at leat) unpleasant disconnect with all the nice, her-rise urban development that's happened in this part of Midtown in the past few years.

I don't really mind the up & down, though I suppose a 3- or 4-story building would be more cost efficient, but not more cost-efficient than an already existing building.

It's hard to imagine that Loews really wants a hip-hop club right across the street.

[chubbydecker]

Speaking of nightclubs, does Opera on Crescent ever have a hip-hop night and for that matter do any of the Crescent area clubs predominately cater to the hip-hop crowd. If I remember correctly, there used to be a black club called Tangier off Crescent but it closed and finally burned to the ground.

[popewiz]

Speaking of nightclubs, does Opera on Crescent ever have a hip-hop night and for that matter do any of the Crescent area clubs predominately cater to the hip-hop crowd. If I remember correctly, there used to be a black club called Tangier off Crescent but it closed and finally burned to the ground.

I'm not down there that often, but Sutra is definitely geared towards hip hop.

[ATLaffinity]

yeah, Loews is not going to be happy with Vision. that will be interesting to watch.

[cybele]

I'm not down there that often, but Sutra is definitely geared towards hip hop.

I hate to be dense but how can you tell a club is geared towards hip hop?

[trainiac]

I hate to be dense but how can you tell a club is geared towards hip hop?

It's a style of music. You can hear it when you walk by. Now, if I could just find a club geared towards Poulenc, Debussy, Khatchaturian and Gershwin.

[Fiorenza]

:)

[smArTaLlone]

There was a little tidbit in the Business Chronicle last week that Jamestown Properties is close to signing a "destination" restaurant for 999 Peachtree that will feature southern cuisine. They are also looking at adding a 3500 square foot athletic club to the building.

As a side note - Greenstreet Properties, which was acquired by Jamestown, recently moved into the building. Hopefully the combination of the two can produce some more great projects like Glenwood Park around town.

[reet]

There was a little tidbit in the Business Chronicle last week that Jamestown Properties is close to signing a "destination" restaurant for 999 Peachtree that will feature southern cuisine. They are also looking at adding a 3500 square foot athletic club to the building.

As a side note - Greenstreet Properties, which was acquired by Jamestown, recently moved into the building. Hopefully the combination of the two can produce some more great projects like Glenwood Park around town.

Cool location for southern food, being right across the street from the Margaret Mitchell House.

I would love to see more developments like Glenwood Park intown. Especially if one could be built in walking distance to a train station and close to a (or incorporating a new) grocery store.

[cybele]

As a side note - Greenstreet Properties, which was acquired by Jamestown, recently moved into the building. Hopefully the combination of the two can produce some more great projects like Glenwood Park around town.

Yeah, that would be extremely cool!

[phantom]

Anyone have any idea what's filming in Midtown right now? They've been closing off streets & sidewalks between 5th & Peachtree Pl. the last week or so.

I've seen them filming in the Biltmore, in the School of the Blind (is that what the beautiful old building is across from the Palomar?) and in the Methodist Church at Peachtree & 5th.

[ATLaffinity]

^ Past Life (http://www.fox.com/programming/shows/?sh=pastlife)

[phantom]

Thanks! I searched all over looking for word on what it was.

I may tune in to see how Atlanta looks on screen, but I'm afraid the show doesn't look like my cup of tea.

[joecool]

They are also filming drop dead diva and vampire diaries here. My cousin has done extra work for both of them. Look out for the movies "Zombie Land" and a new Sandra Bullock movie (forgot name, football movie) coming out soon that were both filmed here.

[ATLaffinity]

^ The Blind Side (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0878804/) is the football movie.

is the zombie movie the one they filmed around Tech a couple years ago or is it another horror movie?

[NativeAtlantan]

they requested special permission to film in Piedmont Park at night (to simulate Central Park) after 11 PM but I believe Mayor Franklin rejected their request.

[Newnan_Eric]

They are also filming drop dead diva and vampire diaries here. My cousin has done extra work for both of them. Look out for the movies "Zombie Land" and a new Sandra Bullock movie (forgot name, football movie) coming out soon that were both filmed here.

They have also been filming down here in Coweta County. Zombieland filmed some post-battle scene on Newnan's main square. Drop Dead Diva films extensively in Peachtree City and Senoia. Riverwood Studios (a production facility in Senoia) is the base of operations for Diva in the area. Their owner's also are doing development work in the tiny town of Senoia. They are doing everything in a period, small-town style, so that they can continue to use the town as their back-lot. Cynical, I suppose, but the results are good.

Check out the development plans: Historic Senoia (http://www.historicsenoia.com/)

[phantom]

This is a bit belated, but overshadowed by the 14th St. bridge re-opening, 11th St. has also re-opened by the new Loews hotel. It doesn't have its final pavement layer, and they haven't re-synchronized the lights, yet--westbound gets a green first, then eastbound.

Evos in Viewpoint continues to build out, and has some fairly attractive signs up.

Bazzaar at Ponce & Peachtree is being completely redone with a new name: Publik. Perhaps it'll be a gastropub? I haven't found any details about the new version.

[jpk1292000]

In today's ABC!

[smArTaLlone]

In today's ABC!

Finally!

Also Concentrics will open "Bakeshop" next to Metropolis.

[smArTaLlone]

14,000 sf is a pretty big store. I'm guessing it'll go in the big two-level space on the corner of phase II.

[citywalker]

Just a little update of midtown retail...went walking today in the beautiful weather and saw that Drew Lewis has its signs up in the old Metropolis space and is completely moved out of its old West Ptree location. Aurum looks like it is just about open in the old Interior Dimensions space of Metropolis. Hudson Grill is under construction in the old Artistry space. Eros is well under construction with its signs up. Spire is almost empty with only eyedeology, f2o, firehouse and the cleaners left. The offices at Solace on Ptree are empty and I have heard being turned into a larger groceriette. The old goldstar bakery cafe is under construction as a new concentrics bakeshop concept. Publik is open and looking good at the Fox. Things are looking pretty good given the economy and Peachtree is really filling in here and there.:tup:

[trainiac]

Just a little update of midtown retail...Eros is well under construction with its signs up.

What was this one? I forget

The old goldstar bakery cafe is under construction as a new concentrics bakeshop concept.

Oh, so that's where it's going. Good news and thanks for the updates

[citywalker]

Eros is the healthy fast food place in viewpoint and yes I believe that is what the sign said on the bakeshop.

[dirtybird]

Eros is the healthy fast food place in viewpoint and yes I believe that is what the sign said on the bakeshop.

I think you meant Evos (www.evos.com).

[trainiac]

I think you meant Evos (www.evos.com).

D'oh, I should have thought of that. Yeah, they've got their sign up and look to be coming right along.

[AphroHippi]

Solace on Peachtree may get a groceriette? Wow, any details?

[smArTaLlone]

Just a little update of midtown retail...went walking today in the beautiful weather and saw that Drew Lewis has its signs up in the old Metropolis space and is completely moved out of its old West Ptree location. Aurum looks like it is just about open in the old Interior Dimensions space of Metropolis. Hudson Grill is under construction in the old Artistry space. Eros is well under construction with its signs up. Spire is almost empty with only eyedeology, f2o, firehouse and the cleaners left. The offices at Solace on Ptree are empty and I have heard being turned into a larger groceriette. The old goldstar bakery cafe is under construction as a new concentrics bakeshop concept. Publik is open and looking good at the Fox. Things are looking pretty good given the economy and Peachtree is really filling in here and there.:tup:

What is Aurum going to be?

[jurban8]

What is Aurum going to be?

A lounge - http://blog.haamoniismooth.com/haamonii-harmony-shochu-to-be-served-at-atlantas-newest-ultra-lounge-aurum/

[GThomas]

You'll also notice a newly opened clothing boutique next to Vortex. The sign on the the front still says Runway, which is what the store used to be but closed for a while. Not sure if its a new store or a reopened Runway. Cute little boutique.

[citywalker]

The streetscape for 12th and Midtown is coming along nicely...lamposts and pavers and sidewalks etc lookin sharp...also there is a new building permit sign up inside of Piola across the street so I guess we will be getting a new Italian place in a few months.

[phantom]

A temporary banner for "Hudson Grill" is hanging above the door of the former Artistry, across Peachtree from Metropolis. They've been rebuilding the interior for a week or more, and now it looks like they're hiring.

Up at 12th & whatever-they're-calling-it, one of the two remaining tower cranes is coming down, and they're experimenting with a light-display in the north tower. Here's a crummy cell-phone shot I took last night:

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/Mobile%20Uploads/th_Photo_10.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/Mobile%20Uploads/?action=view&current=Photo_10.jpg)

I caught it in green, but it's been cycling through blue, red, white & green. I'm not sure what it'll be used for, or even if the individual lights will be covered with translucent panels, but it's certainly novel!

[trainiac]

A temporary banner for "Hudson Grill" is hanging above the door of the former Artistry, across Peachtree from Metropolis. They've been rebuilding the interior for a week or more, and now it looks like they're hiring.

I sure like that building. Hopefully this restaurant will be better than the last two.

[cybele]

They have excellent chicken fingers. We stop at the one at Perimeter sometimes.

[atl2phx]

Up at 12th & whatever-they're-calling-it, one of the two remaining tower cranes is coming down, and they're experimenting with a light-display in the north tower. Here's a crummy cell-phone shot I took last night:

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/Mobile%20Uploads/th_Photo_10.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj177/gpburdell93/Mobile%20Uploads/?action=view&current=Photo_10.jpg)

I caught it in green, but it's been cycling through blue, red, white & green. I'm not sure what it'll be used for, or even if the individual lights will be covered with translucent panels, but it's certainly novel!

interesting, it looks like a LED curtain.

is that interior or exterior?

i can't make out if the lighting is inside the lobby or behind the exterior glass.

[Terminus]

interesting, it looks like a LED curtain.

is that interior or exterior?

i can't make out if the lighting is inside the lobby or behind the exterior glass.

It's inside the building. I walked by it last night too.

[dirtybird]

They have excellent chicken fingers. We stop at the one at Perimeter sometimes.

That's good to know because Taco Mac has the worst chicken fingers. Ironically their wings are really good.