ATLANTA | Development Thread V

[popewiz]

Originally Posted by kamden99

Here is my "wish list" of Atlanta construction projects that I think will be the first to get underway once banks start lending again and the economy begins to pick back up:

• 999 Peachtree Repositioning - The retail component to this highly-visible building at the corner of 10th & Peachtree could come quickly, as it should not require a lot of material overhead (comparatively) to complete.
• Jamestown Property - Jamestown Properties, which also owns 999 Peachtree, bought the property along 10th Street next to the Margaret Mitchell house last year. They plan on developing something that fits in with the neighborhood. It will probably not be too big (4-6 stories, with a parking deck), so it would not take long to get underway either.
• 12th & Midtown Phases 3 & 4 - These 2 tracts of land adjacent to 1010 Peachtree (phase 1) and 12th & Midtown (phase 2) are ripe for development. With several successful retail tenants already in place, Phases 3 & 4 could progress quickly once the economy turns around.
• One Museum Place (or whatever it becomes) - Wieland currently has this property on the market, but if he doesn't get a buyer, he will develop it (albeit a scaled-down version of the original plan).
• 50 Allen Plaza - Currently on hold by Berry Real Estate, the tallest building in the "Allen Plaza" portfolio would be the signature tower for the revitalized Downtown area. A large corporate anchor tenant is needed to get the ball moving on this one.
• Fox Plaza - The land is bare, and ready to be developed. It's also at a prime location at the southern tip of the Midtown Mile.
• 1138 Peachtree - To include a Mandarin Oriental hotel & spa, this super-tall, would be the "Jewel of the Midtown Mile" if it ever gets built
• Metropolitan Center - With the near completion of the new 14th Street Bridget and the 17th Street exit ramp, this chunk of property will bridge the gap between Atlantic Station and Midtown.
• 1400 Peachtree - At the intersection of 17th Street and Peachtree Street, this important property (which I believe is owned by a German development fund) could be one of the first to break ground if things pick up.
• ViewPoint Phase 2 & 3 - I don't know if these phases will ever end up looking like the original plans, but something will eventually be built adjacent to ViewPoint "Phase 1"...for now, the vacant parking lot and dilapidated old building where Loca Luna once called home will remain.
• Cartel Property (at 6th & Peachtree) - This property, currently south of ViewPoint along Peachtree Street is thought to be a candidate for a boutique hotel/and or spa.
• Hines Property (at 7th & Peachtree) - This property, sitting north of ViewPoint could be developed into a hotel, a condo, or a mix-use project with offices.
• Trump Atlanta - Not sure if this will ever happen, but I'm including it on the wish list. If anyone can do it, Trump can...I was never a big fan of this location. He might be able to get a more prime location along Peachtree Street.
• Dewberry Property, a.k.a "Midtown Square" a.k.a. "Vision Night Club 2" - This plot will NEVER be re-developed...at least not in my lifetime.

FYI, the Jamestown Properties website has 1400 Peachtree listed under their investments.

[cybele]

So the consensus is that almost all the new construction will be in Midtown?

[plorenc]

Originally Posted by kamden99

Dewberry Property, a.k.a "Midtown Square" a.k.a. "Vision Night Club 2" - This plot will NEVER be re-developed...at least not in my lifetime.

Why won't it ever be re-developed? It's such a poor use of that land.

[sevensixtwo]

Originally Posted by kamden99

• Dewberry Property, a.k.a "Midtown Square" a.k.a. "Vision Night Club 2" - This plot will NEVER be re-developed...at least not in my lifetime.

Hyperbole, no?

[foxmccleod]

Originally Posted by delarosa

speaking of Fox Plaza (and I'd also like to see something nice built there), probably another instance of liability predominating things, but it's nonetheless a shame to see a swath of green there fenced off. you'd think the city might even encourage it. heck, the developer could even use it as a marketing opp: "Green space temporarily brought to you by Cousins until we build your fancy new home here." rather than incarcerating grass.

That was actually the plan. 615 Peachtree was demolished and Cousins was going to replace it with a temporary park (ie until the market was ready). Fox Plaza was going to be on Ponce, while the Peachtree frontage would be changed from a park to, last I heard, an office/hotel tower.

However it would take some cleanup/grading at this point and Cousins is clearly not going to spend money on it now. The owners of units in The Ponce do use it as a park though. I see them playing frisbee golf and walking their dogs out there.

[Verge]

Originally Posted by BlueSangha

I tried to tell people on this forum two yrs ago when this surfaced at the beginning of all the water restrictions and nobody believed me...but it's no joke now with the ruling that came down stating that Atlanta cannot use Lake Lanier as it's source of drinking water. And I love how the news outlets talk like its been going on for twenty yrs-this water war has been going on since the 70's. So we have three years to settle the issue-could be a real turning point for Atlanta.

The thing that is so odd/ frustrating about this issue is that, at the moment anyway, there is NO water shortage-- more than enough for all users and all 3 states-- much of what is happening is purely political...
This is NOT, of course, to say that Atlanta has not been terribly wasteful with natural resources and that much of our growth is not sustainable... moderate mandatory water saving restrictions (low flow fixtures, etc) would allow for much more growth at present water use levels-- This reality appears to be something that the state's 'leaders' (I use the term loosely) are not ready to face...

A little hard to imagine, but-- it will be an odd day indeed, three years from now, when tri-state water negotiations have failed and FEMA has to 'save' 3 1/2 million people when there is a ready source of water available but restricted by a judge's orders—
Perhaps we will start calling abandoned Gwinnett County “Sonny-town”… or maybe “Saxby-ville”…

[Verge]

Article by Sam Newberg on Citiwire:
http://citiwire.net/post/1225/

[BlueSangha]

Originally Posted by Verge

A little hard to imagine, but-- it will be an odd day indeed, three years from now, when tri-state water negotiations have failed and FEMA has to 'save' 3 1/2 million people when there is a ready source of water available but restricted by a judge's orders—
Perhaps we will start calling abandoned Gwinnett County “Sonny-town”… or maybe “Saxby-ville”…

[gttx]

Originally Posted by Verge

The thing that is so odd/ frustrating about this issue is that, at the moment anyway, there is NO water shortage-- more than enough for all users and all 3 states-- much of what is happening is purely political...
This is NOT, of course, to say that Atlanta has not been terribly wasteful with natural resources and that much of our growth is not sustainable... moderate mandatory water saving restrictions (low flow fixtures, etc) would allow for much more growth at present water use levels-- This reality appears to be something that the state's 'leaders' (I use the term loosely) are not ready to face...

A little hard to imagine, but-- it will be an odd day indeed, three years from now, when tri-state water negotiations have failed and FEMA has to 'save' 3 1/2 million people when there is a ready source of water available but restricted by a judge's orders—
Perhaps we will start calling abandoned Gwinnett County “Sonny-town”… or maybe “Saxby-ville”…

It's a sad, sad thing. I would wager money on the fact that less than 1% of the people in the Atlanta metro area know anything about the water issues, other than that they aren't supposed to wash their cars in the summer. But if anyone involved in the health care debate so much as breathes - or if Sarah Palin writes on her Facebook wall, we are waiting anxiously to hear.

We really need to urge our leaders to make this a serious public issue. Even more so than transportation, water will define the future of Atlanta, for better or for worse. The irony is that, if we had started talking about this sooner, it could have been a perfect candidate for stimulus funding.

[jew4life4948]

TO: All AJC Employees

FROM: Michael Joseph, Publisher

SUBJECT: Update from the Publisher

In my last memo to you I told you we were exploring the possibility of relocating to a new, smaller site in the greater Atlanta area.
After looking at several locations including our current facility, we have determined we can save considerable money by moving to a new location. We have decided to relocate to 223 Perimeter Center Parkway in the Perimeter area of metro Atlanta. We are targeting the move to be complete by the end of the second quarter in 2010. We will maintain our bureaus in the State Capital and in Gwinnett, and have an in-town bureau for use by our reporters and photographers who need to be close to downtown.
This move will not impact our customers – either our readers or our advertisers and offers many benefits. A few facts about the new location:

• The site provides ample free parking to employees and visitors.
• The new location is close to interstate exchanges at GA 400 and I-285.
• The new facility is conveniently located across from the Dunwoody Marta station and discounted Marta passes will continue to be offered to employees.
• Perimeter Mall and a wide variety of other retail, service and dining options are within walking distance
• The site is close to our parent company Cox Enterprises Inc. and other Cox companies. That means we will be able to more effectively collaborate and leverage the resources and amenities available to us.
• The new facility has large windows, provides more natural light and is better suited to meet our needs.
• The new location will incorporate green initiatives and will allow us to design the space based on our current and future needs.

A significant factor in the decision to relocate is our customers and how we continue meeting their needs today and in the future. We must rebuild and emerge as a financially sound company. Paramount to our future is rebuilding a sustainable and profitable business model. This move will make us a financially stronger company.


Since 1972, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has been in the 72 Marietta St. building. We reach and serve all of metro Atlanta through various print and digital platforms so our headquarters location does not affect our coverage.


The AJC’s journalistic history and powerful brand means we remain the leader in the marketplace. Our commitment to our readers, advertisers and to the metro Atlanta community is unchanged.


As we make this journey to our new facility, let’s remember to stay focused on our customers and uphold our commitment to be the best news source for metro Atlanta.


I will keep you informed on our progress as we begin to make plans and throughout the transition to our new home. I invite you to share your questions and comments with me at http://www.surveymonkey.com/ajcrelocation.


I will share your feedback with the project team once they are assembled.
Thank you again for your continued hard work and dedication to the AJC.


Michael Joseph
Publisher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


Notes From Biz:


The current AJC headquarters is on nearly six acres of property on 72 Marietta Street and is owned by AJC parent Cox Enterprises Inc. Cox has no plans to sell the property, saying it believes has “significant long-term value” to the city. Cox also noted it owns nearly 350 acres of property within the Atlanta city limits where it operates WSB-TV, five radio stations and three of its Manheim autoauctions.


In 2007, the AJC invested $30 million in printing press and production enhancements in its Gwinnett County facility. Late last year, the company consolidated its printing operations by transferring the downtown production center to the Gwinnett facility. As a result, the AJC occupies less than 30 percent of its downtown facility, which is outdated and requires substantial funds to maintain and operate.

[cybele]

That Perimeter area is really massive and will probably continue to get bigger and bigger.

[(four 0 four)]

Originally Posted by cybele

That Perimeter area is really massive and will probably continue to get bigger and bigger.

I believe you're right! From the online Atlanta Business Chronicle...

A developer that specializes in residential projects for seniors is moving closer to starting two new 30-story condo towers near Perimeter Mall.

Senior Care Development, of Harrison, N.Y., has a 3.5-acre site under contract at the corner of Hammond Drive and Peachtree-Dunwoody Road.

The company is seeking entitlements for 479 independent living units and a 92-bed health center to be in the towers.

The towers would be part of Ackerman’s redevelopment of the corner of Hammond and Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, also known as the Perimeter Town Center.

While the residential market is still trying to rebound, services geared to seniors and health care are seen as countercyclical.

Senior Care Development is applying for a land disturbance permit. Marketing is scheduled to begin in 2010.

[ATLaffinity]

that sums up our "newspaper" and our city.

maybe the NYT can move to White Plains.

[Verge]

Originally Posted by gttx

It's a sad, sad thing. I would wager money on the fact that less than 1% of the people in the Atlanta metro area know anything about the water issues, other than that they aren't supposed to wash their cars in the summer. But if anyone involved in the health care debate so much as breathes - or if Sarah Palin writes on her Facebook wall, we are waiting anxiously to hear.

We really need to urge our leaders to make this a serious public issue. Even more so than transportation, water will define the future of Atlanta, for better or for worse. The irony is that, if we had started talking about this sooner, it could have been a perfect candidate for stimulus funding.

Well they seem to be taking it seriously now-- a little late, as you said...
This seems in many respects to be the Atlanta way-- ignore a problem until it becomes a crisis and then throw everything you've got at it to solve it (before it kills you, or in this case, kills the city)... Not much for long-term planning, I guess...

[boomtown]

Besides the recession, maybe this could keep Atlanta's sprawl from continuing?....

Climate plan calls for forest expansion

WASHINGTON — New forests would spread across the American landscape, replacing both pasture and farm fields, under a congressional plan to confront climate change, an Environmental Protection Agency analysis shows.
About 18 million acres of new trees — roughly the size of West Virginia — would be planted by 2020, according to an EPA analysis of a climate bill passed by the House of Representatives in June.

That's because the House bill gives financial incentives to farmers and ranchers to plant trees, which suck in large amounts of the key global-warming gas: carbon dioxide.
The forestation effort would be even larger than one carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, says the U.S. Forest Service's Ralph Alig. The CCC, which lasted from 1933 to 1942, planted 3 billion trees, says the Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy, an alumni group for workers and family members.
The environmental benefits are clear. More trees would not only lower carbon dioxide levels, but they would improve water quality, because they need lower levels of pesticides and fertilizers, says agricultural economist Bruce McCarl of Texas A&M University, who contributed to the EPA analysis.

The plan would, however, be hard on ranchers and farmers and potentially food prices, says American Farm Bureau chief economist Bob Young.
In the Senate, which is likely to consider a similar bill this fall, there are some who worry the loss of farmland would lead to increases in food prices worse than those seen in mid-2007, when costs spiked 7% to 8% above 2006 levels.
If those food prices seemed high, "wait till you start moving agricultural acres into climate-change areas," warns Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., Agriculture secretary for President George W. Bush.
McCarl says food costs would stay roughly the same.
The latest EPA analysis does not say where the farmland would be lost. However, an EPA study done in 2005 that analyzed climate-change policies similar to the House bill found that trees would overgrow farms primarily in three areas:

•Great Lake states: Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

•The Southeast: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

•The Corn Belt: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Ohio.

Forests once grew there, says study author Brian Murray of Duke University, so trees would sprout quickly in those areas if farmers got financial incentives. The House climate bill would allow landowners who reduce carbon dioxide to sell carbon permits to polluters, such as power plants.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week hailed the possibility that climate-change action could help forests. "We have our own deforestation problem right here in the U.S. of A," he said. "Just keeping forest as forest is a significant challenge."
Roughly 1 million acres of forests every year were flattened to make way for homes and other development in the 1990s, Alig says. Without a climate bill, a net total 26 million acres of forest will be lost to development by 2050, he says.

[cybele]

Originally Posted by ATLaffinity

that sums up our "newspaper" and our city.

maybe the NYT can move to White Plains.

I get the feeling that many people are down on the Perimeter. Yet it's already the city's largest concentration of office space and the retail and residential sectors are amazingly strong, too. Excellent transit access and proximity to many of our best neighborhoods. What's not to like?

[Verge]

Originally Posted by cybele

I get the feeling that many people are down on the Perimeter. Yet it's already the city's largest concentration of office space and the retail and residential sectors are amazingly strong, too. Excellent transit access and proximity to many of our best neighborhoods. What's not to like?

Unwalkable suburbanism, a shopping mall for a town 'center', ugly Dunwoody neighborhhods... way too many republicans (I realize the last is a matter of political preference)... Perhaps as the area matures things will change-- or maybe the'll just tear it all down and start all over...

[cybele]

I think it's more walkable than many people realize. As to the shopping, all I can say is that if the Midtown Mile ever became as jumping as Perimeter Mall, we'd really have an urban revitalization to crow about.

And we Republicans aren't all that terrible. Many sophisticated big cities have heavy Republican concentrations. We may not be out on the front lines agitating for flower power type initiatives but we are often the ones behind the scenes who are quietly making things happen.

[cabasse]

Originally Posted by cybele

I get the feeling that many people are down on the Perimeter. Yet it's already the city's largest concentration of office space and the retail and residential sectors are amazingly strong, too. Excellent transit access and proximity to many of our best neighborhoods. What's not to like?

i'm not too down on perimeter ctr myself because it has so much potential to urbanize. still, it's a little misleading to say the "largest concentration of office space" when the area surveyed covers much more than downtown, midtown or even both combined. atl's combined cbd (dt+mt) is over 40m square feet, where perimeter center is only 28m... (the same misnomer applies to the cumberland/galleria area, generally most of cobb and even part of cherokee is surveyed for the 31m figure tossed around)

[ATLaffinity]

cybele,

so now the "newspaper" of record is far removed from the capitol, the museum, the symphony, the baseball team, the basketball team, the "hockey" team, GATech, Emory, GSU, the airport, etc.

they are not in ... Atlanta.

it's just a disaster of a paper that hemorrhages millions a month. it's not like coverage can be worse so i guess it doesn't matter. they are one of the few papers in the country that has the money to make changes and they do nothing.