4851
Atlanta News
431 readers
45 users here now
News about Atlanta, auto-sourced from RSS feeds of local and regional media. User names indicate the news source.
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
4852
4853
4854
Architects ask what strategic Old Fourth Ward lot could become Josh Green Fri, 02/07/2025 - 15:54 Call it preemptive city planning. Pie-in-the-sky dreaming. Or a fresh approach to architectural design in Atlanta that could pay dividends for neighborhoods.
Whatever the case, local architecture and design firm More Than Matter has turned its focus to a specific piece of an intown property that’s top-of-mind for many urbanists and Old Fourth Ward residents right now: Atlanta Medical Center’s shuttered campus, where demolition is moving forward this month for a massive, still-undefined redevelopment.
More Than Matter has put together a process of thinking in a public forum about alternative uses for lots in strategic, impactful places around Atlanta. The firm has recently released a fictional “listing”—note the brokerage name: Unreal Estate—for 345 Boulevard, a blank palette across the street from AMC’s main buildings.
The architects have set the “sale” up like a faux auction, with an end goal of designing a solution for the AMC site and others, but only if public interest warrants it, according to More Than Matter’s lead architect Wilson Carroll, a Georgia Tech graduate and lecturer.
Think of it like Kickstarter for architecture; when subject properties reach certain support goals, they go “under contract,” and More Than Matter’s design process begins.
“This is an experimental new format—one we hope brings a little joy and agency to the city,” Carroll tells Urbanize Atlanta. “We would start a concept once a [reserve support amount] is reached and invite all the participants to join in on the design process with a couple of presentations.”
Overview of the 1.1-acre property in relation to AMC, Boulevard, and other O4W landmarks. Google Maps
To be clear, the 1.1-acre plot isn’t currently for sale, though Zillow suggests the land alone could fetch $3.4 million.
It’s owned by Wellstar, which also owns AMC, and carries a C-2 commercial zoning classification. Redevelopment maps put together by Wellstar and its development partners show the property included in AMC redevelopment plans.
Nonetheless, as of this writing, the 345 Boulevard site has garnered 91 “backers” via More Than Matter’s website.
The firm’s first listing—the vacant, 9.4-acre 75 Hilliard St. property in Sweet Auburn—has tallied 429 backers of the required 1,000.
“It’s not often a city gets the opportunity like this,” reads the summary for 345 Boulevard. “To lose a trauma center and needed health access, Atlanta needs its replacement to bring even more life.”
What could that entail? Only time—and just maybe, the people of Atlanta—will tell.
The Wellstar-owned 345 Boulevard lot, as seen in November.Google Maps
...
Follow us on social media:
Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram
• Old Fourth Ward news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
345 Boulevard More than Matter Unreal Real Estate Atlanta Medical Center Land deals Atlanta Land O4W Atlanta Development Bureau of Big Ideas 75 Hilliard
Images
The Wellstar-owned 345 Boulevard lot, as seen in November.Google Maps
Overview of the 1.1-acre property in relation to AMC, Boulevard, and other O4W landmarks. Google Maps
Subtitle "It’s not often a city gets the opportunity like this"
Neighborhood Old Fourth Ward
Background Image
Image
Before/After Images
Sponsored Post Off
4855
From the Saporta Report:
At the beginning of February, social activists and influencers decided to stand against Target after the retailer decided to restructure its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy. Target said in a statement that it is concluding its three-year DEI goals and its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) Initiatives to accelerate action in key areas, […]
The post How canceling DEI at Target got them canceled appeared first on SaportaReport.
4856
From the Saporta Report:
Atlanta-based private membership club The Gathering Spot is set to open a new rooftop retreat in West Midtown in the summer of 2025, adding to a national portfolio of pricey members-only clubs. The Gathering Spot was founded in 2016 by Ryan Wilson and TK Peterson as a private club for “creative thinkers in all industries.” […]
The post The Gathering Spot to open rooftop, members-only club in West Midtown appeared first on SaportaReport.
4857
Images: Closures on tap for new MARTA bridge installation Josh Green Fri, 02/07/2025 - 13:45 Growing pains are set to continue next month for a station on MARTA’s east-west line, temporarily blocking access from adjoining neighborhoods.
Beginning Monday, March 24, MARTA plans to close the south entrance of East Lake station to swap its existing pedestrian bridge with an upgraded one that spans College Avenue into Kirkwood.
Closures will bar access to the station from its south parking lot, bus loop, and bridge.
The 2260 College Ave. transit hub is located at the Atlanta-Decatur city line, abutting Lake Claire, Oakhurst, and Kirkwood neighborhoods. A similar bridge replacement on the station’s north side also required closures last year.
MARTA sends word this week that, beginning March 24, all customers will have to use the north pedestrian bridge (and park in the north lot, if arriving by car) to access Blue Line trains. A free shuttle will offer rides between the south and north lots during service hours, MARTA says.
Expect temporary road closures and detours on College Avenue as the old bridge is deconstructed and new one installed.
The south bridge's recent arrival at the station along College Avenue. Courtesy of MARTA
The south bridge staged in the station's south parking lot today. Courtesy of MARTA
Bus routes 2, 19, and 34 will also be rerouted to the north side of the station. The new StationSoccer soccer pitches and parking on the north side will remain open, MARTA notes.
Demolition work began at the station in March as part of MARTA's Station Rehabilitation Program, a multi-year renovation planned for all 38 rail stations across the system.
MARTA officials have said the East Lake project will add a “cleaner, safer” bridge system to the transit hub with improved Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility.
On the flipside of the station, the recently completed north pedestrian bridge (spanning West Howard Avenue) features a new elevator, enhanced lighting, wall screening, and upgraded flooring, per MARTA.
Finishing touches for the newly opened north bridge. Courtesy of MARTA
How the recently opened north bridge turned out at MARTA's East Lake station over West Howard Avenue. Courtesy of MARTA
Other improvements around the station will include upgraded ADA ramps, enhanced curb and gutter features, and fresh paint.
The work is part of MARTA’s Service, Experience, and Expansion program—or SEE—which the agency has called a priority for fiscal year 2024.
Also included in SEE efforts is MARTA’s first bus rapid transit line (scheduled to open from downtown to Summerhill and Peoplestown this year) and the debut of new rail cars and more climate-friendly electric buses.
Other initiatives include station renovations at Bankhead, Indian Creek, and Airport stations, along with the addition of “smart” restrooms, fresh station canopies, and resurfaced and re-striped parking lots, according to the transit agency.
The south bridge's recent arrival at the station along College Avenue. Courtesy of MARTA
...
Follow us on social media:
Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram
• Kirkwood news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
East Lake Station MARTA Americans with Disabilities Act ADA SEE MARTA Stations East Lake MARTA Station Oakhurst MARTA trains MARTA Closures College Avenue Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority MARTA Mobility East Lake StationSoccer StationSoccer Lake Claire Kirkwood Decatur
Images
How the recently opened north bridge turned out at MARTA's East Lake station over West Howard Avenue. Courtesy of MARTA
The south bridge's recent arrival at the station along College Avenue. Courtesy of MARTA
Finishing touches for the newly opened north bridge. Courtesy of MARTA
The south bridge's recent arrival at the station along College Avenue. Courtesy of MARTA
The south bridge staged in the station's south parking lot today. Courtesy of MARTA
Subtitle It’s part of accessibility overhaul at East Lake station—and upgrades across all 38 MARTA train hubs
Neighborhood Kirkwood
Background Image
Image
Before/After Images
Sponsored Post Off
4858
4859
4860
4861
4
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson ‘Water is a Human Right,’ Urges Tax Increase for Water and Sewage Service Improvments
(atlantadailyworld.com)
From the Atlanta Daily World:
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson recently hosted the final public meeting in a series of three to address water and wastewater issues currently facing residents and businesses in the Georgia’s third most populated county. On Wednesday, Feb.5 county officials, resident and business owners met at the Porter Sanford LLL Coominty Center in Decatur to emphasize … Continued
The post DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson ‘Water is a Human Right,’ Urges Tax Increase for Water and Sewage Service Improvments appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.
4862
4863
4864
4865
0
Atlanta Braves Honored Life And Legacy Of Hank Aaron At Carver High School
(atlantadailyworld.com)
From the Atlanta Daily World:
Atlanta Braves honored the life and legacy of Hank Aaron at Carver High School. The Atlanta Braves Foundation unveiled baseball and softball field improvements at the high school, which were made possible through the Henry Louis Aaron Fund. The ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased facility upgrades, including a state-of-the-art covered batting cage for Carver’s baseball and softball … Continued
The post Atlanta Braves Honored Life And Legacy Of Hank Aaron At Carver High School appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.
4866
4867
4868
2
Near Underground Atlanta, ‘transformative,’ multi-building project moves forward
(atlanta.urbanize.city)
Near Underground Atlanta, ‘transformative,’ multi-building project moves forward Josh Green Fri, 02/07/2025 - 08:08 On the eve of storied nightclub MJQ Concourse’s opening, Underground Atlanta leadership recently spoke about additional housing being the only path toward a true resurgence in downtown.
For the second time this week, plans have been put forward to start making that a reality in potentially significant ways.
The 1 Peachtree infill project—proposed as 65 units of senior housing, situated where Peachtree and Decatur streets meet, immediately north of Underground Atlanta—has taken a step toward groundbreaking as what could be the first phase of a multi-building effort in surrounding blocks.
Development officials called the project “transformative” and “essential” in communications with Urbanize Atlanta this week.
According to renderings, the slim 1 Peachtree building would rise between an existing parking garage (masking one façade from public view) and Peachtree Street.
The development team filed paperwork this week with Atlanta’s Department of City Planning for a Special Administrative Permit to begin construction on 1 Peachtree.
According to those documents, the building would see a mix of one-bedroom and studio apartments.
The building's planned Peachtree Street facade, with an existing parking structure behind it. Courtesy of The Integral Group
The 1 Peachtree filings come after a much larger housing proposal for downtown—the Georgia-Pacific Center skyscraper’s conversion to more than 400 apartments and other uses—earned the Office of Zoning and Development’s approval to proceed toward groundbreaking this week.
A development partnership called Two Peachtree Partners LLC—consisting of Underground Atlanta owners Lalani Ventures, The Integral Group, The Atlantic Companies, and office leasing firm T. Dallas Smith and Company—is moving the 1 Peachtree project forward.
Rick White, Integral’s senior vice president, said 1 Peachtree will see 65 rental units take shape for residents age 62 and older, creating “a vital housing option” for seniors earning at max 60 percent of the Area Median Income.
Access to transit and walkable commercial options are among the location’s perks, per White.
Looking south, the open plaza site where 1 Peachtree is planned, with Underground Atlanta in the distance. The taller 2 Peachtree tower is shown at right. Google Maps
A timeline for groundbreaking will be announced later this year, White said.
“The direction is clear: to create a thriving, transit-connected downtown that fosters inclusive growth and sets a new standard for urban development in Atlanta,” White wrote via email.
“As work begins on 1 Peachtree,” White continued, “it sets in motion the broader vision for [additional, neighboring projects] 2 Peachtree, 33 Pryor St., and 14 Marietta. Together, these developments will activate the streets, attract new businesses, and drive long-term economic growth.”
All of the projects listed above will be anchored by Five Points MARTA station and feed into Mayor Andre Dickens’ plans for enlivening downtown and creating housing, said White.
“As Invest Atlanta’s selected developer for this ambitious effort,” he noted, “Two Peachtree Partners… brings together industry leaders with deep expertise in urban development, investment, and real estate strategy to create a dynamic and sustainable future for the city.”
...
Follow us on social media:
Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram
• Downtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
1 Peachtree St. SE 1 Peachtree senior housing Affordable Housing Invest Atlanta Two Peachtree Partners LLC Mayor Andre Dickens Department of City Planning Downtown Development Atlanta Development Atlanta Construction Five Points MARTA Station Decatur Street T. Dallas Smith & Company Lalani Ventures The Integral Group The Atlantic Companies Five Points Infill Development Infill Housing Infill project Atlanta Infill
Images
The building's planned Peachtree Street facade, with an existing parking structure behind it. Courtesy of The Integral Group
Looking south, the open plaza site where 1 Peachtree is planned, with Underground Atlanta in the distance. The taller 2 Peachtree tower is shown at right. Google Maps
Subtitle 1 Peachtree development to mark first phase anchored by Five Points MARTA station
Neighborhood Downtown
Background Image
Image
Before/After Images
Sponsored Post Off
4869
4870
From the Saporta Report:
There’s a particular scene that takes place in a car in “No Other Land” – Basel, a Palestinian activist living in the Masafer Yatta community in the West Bank, is driving. Yuval, an Israeli journalist, sits in the passenger seat, fretting over the lack of traction his articles about the forced expulsion of Palestinians from […]
The post ‘No Other Land’ sheds light on Palestinian struggle for survival appeared first on SaportaReport.
4871
4872
From the Saporta Report:
A sculpture of cupped hands raising a tree skyward greets those who enter Science Gallery Atlanta’s newly opened exhibition, “Resilient Earth.” Setting the tone for the exhibition’s theme, the work is made entirely of reclaimed materials by artist William Massey. Just around the corner, thousands of plastic water bottles collected from throughout metro Atlanta form winding, […]
The post Science Gallery Atlanta’s ‘Resilient Earth’ imagines sustainable futures appeared first on SaportaReport.
4873
4874
From the Saporta Report:
Live Nation Atlanta kicked off its first Legacy Lunch on Feb. 5 at its relatively new headquarters in the Atlanta Dairies complex on North Avenue. The invited guests were two former mayors of Atlanta – Andrew Young and Bill Campbell. Peter Conlon, president of Live Nation Entertainment Atlanta, moderated a conversation between both former mayors […]
The post Two Atlanta mayors on the city’s legacy for civil rights and music appeared first on SaportaReport.
4875