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Arts Atlanta:

To call the theatrical experimentation that is Majid Araim’s Regarding Bullfrogs and Universal Power Dynamics an “opera” is to stretch the outer limits of the word. Atlanta composer and multi-instrumentalist Araim premiered this new opera December 12 and December 13 in the First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta’s hall. For the musically adventurous, it was a...

From the Atlanta Daily World:

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Now more than ever, we must recognize the indispensable role HBCUs play in shaping not just the future of their students but the future of our nation. This report is not just a call to awareness but a call to action,” said Lodriguez Murray, senior vice president, of public policy and government … Continued

The post UNCF Economic Impact Report Highlights Unmatched Contributions and Urgent Funding Needs of HBCUs appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From the Atlanta Daily World:

Located in one of Atlanta’s oldest and most historic communities, Pittsburgh Yards is a burgeoning hotspot for local business development with a unique offering of specialty and customized products and services for Atlanta-based consumers. The Pittsburgh neighborhood bordered by University Avenue, Pryor Street, Ralph Abernathy Blvd. and Metropolitan Parkway is on track to becoming proof … Continued

The post 9 Must-Have Specialty Gifts from Pittsburgh Yards Holiday Spectacular Shoppers’ Guide appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From the Atlanta Daily World:

Fani Willis was disqualified from Donald Trump’s RICO case by the Georgia Court of Appeals on Dec. 19. The three-judge panel ruled 2-1 in favor of Willis’ dismissal from the case claiming, “This is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity … Continued

The post Judge Takes Issue With Fani Willis’ Disqualification From Trump’s RICO Case: ‘It Is Not Our Job To Second Guess Trial Judges’ appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From WABE Local News:

Georgia is lifting its moratorium on new water wells for farms in parts of southwest Georgia for the first time in over a decade.  The moratorium was first instituted for […]

From the Atlanta Daily World:

Photo: Getty Images President-elect Donald Trump has admitted that lowering prices at the grocery store will be “very hard” after repeatedly promising to slash costs during his campaign. Prior to the admission, Trump claimed several times that he would bring down grocery prices for everyday Americans. “Grocery prices have skyrocketed; how can a family afford … Continued

The post Social Media Reacts to Trump Walking Back Promise to Lower Grocery Prices appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From the Saporta Report:

Over the course of film history, there have been six versions of the story of “Nosferatu” (or at least six that I can find on the internet). And that’s to say nothing of the countless “Dracula” films that have also graced our screens over the years.  The first of these films, from German Expressionist director […]

The post ‘Nosferatu’ and the reimagining of a legend appeared first on SaportaReport.

From WABE Local News:

On this week’s episode of “Plugged In: A WABE Politics Podcast,” we take stock of the year in Georgia politics, including a recent court decision removing Fulton District Attorney Fani […]

From the Atlanta Daily World:

Photo: Getty Images Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Peter Thomas has been sentenced to 1.5 years in prison for failing to pay his taxes. A representative for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina told TMZ that Peter, who appeared on “RHOA” alongside his ex-wife Cynthia Bailey, was sentenced to … Continued

The post Former ‘RHOA’ Star Peter Thomas Sentenced To 18 Months In Prison appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From the Atlanta Daily World:

Black Detroiters mentioned Fox 2 anchor Maurielle Lue as a trusted messenger. Screenshot from Fox 2 Detroit by Danielle K. Brown, Michigan State University In 2024, Gallup reported Americans’ trust in media was at an all-time low. In 1972, only about 6% of Americans said they had no trust at all in mass media. Between … Continued

The post Trust in U.S. media hit an all-time low in 2024 − a new survey shows Black midwesterners have found other trusted messengers of news appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

From the Saporta Report:

It’s hard to overstate what happens every year during the HOPE Global Forum. The 2024 was the 10th annual forum did not disappoint. John Hope Bryant, the founder of Operation HOPE and the Global HOPE Forum, has turned it into a multifaceted event that looks at the latest developments in society business, technology, mental health, AI, […]

The post Annual HOPE Global Forum focuses on the future, AI and fighting poverty appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Atlanta Tribune:

Photo: Getty Images President-elect Donald Trump has tapped ex-NFL player turned Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker for an administration position. On Tuesday (December 17), Trump announced that he was nominating Walker to serve as his ambassador to the Bahamas, per The Guardian. “Herschel has spent decades serving as an ambassador to our nation’s youth, our […]

The post Trump Taps Herschel Walker for Ambassador to Bahamas appeared first on Atlanta Tribune.

From the Atlanta Tribune:

Fani Willis and her office has been disqualified from prosecuting Donald Trump and co-defendants over the alleged attempted steal of the 2020 Election. The Georgia Court of Appeals made the ruling today, overturning a previous ruling from another judge. The Georgia Court of Appeals stated, “While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is […]

The post Fani Willis Disqualified From Trump’s RICO Case by Georgia Court of Appeals appeared first on Atlanta Tribune.

From WABE Local News:

Charis Books and More is more than a place to buy books. Owners regard it as a third space and a haven, “supporting diverse and marginalized voices.” Over the past […]

From WABE Local News:

Women in red-and-green ao dai danced onto a stage decorated for Christmas at the First Senior Center of Georgia in Norcross.  They were celebrating the holidays with more than 600 […]

Best Atlanta Neighborhood 2024, 1st round: (1) Midtown vs. (16) Candler Park Josh Green Thu, 12/19/2024 - 16:55 As part of ongoing Best of Atlanta 2024 coverage, Urbanize’s fourth-annual Best Atlanta Neighborhood tournament is kicking off with 16 places vying for the prestige of being called the city’s greatest. (Note: Seeding from 1 to 16 was determined by reader nominations this month—so no pitchforks, please.)

For each Round 1 contest, voting will be open for just 24 hours. Please, let’s keep the tourney fun and positive, as one neighborhood rises above the rest in very public fashion. The eliminations begin now!

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(1) Midtown

The landing page for 1072 West Peachtree's website provides a glimpse of how the project would alter Midtown's skyline when viewed from the Connector. Rockefeller Group; Brock Hudgins Architects; TVS/1072 West Peachtree

Enter: 2024’s Goliath.

Yes, folks, it’s fitting that Atlanta’s epicenter of high-rise development, high-profile job growth, and sheer physical change has taken the pole position in this year’s tournament, as determined by reader nominations. Like no other place right now—or across the past decade, for that matter—Midtown exemplifies Atlanta’s roaring ’20s boom, as our aerial photo essays have relayed throughout the year. In just the past year, the district has packed on another 2,200 residences, as recently tabulated by Midtown Alliance. And the tallest building to rise from Atlanta’s red dirt since Bill Clinton was president is currently climbing over Midtown’s West Peachtree Street. Enough said?

Nonetheless, Midtown has a spotty track record in these contests, including a Round 1 knockout against 13-seed Adair Park in 2021 action. Surprisingly, it’s never won the non-existent trophy in these contests, either. Here’s a rundown of just a fraction of what’s happening in Midtown these days. But it begs the eternal question: Does all this action make for the best actual neighborhood around?

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(16) Candler Park

A quintessential CandlerPark scene along McLendon Avenue. Google Maps

Shockingly, Candler Park is making its Best Atlanta Neighborhood tourney debut this year, having finally tallied enough nominations to enter the big criteria-free dance. Home to rollicking festivals and coveted school options, this leafy little ’hood is one of Atlanta’s best places to simply take a walk—or to stumble home from Little Five Points next door.

Candler Park counts restaurants both trendy and stalwart (hello, Fox Bros.), too many artfully restored bungalows to count, no shortage of free-thinking city dwellers, and that glorious, eponymous park, which was one of Coca-Cola magnate Asa Candler's many gifts to the city. And as of October, Candler Park is also home to one of the city’s most mind-blowingly awesome playgrounds, a $1-million affair designed by top architecture firm Perkins + Will. Proof that halcyon times for ATL kids continue.   

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Best of Atlanta 2024 Atlanta Neighborhoods Where to Live Atlanta Where to Rent Atlanta Polls Urbanize Polls Urbanize Tournament Best Atlanta Neighborhood Best Atlanta Neighborhoods Candler Park Midtown Atlanta Midtown

Subtitle Who should advance to the Elite Eight? Cast your vote now!

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From WABE Local News:

Officials within the City of Atlanta are continuing to make strides to address food insecurity, partnering with an Atlanta-based organization for a new food access installation.  Goodr, a food waste […]

In quest to build thriving downtown, Smyrna closes on church purchase Josh Green Thu, 12/19/2024 - 15:52 The trend of repurposing church properties for a range of new uses that’s kicked into overdrive around the City of Atlanta in recent years is bound for a large campus in Cobb County.

Smyrna First Baptist Church has closed on a deal to sell its 9-acre property to the City of Smyrna for $15.8 million, according to officials with CCI Real Estate, which brokered the deal.

The Cobb County city plans to combine the church campus with an adjacent former Presbyterian church property the city previously acquired as part of a densification project dubbed “Downtown the Downtown.”

The church properties are adjacent to the mixed-use village considered downtown Smyrna today, situated along Atlanta Road about three miles outside the Interstate 285 Perimeter. The city’s Village Green redevelopment is just beyond the church properties, with a second location of Suwanee’s popular StillFire Brewing in the works as part of the commercial component there.   

Church properties that would be included in the "Downtown the Downtown" initiative. Google Maps

Plans call for saving and repurposing the church’s stone chapel for public use, such as community events and performances. City of Smyrna

Founded 138 years ago, Smyrna First Baptist Church plans to use the nearly $16-million windfall to develop a new 5.5-acre campus, which is in design now, within walking distance of its current one along Atlanta Road.

The closing is part of a sale-leaseback agreement between the church and city. Church officials plan to keep operating on the existing property for two years as construction plans for both the city and church are finalized.

The project is considered part of Smyrna’s placemaking B.O.L.D. Downtown Master Plan, but exactly what the church property may become has not yet been determined. A Request for Proposals was issued to developers in the spring.

One building that will remain standing, the church’s century-old stone chapel, is expected to be converted to public uses, such as live performances and community events.

The scope of Smyrna's 9-acre redevelopment plans off Atlanta Road. City of Smyrna

Smyrna First Baptist Church's campus today. Google Maps

A process involving “extensive citizen input” and “careful market analysis” will steer what redevelopment of the church properties looks like, city leaders previously said.

City officials expect construction to begin in 2027.

“After years of negotiation on behalf of Smyrna First, we reached a mutually beneficial solution that places both the church and the city on paths toward long-term success,” said Jeff Warwick of CCI Real Estate in an announcement today. “This creative deal unlocked resources that allow the church to design a modern ministry campus that can serve its congregation for the next 100 years.”

Find more site context in the gallery above.

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• Smyrna news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)

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1275 Church Street City of Smyrna Smyrna Churches Atlanta Churches StillFire Brewing Village Green Smyrna First Baptist Church City of Smyrna Community Development and Economic Development Religion Adaptive-Reuse Development OTP Atlanta Suburbs Cobb County CCI Real Estate

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Approximation of Smyrna First Baptist Church's 9 acres in relation to today's mixed-use village, with Atlanta Road pictured at top right. Google Maps

The 1275 Church St. site in question. Google Maps

Smyrna First Baptist Church's campus today. Google Maps

Plans call for saving and repurposing the church’s stone chapel for public use, such as community events and performances. City of Smyrna

The scope of Smyrna's 9-acre redevelopment plans off Atlanta Road. City of Smyrna

Church properties that would be included in the "Downtown the Downtown" initiative. Google Maps

Subtitle 9-acre initiative called “Downtown the Downtown” takes key step toward construction

Neighborhood Smyrna/Vinings

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From WABE Local News:

The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled Thursday morning that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office should be removed from Georgia’s election interference case. The interference case challenges […]

Best Atlanta Neighborhood 2024, 1st round: (2) Inman Park vs. (15) Decatur Josh Green Thu, 12/19/2024 - 14:30 As part of ongoing Best of Atlanta 2024 coverage, Urbanize’s fourth-annual Best Atlanta Neighborhood tournament is kicking off with 16 places vying for the prestige of being called the city’s greatest. (Note: Seeding from 1 to 16 was determined by reader nominations this month—so no pitchforks, please.)

For each Round 1 contest, voting will be open for just 24 hours. Please, let’s keep the tourney fun and positive, as one neighborhood rises above the rest in very public fashion. The eliminations begin now!

…

(2) Inman Park

Courtesy of Painted Hospitality

Inarguably one of Atlanta’s most charming neighborhoods, the city’s “first planned suburb” remains a beautiful, fascinating amalgam of Victorian homes, useful greenspaces, transit/Beltline accessibility, and well-planned commercial hubs along North Highland Avenue, Krog Street, and elsewhere. For more than 50 years, Inman Park has also hosted one of the city’s best neighborhood festivals—no small feat in festival-happy ATL.

This year’s most splashy addition was the adaptive-reuse Painted Park, an expanded dining and entertainment concept borne of the old Parish space along the Eastside Trail. Elsewhere, the expansion of a 1950s complex promises to add vibrancy to Inman Park’s main commercial crossroads. Despite its attributes, Inman Park hasn’t taken the crown in one of these criteria-free contests since the very first one, way back in 2011. Can a strong ’24 change that?  

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(15) Decatur

Decatur's much loved, admonished, and/or ridiculed planter boxes, as shown in greener days. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Yes, sherlocks, Decatur is technically its own city and not a neighborhood (rules permit ITP cities in this contest), but from Oakhurst Village to the underground MARTA station surrounded by local restaurants and bars, it sure feels like an intown neighborhood around here.

Decatur made development and urban-planning headlines throughout 2024—too many to list here. But a few highlights included the modernized Town Center Plan 2.0 overhaul moving forward, the addition of actual affordable standalone houses near downtown, a greenspace conversion to a village with attainable rents, the debut of Decatur Housing Authority’s spiffy new digs, and a mixed-use node that’s going vertical near a different MARTA station now. Even old Agnes Scott College made waves this year, wrapping a solar-heavy, thoughtful update of a true Decatur landmark. Not too shabby. 

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Best of Atlanta 2024 Atlanta Neighborhoods Where to Live Atlanta Where to Rent Atlanta Polls Urbanize Polls Urbanize Tournament Best Atlanta Neighborhood Best Atlanta Neighborhoods Inman Park Decatur

Subtitle Who should advance to the Elite Eight? Cast your vote now!

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From the Saporta Report:

College Park has had a turbulent year with unexpected twists and turns that included a censure of the mayor, and multiple lawsuits. Mayor Bianca Motley Broom recently discussed the resiliency of the city, its residents and other topics with Voices of College Park podcast. “This year has challenged us,” Motley Broom said. She added that […]

The post Mayor reflects on College Park’s turbulent year appeared first on SaportaReport.

From the Saporta Report:

A history of leadership at Atlanta Committee for Progress Just to make sure Michael Russell, CEO of H.J. Russell & Co., was the first Black person to chair the Atlanta Committee for Progress, I compiled a history of all the chairs and executive directors. The Atlanta Committee for Progress is a powerful compilation of business […]

The post Reporter’s Notebook: ACP history, Trees Atlanta training, Energy to Give event appeared first on SaportaReport.

Investors: Atlanta's 'oldest mansion' to become 'most sought-after Airbnb' Josh Green Thu, 12/19/2024 - 12:58 On Atlanta’s signature street, plans are moving forward to transform one of the metro’s oldest standing structures into a unique short-term rental before legions of global soccer fans descend upon the city in a year and ½.

That’s according to Texas-based investment firm Vaycaychella, which announced this week it’s partnering with owners of the storied but blighted Rufus Rose House at 537 Peachtree St. to create the “most sought-after Airbnb” in Atlanta.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977, the so-called “Rose on Peachtree” is an example of a late Victorian Queen Anne-style home—and the only Victorian left standing in Atlanta’s core district where downtown meets Midtown. Built in 1901, the property is considered by the Atlanta Preservation Center to be one of the region’s oldest buildings.

Despite its high-profile location steps from Atlanta’s tallest building and marquee attractions such as the Fox Theatre, the Rufus Rose House has been vacant for more than two decades. Several plans to resuscitate it for various new uses have made splashes but never fully materialized.

Atlanta-based investment firm UC Asset purchased the property for $1.65 million in 2021, held a ribbon-cutting for its groundbreaking with former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, and has since spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to reinforce and repair its structure in hopes of creating an upscale office building. They coined the property "Atlanta's oldest mansion." 

But Vaycaychella has more recently approached those Atlanta investors and convinced them the Rufus Rose House would be more suitable and profitable as a short-term rental. The Texas firm has been granted exclusive rights to manage its renovation and operate it as a boutique, multi-unit Airbnb once complete.

Stephanie Anderl, Vaycaychella’s interim CEO, tells Urbanize Atlanta the project requires $2 to $3 million and a special permit to begin construction. So far, $2.1 million has been raised, and Anderl said her company is seeking additional partnerships.

“We’re capable of completing the renovation within 18 months, if we are adequately capitalized and can secure the permit,” Anderl wrote to Urbanize via email. “We have done the most we can with a temporary permit. Namely, we have replaced the interior framework, so this historic property will stand.”

The 537 Peachtree St. property's condition as of July this year. Google Maps

A sitting room and fireplace, as seen in recent years. Via Surber Barber Choate + Hertlein Architects/2020

Once repaired and reopened as short-term apartments, the Rufus Rose House will hold a market value of between $5 and $8 million, Vaycaychella estimates. The company points in a recent announcement to the property’s “stunning and aged beauty, both interior and exterior,” and proximity to downtown’s highway-capping Stitch park proposal. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, “tourism to Atlanta is expected to explode,” the investors note.

Vaycaychella describes itself as a Fintech company that uses 21st century technologies—block-chain, cryptocurrency, and NFTs—to attract investment in short-term rental properties they operate.

According to its most recent owners, the Rufus Rose House spans 7,122 square feet. As one of Peachtree’s most prominent eyesores, it’s been a source of high hopes but few results in recent years.

Inman Park Properties bought the mansion in mid-2019 for its full asking price of $1 million and later announced renovation plans that would have included a restaurant, but that work never materialized.

A few years prior to Inman Park Properties’ involvement, plans emerged for converting the mansion into an arts space and entrepreneurial hub, but those ambitions also fizzled.

Property records indicate the landmark has sold for as little as $309,000 in 2011.

The Peachtree facade prior to the property's last sale in early 2020. Via Surber Barber Choate + Hertlein Architects/2020

An intact sitting room bench. Via Surber Barber Choate + Hertlein Architects/2020

Built in 1901 for the founder of Four Roses Distillery, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom house was designed by Atlanta architect E.C. Seiz. It was designated as a Landmark Building by the City of Atlanta in 1989.

The APC’s offices were the home’s last occupant, but the organization moved out more than 20 years ago. 

In the gallery above, have a closer look at the historic property's "before" state—including floorplans.

Lead photo courtesy of Historic Atlanta.

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537 Peachtree Street NE UC Asset E.C. Seiz UCASU Rufus M. Rose House Midtown National Register of Historic Places Inman Park Properties Atlanta Preservation Center Choate + Hertlein Architects Historical Preservation History Surber Barber Choate + Hertlein Architects Kasim Reed Airbnb VRBO Vaycaychella Vayk Adaptive-Reuse Adaptive-Reuse Development Adaptive-Reuse Project Atlanta Architecture Atlanta History Peachtree Street 2026 FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup World Cup 2026

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The Peachtree facade prior to the property's last sale in early 2020. Via Surber Barber Choate + Hertlein Architects/2020

The 537 Peachtree St. property's condition as of July this year. Google Maps

The mansion and its Peachtree Street surroundings in 2021. Google Maps

A sitting room and fireplace, as seen in recent years. Via Surber Barber Choate + Hertlein Architects/2020

An intact sitting room bench. Via Surber Barber Choate + Hertlein Architects/2020

A bedroom fireplace. Via Surber Barber Choate + Hertlein Architects/2020

A detailed look at first-floor plans. Via Surber Barber Choate + Hertlein Architects/2020

The second floor. Via Surber Barber Choate + Hertlein Architects/2020

The property's condition in February 2021. Google Maps

Subtitle Texas-based group aims to complete Rufus Rose House makeover before 2026 FIFA World Cup

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Arts Atlanta:

Each week, ArtsATL delivers a critic’s short list of the shows, exhibitions, concerts and events we recommend for the coming weeks within one discipline in the kaleidoscope of Atlanta arts and culture. Every week, we’ll present a different art form. :: December 29 New Year’s Eve à la Française at Buckhead Art & Company. Join...

From the Atlanta Daily World:

Fani Willis and her office has been disqualified from prosecuting Donald Trump and co-defendants over the alleged attempted steal of the 2020 Election. The Georgia Court of Appeals made the ruling today, overturning a previous ruling from another judge.  The Georgia Court of Appeals stated, “While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is … Continued

The post Fani Willis Disqualified From Trump’s RICO Case By Georgia Court Of Appeals appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.