[AtlMidtowner]

I checked it out with my daughters the other day...we found it rather tawdry. Is there a market for such merchandise?

H & M is the Swedish equivelent of Wal-Mart/Target type clothes, except that it is made in Eastern Europe, Turkey and North Africa instead of China. And they actually are the same price or lower than the Chinese clothes, better quality, and have more fashion forward European styles.

Of course there will always be market for cheap clothes.

My wife calls it H & M style fashionable but disposable clothes.

[Fiorenza]

Yeah, well I'm wondering if this sells in Atlanta. I didn't feel that trade has picked up very much in Dillard's either. The other dress shops were slow.

[Student]

H&M seems to get pretty good business whenever I'm in the neigborhood. Dillards has never been a "shopping spot", even on Black Friday.

But I have one non-retail-related question. After all of the lots on 17th Street are developed, where else in Atlantic Station has potential or even the space for highrise development?

[gttx]

H & M is the Swedish equivelent of Wal-Mart/Target type clothes, except that it is made in Eastern Europe, Turkey and North Africa instead of China. And they actually are the same price or lower than the Chinese clothes, better quality, and have more fashion forward European styles.

Of course there will always be market for cheap clothes.

My wife calls it H & M style fashionable but disposable clothes.

I think of H&M as the IKEA of clothing stores......everything is very trendy, but inexpensive......and not designed to last very long.

They seem to have an almost cult-like following, however.

[AtlMidtowner]

Yeah, well I'm wondering if this sells in Atlanta. I didn't feel that trade has picked up very much in Dillard's either. The other dress shops were slow.

We went to Dillards once. Most of the clothes reminded us of JC Penny. Cheap and not even trendy or fashionable. It seems like a store for middle-class housewives in the suburbs, and for men without a fashion sense. :haha: See even I have nasty stereotypes that i am (not) proud of.:(

[echinatl]

We went to Dillards once. Most of the clothes reminded us of JC Penny. Cheap and not even trendy or fashionable. It seems like a store for middle-class housewives in the suburbs, and for men without a fashion sense. :haha: See even I have nasty stereotypes that i am (not) proud of.:(

It's the perfect location to buy work clothes!! It allows me to blend in seamlessly with the other worker bees and not look too trendy but still "near".

[Andrea]

Most of the clothes reminded us of JC Penny. Cheap and not even trendy or fashionable. It seems like a store for middle-class housewives in the suburbs...

That's precisely why Jacques Penné appeals to me.


:haha:

[smArTaLlone]

Dilliards seems to be finding their audience and they're trying to attract the intown market by stocking brands like Ed Hardy. It was busier than I've ever seen it the last time I was in there.

[john3eblover]

I checked it out with my daughters the other day...we found it rather tawdry. Is there a market for such merchandise?

quite a large market

[Fiorenza]

I'm wondering about the Atlanta market. I'm sure H&M is a step or two beyond me with marketing, but given the demographic segments here, I don't see how they would identify with H&M. Consider the Atlanta mix: traditionalists white and black (yuppies); hip-hoppers; wearers of informal jeans and tops; Mexicans; poor people. What do any of these have in common with H&M. I see H&M appealing mostly to wannabe valley girl suburbanites, but not the traditional Atlanta type of the genre.

[citywalker]

Fiorenza, Atlanta has more than just poor people, yuppies and hip hoppers. In the actual city there are a lot of stylish, young professionals who like to wear affordable but chic clothing cheap enough to allow you to change styles often. Lines have been formed around the store when I have gone so they must be doing something right. I did not like that the store was very small and crammed with racks unlike the D.C. store I had visited which was very open with more clothes but also more space. In Miami they have numerous european boutiques where none of the clothes are over 25 dollars and they are very fashionable but the clothes don't last forever. There has to be the low end as well as the high end Gucci and Prada and not all us poor city folk like to wear our good wal mart clothes everyday we need to switch it up a little too.

[AtlMidtowner]

That is why the main H & M store is in AS, not in North Point or Mall of GA.

Suburbanites are going to want to buy Ambercrombie & Fitch, J Crew, etc. Those with fashion sense with little money will buy H & M! The intown crowd will like EuroTrash

[Andrea]

That is why the main H & M store is in AS, not in North Point or Mall of GA.

Suburbanites are going to want to buy Ambercrombie & Fitch, J Crew, etc. Those with fashion sense with little money will buy H & M! The intown crowd will like EuroTrash

You've summed it up in a nutshell. Sure, people can go to the H&M store at Northpoint but they're going to get a totally suburban mall vibe. By contrast, folks can now go to the H&M store at Atlantic Station and it's a completely different, urban hip thing. It doesn't matter that the clothes themselves are the same -- the people buying them at AS do it because they are into EuroTrash, whereas people buying these same clothes at NP wish they were actually at the Abercrombie & Fitch or J. Crew next door.

That's what makes the city authentic.

[Fiorenza]

Andrea, anyone who wants to look that way (EuroTrash) must have a problem.

[Andrea]

Andrea, anyone who wants to look that way (EuroTrash) must have a problem.


Fiorenza, the other day I was going up the escalator at a MARTA and the young man ahead of me had his pants so low that you just knew they were going to fall off. I mean, he literally had his belt around his mid-thighs. Sure enough, just as we were getting to the top he moved to step off and his pants completely fell down around his ankles. He stumbled but thank goodness he didn't fall.

Of course we wore some pretty stupid stuff when I was younger, so I can't be too critical. I've been known to wear everything from hot pants to parachute pants to bell bottoms and overhauls, which leaves me little room to talk.

:haha:

[AtlMidtowner]

Fiorenza, the other day I was going up the escalator at a MARTA and the young man ahead of me had his pants so low that you just knew they were going to fall off. I mean, he literally had his belt around his mid-thighs. Sure enough, just as we were getting to the top he moved to step off and his pants completely fell down around his ankles. He stumbled but thank goodness he didn't fall.
Of course we wore some pretty stupid stuff when I was younger, so I can't be too critical. I've been known to wear everything from hot pants to parachute pants to bell bottoms and overhauls, which leaves me little room to talk.
:haha:
Did you ever go to Piedmont Park on Saturday? You can see the suburbanites from a mile away. It so easy. They are always fat and ugly with tasteless clothes with zero fashion sense! To me, they literally look like a different nationality, and I suppose, culturally, they are actually quite different because of the isolation that suburbs create.

You should see the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" to get a real understanding of fashion, and how fashion trickles down to what the fashion clueless eventually wear. I would say 95% of men and 80% of women are totally clueless!!! My rule of thumb is that if you dont get at least two compliments per week for you clothes from complete strangers, then your wardrobe needs changing.

True, fashion is subjective, but then again, fashion, or fashion designing is an art. And it also an art to wear clothes properly, regardless of what style you may prefer.

Both Zara (from Spain) at Lenox Mall and H & M (from Sweden) have so quickly become popular because their styles are like a breath of fresh air in the low end market (but I guess cheap air) and to relieve us of the suburban mall sameness in store after store.

[foxmccleod]

H&M seems to get pretty good business whenever
But I have one non-retail-related question. After all of the lots on 17th Street are developed, where else in Atlantic Station has potential or even the space for highrise development?

The last plan I saw called for towers north of the cinema (continuing Market Street past where they play beach volleyball and the entrance to the deck), a tower on the roughly triangular lot opposite IKEA where 17th street bridges the tracks, and towers along the interstate where the old Office Depot was on 14th. Granted, those are not in Atlantic Station proper, and the brilliant residents of Home Park had at least one of those shot down (166 16th?), but the idea is that area will host towers eventually.

[AtlMidtowner]

The last plan I saw called for towers north of the cinema (continuing Market Street past where they play beach volleyball and the entrance to the deck), a tower on the roughly triangular lot opposite IKEA where 17th street bridges the tracks, and towers along the interstate where the old Office Depot was on 14th. Granted, those are not in Atlantic Station proper, and the brilliant residents of Home Park had at least one of those shot down (166 16th?), but the idea is that area will host towers eventually.

If AS fills up, there are lots of lots on the backside (NW corner) near where Capital Materials is located. Lots of room for expansion. Those companies that own the ugly old warehouse there are siting on gold mines.

If we are lucky, some will buy out big assemblages of Home Park and run a bulldozer over the ugly shacks before the ugly shacks are replaced by ugly McMansions.

[joey]

. . . the brilliant residents of Home Park had at least one of those shot down (166 16th?), but the idea is that area will host towers eventually.

Correction: Home Park generally supported the 16th Street tower. It was primarily Atlantic Station residents, whose views of the rest of the city would be blocked, that came out in full force to protest it.

[AtlMidtowner]

Correction: Home Park generally supported the 16th Street tower. It was primarily Atlantic Station residents, whose views of the rest of the city would be blocked, that came out in full force to protest it.

Wow, you would think residents in AS would want a mix of highrise buildings in their view, that is, some closeby, some nearby (Midtown) and some farther away (downtown).

[dante2308]

If we are lucky, some will buy out big assemblages of Home Park and run a bulldozer over the ugly shacks before the ugly shacks are replaced by ugly McMansions.

I live in a Home Park ugly shack this summer... what ever happened to affordable housing?

[gttx]

You've summed it up in a nutshell. Sure, people can go to the H&M store at Northpoint but they're going to get a totally suburban mall vibe. By contrast, folks can now go to the H&M store at Atlantic Station and it's a completely different, urban hip thing. It doesn't matter that the clothes themselves are the same -- the people buying them at AS do it because they are into EuroTrash, whereas people buying these same clothes at NP wish they were actually at the Abercrombie & Fitch or J. Crew next door.

That's what makes the city authentic.

The H&M at Northpoint only carries women's clothes, so they've forced anyone looking for other things to come into the city to shop. Not a bad thing, if you ask me.

Fiorenza - these clothes mostly appeal to young people who have some desire to be fashionable. Young people don't fit into your neat little predisposed world, but they certainly make up a huge portion of Atlanta.

[cabasse]

i'm one of those younger people who shops at h&m and appreciates what it has to offer. the clothes are cheap but stylish, you wear them for a little while and then get something new without feeling like you wasted money.

the h&m store in AS is definitely a flagship store like the one on the magnificent mile. i need to check out zara, they didn't have that in detroyt.

[Fiorenza]

Young people don't fit into your neat little predisposed world, but they certainly make up a huge portion of Atlanta.

Just cause I'm an ol'fart doesn't mean you don't fit in to my little world.

[RobMidtowner]

Did you ever go to Piedmont Park on Saturday? You can see the suburbanites from a mile away. It so easy. They are always fat and ugly with tasteless clothes with zero fashion sense! To me, they literally look like a different nationality, and I suppose, culturally, they are actually quite different because of the isolation that suburbs create.

You should see the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" to get a real understanding of fashion, and how fashion trickles down to what the fashion clueless eventually wear. I would say 95% of men and 80% of women are totally clueless!!! My rule of thumb is that if you dont get at least two compliments per week for you clothes from complete strangers, then your wardrobe needs changing.

True, fashion is subjective, but then again, fashion, or fashion designing is an art. And it also an art to wear clothes properly, regardless of what style you may prefer.

Both Zara (from Spain) at Lenox Mall and H & M (from Sweden) have so quickly become popular because their styles are like a breath of fresh air in the low end market (but I guess cheap air) and to relieve us of the suburban mall sameness in store after store.

Do you ever have anything nice to say?

[gttx]

Consider the Atlanta mix: traditionalists white and black (yuppies); hip-hoppers; wearers of informal jeans and tops; Mexicans; poor people.

Just cause I'm an ol'fart doesn't mean you don't fit in to my little world.

Apparently you missed the part where you defined the demographics in Atlanta. Not that I'm too surprised by that memory omission....

[Fiorenza]

What? I included you in the white yuppie category. Every yup thinks they're different from the rest.

[citywalker]

So conversely every prick thinks he is different from the rest?:shrug:

[Fiorenza]

Sure.

[micropundit]

http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/ajc/businessinsider/upload/2008/07/downtown_macys_building_has_a/macy%27s-rendering-thumb.jpg


By Maria Saporta | Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 11:25 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An Atlanta-based investment group has closed on the purchase of the former Macy’s department store on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta.

The new owners — the 180 Peachtree Retail Group — are acquiring the lower three floors of the historic department store with plans to create a lively space with a host of stores and restaurants.

The investment group purchased the lower three floors, about 185,000 square feet, from the Peachtree Carnegie limited partnership, which will continue to own the upper five floors.

Robert Patterson, managing partner of 180 Peachtree Retail Group, said the group plans to enliven the front entrance to building by highlighting the three central arches with glass.

“We have got to signal to people that we are a big, fun, festive, multi-tenant complex,” Patterson said. “We want people to feel that there’s a lot going on, and that once you’re inside, you are in this grand lobby area.”’

Patterson said the plans call for the retail-restaurant complex to be open before the 2009 Christmas shopping season.

“It’s going to feel much more like a Faneuil Hall Market Place (in Boston) with boutiques and restaurants,” Patterson said. “Atlanta does not need us to be another strip center or power center. What Atlanta needs is a place with a fair amount of food, a fair amount of specialty retai with a fair amount of local color mixed in.”

Patterson said the interior likely will involve expanding the mezzanine floor to create more space for retailers. Even though some of the chandeliers may have to be removed or relocated, he said he sees the chandeliers as “signature pieces to showcase an artifact of what used to be herre.”

The building dates back to 1927. It operated as the flagship Davison’s department store for decades before it became Macy’s in 1985. The department store was closed in April, 2003, and the space has been mostly vacant ever since.

The 180 Peachtree Retail Group has had an option to buy the lower three floors since December. Wachovia Bank is providing financing for the project.

Patterson said the investment group, which is made up primarily of Atlanta natives, wants to bring life back to the elegant department store.

“It’s really important that we create a center that’s a destination and a experience,” said Patterson, who added that the development will cater to residents, office workers, students, tourists and conventioneers. “We have to give them a reason to come into our space.”

[foxmccleod]

Correction: Home Park generally supported the 16th Street tower. It was primarily Atlantic Station residents, whose views of the rest of the city would be blocked, that came out in full force to protest it.

Ah yes, thanks, I forgot that's how it went down. I can't see low-density housing replacing the old strip mall, so I am curious to see what eventually manages to occupy that parcel. Does anyone know if the 15th street HOV bridge is still being considered?

[AtlMidtowner]

Do you ever have anything nice to say?


What do you mean, you just quoted my compliments of H & M and Zara!!
I even owned a pair of H & M pants I bought in Spain in 2006, and had the most embarrassing thing happen......the threads by the crotch came loose in the middle of the day and I didnt notice, but a lady did!!! :haha: :haha: :haha:

My previous post:
"......fashion is subjective, but then again, fashion, or fashion designing is an art. And it also an art to wear clothes properly, regardless of what style you may prefer.

Both Zara (from Spain) at Lenox Mall and H & M (from Sweden) have so quickly become popular because their styles are like a breath of fresh air in the low end market (but I guess cheap air) and to relieve us of the suburban mall sameness in store after store......"

My negative comment about surbanites taste for clothes was a whimsical reaction to Andrea's whimisical description of a gentlemen she ran into on an elevator whose pants were almost falling off and then she made fun of her own hot pants and bell bottoms she had worn in years past ...........:yes:

I think the H & M store is something very positive, because it has brought MANY people to AS, which inevitably will help the AS development and also Midtown Mile. I actually wish the H & M store were in the 1010 building. Maybe Zara will open a second location at 1010!

[AtlMidtowner]

i'm one of those younger people who shops at h&m and appreciates what it has to offer. the clothes are cheap but stylish, you wear them for a little while and then get something new without feeling like you wasted money.

the h&m store in AS is definitely a flagship store like the one on the magnificent mile. i need to check out zara, they didn't have that in detroyt.

I am not young, and I have to admit I actually bought a cheap stylish pants while vacationing in Europe. Virtually every larger city with a pedestrian zone in Europe has one or more H & M's and Zara's. Your concept of the clothes at H & M is right on the mark!

H & M is more cheap fashion forward, and Zara will be cheap, more cutting edge.

[AtlMidtowner]

I live in a Home Park ugly shack this summer... what ever happened to affordable housing?
You can live directly on Piedmont Park between 11th and 12th for just over $600 per month. You can live in the Mayfair buildings for as little as $900 per month.

[RobMidtowner]

What do you mean, you just quoted my compliments of H & M and Zara!!
I even owned a pair of H & M pants I bought in Spain in 2006, and had the most embarrassing thing happen......the threads by the crotch came loose in the middle of the day and I didnt notice, but a lady did!!! :haha: :haha: :haha:

My previous post:
"......fashion is subjective, but then again, fashion, or fashion designing is an art. And it also an art to wear clothes properly, regardless of what style you may prefer.

Both Zara (from Spain) at Lenox Mall and H & M (from Sweden) have so quickly become popular because their styles are like a breath of fresh air in the low end market (but I guess cheap air) and to relieve us of the suburban mall sameness in store after store......"

My negative comment about surbanites taste for clothes was a whimsical reaction to Andrea's whimisical description of a gentlemen she ran into on an elevator whose pants were almost falling off and then she made fun of her own hot pants and bell bottoms she had worn in years past ...........:yes:

I think the H & M store is something very positive, because it has brought MANY people to AS, which inevitably will help the AS development and also Midtown Mile. I actually wish the H & M store were in the 1010 building. Maybe Zara will open a second location at 1010!

I can read, you don't have to copy your post for me thanks!

I was talking about your comment on suburbanites. It wasn't a "whimsical reaction", you said that suburbanites "are always fat and ugly with tasteless clothes with zero fashion sense! To me, they literally look like a different nationality, and I suppose, culturally, they are actually quite different because of the isolation that suburbs create."

What does this add to any discussion? What are you trying to prove?

[Neosoul]

Does anyone know when the 999 Peachtree expansion will start/finish?
(sorry if this has already been answered but I couldn't find anything)

[AtlMidtowner]

I can read, you don't have to copy your post for me thanks!


What does this add to any discussion? What are you trying to prove?

Why are you picking on me!!!

Andrea made comments on a young urban kid wearing pants that were falling off.

Andrea was making fun of herself wearing hotpants and bell bottoms

I made a joke that a pair of pants I bought at H&M split at the crotch.

Firenza was talking about who would want to wear the EuroTrash from H & M.

And I was making fun of suburban fashion choices

Chill off before you go attacking people!!

I suppose none of us should have been talking about fashion on this forum, but I did not start it! So dont just call me out on it. Just say this discussion should be brought somewhere else.

Some people still have a little sense of humor!!!

And I accept your apology with a smile!! :cheers:

[Fiorenza]

Atlanta is broke, but can find $40 million for a civil rights museum! (http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2008/07/16/civil_rights_center.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=13)

[testarossa50]

Atlanta is broke, but can find $40 million for a civil rights museum! (http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2008/07/16/civil_rights_center.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=13)

Jeez, can't we get some earmarks to pay for this kind of stuff??!?

But seriously, I think this is a good way to solidify Atlanta's unique position as a black tourism destination.

[Atlantan26]

we already have the King center and the atlanta history center. take that 40 million and put it to good use. how about getting all of those homeless help and off the streets!!

[Fiorenza]

Hear Hear! That's what the ADA should be doing with the cash. I have no problem with a Civil Rights museum, I'd be one of the first through the doors. Despite what some here may think, I hold the King legacy in high regard and consider him equally important with his namesake Martin Luther in my spirit. But please, let the funds come from private donations not the government, and put it midway on Auburn Avenue where it has meaning, not in an area of soda pop materialism and fish aquarium. I understand they think it would build traffic, but c'mon. If the sponsors would come with some concept, site plan, renderings, and fund drive, then I hereby pledge $100 minimum. I'm sure there are a lot of other old white Republicans like me who would do the same, not to mention people from all walks of life. Please, no public money!

[MarketsWork]

Well said, Fiorenza! I agree wholeheartedly.

[Atlantan26]

Yes, they should not build it by the aquarium! that would be a big mistake.
They need it in close proximity to the King center so tourists can visit both destinations. Perhaps a trolley could carry visitors between the two and you could see the wonderful auburn avenue area on the way. I really wish the vibrant black community here would come together and make auburn ave. a thriving area with shops and restaurants geared toward their culture. That would be awesome. Theres a similar concept to that in LA. I forget the name of that area. :)

[Terminus]

... and put it midway on Auburn Avenue where it has meaning, not in an area of soda pop materialism...

I agree 100%. I'd like to see it on the parking lot behind the AT&T long lines building (Auburn and Courtland).

[CityFan]

I think the Civil Rights Museum is a public project. Like any public projects, any public money infusion should be acceptable. Of course this project can accept money from private donors too. As to the location, Coco-cola's donation of the land for the project is a very generous gift to the city of Atlanta. It's a prime location for any museums, IMO. It definitely will attract more visitors to the museum. I am all for it.

[Tombstoner]

Yes, they should not build it by the aquarium! that would be a big mistake.
They need it in close proximity to the King center so tourists can visit both destinations. Perhaps a trolley could carry visitors between the two and you could see the wonderful auburn avenue area on the way. I really wish the vibrant black community here would come together and make auburn ave. a thriving area with shops and restaurants geared toward their culture. That would be awesome. Theres a similar concept to that in LA. I forget the name of that area. :)

I don't think there is a "black community" that can come together to develop businesses gears towards "their" culture. African-Americans are a pretty diverse lot--self-consciously making Auburn Ave. reflect blackness sounds a bit like a tasteless theme-park. Auburn Ave. is becoming wonderfully diverse with lots of people of all colors reflect a unique and worthy evolution from it's African-American roots. A neighborhood is a living thing, not a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
While it is obvious that there needs to be links to the MLK Center, we should avoid making this museum synonymous with A-A civil rights. It would quickly degenerate into a Museum of Victimhood politicized by the Cynthia McKinneys of the world (and I don't think many people, black or white, want that). I think public funding might be a way to prevent that, or a museum board that is comprised of many ethnic, religious, racial, sexual-orientation, physical disability, labor advocacy groups that are mandated/obliged to agree on cross-cutting themes, issues, and interpretations of history.

[smArTaLlone]

Atlanta is broke, but can find $40 million for a civil rights museum! (http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2008/07/16/civil_rights_center.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=13)


"The city cannot use any of the money to pay for city services or employee salaries."

[smArTaLlone]

The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that Alston & Bird have started a search for office space not limited to Midtown. However, those with knowledge of the firm say that a move from Midtown is very unlikely. Their current lease of 436,000 SF at One Atlantic Center and Atlantic Center Plaza doesn't expire until 2013.

Assuming a move from Atlantic Center, that's enough space to start any of the proposed office projects around town.

[Atlantan26]

yes i agree with you on the diversity of the museum tombstoner. We are already a black tourist destination, lets open our minds and branch out and look into things that will draw in international dollars to the city as well as domestic dollars from a diversified group of people. :)

[Fiorenza]

What about an Atlanta civil rights museum would distinguish it from civil rights museums that exist in practically every other urban city?

[Andrea]

Major goings-on in Forsyth. From yesterday's Atlanta Business Chronicle:

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has acquired 28 acres in Forsyth County -- real estate it plans to develop into a medical campus, in what some say could become the demographic center of metro Atlanta.

The development, at the intersection of Georgia 400 and Peachtree Parkway, will cost up to $100 million and employ as many as 500. The campus would include outpatient imaging and diagnostic services, doctor's offices, rehabilitation services and a hospital of up to 100 beds.

The facility, flanked by Northside Hospital-Forsyth to the north and Emory Johns Creek Hospital to the south, would be the latest addition to the growing medical corridor along Georgia 400.

The region could evolve into a "new Pill Hill," hospital lobbyist Jimmy Lewis said, referring to the cluster of multiple hospital systems and medical facilities in the Dunwoody area.

"The area is becoming the demographic center of Atlanta," Lewis said. "This is where the youth is of the city. The affluence and the youth leads to pediatric need."

[atl2phx]

What about an Atlanta civil rights museum would distinguish it from civil rights museums that exist in practically every other urban city?

for starters, the fairly significant king papers. they will be here rather than the library of congress, the smithsonian and a number of other organizations across the country that wanted them.

then there's the proximity to AU, MLK center and atlanta....home to a thriving concentration of successful black businesses and neighborhoods.

[ThrashATL]

Major goings-on in Forsyth. From yesterday's Atlanta Business Chronicle:

Northside Forsyth is quickly becoming a MAJOR hospital up at exit 14 if it already isn't considered that. The new women's health center there will rival the one they built in Dunwoody.

[AtlMidtowner]

Hear Hear! That's what the ADA should be doing with the cash. I have no problem with a Civil Rights museum, I'd be one of the first through the doors. Despite what some here may think, I hold the King legacy in high regard and consider him equally important with his namesake Martin Luther in my spirit. But please, let the funds come from private donations not the government, and put it midway on Auburn Avenue where it has meaning, not in an area of soda pop materialism and fish aquarium. I understand they think it would build traffic, but c'mon. If the sponsors would come with some concept, site plan, renderings, and fund drive, then I hereby pledge $100 minimum. I'm sure there are a lot of other old white Republicans like me who would do the same, not to mention people from all walks of life. Please, no public money!

Wow, I agree as well!!!!

I believe money would flow very quickly from private funds, especially corporations that have HQs here in Atlanta. I also think it would make King's legacy look like a cheesy tourist attraction if it were next to the Soda Museum and Aquarium.

Everyone of my relatives that comes to Atlanta ALWAYS wants to see the King Center, and if the Civil Rights Museum were within walking distance, that would be wonderful!! Plus it would also bring more people to the King Center and to the Edgewood/Auburn/Inman Park area.

[CityFan]

Thought maybe someone would be interested in looking at it.

http://www.180peachtreeretail.com/

[Tombstoner]

:previous: Whoa-- that red sign is really hideous :yuck:
It'll be terrific to have retail here, however.

[GNofAtlanta]

Found These,

element Atlanta Buckhead (Starwood brand)- Opening June 1, 2010
-intersection of Peachtree and Piedmont

aloft Atlanta Buckhead - Opening June 1, 2010
-intersection of Peachtree and Piedmont

[smArTaLlone]

Atlanta Business Chronicle

The Hilton Garden Inn at Centennial Olympic Park officially opened its commercial helipad Wednesday, the first public helicopter landing zone in downtown Atlanta.

The helipad is positioned atop the 15th floor of the Hilton Garden Inn next to what will eventually be a new rooftop bar overlooking the park and the city's skyline.

The Hilton Garden Inn, which opened in March 2008, features 242 rooms adjacent the Georgia Aquarium.

Atlanta-based Legacy Property Group developed the Luckie Marietta District, a 6-acre development including the Hilton Garden Inn, the adjacent Embassy Suites Hotel, the 98-unit Centennial Park West condominiums and several high-end restaurants.

"This helipad is one of the distinct features that will set the Luckie Marietta District apart as Atlanta's most thriving mixed-used district," said Legacy President David Marvin. "The helipad addition will give celebrities and exclusive guests an opportunity to enjoy the city's premier destination without the hassle."

North Atlanta Executive Air Service will manage the helipad. VIP shuttle services will be available.

[Andrea]

Are developers in all parts of the city required to pay impact fees? According to this map, it looks like most of Midtown and Downtown are exempt. If so, what's the logic behind that?


http://www.scribd.com/doc/4193937/Impact-Fee-Map

[Harry Cane]

Hey, I just noticed something's changed.

What's up with BabbyDaddy? Did that boy get banned AGAIN???

[smArTaLlone]

Construction of new Autotrader.com building put on hold.

The building, expected to be up to 28 stories, was proposed for Lake Hearn Drive, just south of I-285 in DeKalb County. The plans were halted because of the current, unpredictable economic environment, the company said.

article (http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2008/07/28/autotrader_headquarters.html)

[Trae]

What news.

[Andrea]

GM trims search to four (http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2008/08/04/story3.html?ana=from_rss)

General Motors Corp. narrowed the candidates to redevelop its Doraville assembly plant to four, including three developers whose projects have already reshaped Atlanta.

The finalists are said to include Hines, developer of Midtown’s 1180 Peachtree tower and several office buildings around Perimeter Mall; Jacoby Development Inc., which turned an abandoned steel mill into the housing, office and retail center Atlantic Station; and The Sembler Co., which has developed numerous shopping centers and is currently building its 600,000-square-foot Town Brookhaven just north of Buckhead.

Charleston, S.C.-based Broad Street Partners LLC, which buys and develops residential and commercial properties across the Southeast, is also said to be a finalist.

The names of the finalists were confirmed by commercial real estate sources with direct knowledge of GM’s search process. GM and CB Richard Ellis Inc., the firm hired by the automaker to market the 165-acre site, declined to comment on the final four.

GM wants to name a developer and sell the plant by Nov. 21. It would not say how many developers submitted proposals.

The site, at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Spaghetti Junction, has access to MARTA rail and stands near DeKalb Peachtree Airport. Its proximity to MARTA would make it an ideal transit-oriented development, with the potential to become a focal point for housing, shops and offices, regional planners say.

This really could be huge. “We think the [GM] site has the potential to become even larger than Atlantic Station,” [Doraville Mayor Ray] Jenkins said. “This will be an upscale development.”

[atlantaguy]

Good find, Andrea. I think that once the economy rebounds, the entire area north of Buckhead along the Buford and Peachtree corridors up to 285 is set to explode. It's already happening on a scattered, smaller scale.

[atl2phx]

anybody have an opinion on whether post allen plaza will ever rise?

ajc.com/Post Properties reports second quarter loss

Atlanta-based Post Properties reported Monday a second-quarter loss of 61 cents a share compared with a $1.40 gain for the second quarter of 2007. Analysts' average estimate was a 41-cent gain.

The numbers: The apartment and condominium developer said it lost $27 million after gaining $62 million in the second quarter of 2007. Funds from operations showed a loss of $12.6 million, or 29 cents per share, compared to a gain of $22.1 million, or 49 cents per share, for the same period last year.

The reasons: The $26.2 million loss for the first half of the year was due in part to non-cash impairment charges of approximately $28.9 million from declining land values and abandoned projects. Severance charges cost $400,000. Pursuing a potential sale of the company cost $2.1 million for the quarter and $8.2 million over six months. That effort was abandoned last month.

The future: Before Monday's announcement, third-quarter earnings were estimated to be 46 cents a share, and $1.69 for the year.

[smArTaLlone]

Post to sell some Atlanta apartments


By KEVIN DUFFY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 08/05/08

Hoping to raise $500 million, Atlanta-based Post Properties plans to sell five Atlanta apartment communities, its two highrise apartment buildings in Manhattan and an apartment complex near Washington.

Post announced late Monday it lost $27 million for the second quarter after a profit of $62 million for the same period last year.

The primary reason for the loss was an impairment charge of $28.9 million from writing off land-value declines and pre-development costs for projects tabled amid the housing slump, Post said.

One of those projects was an apartment building at Allen Plaza, the nine-block mixed-use development in downtown Atlanta. Post, which owns three blocks, still plans to build there when the market improves, said David Stockert, president and chief executive officer.

Stockert said difficulty in obtaining financing is hampering new development.

Post said money from property sales would be spent settling debt, paying potential special dividends to shareholders or repurchasing shares, and funding projects.

article (http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2008/08/05/post_apartments_sell.html)

[Terminus]

Post to sell some Atlanta apartments


By KEVIN DUFFY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 08/05/08

Hoping to raise $500 million, Atlanta-based Post Properties plans to sell five Atlanta apartment communities, its two highrise apartment buildings in Manhattan and an apartment complex near Washington.

Post announced late Monday it lost $27 million for the second quarter after a profit of $62 million for the same period last year.

The primary reason for the loss was an impairment charge of $28.9 million from writing off land-value declines and pre-development costs for projects tabled amid the housing slump, Post said.

One of those projects was an apartment building at Allen Plaza, the nine-block mixed-use development in downtown Atlanta. Post, which owns three blocks, still plans to build there when the market improves, said David Stockert, president and chief executive officer.

Stockert said difficulty in obtaining financing is hampering new development.

Post said money from property sales would be spent settling debt, paying potential special dividends to shareholders or repurchasing shares, and funding projects.

article (http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2008/08/05/post_apartments_sell.html)

I also heard recently that their failure to get adequate TAD funding really sealed the fate for Post Allen Plaza and 24 Ivan Allen Plaza. The deal just doesn't work without full TAD funding, so both are on hold indefinitely. This sucks, because I was really hoping for a grocery store near by home.

[Andrea]

Terminus, I would like to see those things happen, too, but wouldn't construction, development and operating costs, as well as rents and revenues, be essentially the same at Allen Plaza as they would be a few miles north in Midtown?

[echinatl]

Terminus, I would like to see those things happen, too, but wouldn't construction, development and operating costs, as well as rents and revenues, be essentially the same at Allen Plaza as they would be a few miles north in Midtown?

I would think it would do extremely well. Are there any other large rental only buildings in downtown? Plus it's right next to the park, world of coke, CNN, Phillips Arena, museum of patriotism (HAH), and a ton of restaurants. If someone wants to go with a well known rental brand, I think most would, and want to live downtown Post would be the only game in town right?

[Fiorenza]

Post has to develop or die. I'll bet they take some of the proceeds from the just-announced sales of apartments in other markets, and ramp up Post Allen Plaza. Of course the free TAD money would have been a better alternative.

[Terminus]

Terminus, I would like to see those things happen, too, but wouldn't construction, development and operating costs, as well as rents and revenues, be essentially the same at Allen Plaza as they would be a few miles north in Midtown?

Rents would probably be comparable (maybe a bit less), but the big challenge is the cost of the construction. The lot is very shallow and the zoning code rightly requires pretty expensive construction methods. This means they're probably paying a 100% premium per parking space over the most efficient 120x240 free-standing precast deck model of most apartment projects.

[atlgal]

Georgia Power is planning to put a substation in at the corner of 14th St and Atlantic Drive in Home Park. They bought the vacant funeral home that was at the site and tore it down last week. Many in Home Park are not happy with this location and one reason is that's it's located in a highly visible location on a busy corridor and it's bound to be an eyesore. Plus there is a lot of conflicting information about the health impacts of living near substations.

Anyone have thoughts on how to fight this?

[whoDean]

Yeah, don't try. GP has a long history of winning, see the recent Lenox Park dispute.

[boomtown]

Georgia Power is planning to put a substation in at the corner of 14th St and Atlantic Drive in Home Park. They bought the vacant funeral home that was at the site and tore it down last week. Many in Home Park are not happy with this location and one reason is that's it's located in a highly visible location on a busy corridor and it's bound to be an eyesore. Plus there is a lot of conflicting information about the health impacts of living near substations.

Anyone have thoughts on how to fight this?

That's terrible. I think you would have an easier time dealing with Halliburton....

[cabasse]

with all of the long term plans for the city, i'm surprised we haven't heard of any higher-ups sitting down and talking with gp about the way the power system is set up in the city. it seems like there are high voltage lines crisscrossing everywhere and there's not really any kind of actual plan... almost like someone who keeps branching out extension cords without regard.

it looks pretty awful.

[atlgal]

I'd agree that GP doesn't seem to have a plan. In Home Park's preliminary discussions with GP, it was asked why they chose this particular lot over other, more appropriate lots. Their response: "Because it was for sale."

[smArTaLlone]

Pano & Pauls has announced that they will relocate when their lease expires to a "premier" location on West Paces which is assumed to mean the St Regis.

According to the mid-year report by Haddow & Co. condo sales dropped 52% from last year with just 579 condo sales in the first half of the year. Leading the way was Viewpoint with 84 sales, Cobblestone @ Brookhaven (which are actually townhomes) with 44 and Tribute Lofts with 28.

[NativeAtlantan]

One of GA Power's slogans is "A Citizen Wherever We Serve" or something to that effect. Well, I don't find that to be the case when it comes to them building their grid. They basically look at one metric when making decisions: tangible cost.

Couldn't the nearby residents fight the zoning required for that lot? I am sure GPC can't just build a substation there with the current zoning in place.....can they?

[foxmccleod]

One of GA Power's slogans is "A Citizen Wherever We Serve" or something to that effect. Well, I don't find that to be the case when it comes to them building their grid. They basically look at one metric when making decisions: tangible cost.

Couldn't the nearby residents fight the zoning required for that lot? I am sure GPC can't just build a substation there with the current zoning in place.....can they?

it has been a while since I was in the class where this was discussed, but there is some clause basically allowing ga power to locate any necessary power infrastructure anywhere they deem. i had more than a few livid architecture professors discuss completing a project and streetscape work only to have ga power show up the next day and plop a giant transmission line right in the middle of the sidewalk - without notice or review.

[smArTaLlone]

One of GA Power's slogans is "A Citizen Wherever We Serve" or something to that effect. Well, I don't find that to be the case when it comes to them building their grid. They basically look at one metric when making decisions: tangible cost.

Couldn't the nearby residents fight the zoning required for that lot? I am sure GPC can't just build a substation there with the current zoning in place.....can they?

Yes they can. GP has eminent domain powers by state law.

[sabino86]

Yes they can. GP has eminent domain powers by state law.

Thank you lobbyists... :hell:

[Dragonheart8588]

Thank you lobbyists... :hell:

I don't want to get into politic here, but I have to say it is not all the lobbyists' faults. It is also the citizens fault for being empathetic (<---This to me is almost the cause to most problems in the US).

We getting off topic here, but I must say if they(GA Pwr) bought the land legitimately than they can do whatever they want unless citizens can find some laws to prevent them.

[sabino86]

I don't want to get into politic here, but I have to say it is not all the lobbyists' faults. It is also the citizens fault for being empathetic (<---This to me is almost the cause to most problems in the US).

We getting off topic here, but I must say if they(GA Pwr) bought the land legitimately than they can do whatever they want unless citizens can find some laws to prevent them.

Or as someone once said: "We have met the enemy, and he is us."

[micropundit]

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - 7:37 AM EDT
Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Dave Williams Staff Writer

Atlanta City Council overwhelmingly approved bond issues late Monday that will make substantial contributions toward two major development projects.

Council members voted overwhelmingly to put $85 million in bond money toward a planned civil and human rights museum and other improvements in the Westside Tax Allocation District.

A second $117 million bond issue represents the first installment of government funds for the Beltline TAD.

The $125 million Center for Civil & Human Rights is scheduled to break ground next year at a site at Centennial Olympic Park. Nearly half of the bond issue -- $40 million – is earmarked for the museum project.

The Westside TAD also will feature a new hotel, office and retail space and 1,600 units of housing.

The Beltline project calls for developing a 22-mile corridor around the city over 25 years, including parks, trails and transit.

TADs are created by local governments through ballot initiatives that authorize elected officials to borrow money to pay for redevelopment projects.

The loans are repaid from the additional property tax revenue generated by the improvements.

[dirtybird]

I don't want to get into politic here, but I have to say it is not all the lobbyists' faults. It is also the citizens fault for being empathetic (<---This to me is almost the cause to most problems in the US).

We getting off topic here, but I must say if they(GA Pwr) bought the land legitimately than they can do whatever they want unless citizens can find some laws to prevent them.

Very good point. Not enough people care to actually change the system. Most of us just like to complain but do nothing about it. All we care about is who's going to be President but ironically no one cares on the local level.

[trainiac]

The plaza at 5th and W. Peachtree is open. They had the sidewalks there closed for more than a year forcing students to walk in the street. So, the good thing is that it's open, the bad news is that they've replaced a plaza that no one used with one that no one will use.

Too bad they couldn't have just straightened out 5th street and left a pocket park!

[joey]

The plaza at 5th and W. Peachtree is open. They had the sidewalks there closed for more than a year forcing students to walk in the street. So, the good thing is that it's open, the bad news is that they've replaced a plaza that no one used with one that no one will use.

Too bad they couldn't have just straightened out 5th street and left a pocket park!

What's it look like now?

[echinatl]

What's it look like now?


When I drove by the other day I said to myself, "that looks exactly like it did before!". Since it's been closed for so long there is a good chance I completely forgot how it looked like though.:)

[Harry Cane]

That was my reaction as well.

[Fiorenza]

Given that plaza "improvement" and all the bad publicity surrounding the proposal to level the Crum & Foster building, I'm starting to wonder if the great planners at Tech know what the Hell they're doing.

[ATLaffinity]

it looks like it did before, minus the road. there is a grassy patch.

it was a long time for whatever it was they did.

[smArTaLlone]

They greened it up a bit. Before, it was all brick pavers and no grass.

[GTviajero81]

Let's be more specific please?

For those who are out of the area, it is an improvement. There are walkways that criss-cross the plaza, more grass than concrete as well as at least a dozen trees planted. The Institute has also placed tables with umbrellas and chairs around the plaza. Such acoutrements lend to wanting the public to "sit a spell" which is exactly what I saw whilst over there today. It is a MUCH improved space. Urbane, useful, and relatively inviting. A fountain would have been a perfect final touch, however in this day and age of extreme drought it is completely reasonable to not have one. There is space, though, for one in the future. :)

[Terminus]

Let's be more specific please?

For those who are out of the area, it is an improvement. There are walkways that criss-cross the plaza, more grass than concrete as well as at least a dozen trees planted. The Institute has also placed tables with umbrellas and chairs around the plaza. Such acoutrements lend to wanting the public to "sit a spell" which is exactly what I saw whilst over there today. It is a MUCH improved space. Urbane, useful, and relatively inviting. A fountain would have been a perfect final touch, however in this day and age of extreme drought it is completely reasonable to not have one. There is space, though, for one in the future. :)

Agreed I have walked by it, and it's much better. I doubt that most of the people on this forum every walk anyway. Things look very different at 4 miles an hour than they do at 35.

It would have been great it they could have also redone western facade next to it so that the outdoor dining from the restaurant could spill into the plaza. Oh well, it might still happen long-term.

[smArTaLlone]

The passage Monday of a tax allocation district for the Westside around Centennial Olympic Park has cleared the way for a new Hard Rock Hotel, says Paul Breslin, managing partner of Panther Hospitality.

The planned 200-room-plus lodge, slated for property across from the Georgia Aquarium and to be built by Luckie Street Hotel Partners, has been in the planning stages a while but needed TAD support to get off the ground in the tough economic environment, Breslin said.

“Last Monday was a huge day for the passage of the TAD,” Breslin said. “That was a milestone.”

Details for the hotel have not been finalized, Breslin said. It was unclear whether the project would live up to an October 2007 news release from the Hard Rock International Web site that described the hotel as “a contemporary mixed-use development featuring 270 spacious rooms and 30 luxury residences with a flagship retail and entertainment destination.”

The Web site said the building would open in 2010, but Breslin agreed that may not be realistic.

— Leon Stafford
AJC (http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2008/08/24/curve_0824.html)

[smArTaLlone]

delete

[joecool]

I want to see a rendering. Anyone finds one please post..... so they have a website. Is it just on hardrockcafe.com?

[Pessimistic Observer]

I want to see a rendering. Anyone finds one please post..... so they have a website. Is it just on hardrockcafe.com?
Its actually hardrockhotels.com and there site doesnt have any renderrings on it most likely since the website says scheduled for 2011 hopefully well see one later this year.

[sabino86]

Any updates on the Premiere at Fox Plaza? :D

*ducks from brick thrown*

[Andrea]

Can you believe some people actually cheered when 615 Peachtree was destroyed? Instead of having a new block of retail in Midtown/Downtown, a building full of new residents, and preserving one of our city's most celebrated examples of mid-century architecture, we got a new vacant lot.

Yep, that has worked out really well.


:brickwall: