[ThrashATL]

This story means that the second office building at AS is closer to becoming a reality.

Hopefully something with a little more heft, panache and WOW factors than 171 17th which is kind of staid and dull.

[john3eblover]

can we just call it the Wachovia Building instead of 171 17th? too many 1s and 7s for me

[ThrashATL]

can we just call it the Wachovia Building instead of 171 17th? too many 1s and 7s for me

Yeah, fine with me. But someday, someone is gonna say "Which Wachovia building?" Howabout "Southcovia" building or "Wachtrust"?

[GNofAtlanta]

NOVEMBER 3, 2005
Business is booming early at Atlantic Station

BY TIFFANY TURNER

Nearly two weeks after the grand opening at Atlantic Station, business is brisk. The retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues have seen a steady stream of pedestrian traffic as suburban residents and city dwellers alike flock to the center’s diverse offerings.

With a wide variety of services and its live, work, play philosophy, Atlantic Station is enjoying its fair share of praise from customers and retailers alike. Michael McDonald, store manager with Banana Republic said, “I think it’s a phenomenal center for Atlanta. It’s something the customers have been waiting for.”

Among the retailers at the site are a major department store, Dillard’s, as well as a variety of stores such as American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, DSW, Express/Express Men, GAP, Guess?, Jos. A. Bank, Metropolitan Deluxe, Old Navy, Pier I Imports, Taste Clothing Boutique, Victoria’s Secret, West Elm, White House/Black Market and Z Gallerie.

A new Publix is housed on site, and construction of a Target is anticipated in a location adjacent to the center. Other services, such as chiropractic and eye care, are offered courtesy of The Joint and Eye Gallery. Dry cleaning is provided via the Atlantic Station Cleaners. Wolf Camera offers items for photographers, and Washington Mutual is available for banking and financial needs.

In addition, the site houses several new restaurants, including the California Pizza Kitchen, Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, Fox Sports Grill and Tahitian Noni Café. P.J.’s Coffee and Lounge, as well as The Grape, offer a little something for wine connoisseurs. In the future, Los Angeles-based hot spots Dolce, Geisha House and Kingpins, are expected to make their debut at the location. In addition, Atlantic Station has a Regal Cinemas, complete with stadium seating and 16 theatres.

Indeed, the convenience of Atlantic Station, a project that was nearly 10 years in the making, is quite a draw to city residents, particularly those who have invested in the properties around the retail center.

Michael Keenum has lived in the Art Foundry complex in Atlantic Station for nearly eight months. He said Atlantic Station is “truly a live, work, play environment.” He enjoys having a “grocery store, movies, restaurants, and shopping all within walking distance from the Atlantic Station neighborhood.” In addition, he said that the option to take shuttles from the MARTA station or to enter the site from several different routes would reduce traffic and promote a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

Tommy Barker, Buyer for Metropolitan Deluxe, said “We really love the concept that some of our customers don’t have to get in their car and create pollution to get to us.” Metropolitan Deluxe was one of the very first retailers to sign a letter of intent with the project, partly because the business anticipated the need for an environmentally friendly retail complex. Barker said, “We felt it would be a good customer base for us because it’s in town, urban, and has the right demographics, diversity, education and income levels.”

The home furnishings retailer, a staple of the Virginia Highland neighborhood, is hoping to capitalize on customers looking for the unique. “We hope to establish ourselves as the premier destination for thoughtful design for people that want to make a personal statement with their home,” Barker said. With the addition of a 7,000 square-foot location at Atlantic Station, Metropolitan Deluxe is sandwiched between other retailers offering home furnishings, such as West Elm, Pier I Imports and Z Gallerie. But Barker says this is an advantage. “It creates a market.”

Certainly, the marketplace at Atlantic Station is bustling. But not everyone is singing the praises of the new center. Carl London, a Duluth resident, visited Atlantic Station this past weekend. He was disappointed with the offerings because he had anticipated more diversity among the retailers. “It’s almost too suburban for the city,” he said.

However, despite its limitations, one thing is clear: Atlantic Station is bustling with business. McDonald sums it up by saying, “It’s definitely had a positive impact on the city.

Ken Oakley, an East Atlanta resident and employee of West Elm, said he sees tremendous potential for growth, especially once construction on the housing components of the complex is completed. “I think it’s something that’s only going to get bigger and better.”

[Buck]

can we just call it the Wachovia Building instead of 171 17th? too many 1s and 7s for me

Probably what they were going for... 171 17th... sticks out (in a way).

[Chris Creech]

can we just call it the Wachovia Building instead of 171 17th? too many 1s and 7s for me

Probably what they were going for... 171 17th... sticks out (in a way).

and heaven forbid you be on the 17th floor in suite 17, then you're address would be.

1717 171 17th street.

[GNofAtlanta]

The '05 Lane newsletter is out, http://www.lanecompany.com/Company/NewsLetters/49772%20Lanexchange.pdf

Nothing new except on page 9 under permitting/planning it mentions 'work force houseing, tract R-17 130 units'.

Anyone out there with info on this?

Also, did anyone not notice what they did with the lake in there newsletter, too funny.

[jobe]

Lane sucks. They build crap product and price it well beyond what any sane person would pay for it. If you've bought it - God bless 'ya. Enjoy that lack of appreciation. At least Novare allows people to realize long-term potential. Didn't they just win JD Powers Best in Customer Satisfaction?

[ThrashATL]

Also, did anyone not notice what they did with the lake in there newsletter, too funny.

Yeah, it's tidey bowl blue, not the usual fecal water brown. I've lived in a Lane property before, fecal water brown is their usual quality.

[GNofAtlanta]

Well thats just great, other than complaints, does anyone have any information on the work force houseing?

[catlike]

Seems like it's referring to this:

http://the-stories.com/gbase/Expedite/Content?oid=oid%3A1650

Well thats just great, other than complaints, does anyone have any information on the work force houseing?

[Terminus]

Well thats just great, other than complaints, does anyone have any information on the work force houseing?

I believe that it's being included in the phases as they're built. I know that the Art Foundry had units, as I know somebody that bought one. They weren't not marketed separately from the rest of the project, buyers just needed to ask about them.

Spire has 5 workforce housing units - they're the Cypress Streert townhome units. They go for $150,000 for 600 sf.

[GNofAtlanta]

I'm not sure, from the newsletter it listed it in a different tract of land than Art Foundry or element. Also, all of those condos are sold out and the newsletter mentions this as being all work force units and it still being in permitting/planning.

I know that lane has control of several small pieces of land (the plot next to the Flats, the one next to the Icon Apartments, and another next to Park District which is near the back entrance to IKEA).

Would they really be building a mid-rise work force houseing complex, if so great.

[GNofAtlanta]

Thanks 'catlike' the article does say:

The 130 apartment units will sit on 2 acres and will be four stories atop a one-story concrete deck, RDC’s materials on the development state. The exterior will be brick and the complex will include picnic tables, a barbecue area and an equipped recreation area.

Materials on the project state that 15 percent of the units will be reserved for very low income residents, about 74 percent for workforce housing and 15 percent will be rented at market rates. The development will include 17 one-bedroom units, 97 two-bedroom units and 16 three-bedroom units.

[joey]

I don't know that I understand fully what "work-force housing is" as it applies to otherwise more upmarket buildings . . .

Is it a housing option that's market-rate -- it's just cheaper because it's smaller and has fewer amenities than the rest of the building? OR, are the units comparable to the rest of the building and the price is just subsidized?

If it's the latter, how is it anything but a handout? ASIDE from this (it's clearly a policy/moral question I'm not sure even I have an opinion on yet), if they are just subsidized units, what prevents someone from purchasing the unit, living in it for a few years, and then flipping it for market rate? Granted, the owner would be heavily taxed (the basis would have been very low), but then that removes the cheaper housing option from the market, putting us in the same place we were before it was built.

[ATLtransplant]

Geez, Atlantic Station couldn't even splurge on a real tree? Oh well I guess it would have looked out of place. :haha:

[dirtybird]

...that removes the cheaper housing option from the market, putting us in the same place we were before it was built.

That's what I was thinking. "Work force housing" makes more sense as rentals.

[Terminus]

...that removes the cheaper housing option from the market, putting us in the same place we were before it was built.

That's what I was thinking. "Work force housing" makes more sense as rentals.

Not necessarily. If the idea is to help a certain number of people who would otherwise not have access to the housing market, then giving them the opportunity to make their wealth in the same way as most Americans (via their home) greatly supports affordability.

Just playing devil's advocate.

[catlike]

Atlantic Station has changed their parking rates:

http://www.atlanticstation.com/site_parking.php

They've gotten rid of the free parking on weekends and evenings, it appears. It may not affect nearby folk, but I can see it being a deterrent to people who are not near MARTA.

I hope the shuttles are all marked and punctual now.

[ThrashATL]

Atlantic Station has changed their parking rates:

http://www.atlanticstation.com/site_parking.php

They've gotten rid of the free parking on weekends and evenings, it appears. It may not affect nearby folk, but I can see it being a deterrent to people who are not near MARTA.

I hope the shuttles are all marked and punctual now.

Do any merchants validate parking with purchases?

[catlike]

^
You get 4 hours free parking if you go to the movies, but that's all they indicate. I like how they call it a "cinema tenant." I know "patron" is no longer PC, but what happened to "guest?" :rolleyes:

[joey]

Two hours of free parking is still provided at all times. Previously, though, parking was free with no time limits on nights and weekends.

[catlike]

^
Yes, but I can still see that being a pain for some, though. You go to eat and have to wait 45 minutes for a table on a Friday evening. By the time dinner is over, you need to start forking over the cash for parking before you can even step foot into a store. A validation for restaurant "tenants" might be a good idea. It's a bit harder to control how long you're going to stay in a restaurant than in a store, and you're certainly going to spend money if you go into a restaurant, as opposed to just browsing in a store.

I was hoping they'd keep the night/weekend free parking, since the threat of commuter parking is lessened at that time.

[Chris Creech]

^
You get 4 hours free parking if you go to the movies, but that's all they indicate. I like how they call it a "cinema tenant." I know "patron" is no longer PC, but what happened to "guest?" :rolleyes:

I do like their little self-validating machines by the door at the movies, saves a lot of hassle. Though when i go to movies in the evening, there's never been anyone still taking money and all the gates were open.

I saw the tree last night, it's VERY plastic and covered with very generic multicolor balls. In the open empty space under the theaters they were putting together some reindeer and a couple of big stars. There was a stack of pretty basic white string light snowflakes, those were pretty cheap looking, but I guess those would go on the streetlights.

I'd love to see them do what some of the outdoor urban developments in FL, there they putt snowmachines on the roofs and you're always walking around at night with a little sprinking of snow always going on. They could do that really easily there.

[catlike]

^
Hah! I would love to see fake snow all over the place. It's my favorite kind. :D

I'm heading up there in a few, actually, so I will get to see it all in its plasticky glory!

[joey]

Yeah, hell, with fake snow, I could put it out of my head that I even live in an "authentic" world (whatever that is). Fake snow falling on fake trees and fake brick and on the sills of fake windows on top of streets constituting a fake floor.

Cynicism aside, though, I think it would be a cool feature.

[ATLtransplant]

While they're at it they could put a glass dome over the whole thing and it would be like a giant snow globe.

[GNofAtlanta]

A new tenant has been listed on the website, Nine West.

Not boutique, but hey, the more (retail) the merrier.

[ATLtransplant]

So the shoes they don't sell will be carried over to the DSW across the street?

[GNofAtlanta]

thats funny, but true....

[lisa321]

Twelve Updates:

-First event in the ballroom: Dec. 1
-Lobby (Restaurant) opens: Dec. 5
-Residents start to move in: End of Dec.
-Starbucks just signed a lease for the retail space on the ground floor

[Terminus]

Twelve Updates:

-Starbucks just signed a lease for the retail space on the ground floor

Just as I predicted. Good!

[GNofAtlanta]

Is there more retail space in Twelve? or will it be Lobby and Starbucks?

[lisa321]

There are 4 or 5 spaces for retail - Starbuck's in one, a Novare office in another, and the rest TBD.

Lobby the restaurant is connected by an open space to the hotel lobby where the conceirge and check-in are located.
And the residents have their own seperate lobby on the other side.

It is looking very nice! Concrete, glass, wood, and plasma tv's everwhere.

[dirtybird]

Any renderings for Lobby?

[nick1982]

Atlantic Station could really use a large bookstore, in order to keep people on the premises longer. Barnes & Noble or Books & Co. would be perfect for the vicinity of Central Park.

[jason21atl]

Any renderings for Lobby?

Yeah, there was a rendering in the last Atlanta Business Chronicle. Didnt show too much though.

[Terminus]

Atlantic Station could really use a large bookstore, in order to keep people on the premises longer. Barnes & Noble or Books & Co. would be perfect for the vicinity of Central Park.

I suspect they are still courting Virgin for one of the blocks on 17th Street. This would fill two noticable voids - books/magazines and music.

[ATLmangum]

Looks like AS will be getting its second office tower, though its only a mid-rise.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2005/11/14/daily45.html

[Buck]

Atlantic Station could really use a large bookstore, in order to keep people on the premises longer. Barnes & Noble or Books & Co. would be perfect for the vicinity of Central Park.

Barnes and Noble wouldn't because of the proximity to Tech Square's bookstore.

But another bookstore would be good... put it on the edge of the district as close to the residential and park as possible.

[joey]

Atlantic Station could really use a large bookstore, in order to keep people on the premises longer. Barnes & Noble or Books & Co. would be perfect for the vicinity of Central Park.

Barnes and Noble wouldn't because of the proximity to Tech Square's bookstore.

But another bookstore would be good... put it on the edge of the district as close to the residential and park as possible.

Well, that site is closer to the Borders at Brookwood than it is to Tech Square. But even so, I don't know that a Barnes & Noble would be a problem there: I think it would go after a different market.

The GT bookstore isn't owned or even run by Barnes & Noble. It's owned by Tech and managed by a completely separate company from B&N called Barnes & Noble College Booksellers which is related to the main B&N only through a licensing agreement on the name. The product mix, accordingly, is rather different from a traditional mega bookstore.

I also doubt that many people north of 14th Street venture to the Tech Square bookstore. I would imagine an AS opening would hurt Borders or perhaps cannabilize the B&N in Buckhead more than it would conflict with GT's store.

[whoDean]

Books-a-Million is another option.

[ATLtransplant]

Looks like AS will be getting its second office tower, though its only a mid-rise.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2005/11/14/daily45.html

I think that is a smart move on Nelson Mullins' part, after considering how much 171 17th just sold for.

[GNofAtlanta]

Its great news....lets get that one built and hurry up on the next hole.

TheStoryGroup.com was very good to AS this week.

[Chris Creech]

I'd definitely like to see a Virgin Megastore, when I lived in Orlando, they had a great one, it's a real destination shopping anchor.

One thing I'm surprised at as well, is that there's still no major entertainment venue there. It seems like a House of Blues or a Hard Rock Cafe would be a natural there. Not just the restaurants but the larger venues with restaurants and concert halls. I think a HOB would work in AS where it didn't work downtown for a number of reaons outside of their control.

[GNofAtlanta]

I think the future Kingpin will fill some of that void.

Did anyone pARTicipate in the arts ride tonight? It was fun, there are still two chances tomorow.

[scania]

The pedestrian traffic at AS was great last night. I know it was the biggest shopping day of the year, so it probably want look that way again, but it was definately a nice feel.

[whoDean]

Every time I've gone to AS there have been a lot of people walking the streets, even on a Sunday night.

[john3eblover]

I went there last night, I'll probably post a few pictures of it when i get home next week. I thought it was pretty cool. I heard some people saying it looked like a fake city though. I liked all the christmas decorations that lit up

[jason21atl]

According to this week's ABC: "Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, the metro area's 16th largest law firm, is leaving it's Peachtree St location to kick start construction of Atlantic Station's second office building, according to sources familiar with the final lease negotiations."

The proposed building would be a class A space with 260,000 square feet on either 12 or 14 floors. Construction could begin less than a month after the lease is completed, which is expected to be signed in early December.

[scania]

I hope its a cool building. That Wachovia building is an eyesore. Atlantic Station would look better without that crap greeting you when you first come across the bridge.

[jason21atl]

I know I am in the minority, but I actually really like 171 17th. Anyway, here is the rendering of the second office building that was posted earlier:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/jason12182/65968f64.jpg

Nothing too exciting, but I think it will provide some nice infill.

[jason21atl]

Also, Lane Co. is planning on beginning construction on their final apartment project in Atlantic Station in Q1 '05. It is a $24million, 172 unit midrise project called Metro. It will sit on 2 acres adjacent to Lane's student housing project, The Flats, directly across from IKEA. No renderings or mention of how many stories it will be.

[smArTaLlone]

I know I am in the minority, but I actually really like 171 17th. Anyway, here is the rendering of the second office building that was posted earlier:


Nothing too exciting, but I think it will provide some nice infill.

I thought I was the only one that actually likes the building.:D

[Terminus]

Also, Lane Co. is planning on beginning construction on their final apartment project in Atlantic Station in Q1 '05. It is a $24million, 172 unit midrise project called Metro. It will sit on 2 acres adjacent to Lane's student housing project, The Flats, directly across from IKEA. No renderings or mention of how many stories it will be.

That is the most original name I've heard in years ;)

[jason21atl]

I know I am in the minority, but I actually really like 171 17th. Anyway, here is the rendering of the second office building that was posted earlier:


Nothing too exciting, but I think it will provide some nice infill.

I thought I was the only one that actually likes the building.:D

Looks like it is just me and you. :hug:

Went to AS tonight....it was wonderful. I really like the christmas tree and the lights that they have over the streets. They also had the cast of "A Christmas Carol" (in costume) from one of the local playhouses out there interacting with people in the park, it was very festive. Tons of people there......traffic was backed up almost the whole way over the 17th st bridge trying to get in

[mayhem]

I like the wachovia building as well. Ready for them to fill it up in between 171 and Twelve :D

[fisp]

are these new office buildings on 17th in AS going to add more retail?? i like what's there now but i hope i don't sound critical if i say it doesn't seem to be as much as i originally thought it would be

[scania]

Went to AS tonight....it was wonderful. I really like the christmas tree and the lights that they have over the streets. They also had the cast of "A Christmas Carol" (in costume) from one of the local playhouses out there interacting with people in the park, it was very festive. Tons of people there......traffic was backed up almost the whole way over the 17th st bridge trying to get in

I do like the tree, especially compared to that hideous tree at Lenox. Though, the Lenox tree doesn't look bad from a long distance. I don't want to sound negative, but the decorations look like the decorations you see when you go to those little towns like Anniston, Al. I hate the way those lights go over the street. Simple wreaths on the buildings would have more of an upscale urban affect, instead of the small town or suburban atmosphere.

[mayhem]

Speaking of tree's and lights.. Centennial Park looks like elementry school children decorated it with lights they got from a garage sale.

[jason21atl]

Speaking of tree's and lights.. Centennial Park looks like elementry school children decorated it with lights they got from a garage sale.

Yeah, I thought the same thing when I was at the aquarium the other day, really pretty shoddy. And the ice scating rink looks Trashy with a capital T. I was very disapointed with Centennial Park.

are these new office buildings on 17th in AS going to add more retail?? i like what's there now but i hope i don't sound critical if i say it doesn't seem to be as much as i originally thought it would be.

My understanding is that all of the new buildings along 17th st will have additional retail. I hope that is still the case anyway.

[jason21atl]

Does anyone know anything else about the new Novare tower that is supposed to be going up at Atlantic Station? Any idea what kind of timeline they are looking at and where it is supposed to go?

[mayhem]

I heard 50 stories, but I dont know where it would go. I would think thats on the backburner to Twelve 14th.

[scania]

I heard 50 stories, but I dont know where it would go. I would think thats on the backburner to Twelve 14th.

What about that spot behind Dillard's/Pier 1 and the entrance to the parking garage? That space is also visible from the interstate.

[NativeAtlantan]

I heard 50 stories, but I dont know where it would go. I would think thats on the backburner to Twelve 14th.

What about that spot behind Dillard's/Pier 1 and the entrance to the parking garage? That space is also visible from the interstate.

I thought that space was supposed to be for the signature office tower.

[DonTallPaul]

I heard 50 stories, but I dont know where it would go. I would think thats on the backburner to Twelve 14th.

What about that spot behind Dillard's/Pier 1 and the entrance to the parking garage? That space is also visible from the interstate.

I thought that space was supposed to be for the signature office tower.

I thought that was where the target was going.

[ascommunity.com]

Target is going to be off State St, effectively the vacant lot right behind Publix. The site to the North of Pier1, facing the Interstate, will be more retail with residential above. The building there is TBD. The 50 story Novare project is currently slated to be on the South side of 17th, directly across the street from 12, at the SE corner of State and 17th.

--ascommunity.com

[scania]

Perfect LOCATION!!!

[jason21atl]

The 50 story Novare project is currently slated to be on the South side of 17th, directly across the street from 12, at the SE corner of State and 17th.

--ascommunity.com

Have they said anything about when they hope to break ground?

[Terminus]

Went to AS tonight....it was wonderful. I really like the christmas tree and the lights that they have over the streets. They also had the cast of "A Christmas Carol" (in costume) from one of the local playhouses out there interacting with people in the park, it was very festive. Tons of people there......traffic was backed up almost the whole way over the 17th st bridge trying to get in

I do like the tree, especially compared to that hideous tree at Lenox. Though, the Lenox tree doesn't look bad from a long distance. I don't want to sound negative, but the decorations look like the decorations you see when you go to those little towns like Anniston, Al. I hate the way those lights go over the street. Simple wreaths on the buildings would have more of an upscale urban affect, instead of the small town or suburban atmosphere.

Um, lights over the street are very urban. You see it all over Europe (especially Italy) and in the Northeastern cities of the US.

[john3eblover]

what is this 50 story tower at AS going to be? I thought the only new building there was going to be that Nelson Mullins and Riley or whatever building. Twelve at 14th street is still planned right? Is anything going to be built between the Wachovia building and Twelve AS?

[Buck]

Went to AS tonight....it was wonderful. I really like the christmas tree and the lights that they have over the streets. They also had the cast of "A Christmas Carol" (in costume) from one of the local playhouses out there interacting with people in the park, it was very festive. Tons of people there......traffic was backed up almost the whole way over the 17th st bridge trying to get in

I do like the tree, especially compared to that hideous tree at Lenox. Though, the Lenox tree doesn't look bad from a long distance. I don't want to sound negative, but the decorations look like the decorations you see when you go to those little towns like Anniston, Al. I hate the way those lights go over the street. Simple wreaths on the buildings would have more of an upscale urban affect, instead of the small town or suburban atmosphere.

Um, lights over the street are very urban. You see it all over Europe (especially Italy) and in the Northeastern cities of the US.

Yes. I love that... it's very Euro and French Quarter New Orleans-ish, I think.

[mayhem]

what is this 50 story tower at AS going to be? I thought the only new building there was going to be that Nelson Mullins and Riley or whatever building. Twelve at 14th street is still planned right? Is anything going to be built between the Wachovia building and Twelve AS?

Nelson building is going in between as well as another midrise office tower which was posted about somewhere on this thread.

[atlanta_transit]

I think the future Kingpin will fill some of that void.

Did anyone pARTicipate in the arts ride tonight? It was fun, there are still two chances tomorow.

I got to run the Castleberry Hill route- it was a blast. Got to see parts of my 'hood I had never seen!

[lisa321]

Is the 50-story Novare condo building on 17th really going to happen? I read that on The Story Group back in August, but haven't heard anything legit about it since.
My concern is that I bought a condo in Twelve facing south. I knew something would be built there, but 50 stories!!! There goes my view, for sure. And the high-demand I was hoping for. Selfish, but valid concern.

[jason21atl]

what is this 50 story tower at AS going to be? I thought the only new building there was going to be that Nelson Mullins and Riley or whatever building. Twelve at 14th street is still planned right? Is anything going to be built between the Wachovia building and Twelve AS?

The 50 story tower is a new Novare condo tower that was announced a couple months ago without any real details. There are places for three office buildings between Twelve and Wachovia.....the Nelson Riley Mullins et al building will be in the smaller spot in the block immediately west of Wachovia and in front of Dillards. That will leave spots for 2 more office buildings on the north side of 17th st. As far as I have heard, Twelve Midtown (on 14th st) is still in the works as well.

[Terminus]

Is the 50-story Novare condo building on 17th really going to happen? I read that on The Story Group back in August, but haven't heard anything legit about it since.
My concern is that I bought a condo in Twelve facing south. I knew something would be built there, but 50 stories!!! There goes my view, for sure. And the high-demand I was hoping for. Selfish, but valid concern.

But that's how you build in cities. Every consecutive Novare project has in some way, shape, or form, blocked the views of a former. Think about Midtown - first it was Peachtree Lofts, then Metropolis, then Spire and now the Backstreet block. Anyone who buys next to a vacant lot in a city and buys based on views deserve to lose out for not doing due diligence.

The lesson? Always buy for the unit, not the views, unless you're by some semi-permanent open space like a park.

[scania]

Went to AS tonight....it was wonderful. I really like the christmas tree and the lights that they have over the streets. They also had the cast of "A Christmas Carol" (in costume) from one of the local playhouses out there interacting with people in the park, it was very festive. Tons of people there......traffic was backed up almost the whole way over the 17th st bridge trying to get in

I do like the tree, especially compared to that hideous tree at Lenox. Though, the Lenox tree doesn't look bad from a long distance. I don't want to sound negative, but the decorations look like the decorations you see when you go to those little towns like Anniston, Al. I hate the way those lights go over the street. Simple wreaths on the buildings would have more of an upscale urban affect, instead of the small town or suburban atmosphere.

Um, lights over the street are very urban. You see it all over Europe (especially Italy) and in the Northeastern cities of the US.

Yes. I love that... it's very Euro and French Quarter New Orleans-ish, I think.

Say whatever you want to say. But, the lights dangling over the street, let's just say... Manhattan, Time Square, NO....Magnificent Mile, NO... College Park, Old National Hwy., YES... Anniston, AL, YES... Marietta, GA, YES... By the way, Europe is known for its country-side. But, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, that's one of the reasons that make this forum interesting.

[whoDean]

Silly statement, The RURAL part of Europe is know for its country-side.

[BSDatl]

Say whatever you want to say. But, the lights dangling over the street, let's just say... Manhattan, Time Square, NO....Magnificent Mile, NO... College Park, Old National Hwy., YES... Anniston, AL, YES... Marietta, GA, YES... By the way, Europe is known for its country-side. But, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, that's one of the reasons that make this forum interesting.


The reason you don't see lights over the streets in Times Square or Michigan Avenue in Chicago has probably as much to do with the width of the streets as anything. It is quite true that such lighting arrangements are very common in many European cities where the streets are narrow. In fact, the older section of Barcelona has such lights up year-round....and it looks and feels amazing. The same is true in much of Europe. Since AS is much more like those European cities in terms of street width than Michigan Avenue, such lighting decoration is highly appropriate.

You can argue whether it is chessy or not, but to state that over-street lighting is more appropriate to a small town than a big city is simply factually incorrect. It is just not a matter where opinion is even relevant. As long as such lighting is used in large cities worldwide, it is completely appropriate for AS.

[scania]

Say whatever you want to say. But, the lights dangling over the street, let's just say... Manhattan, Time Square, NO....Magnificent Mile, NO... College Park, Old National Hwy., YES... Anniston, AL, YES... Marietta, GA, YES... By the way, Europe is known for its country-side. But, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, that's one of the reasons that make this forum interesting.


The reason you don't see lights over the streets in Times Square or Michigan Avenue in Chicago has probably as much to do with the width of the streets as anything. It is quite true that such lighting arrangements are very common in many European cities where the streets are narrow. In fact, the older section of Barcelona has such lights up year-round....and it looks and feels amazing. The same is true in much of Europe. Since AS is much more like those European cities in terms of street width than Michigan Avenue, such lighting decoration is highly appropriate.

You can argue whether it is chessy or not, but to state that over-street lighting is more appropriate to a small town than a big city is simply factually incorrect. It is just not a matter where opinion is even relevant. As long as such lighting is used in large cities worldwide, it is completely appropriate for AS.

How can you say factually incorrect? It is factually an opinion. You see over-street lighting in every small town's square in the U.S. I personally don't consider AS to be urban anyway. Though, I do love what AS brings to Atlanta and I like going over there to eat and shop. But, would I rather leave my condo here at Metropolis and live at AS, HELL NO!!! AS is nice for what it is, but let's not make it more than it is, it's not that much over there.

[BSDatl]

I can say factually incorrect because this type of lighting is displayed in large urban areas worldwide. That, by definition, negates your argument that such lighting is appropriate to small towns and not big cities. Otherwise, you are saying that it is out of place everywhere that isn't Podunk, GA. Given its existence worldwide, I'd say that it is already an ingrained part of "urban lighting decoration" and therefore completely appropriate in other urban areas, like AS.

Like I said, you can argue that you don't like it, or whatever, you just can't say it it isn't appropriate in an environment like AS.

For the record, I'd prefer Midtown proper as well, but I REALLY appreciate the convenince that AS has already brought to my life. My only complaint is the shoddy architecture. Other than that, god bless 'em.

[smArTaLlone]

I do like the tree, especially compared to that hideous tree at Lenox. Though, the Lenox tree doesn't look bad from a long

Say whatever you want to say. But, the lights dangling over the street, let's just say... Manhattan, Time Square, NO....Magnificent Mile, NO... College Park, Old National Hwy., YES... Anniston, AL, YES... Marietta, GA, YES... By the way, Europe is known for its country-side. But, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, that's one of the reasons that make this forum interesting.

Cities are not only about tall buildings and massive streets. Michigan Avenues are few and far between and AS is not an attempt replicating Michigan Avenue. Its the more intimate, neighborhood areas in big cities all over the world that make them special and unique.

[BSDatl]

I do like the tree, especially compared to that hideous tree at Lenox. Though, the Lenox tree doesn't look bad from a long

Say whatever you want to say. But, the lights dangling over the street, let's just say... Manhattan, Time Square, NO....Magnificent Mile, NO... College Park, Old National Hwy., YES... Anniston, AL, YES... Marietta, GA, YES... By the way, Europe is known for its country-side. But, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, that's one of the reasons that make this forum interesting.

Cities are not only about tall buildings and massive streets. Michigan Avenues are few and far between and AS is not an attempt replicating Michigan Avenue. Its the more intimate, neighborhood areas in big cities all over the world that make them special and unique.

Halleluijah! I couldn't agree more. I've traveled the globe and much prefer the nooks and crannies to the massive corporate enclaves. I'd say that Michigan Avenue is one of the very few examples to the contrary. I'm not sure that AS will ever be one of those areas, but I think much of Midtown can be.

[GNofAtlanta]

Atlantic Station to add 17-story office tower

By WALTER WOODS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/01/05
Atlantic Station, the newly opened mini-city on the Downtown Connector, is adding to its mini-skyline.

A 17-story office tower is being built at the 138-acre mixed-use project and is scheduled to open by the spring of 2007, officials said Wednesday.


The new tower at Atlantic Station likely will be home to the Atlanta office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, South Carolina's largest law firm. The tower is scheduled to open in the spring of 2007.

The new building, to be called One Market Street, will rise behind Atlantic Station's first office tower, the 22-story 17th Street home to the local headquarters of Wachovia.

The Atlanta office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, South Carolina's largest law firm, is negotiating to be the lead tenant in the 350,000-square-foot building and will likely lease the top five floors.

Richard Riley, a former U.S. secretary of education and South Carolina's governor from 1979-87, is a partner in the firm.

Officials with Atlantic Station and its chief financial backer, AIG Global Real Estate, a division of insurance giant AIG, will unveil details of the new tower today at the annual meeting of the Midtown Alliance, the comeback district's booster group.

Luring Nelson Mullins is a coup for Atlantic Station, which just a few years ago was an unlikely development on the opposite side of I-75/85 from the Peachtree addresses that office developers and their tenants have traditionally coveted.

Nelson Mullins had narrowed its search to Atlantic Station or a new office tower that developer Holder Properties considered building on 14th Street.

Moving to 14th Street would have put Nelson Mullins next to Alston & Bird, King & Spalding and other top legal firms, making 14th Street a "lawyers row" much like downtown's Five Points in years past, said Kenneth Millwood, a partner at Nelson Mullins.

But many attorneys at the firm liked the concept of Atlantic Station, a retail and entertainment center with condos and offices built on the site of a former steel mill, Millwood said.

"It's really what many of my folks wanted to do," he said. "They liked what had been done there and what's going on there."

Nelson Mullins has about 80 attorneys and 100 staff members in Atlanta.

Its offices are currently in three floors at 999 Peachtree, a 1987 office tower on the corner of 10th and Peachtree streets.

Architects Perkins & Will will design the new Atlantic Station tower, which will include a rooftop garden.

AIG is planning for as many as a dozen office towers at Atlantic Station. They would be delivered over the next several years.

"We are committed to developing 17th Street and Atlantic Station into an address recognized both here and abroad as a premier location to live and work," said John Whitaker, Atlantic Station's chief executive.

[jason21atl]

17 floors? The article in the ABC last week said it would be either 12 or 14 floors. That's pretty good news. I wonder if they will release any details about possible retail on the ground floor in their presentation today.

[jason21atl]

New rendering of the 2nd office tower:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/jason12182/asofficetower.jpg

[GNofAtlanta]

^ drove by AS today....they were already moving in ground equipment, crane and stuff like that.

also:

Benefit offers ATL first gape at ape flick

Published on: 12/01/2005
"Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson's much anticipated Christmas flick "King Kong" is stomping into town in a big way.

And a whole week before the rest of the country gets its peepers on the primate.

On Wednesday, co-chairs Andrew Young and Sigourney Weaver, the "Gorillas in the Mist" actress and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International board of directors' honorary chair, will be the hosts of the Atlanta red carpet premiere of the three-hour, $200 million thriller at Atlantic Station to benefit the Gorilla Fund International.

Starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Fox Sports Grill, attendees will gather for the Gorilla Gala, followed at 7:15 by the red carpet arrivals of Weaver, Young, Ted Turner, Monica Kaufman and "Kong" star Andy Serkis (who memorably portrayed Gollum in "LOTR" and provides the performance for both the title ape and Lumpy the cook in "King Kong").

Event rep Hillary Wagy told Buzz on Wednesday that specially created and signed character busts from the film, created at the film's New Zealand workshop, will be among the items at the silent auction, along with a Jackson-donated item from "LOTR" and "Kong" movie posters signed by the cast: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Colin Hanks and Kyle Chandler.

The screening is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. at the adjacent Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16.

Tickets range from $500 for an all-access VIP pass to a $200 gala and screening pass and a $75 screening-only ticket.

To buy tickets, call 1-877-725-8849 for the $200 and $75 passes and 404-624-5881 for the $500 tickets.

"King Kong" officially opens nationwide Dec. 14.

[Buck]

Anyone want to buy me a ticket?!

[jason21atl]

So, in this week's ABC, there is an article about how rising construction costs could slow down development in Atlanta and around the country, especially speculative building. Anyway, the article had a bit to say about Atlantic Station, including:

"The current buzz surrounding Atlantic Station, which has a significant reservation list for future tenants, has alleviated much of the risk that otherwise goes along with speculative building."

I assume that they are talking about a reservation list for retail tenants. Does anyone know what other companies are on the list for space at Atlantic Station? Will there be any more dedicated retail buildings or will all the future retail, other than the Target, be a part of office or condo towers?

[joey]

It's a shame that Lane didn't build out their apartments in a manner more consistent with the initial renderings (which I just rediscovered):

http://law.gsu.edu/library/alr/images/ccoleman_files/atlantic_steel_rendering.jpg

Notice the brick siding and the inclusion of some retail/restaurant space, along with a narrower 17th Street

[joey]

Another interesting rediscovery I made tonight . . .

I've been up in New York for a few days and have been staying on Park Avenue, and I remembered reading about how many of the blocks between 56th (where I am) and Grand Central are built over railyards with the streets acting as false decks.

After a little research, I found a photo of the area under construction:

http://www.nyc-architecture.com/MID/Terminal_City.jpg

It very much reminds me of what Atlantic Station looks like right now in the blocks flanking 17th Street.

http://www.realestatejournal.com/images/regionalnews/20050531-holt.jpg


I can only hope the final build-out in AS looks as great as Park Avenue: http://207.237.40.194/rberbec/images/NYC/Views1/slides/99ParkAveSouthAdj.jpg

[Terminus]

Another interesting rediscovery I made tonight . . .

I've been up in New York for a few days and have been staying on Park Avenue, and I remembered reading about how many of the blocks between 56th (where I am) and Grand Central are built over railyards with the streets acting as false decks.



It very much reminds me of what Atlantic Station looks like right now in the blocks flanking 17th Street.


Thank you soooo much for finding that photo. I'd always head about that but always wanted to see it. The same condition exists in Chicago on North Michagan just north of the river.

[ATLtransplant]

Joey, thats amazing, do you know the date of that picture? I just got a set of dvds on the history of the construction/planning of New York and I can't wait to see if there are any other similarities.

[joey]

Joey, thats amazing, do you know the date of that picture? I just got a set of dvds on the history of the construction/planning of New York and I can't wait to see if there are any other similarities.

This was part of the "Terminal City" project, a vision Commodore Vanderbilt had for the blighted area when he demolished and rebuilt Grand Central Terminal in the 19-teens (I believe that photo above is ~1912-1913).

(Here's another later view of the decks in 1914, now finished, but still without buildings in the gulches):
http://reconstructionreport.org/documents/misc/CW/CRWH020709-nextsteps-7_1.jpg

The area had been dirty and particularly unlivable. After an accident several years prior, NY banned steam locomotives south of the 90s. This is what prompted the RRs to start electrifying. Once they were electrified, Vanderbilt came up with the idea of decking over the railyard up to 56th, an idea only now possible because of a lesser need for exhaust accommodation. From 56th to 96th Streets, the railroad had already been tunneled under Park Avenue in the 1870s.

(Seen here is the tunnel in the 1880s on upper Park Avenue looking south. Notice the steam exhaust hatches on every block)
http://www.columbia.edu/~brennan/abandoned/86St.old.jpg

Vanderbilt's Terminal City was a gigantic project that sought to line the avenue with hotels and apartment buildings in a Beaux Art style that would be compatible with GCT. Unfortunately, many of the buildings have since been lost or recladded (most notably the Commodore Hotel which Trump glazed in the early 1980s before branding it the Grand Hyatt).

As another interesting note . . . the view above shows the rarely seen north side of Grand Central. Only a few years after this photo was taken, the Helmsley Building was constructed as part of Terminal City, interrupting the view. Then, in the 1960s, the Pan Am (MetLife) building was constructed, blocking the entire vista.

These relatively unknown features of Park Avenue have been getting more press lately as an historical comparison to NY's west-midtown project where the city is trying to do the same thing again near Hell's Kitchen.

Okay, enough of that . . . back to the Atlantic Station thread.

[Chris Creech]

That's also close to the what was behind the building over of the tracks in downtown Atlanta - there's some similar photos. That's also what led to the whole development of Underground Atlanta when they built the streets up over the level of the trains. Then they tore out half of it to build MARTA, and the rest has been chugging along ever since.

Wasn't it the same story in Seattle?

+++++

Interesting thing I heard at Atantic Station this weekend. Some younger married couple, and the guy looked around in amazement and said "WOW... I just love this, all the shops outside and all, it's like they took a Mall and turned it inside out!"

It drives home an interesting point though. Those of us that are older and/or have traveled have a basis of understanding for urbanism based on older smalltown mainstreets, older cities here in the NE, or european city scapes. However, there's this whole generation in the U.S. now that has grown up as mall rats and only have those as a reference for retail, dining, and socializing experiences.

It just drove home what a real challenge it is for urban developers when they're trying to sell "urbanism" with a lexicon and language (pedestrian orientation, sidewalk engagement, etc.) and the so many people just have no reference for, they just don't understand the basic language of neighborhoods, walkability, street/sidewalks.

I just have this image of a developer trying to sell generation Xers raised in the suburb on new urbanism developments, and they just get these blank stares until they describe it as "a mall turned inside out" then they would get it.

[john3eblover]

I've already had conversations with friends in their 20s who dont understand what Atlantic Station is. I've met people who simply think its a mall, others who seem to think its something to "go and see", as if it were some tourist attraction. I keep trying to explain that its not really for everyone, but more for people who live in downtown and midtown and stuff....No Mom, we don't need to drive down there and see it.

[smArTaLlone]

Interesting thing I heard at Atantic Station this weekend. Some younger married couple, and the guy looked around in amazement and said "WOW... I just love this, all the shops outside and all, it's like they took a Mall and turned it inside out!"

It drives home an interesting point though. Those of us that are older and/or have traveled have a basis of understanding for urbanism based on older smalltown mainstreets, older cities here in the NE, or european city scapes. However, there's this whole generation in the U.S. now that has grown up as mall rats and only have those as a reference for retail, dining, and socializing experiences.

It just drove home what a real challenge it is for urban developers when they're trying to sell "urbanism" with a lexicon and language (pedestrian orientation, sidewalk engagement, etc.) and the so many people just have no reference for, they just don't understand the basic language of neighborhoods, walkability, street/sidewalks.

I just have this image of a developer trying to sell generation Xers raised in the suburb on new urbanism developments, and they just get these blank stares until they describe it as "a mall turned inside out" then they would get it.

And thats why I think developments like Atlantic Station are having such a big impact on the region. As theBrad said AS is Atlanta's training wheels at pedestrian oriented activities. And it also shows other developers not only that it can be done but that it's also popular with consumers. I'm expecting a lot more town centers throughout the metro as it matures and continues to grow more dense.

[GNofAtlanta]

Lobby at TWELVE opens December 7th

http://www.lobbyattwelve.com/

[GNofAtlanta]

So, in this week's ABC, there is an article about how rising construction costs could slow down development in Atlanta and around the country, especially speculative building. Anyway, the article had a bit to say about Atlantic Station, including:

"The current buzz surrounding Atlantic Station, which has a significant reservation list for future tenants, has alleviated much of the risk that otherwise goes along with speculative building."

I assume that they are talking about a reservation list for retail tenants. Does anyone know what other companies are on the list for space at Atlantic Station? Will there be any more dedicated retail buildings or will all the future retail, other than the Target, be a part of office or condo towers?

I would guess that since they brought the new building from 12-14 floors in the initial press release to now 17 that the reservation list the ABC spoke of would be for office tenants.

There are still several first and second floor retail spots available, so there shouldn't be a waiting list for retail. I’m sure there are several retail tenants who have letters of intent, somebody out there knows and needs to talk to us. (like ascommunity.com)