Atlanta Intown - August 2021 by Atlanta Intown

AUGUST 2021 Vol. 27 No. 8 ■ www.AtlantaIntownPaper.com

pets & their people pages 10-13

Collection of Morningside and Intown’s Best Offerings Welcome to your new home. How can I be helpful?

1085 Ferncliff Road N.E.

781 E. Morningside Drive N.E

F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G | C O M I N G S O O N C O N TA C T F O R P R I C E | 4 B E D | 4 . 5 B AT H C U S T O M B U I LT M O D E R N R E S I D E N C E O N ALMOST 2 ACRES

R E S E R V E D | O F F E R E D AT $ 1 , 4 9 5 , 0 0 0 6 B E D | 5 B AT H THREE FINISHED LEVELS & OVERSIZED G R E AT R O O M / K I T C H E N C O M B O

Ken Covers 404-664-8280 K E N . C O V E R S @ E VAT L A N TA . C O M K E N C O V E R S . E VAT L A N TA . C O M

637 E. Pelham Road N.E.

1936 Lenox Road N.E.

1776 Johnson Road N.E.

NEW TO MARKET | OFFERED FOR $1,095,000 4 B E D | 3 B AT H O U T S TA N D I N G L O C AT I O N L O A D E D WITH CHARM AND CHARACTER

N E W T O M A R K E T | O F F E R E D AT $ 8 1 9 , 0 0 0 3 B E D | 3 B AT H R E C E N T LY R E N O VAT E D W I T H S PA C I O U S O P E N - F L O O R P L A N

N E W T O M A R K E T | OFFERED FOR $799,000 3 B E D | 3 B AT H MOVE IN READY WITH LARGE, REAR MOTOR COURT

1243 Stillwood Drive N.E.

1748 Wildwood Road N.E.

2133 Eldorado Drive N.E.

RESERVED | OFFERED FOR $1,695,000 5 B E D | 4 . 5 B AT H

UNDER CONTRACT | OFFERED FOR $1,249,000 6 B E D | 6 B AT H

SOLD | OFFERED FOR $1,095,000 5 B E D | 3 B AT H

500 Peachtree Battle Avenue REPRESENTED BUYER 6 B E D R O O M | 7 . 5 B AT H R O O M S UNDER CONTRACT | OFFERED FOR $2,550,000

1249 Edmund Park Drive N.E.

1289 N. Highland Avenue N.E.

1214 Villa Drive N.E.

SOLD | OFFERED FOR $995,000 4 B E D | 4 . 5 B AT H

UNDER CONTRACT | OFFERED FOR $745,000 3 B E D | 2 B AT H

C O M I N G S O O N | C O N TA C T F O R P R I C E F E AT U R E S P O O L A N D C O A C H H O U S E

SOUTH BUCKHEAD

MORNINGSIDE

1745 Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, Georgia 30309 404-845-7724

1411 North Highland Avenue NE Atlanta, Georgia 30306 404-845-7724

www.evatlanta.com

©2021 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing. Engel & Völkers and its independent license partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

2 AUGUST 2021 |

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Contents AUGUST 2021

The Neighborhood Back to School High Speed Rail Homeless Policies Pets & Their People BeltLine Piper Pet Therapy Crime Wave TimmyDaddy

Business

LoCo+ Network Stephanie Stuckey Colony Square Revamp

Sustainability

Above the Waterline Eco Briefs

6 6 7 10 14 1 6 18 19

20 22 23

28 32

Home & Real Estate Midtown Towers Your Next Home Rufus Rose House Gardening Real Estate Briefs

34 34 36 37 38

News You Can Eat 44

Restaurant Worker Shortage Epicurean Atlanta Women + Wine Quick Bites

Advertising For information call (404) 917-2200 ext 1002 sales@springspublishing.com

Editorial Collin Kelley Editor collin@atlantaintownpaper.com Contributors Ben Abrams, Sally Bethea, Kathy Dean, Erica Glasener, Sean Keenan, Donna Williams Lewis, Camille Russell Love, Kelly McCoy, Isadora Pennington, Bob Pepalis, Sarah Pierre, Chad Radford, Katie Rice, Clare Richie, Charles Seabrook, Tim Sullivan, Amy Wenk

Steve Levene Publisher Emeritus

Sales Executives Jeff Kremer, Rob Lee

Keith Pepper Publisher keith@springspublishing.com

Circulation Each month, 27,000 copies of Atlanta Intown are mailed to homes and distributed to businesses in and around ZIP codes 30306, 30307, 30308, 30309, 30324 and 30329.

Amy Arno Director of Sales Development amy@springspublishing.com (404) 917-2200, ext. 1002

Submissions Article queries should be emailed to collin@atlantaintownpaper.com. Published By Springs Publishing Atlanta Intown • Reporter Newspapers Atlanta Senior Life

Rico Figliolini Creative Director Deborah Davis Office Manager deborah@springspublishing.com (404) 917-2200, ext. 1003

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Facebook.com/ AtlantaIntown

Twitter.com/ ATLINtownPaper

The Art of Banksy Artist Ashley Anderson Inside the Arts From the Crates

44 45 46 47

Head for the Hills Weekend in Chattanooga Paradise Garden Georgia Mountain Fair Visit Georgia’s National Parks

48 50 52 56

For delivery information, delivery@springspublishing.com © 2021 All rights reserved. Publisher reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertising for any reason. Publisher assumes no responsibility for information contained in advertising. Any opinions expressed in print or online do not necessarily represent the views of Atlanta Intown or Springs Publishing

Visit AtlantaIntownPaper.com Instagram.com/ AtlantaIntown

The Studio

40 41 42 43

Spotify AtlantaIntown

AtlantaIntownPaper.com/ Newsletters

On the Cover

DJ (short for Don Julio) frolics in the pool with Elena Sladkus, who’s dad, Jeff Sladkus, captured this image for our cover. To see more Pets & Their People, turn to page 10.

town 3

AUGUST 2021 | IN

ElectroBike Georgia Greater Atlanta’s Electric Bike Destination � Featuring the largest selection of e-bike models and accessories in the Southeast

� Montague full-size folding e-bikes now in stock

A room with a view

Sales and Service Showroom: ElectroBike Georgia 2484 Briarcliff Road., NE #25 Atlanta, GA 30329 www.electrobikega.com

Bike the Beltline: Atlanta Bicycle Barn 151 Sampson St., NE Atlanta, GA 30312 www.atlbikebarn.com

Candler Park Craftsman Bungalow 543 Candler Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30307 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Offered for $750,000

PEGGY HIBBERT

#1 Agent in Druid Hills Your Neighborhood Expert with Global Connections cell 404.444.0192 office 404.874.0300 peggy@atlantafinehomes.com 1555 Peachtree Street, Suite 100 Atlanta, Georgia 30309

After 16 years of living in the same apartment in Old Fourth Ward, I’m now ensconced in my condo in Midtown. I still can’t believe I’m a homeowner, except when something needs fixing. Yes, folks, I’ve already broken stuff and I’ve only been here a month. Rather than calling the management office for the maintenance team to drop by, I now must pay a handyperson to come out or watch YouTube videos to try and fix it myself. I am not handy – or so I thought. Okay, so I couldn’t fix the clogged dishwasher or that little thingamabob that holds the bathroom sink stopper up, but I Collin was able to fix a gash in the frame around Kelley my French doors. I went to Home Depot, has been editor of bought wood putty and a caulk gun and Atlanta Intown for almost two decades. was able to do a passable repair if you He’s also an don’t look very closely at it. Not only did award-winning poet I save myself a few hundred bucks, but I and novelist. surely qualify for my own HGTV show. Maybe it could be called “Halfway Decent collin@AtlantaIntownPaper.com with Collin Kelley.” I really do love my new space. It’s on the top floor, filled with natural light, and has a fabulous view. I love opening the doors to get a breeze or just enjoy the skyline. I’m tucked away from busy Peachtree Street, so noise hasn’t been a factor. Although a helicopter delivering air conditioning units to a nearby building at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Sunday morning was a sleep-in buzzkill. Before I moved, I got rid of a lot of old furniture and made quite a few trips to Goodwill with donations. The Georgia State University Library Special Collections and Archives got three more boxes of my personal papers and ephemera, while Junk King hauled away a clanking clothes dryer made during the Reagan era, a sofa from the Clinton era, and a mattress from Dubya’s first term. I was determined to weed out some of the thousands of books I own. I really had to sit with each book and do some Marie Kondo mind tricks before putting it in the donate pile. I even let go of some first editions and autographed books. They weren’t bringing me joy. All of this moving, donating, and arranging has been going on while I continue treatment for cancer. At this writing, I’m in the middle of my second week of radiation treatment (or “rads” as it’s called) at the Emory Proton Therapy Center. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve accidentally said photon instead of proton – I blame “Star Trek.” As I mentioned in my last column, I wear a custom-made mask over my face and upper chest during treatment. On my first session, I was on the verge of having a massive panic attack due to the tightness of the mask. Luckily, subsequent sessions have been quick, so I haven’t needed sedation. I’m usually in and out of the building in 20 minutes. My treatments are in the evening, which I initially balked at, but I like going there at 8 p.m. and then coming home to relax and go to bed. Looking at the view from my bedroom window at night, with all the twinkling lights of Midtown’s towers, is a nice way to fall asleep.

Editor’s Letter

Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

4 AUGUST 2021 |

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

INTOWN AGENT

$83M+ UNDER CONTRACT & SOLD YTD

Ansley Park 295 The Prado NE Active | Offered for $2,895,000

175 Peachtree Circle NE Under Contract | Offered for $1,649,000

& CO Louise merges her knowledge of both resale, historic and new construction marketplaces alongside Jim Getzinger & Co. at Compass. She has lived the Intown lifestyle, resulting in deep knowledge of this complex marketplace.

404.429.9037 | 404.668.6621 louise.hammer@compass.com

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

42 S Prado NE Under Contract | Offered for $2,495,000

Morningside

Ansley Park

211 The Prado NE Active | Offered for $4,500,000

Louise Hammer

404.307.4020 | 404.668.6621 jim.getzinger@compass.com

838 Cumberland Road NE Under Contract | Offered for $1,725,000

34 Peachtree Circle NE Under Contract | Offered for $1,895,000

Inman Park

Ansley Park

Selling Intown for 22+ years

Ansley Park

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

Featured Listings Emerson on Krog Townhomes Boutique Beltline Community | 6 available Starting at $1,495,000

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

News � Features

Back To School

Classes for public school students resume in August with varying mask requirements determining if masks would be required for all students. For more information, visit atlantapublicschools.us.

City Schools of Decatur Decatur’s public schools will resume Tuesday, Aug. 3. Decaturish.com reported that CSD will be the only school system in metro Atlanta requiring mandatory masks for students and staff. For more information, visit csdecatur.net.

Fulton County Schools The new school year starts on Monday, Aug. 9, for thousands of children in Fulton County. FCS is launching F.A.V.E (Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence) as a new full-time option for students who want to learn at home. A decision on masks had not been made at press time. For more information, visit fultonschools.org. By Collin Kelley

t’s back to the books for metro Atlanta students, with city and county public schools resuming classes for the 202122 academic year in August. While students will be back in

classrooms, many parents have opted to keep their kids virtual as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Some districts will also require masks for students and staff.

Atlanta Public Schools The new school year kicks off Thursday,

Aug. 5 for classroom and virtual learning. Keep in mind that APS has adopted a new bell schedule with elementary schools in session from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; middle school from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; and high school from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. At press time, APS was still

DeKalb County Schools DeKalb public schools are back in session on Monday, Aug. 2. Middle school and high schools will require masks for students and staff. For more information, visit DeKalbSchoolsGA.org.

New route emerges for high-speed rail to Charlotte By Chad Radford A high-speed rail line from Atlanta to Charlotte has been on the drawing board for years. Earlier this week, Georgia’s Department of Transportation held an open house to highlight some additional details about the developing project and to hear public feedback. Three proposed routes have been the subject of much debate and planning. Now, one of the routes, the Greenfield Corridor, is garnering favor. The proposed rail between Charlotte and Atlanta would take shape as a portion of a much larger Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor, connecting Washington, D.C. to Atlanta via Richmond, Raleigh, and Charlotte.

6 AUGUST 2021 |

The Greenfield Corridor is the midpriced option of the three proposed lines, carrying a price tag of between $6-8 billion. It would run on either diesel or electricity and travel at up to 220 miles per hour, completing a trip in two hours and 45 minutes. That’s the fastest option on the books, and it would rely on new tracks to carry it through Lawrenceville, Athens, and more. The Federal Railroad Administration is holding a 30-day waiting period to allow the public and other parties time to review the Greenfield Corridor, as well as proposed alternatives the Southern Crescent, which would use the existing Amtrak line, and I-85, which would run along the interstate. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Production company helps house activists amid clash over city’s homeless policies By Ben Abrams and Sean Keenan Editor’s Note: Atlanta Intown has partnered with nonprofit journalism organization Atlanta Civic Circle (atlantaciviccircle. org) to bring our readers more indepth coverage about the critical issues surrounding affordable housing in the city. A production company set to shoot a TV show downtown helped put homeless activists up in hotel rooms on

July 13, after local leaders told them they couldn’t camp in tents along the sidewalk. Activists with the Atlanta Homeless Union, a new advocacy group demanding more resources for unhoused people, claimed crews with Central Atlanta Progress’s Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) team robbed them of their tents and other belongings. But that’s not the full picture,

Activists protest Atlanta’s homeless policies at city hall. (Photo courtesy ACC)

Continued on page 8

Over a Decade of Buying & Selling I

The Brockway Group has been navigating real estate in Atlanta's Intown neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward and Virginia-Highland for over 14 years.

COMING SOON | 162 MELLRICH AVE NE

Our proven marketing strategies and local market expertise allow our team to create winning offers and get top dollar for sellers in today's market.

3.5

L I S T

W I T H

T H E

B R O C K W A Y

404.787.2253

G R O U P !

404.541.3500

WWW. BROCKWAYREALESTATE. NET

We're Looking F

S CA N

COMI NG S OON | 1 3 9 DE AR B OR N S T S E

3.5

T O

A P P L Y

F OR

DE T A I L S

This is not intended as a solicitation. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Opportunity Housing Provider. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Nancy Grieve, Senior Loan Officer NMLS#552571 | GA#35969 | Corp NMLS#1616534

(770) 309 3745 nancy.grieve@sheltermortgage.com www.nancygrieveloans.com

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Opportunity Housing Provider. Each office is independently owned and operated.

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

News RoundUp The city has received a federal grant to develop a Historic Context Statement for LGBTQ historic resources and preservation. The $25,000 award represents the efforts of Historic Atlanta, Inc., Midtown Neighbors Association, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Mailchimp, Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and individual donors.

The Atlanta City Council approved legislation in July for the city’s purchase of a dozen new fire engines and ladder trucks for the Atlanta Fire Department over the next two years.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in July for Rodney Cook Sr. Park in Vine City. Filled with fountains, walkways, playgrounds, and basketball courts, the park will also feature statues and plaques dedicated to peacemakers like the late John Lewis.

The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority was awarded $5.47 million in federal funding for 10 batteryelectric commuter coaches and 11 chargers for the region’s Xpress Commuter Service.

Continued from page 7

Atlanta police made arrests and cleared protesters camping at city hall, angering activists. (Photo courtesy ACC)

8 AUGUST 2021 |

according to Tammy Hughes, ADID’s social impact director. On Monday, she said, ADID’s homeless outreach team ASIST and Atlanta police officers “spent three hours offering to help the individuals with shelter placement.” “Of the 16 people on the sidewalk that day, 12 accepted assistance and were relocated to nearby shelters,” Hughes added. Then, “ADID’s Clean Team cleared the remaining tents and belongings from the sidewalk.” In addition to being upset that their effects were confiscated, many Atlanta Homeless Union activists are adamant about avoiding shelter placement – something they consider dehumanizing. Fleetwood Robinson, an activist who is experiencing homelessness, said, “We don’t like going through that.” He likened urging people to crowd into shelters to “a hate crime, if you look at it more from our shoes.” In response, location managers with Blacklight Studios, the production company that had plans to film in the area where people were camped out, helped book six nights in a hotel for 40 of the people who activists said were “displaced,” provided MARTA cards for those people “so they can still get from the hotel to work or tend to their business,” replaced the seized tents and arranged to have food delivered to the hotel “on the three nights they are filming,” according to an Atlanta Homeless Union press release. These events follow a recent spate of clashes between the group’s activists and officials with the Atlanta Police Department (APD), ADID and Partners for HOME, the City of Atlanta’s homeless outreach partner. A week before the studio got involved, police arrested nine Atlanta

Homeless Union activists who had pitched tents outside city hall as part of a protest of the city’s treatment of its homeless population. That demonstration and the ensuing actions accompany a demand for “housing, healthcare and a seat at the table,” the group has said. Partners for HOME executive director Cathryn Marchman, however, said that officials have provided ample opportunities for activists to have their voices heard. “We held a [Continuum of Care] meeting yesterday with over 120 attendees,” she said on July 14. “I invited [Atlanta Homeless Union members] to attend and offered them agenda time, and I do not believe anyone showed.” Additionally, Marchman said, the Atlanta Homeless Union’s list of demands can’t be fulfilled overnight. “Getting people into housing – while it is our number one goal – is not done immediately or the same day ... which is why we use shelters as a temporary option, only for those who want it,” she said. “There were several folks there that day who eagerly accepted shelter.” Still, Alfred “Shivy” Brooks, an activist and Atlanta City Council candidate, said the fact that Blacklight Studios felt inclined to step in and help out is indicative of problematic city systems that don’t do enough to help the homeless. “I think the city of Atlanta has an obligation to make sure that all of our citizens have a safe place to sleep and food on the table,” he said in an interview with Atlanta Civic Circle. Atlanta Homeless Union organizers said that their fight is far from over, and that they’ll continue protesting what they consider unfair treatment of the city’s most marginalized people. “We hope this is an inspiration to unhoused people across the country to show the power we have when we organize and work together,” a group said in a statement, later adding, “We will continue building political power among the unhoused residents of our city until our ultimate demands are met and homelessness is eradicated in Atlanta.” At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Historic Druid Hills 938 Springdale Road 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Half Baths Sold for $2,775,000

sold by

Molly Carter Gaines A Trusted Advisor The power of a substantial, effective brand. We deliver engagement via print, digital, and social media. Strategically led campaigns. A collaborative network of talent working for you. Local + global relocation and luxury networks. Partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Molly Carter Gaines c. 404.542.3120 | o. 404.480.HOME Molly@AnsleyRE.com 404.480.HOME | ANSLEYRE.COM | 3035 PEACHTREE ROAD, SUITE 202, ATLANTA, GA 30305 All data believed to be accurate but not warranted. If you have any existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal housing opportunity.*Represented Buyer At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

pets

& their people

This year’s Pets & Their People pictorial has really gone to the dogs. Seriously, where were all you cat, bird, goat, and chicken parents? Nevertheless, we have some adorable pooches for you to “oooh” and “awwww” over (and a couple of kitties) and you can see even more at AtlantaIntownPaper.com.

Buster with Rob Lee

Hachi and Liza Turker

Harry with Jefferson Hopkins

Ebby (IG @onpatrolwithebby) with Ruthanna McAlister Peaches and Brennan O’Dell

Daisy with Wyteria Bingham Baxter and Millie (IG @crusin_cavaliers) with Ansley Heavern

Stella with Bennett Schnyder

Jettson (IG @jettsonbernedoodle) with Tuere Butler

10 AUGUST 2021 |

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Ginger and Popcorn with Wisteria Grace Brady

Chance with John Egan

Scooby (IG @scooby_the_pugtato) with Devyn Lamon Huckleberry and Shadow with Brian Smith

Emma with Eric Hunger

Hudson with Nora Borne

Riley and Gordy (IG @secondlifeatl) with Toby and Tanya Tobias

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Zonker and Zoot with Alison Ambrecht

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

Hudson with Amy Eakin

JayCee with Kellyn McGee

Keelah with Salimah and Layla Ali

Loey with David Johnson

Leni with Wesley and Ashley Johnson

Kit with Cat Geeney

Starr with Robin Shore Vincent with Doug Shore

12 AUGUST 2021 |

Murphy with Rachel Lasher

Traz and Dana Richie

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Get Your

Bird Food in Shape

Lorem Ipsum

Toby (IG @tobytheofficedog) with David Boehmig Zeke with Stormie Israel and Dr. Julio Petilon

Roxy with Lara Brent

Slim with Hannah-Rose Nichols

Sadie and Belle with the D’Avanzo Family

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

#PawBumps

Catching up with social media star BeltLine Piper at her forever home

Piper sings along with John Craft in the dining room of her forever home.

By Clare S. Richie Eight years ago, BeltLine Piper T. Cat found her forever home. Her companions, John and Danah Craft recently reflected on their 12-year-old social media star’s journey and lessons she taught them along the way. “So many people loved and cared for Piper when she was living in her pipe,”

Danah said. “It would be great to let them know that she is very spoiled and content. Her little face whiskers are starting to get white and she has gotten a little hard of hearing but is still very spry and active. We’ve loved having her.” In November 2012, the Crafts noticed a black cat living in a pipe along the Eastside BeltLine trail near North Avenue.

“At first, all you could see was the color of her eyes back in the pipe,” John said. “Over time, she got a little less fearful of people.” By mid-February 2013, the Tilley family put up a mailbox for the feral feline with a street address (640 North Avenue) and her name. Soon after, the Crafts noticed a Valentine in Piper’s mailbox. “I took a few pictures of Danah holding the Valentine with the cat in the background,” John said. As they walked home John decided “this cat needs a Twitter account.” So, @ beltlinepiper tweeted the photo and tagged BeltLine visionary, Ryan Gravel, who forwarded it on. Piper quickly went viral on Twitter and Facebook, attracting local and national media attention. “People started leaving food and water,” Danah said. “She became socialized because people were stopping and talking to her, petting her and feeding her. We would pet her on our walks every day and she would trot after us.” But the BeltLine residence would be short lived. That summer, Perennial Properties was ready to construct the 755 North building, so the famous kitty had to move. “This was happening as my mother was in the hospital for the last time,” John

Doggy Con returns to Woodruff Park One week before Dragon Con makes its triumphant return to Downtown, Woodruff Park will host an opportunity for metro-Atlantans and their four-legged friends to get in on the cosplay fun. Doggy Con 2021 will feature a pet costume pageant emceed by local media maven Mara Davis and judged by Atlanta City Councilmember Amir Farokhi, local artist Catlanta aka Rory Hawkins, and dog Instagram influencer Super Murph the French Bulldog. The event will also feature a vendor village of dog-centric goods, activities, and plenty of pup culture. Doggy Con will take place on Woodruff Park’s Main Lawn at 91 Peachtree St NW on Saturday, Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon. Atlantans are invited to pay homage to one of the world’s largest pop culture conventions while competing for drool-worthy prizes. Contestants can compete for recognition in six categories: Best in Show; Best Doggy/Human Dynamic Duo; Best Character Cosplay; Biggest “Aww” Factor; Best Small But Mighty Pup; and Best Big Buddy. Prizes include a 5-day membership to Dragon Con and gift baskets from Whole Dog Market. Registration is required to participate in the Doggy Con pageant, and all proceeds will directly support the construction of a future WoodRUFF Park dog park. Register at atlantadowntown.com/woodruff-park for $20 by Aug. 26 or register onsite at the event for $25. For those who wish to attend as a spectator, admission is free.

14 AUGUST 2021 |

said. “Danah came home and said, ‘I don’t think I could lose your mom and Piper in the same month.’ So, I reluctantly agreed to adopt Piper. I thought she would hang out in the backyard and sleep on the back porch sometimes. And I have never been happier to be so very wrong.” The screened back porch helped Piper transition to her new digs. “It was outside. There was still fresh air. She slept in John’s lap the first day,” Danah said. “The first time it rained you could tell she was like ‘this is sort of cool, it’s raining but I’m not getting wet’.” After a few weeks, she ventured inside and burrowed under a guest bed in between boxes. That became her pipe – her safe place,” Danah said. “I learned so much from her. She wasn’t so scared that she wasn’t willing to take a risk in case something new was better. She doesn’t go in there anymore because nothing frightens her.” Over the years, Piper regularly checked in with her followers. At the five-year mark, John posted on @beltlinepiper: “Piper’s life consists of sleeping in the sun, forcing her head under our hands when she wants petting, getting a little something under the table during meals, and waking me up for belly rubs in the middle of the night. She has trained us very well.” Like all of us, Piper hunkered down during COVID-19. Her March 14, 2020 post at facebook.com/BeltLinePiper provided encouragement. “OK America, I’m stocked up. Let’s do this for the vulnerable. No handshakes, #pawbumps only. Check on your family, friends, and those who need you. #socialdistancing.” Piper also made Zoom appearances as Danah, Executive Director of the Food Bank Association, worked to support the food banks responding to food insecurity exacerbated by the pandemic. “We thinkUncle people who needan emergency Bob leading all-ages, nightofdance party on the food assistancelate because the pandemic are Sullivan family vacation. going to need it for about 18 more months,” Danah said. “That’s what we saw coming out of the recession. A lot of the families that normally need our help are in greater need and we are still seeing people who are coming to the network for the first time, who don’t qualify for food stamps but lost their jobs.” Danah is grateful for the ongoing support from state and federal partners, philanthropy and the community. “The thing about Piper’s story is that she inspired a community on the BeltLine that came together to take care of her,” Danah said. “To me that’s the tie in to food banking. It is about local communities taking surplus food and helping their neighbors who are in need.”

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

A convenient, affordable way to stay on top of your pup’s basic care and grooming needs.

Join our Clean Club for just $20/month MONTHLY CLEAN CLUB INCLUDES:

One E-scent-ials™ Package

✓ Bath ✓ Ear Cleaning ✓ Nail Clip ✓ Teeth Brushing Blow-dry not included One visit per month. Price per dog.

Call now to book! (470) 607-5100 SCENTHOUND CHASTAIN SQUARE

SAVE

20%

AS A FOUNDING MEMBER!

4279 Roswell Road Suite 204 Atlanta, Georgia

www.scenthound.com/chastain-square

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

A pandemic pivot

Pet therapy group brings joy to Piedmont Atlanta Hospital staffers

Piedmont Atlanta Hospital healthcare workers relax with dogs from Happy Tails Pet Therapy

By Donna Williams Lewis Jerry Coker’s golden retriever Norma Jean knows when it’s show time. Coker, a retired lawyer, is a volunteer with Happy Tails Pet Therapy, a Roswell-based nonprofit now in its 30th year of “sharing the comfort, healing and connection of the human-animal bond.” Coker, who lives in Buckhead, leads a Happy Tails team that began visiting patients at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in Buckhead in 2019. During visits to the hospital, his dog wears a red Happy Tails vest identifying her as “Norma Jean The Love Machine.” “When I pull that out of the drawer, she comes trotting over,” Coker said, “and when I slip it on her, she walks to the door because she knows we’re headed to the car. And then, when we get to the hospital, I think she gets a spring in her step and a very confident air about her as she strides down the hallway. “The experience at times is overwhelming. It’s a combination of seeing how much the interaction with the dog helps the patients and the staff members and realizing what

16 AUGUST 2021 |

an awesome privilege and responsibility it is to share our dogs with them. … I was on a visit one time and the patient who had been stroking Norma Jean’s face reached up and stroked my face just to say thank you.” When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Happy Tails’ visits with Piedmont Atlanta patients were suspended for safety reasons. But, by summer, talks began on how Happy Tails might safely do visits with Piedmont Atlanta staff, whose stress from dealing with COVID-19 was “palpable,” said Pam Redman, director of Patient Experience at Piedmont Atlanta. The first visit came on a sunny day in December, with a couple of the five dogs in attendance dressed up in Christmas attire. Several more visits with staffers have been held since then. “Staff are so grateful for these visits,” Redman said. “These dogs provide time for the staff to come out, decompress, have some respite and then love on a dog that’s going to love them back and not ask for anything.” Joan Macdonald, a clinical researcher and a member of Happy Tails’ board of directors,

helped the organization navigate the pandemic as its risk assessment manager. She said that first visit for Piedmont Atlanta’s healthcare workers was “so heartwarming to see.” “Just the shrieks of joy — ‘Norma Jean!’ They all clearly missed her and she missed them and they were all happy to have a little reunion,” the Brookhaven resident said. Happy Tails currently has 314 members and 250 pets serving 182 facilities including nursing homes, mental health facilities, rehab centers and just about every metro Atlanta hospital. About 150 more facilities are on Happy Tails’ waiting list, says the group, which constantly recruits new members to help shorten that list. In addition to pet visits, the organization has a program in which pets take part in physical and occupational therapy sessions and a READing Paws program that takes pets into schools, libraries and other settings as reading companions for children. “Special visits” may include parades, college campus, or summer camp gatherings. Membership is open to pet owners with dogs, cats or rabbits. Dogs must meet a set of stringent requirements while cats and bunnies just need to be able to tolerate a harness, be docile, and not mind being petted. Macdonald started volunteering in 2012 with Max, her white German shepherd, who passed away last summer. They mostly visited psychiatric hospitals where Max, who could be “a very serious dog,” gravitated toward people who were sullen or disengaged “and would just go over and stick his head in their lap,” she said. On one of these visits, to a Veterans Administration facility, a young man in a corner responded to Max’s lap hug by burying his face in his fur, Macdonald said. She says he told her he’d been in the psych rehab for two weeks and hadn’t talked to anyone nor even smiled until his visit from Max. “There were certainly times where you really felt like you helped provide someone an avenue on their path to healing,” Macdonald said. Patrice Hosmer, speaker’s bureau rep for Happy Tails, said she has seen pet visits bring a light of recognition to some Alzheimer’s patients’ eyes.

She calls such times “moments of high grace, because you get to witness something that is very special.” The retired high school teacher and East Cobb County resident has volunteered with her cat Bella since 2012 and is writing a book about pet therapy. Her husband, Gary, volunteers with their dog Lily. Coker looks forward to the day his team can get back to visiting patients, staff members and others throughout Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. Before the pandemic, he always tried to get to the hospital early so Norma Jean could interact with people in a waiting room before her one-hour visit to patient areas began. One day, he says, a woman tapped his shoulder as they left the hospital and told him, “You and your dog were in the waiting room earlier, and I just wanted to let you know that your dog lifted the mood of the entire waiting room.” Redman praises Happy Tails for the level of training and commitment required of the volunteers and their dogs. “We just truly cherish and are so thankful for the times that the dogs and their handlers are able to come,” she said. “I think if we could have dogs here all of the time on our campus it would be a happier place.” For information on how to join, request a visit, or make a donation to Happy Tails Pet Therapy, visit happytailspets.org.

Margo Sullivan and her friends Ellie and Penny walking to school in Oakhurst.

Louie with contributor Donna Williams Lewis At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

WE ARE GROWING. WE ARE BREAKING RECORDS.

We Are Engel & Völkers Atlanta #1 in Georgia

#1 in Atlanta

#1 in Morningside

Individuals By Volume

Sales Volume Growth

Brokerage for Top Individual Agent

Source: Newsweek 2019

Source: Trendgraphix 2020

Source: FMLS 2020, volume and units sold in zip 30306 by individual agent, all price points and product type.

Enclave at Peachtree Memorial

40 West 12th

District Lofts

The Atlantic

120 Peachtree Memorial DR #120-1 2 Bed | 2 Bath Offered at $409,900

40 West 12th ST NW Residence #1205 3 Bed | 3 Bath Offered at $1,991,000

260 18th St NW Residence #10209 2 Bed | 2 Bath Offered at $425,000

270 17th ST NW Residence #4104 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath Offered at $889,900

Listing Agent: Josh Moss 706-296-9767

Listing Agent: Susie Profitt 404-915-9367

Listing Agent: Nat Milburn 404-213-8091

Listing Agent: Michael McLeod 404-606-0962

Avondale East

Monroe

Harper On Piedmont

Madison Yards

3207 Rockbridge Rd 5 Bed | 4 Bath Offered at $724,347

1675 Troy Smith RD 7 Bed | 12 Bath Offered at $2,500,000

625 Piedmont AVE NE Residence #3001 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath Offered at $599,900

320 Gibson Street 3 Bed | 4.5 Bath Offered at $719,900

Listing Agent: David Hollingshead 212-851-6393

Listing Agent: Andy Griffith 678-878-7590

Listing Agent: Katy Kosari 404-218-5554

Listing Agent: Jayme Brundidge 402-210-8066

Colony House

Elle At Oakhurst

Marietta

Brookhaven

145 15th Street NE Residence #817 2 Bed | 2 Bath Offered at $520,000

121 Mead Rd 5 Bed | 4 Bath Offered at $999,900

245 Hanson Way 6 Bed | 5 Bath Offered at $1,099,999

3106 Dickson Street NE 6 Bed | 7.5 Bath Offered at $2,300,000

Listing Agent: David Hollingshead 212-851-6393

Listing Agent: Julian Rather 404-822-6321

Listing Agent: Matt LaMarsh 678-687-4397

Listing Agent: Leah Christian 313-995-6990

SOUTH BUCKHEAD

MORNINGSIDE

1745 Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, Georgia 30309 404-845-7724

1411 North Highland Avenue NE Atlanta, Georgia 30306 404-845-7724

www.evatlanta.com

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

REALTOR®

F E AT U R E D H O M E S

UNDER CONTRACT

Mayor pledges action on violent crime as DA warns of case backlog

JUST LISTED

1170 HANCOCK DRIVE OFFERED FOR $800,000

SOLD 4075 MEADOW GATE DRIVE Represented the buyer OFFERED FOR $1,050,000

688 E. MORNINGSIDE DRIVE Atlanta, Georgia 30324 OFFERED FOR $1,350,000

WITH OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS A REALTOR®, CALL ME FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS. Fulton DA Fani T. Willis

CARMEN POPE c. 404.625.4134 | o. 404.874.0300 carmenpope@atlantafinehomes.com atlantafinehomes.com | sir.com Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

18 AUGUST 2021 |

By Collin Kelley and Bob Pepalis An Anti-Violence Advisory Council created by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms delivered its recommendations in July for immediate and long-term actions to address the current violent crime wave happening

across Atlanta. The recommendations include creating a Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction, expanding APD’s repeat offender unit, increasing resources to APD’s license and permit team to handle nuisance properties, focus on hiring 250 officers in fiscal year 2022, increase the number of surveillance cameras and license plate readers, and add 10,000 new street lights. The investment to implement the council’s recommendation is $70 million, $50 million of which would come from public funding and $20 million from philanthropic and nonprofit contributions, Bottoms said during a June 16 news conference. Bottoms described the uptick in crime in Atlanta and across the nation as a “public epidemic.” Meanwhile, Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis told the Fulton County Board of Commissioners at the end of their July 14 meeting that her office needed $7.66 million for 2021 and more than $54 million in 2022 to handle the case backlog and rise in crime. “Crime is [at] an all-time high. We’re getting ready to be in a position where we may have to release murderers. This is not a third world country. This is Fulton County,” Willis said. Willis said that the rise in crime, mismanagement from 2016 to 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic had created the backlog of cases. More than 6,000 unindicted cases are from 2016 to 2019. Another 7,805 unindicted cases from March 2020 to June 2021 make up the COVID backlog. And with the 86% increase in rapes and 25% increase in murders in the past year, the numbers keep rising. Her request came during the same meeting in which the commissioners were told by Alton Adams, the county’s deputy chief operating officer for public safety, that the county needed to spend $75 million over two years to hire 300 personnel and prepare 75 additional courtrooms to handle the case backlog. Additional staff for the district attorney’s office is included in that plan.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Cheers! Celebrating Uncle Bob’s 90th birthday Timmy Daddy Tim Sullivan

Tim Sullivan grew up in a large family in the Northeast and now lives with his small family in Oakhurst. He can be reached at tim@sullivanfinerugs. com.

As an accomplished, handsome and gregarious fellow, confidence is practically Uncle Bob Ciotta’s middle name. So, I wasn’t surprised that he presumed my next column would be about his 90th birthday we celebrated on our family beach trip to the Outer Banks. “Now when you’re writing the article Timmy, don’t make it all about me. It should be about how wonderful this family is.” Bob instructed. I interpreted this to mean it should be largely about him but he’s allowing for some creative leeway in the process. Did I mention he’s generous, too? Indeed, I had planned to write about my favorite nonagenarian. Like me, Bob skillfully married into this family which means we share an appreciation of our good fortunes and never-ending group texts.

Whether it’s a party or a crisis, these are the people we want in the room. His late wife Mary Jane was Kristen’s aunt and though she died almost 24 years ago, Bob still gushes about her. Cousin Kevin is their only child and something of a saint with a sarcasm font. He and his dad are a tailored personality fit, particularly as they navigate this phase of Bob’s life. From certain angles their family can look rather tidy. It’s the two of them, Kevin’s partner Tracy and his daughters, Sophie and Annie. But in truth, they are just one faction of a tremendous extended family that requires the outermost strip of land on the East Coast for volume control alone. Bob is a gifted storyteller and he relishes the audience the beach week provides him. Someone mentioned they don’t care for gin and that sent Bob back to his time in Colorado with big Jim Douglas (6’4”, big shoulders, played football for University of Denver, the trips up to Leadville and the time they nearly drove off the side of a mountain...) Some forty-five minutes later he gets to the story about the night of too much gin and if you’re lucky, you can hear this one twice in a week. The night before the birthday celebration, dinner and drinks seamlessly turned into a dance party around the kitchen island,

From left: Kevin Ciotta, Betsy Buckley, Uncle Bob Ciotta and Pat Riehman

Uncle Bob firmly in the mix. I played Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good For You” (per Margo’s request, of course). But I might have joined in the revelry with some jumpy dance moves of my own. It’s a catchy song! My sister-inlaw Betsy compared me favorably to the tube man air-dancer outside of car dealerships… but my skills aren’t the takeaway here. The point is Bob affectionately calls me Timmy, so I call him Bobby. For good measure we have a 10-year-old nephew nicknamed Timmybobby and an impromptu dance party that includes all three of us can and does happen with this family. Heartfelt toasts at Bob’s 90th came just as naturally.

While a photo montage played behind him, waves of love and gratitude rolled in from every corner of the living room. I tried to keep my bit light – I accused him of habitually adding ten years to his age to get people to say Wow – you look great! Bob lives by the Satchel Paige quote “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” I mused: How old would you be if you lied your ass off? But I also had to tell him how fortunate I felt to get to spend these weeks with him and with that, I choked up a little. Both my father and Kristen’s father died before our kids were born so Uncle Bob’s presence in all our lives means a little something extra. My mother-in-law Pat and Kristen’s Aunt Susie deserve the credit for steering this big family ship, Bob just makes the voyage that much more enjoyable. So let me be the FIRST to say Cheers Bobby – Happy 90th. We all look forward to more parties and more stories, even if we’ve heard them before.

August 20-22, 2021

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

BUSINESS

Retail � Projects � Profiles

Atlanta Is Going LoCo+ New streaming network helps local creators find audiences and profit

opportunity to address the issue of independent content creators not having a way to get their work ‘out there.’ “We provide a network connection with the tools to monetize online and

LoCo+ co-founders Megan Matousek, left, and Kate Atwood.

By Kathy Dean

here is no limit to Atlanta’s creative spirit, and that’s exactly what has inspired the founders of a new streaming network to launch and base their business here. LoCo+ (pronounced Loco plus) is the first streaming service to curate and distribute lifestyle, culture, business, and entertainment content made by local creators. “Independent content creators today, who are serious about their craft, toggle on average between 2.5 platforms, trying to find the one that will efficiently build an audience and make money,” said LoCo+ co-founder and CEO Kate Atwood. “LoCo+ is an opportunity for them to level-up from the one-size-fitsall video-sharing platforms and help them grow and make a living.” An Atlanta resident, Atwood created teen grief support organization Kate’s Club, served as executive director of ChoseATL and executive director of the Arby’s Foundation. She is quick to stress that LoCo+ is a collaborative creation with two other co-founders, Megan Matousek and Ronald B. Williams. “Now more than ever, people are

20 AUGUST 2021 |

looking for a personalized experience to culture.” consume content that brings them closer She noted that millennials are the to what’s happening outside their front first generation to watch more media door,” said Williams, LoCo+ co-founder that is not created by traditional media and Chief Strategy Officer. “LoCo+ sources, “yet there is no infrastructure provides a pivotal opportunity to powerin streaming to watch this new, up creativity, independent commerce and media in community in a curated, an innovative localized way.” way that LoCo+ resonates most gives creators a with the next strategic entry generation.” point to build According their careers to Atwood, supported by the inspiration a city-based for LoCo+ community. came from For viewers, her time with LoCo+ is a ChooseATL. geo-filtered “The Metro network of Atlanta shorts, series LoCo+ co-founder Ronald B. Williams. Chamber’s and films that initiative included attracting millennial provides a community-based lens to talent to the region. I was moved by the content. lack of infrastructure and access to local Atwood said she met co-founding content,” she said. “Atlanta is rich with partner Megan Matousek just after young people struggling to find ways to she left the Hollywood studio system connect with the city in a meaningful after years at Lucasfilm, LAIKA, ILM way – our food, music, commerce, and Disney. “We mutually saw an

uniquely offline,” Atwood stressed. “No other app or online video platform is offering them the same perks and connections.” Atwood said that the LoCo+ team has already met with more than 100 content creators around Atlanta, and the LoCo+ team has been blown away at seeing the best of Atlanta creators and filmmakers. She and Matousek want Atlanta content creators to know that they have a constant invitation to submit their quality work. “LoCo+ was created for you!” Matousek said. “We’re here for you with your chance to shine and profit. If you have a web series, short film, documentary, long form film, music video — content that’s already produced — we want to hear from you.” While it’s starting locally, LoCo+ has its sights set on providing service in cities across America. The service is set to launch this fall, with apps available through ioS and Android, with connected TV to follow.

LoCo+ is currently collecting and curating submissions from Atlantabased content creators. Anyone can submit, and the range of content includes lifestyle series, vodcasts, music videos, short films and more. Content creators can submit their work for licensing consideration at locoplusatl.com. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Just Listed 400 BEVERLY ROAD offered for $2,295,000

For Sale 85 PEACHTREE CIRCLE offered for $3,250,000

For Sale 1064 PEACHTREE BATTLE AVENUE offered for $3,295,000

For Lease 60 INMAN CIRCLE offered for $3750/month

work with a trusted advisor.

Under Contract in 2 days

Under Contract before market

175 WESTMINSTER DRIVE

1174 CUMBERLAND ROAD

offered for $975,000

offered for $1,450,000

Just Sold

1165 MONROE DRIVE

60 MONTGOMERY FERRY DRIVE

offered for $1,499,000

offered for $899,000

Just Sold

830 VIRGINIA PARK CIRCLE*

147 15TH STREET | NO. 14*

offered for $689,000

offered for $449,000

Jason Cook #1 AGENT INTOWN OFFICE, 2020, 2019 c. 404.431.1384 | o. 404.480.HOME JASON@ANSLEYRE.COM 404.480.HOME | ANSLEYRE.COM 952 PEACHTREE ST. SUITE 100, ATLANTA, GA 30309 All data believed to be accurate but not warranted. If you have any existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal housing opportunity. *Represented Buyer

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

On the Road

Current Listings HARVIN GREENE STEPHANIE MARINAC

NEW LISTING

1207 Kendrick Road

658 Darlington Circle

Charming Brookhaven home a short distance to Town Brookhaven.

Opportunity to build or renovate in the heart of Peachtree Park.

UNDER CONTRACT

1224 Cumberland Road

406 Spring House Cove

Spectacular Morningside home with detached carriage house.

Beautifully renovated home on quiet cul-de-sac in Durand Mill.

4BR | 3.5BA | $875,000

6BR | 5.5BA | $1,599,000

JUST SOLD

801 South Candler Drive 5BR | 4.5BA | $1,050,000

City of Decatur dream home with open floorplan in Winona Park.

3BR | 2BA | $399,999

5BR | 5BA | $1,100,000

JUST SOLD

1089 Regency Road

5BR | 5.5BA | $1,600,000

Elegant home in the heart of Buckhead on gorgeous 1 acre lot.

OVER $40M SOLD THIS YEAR

Harvin Greene

M 404.314.4212 O 404.352.2010 harvingreene@dorseyalston.com

Stephanie Marinac

M 404.863.4213 O 404.352.2010 stephaniemarinac@dorseyalston.com

100 West Paces Ferry Road | Atlanta, Georgia 30305 | dorseyalston.com Information believed accurate but not warranted. Equal Housing Opportunity.

22 AUGUST 2021 |

Stephanie Stuckey is on a mission to rebuild family roadside store empire By Collin Kelley Stephanie Stuckey spent more than a decade in the Georgia House of Representatives, before becoming director of an environmentally focused law firm then the City of Atlanta’s director of sustainability and chief resilience officer. In 2019, she bought back the family business – the famed chain of roadside stores called Stuckey’s. Now as CEO, she’s on a mission to revive the brand and has been visiting all the stores. We caught up with Stuckey while she was back in Atlanta and also got her road trip themed In the Mix playlist, which includes choice cuts by Bruce Springsteen, REM, Journey, and Chuck Berry. Q. You’ve been on the road visiting Stuckey’s locations and documenting your adventure on Instagram. What’s a highlight or two of your road trip to reconnect with your family business? A. Route 66 is my favorite. It holds such a special place in the American consciousness and epitomizes the freedom and exploration that is the road trip. We have a Stuckey’s right off the Mother Road in Doolittle, Missouri, just down the road from the World’s Largest Rocking Chair and Meramec Caves where Jesse James had his hideout. That store has such personality, with a giant fiberglass rooster out front and a whole section of local jams and hot sauces, plus fried spicy peanuts that you eat in the shell. That’s what I love about Stuckey’s, every store is unique with a sense of place and belonging. What I’ve learned through touring the stores is that it’s not just about reviving Stuckey’s, it’s about connecting with folks who love to road trip. I want motorists to pull over at Stuckey’s on their travels but also visit the local petting zoos, state parks and Coca-Cola murals while they’re at it. It’s building community. Q. Stuckey’s has endured since 1937, going through ups and downs over the decades. What’s the secret to its ongoing longevity? A. The secret to any business having sticking power is to build emotional connections. If you focus on brand building instead of profit, the revenue will start to flow. I knew nothing about running a business when I bought Stuckey’s in November of 2019. But I poured over old articles about Stuckey’s and interviews with my grandfather. I always knew him as “Bigdaddy,” but he came to life to me through reading through our archives as a businessman who grew Stuckey’s from a humble stand to a roadside empire. And he did it without a college degree. His secret was that he believed in people, his employees first and his customers second. Our stores were unique because the franchisees had ownership in the business and loved what they did. Happy employees translate to happy customers. There was such attention to detail in how the stores were designed, the merchandise selection, and overall experience.

It was very customer-centric and created lasting memories for folks who stopped at a Stuckey’s back in the 1960’s and 70’s. Even though we’re a dusty brand, we have decades of brand equity. I hear from dozens of customers every week who share their Stuckey’s stories with me. It takes up several hours of my time to read and respond, but I do. Because that’s why Stuckey’s has sticking power, that emotional connection. And we’re bringing back that experience for a whole new generation. Q. You’ve been a politician and a sustainability advocate. What did your

previous jobs teach you that have helped transition to CEO of the family business? A. There’s so much learning in everything I did to get to this point in my life, I wouldn’t trade a single experience, not even the challenging ones. In fact, it’s the failures that best prepared me for my new role. As a public defender, I handled some tough cases, and I didn’t win them all. As a state representative, I introduced some legislation I was passionate about and had the bills chewed up in committee or defeated on the House floor. And I really loved heading up sustainability for the City of Atlanta under Mayor Reed. It was really hard on me when the new administration came in and replaced me. I point out these losses and low points in my career because too often we only talk about the positive wins in our lives and don’t give value to the incredible growth that occurs as a result of these challenges. As an entrepreneur, I face tough moments every day – a potential big account turns us down, our packaging is delayed for months, our flow wrapper on the candy line is broken –and the list goes on. Learning to deal with these “oh sh—” moments with grace and gratitude is the best lesson I’ve learned from my past. Q. When you’re not on the road rebuilding the empire, what are some of your favorite places to eat in Atlanta? A. I love places that tell a story, that have sticking power, and create a sense of place. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

The Majestic Diner, “Food that Pleases since 1929” tops my list. The Colonnade has really revamped their menu and is worth re-discovering if you haven’t stopped there in a while. And you can’t get any more classic Atlanta than Paschal’s which is steeped in such rich history connected with the Civil Rights Movement. I also love that the Paschal brothers are from Thomson, Georgia, which is where I stay when I’m visiting our candy plant in nearby Wrens. Lastly, I’ll give a shout out to Waffle House #1 which is in Avondale Estates but right outside Atlanta. My grandfather was friends with Joe Rogers and Tom Forkner, the founders, and I love how they built that brand from nothing. Plus, who doesn’t love their hash browns scattered, smothered and covered? Q. Where are some of your favorite places to unwind in the city? Where do you take out-of-town visitors for a taste of the real ATL? A. I love places that unique and different. Doll’s Head Trail in Constitution Lakes is one of my favorites, decorated with found objects by a local artist and lovingly maintained by volunteers. Browns Mill Food Forest and Proctor Creek Greenway are two of the sustainability projects I worked on while I was at the city and are really fun to explore. My favorite weekend activities are to visit the Freedom Farmer’s Market at the Carter Center, do some people watching in Little Five Points, and catch a movie at the Starlight Drive-In (only one of five drive-ins still remaining in Georgia). I’ve also got the Trap Museum and Slutty Vegan on my list – I’m definitely going to visit those by summer’s end.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Construction complete on Colony Square revamp By Collin Kelley Hoar Construction has completed construction on the redevelopment of Colony Square in Midtown. Over the past four years, Hoar completed a 200,000-square-foot renovation of two existing buildings (100 and 400), the ground-up construction of a new building featuring the IPIC cinema and Politan Row food hall, and two new Class A office buildings with street-level retail (300 and 500). Hoar broke ground on the project in October of 2017, and eventually demolished 240,000 square feet of existing enclosed mall space. The total redevelopment included 940,000 square feet of Class A office space and 160,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space. “I admire the tenacity of our team to adapt and work around challenging conditions to ensure this project was delivered at a quality befitting of one of Atlanta’s most renowned landmarks,” Chad Holland, senior project manager at Hoar, said in a media statement. “Completing a multifaceted project of this nature is never an easy feat, and the open

and honest communication we enjoyed with all parties was integral to achieving this milestone. We were fortunate to work with such dedicated partners who fostered a spirit of collaboration and congratulate NAP [North American Properties] on transforming their creative vision for Colony Square into reality.” “Hoar has one of the best construction teams in the region; their meticulous attention to detail, problem solving attitude and willingness to be a partner,

not just a hired hand, are just a few of the many reasons we love working with the firm,” said Mike Lant, senior vice president of development at NAP. “For more than five decades, Colony Square has been a valuable asset to Midtown Atlanta, and with Hoar’s assistance, we’ve been able to reimagine the project to ensure it remains relevant to our guests, residents and office workers over the next five decades and beyond.”

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

early 2022.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Invest Atlanta today announced the appointment of Amy Lancaster-King as executive director of WorkSource Atlanta, the city’s workforce development agency. The hiring coincides with the expected completion of WorkSource Atlanta’s integration into Invest Atlanta in AUGUST 2021. Lancaster-King served as the senior director of workforce development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

▼Buckhead Village announces that HERMARKET, the community and marketplace for luxury and contemporary women-owned brands, will be taking over the curation of The Village Supply, a new concept to support local entrepreneurs growing their brands in a pop-up space. Beginning in August, the black-women-owned space will be open Monday through Saturday from 11a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays from noon-6 p.m. and will

SJC Ventures recently signed new tenant The Taste Boutique to The Interlock, 1115 Howell Mill Road. The Taste Boutique, a highend lifestyle store owned by Teresa Caldwell, will occupy 1,448 square feet of space and offer women’s and men’s apparel, curated home decor items and gifts. This will be the first brick and mortar store for the boutique, which has operated entirely online for 10 years. The Taste Boutique is expected to open

present a selection of products from local- and women-owned brands, centering women of color.

City Market. The shop stocks the brand’s full collection of men’s essentials, including their t-shirts, leather jackets and denim jeans. Haivision Systems Inc. a global provider of video streaming and networking solutions, will acquire Atlanta-based CineMassive Displays, LLC. With the addition of the CineMassive technology, Haivision will combine low latency live video with realtime secure data sources and communication elements to provide customers with a singlevendor solution for situational awareness.

▲The Metro Atlanta Chamber has named Dwayna A. Haley as its new chief brand and communications officer. As part of MAC’s senior leadership team, Haley will lead the organization’s executive and internal communications, marketing, branding and media relations efforts.

Goode Van Slyke Architecture is donating design services to build out new office space in the newly-leased warehouse in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of well-known charity The Empty Stocking Fund. GVSA’s donation includes pro bono design services for 1,000 square feet including office space for staff and support space for volunteers. The design also includes updating the building’s entrances and exits to meet current codes and make the facility more welcoming to all who visit. Brasfield & Gorrie, the general contractor, is also donating expertise and time while working with vendors and trade contractors to secure materials and labor. FreeMarket Gallery has opened at 1198 Howell Mill Road in Westside Provisions District. The gallery displays the work of artists for visitors

AUGUST 27–OCTOBER 22 TICKETS & INFORMATION ON CALLANWOLDE.ORG

Season tickets come with $25 in savings this year! CALLANWOLDE FINE ARTS CENTER 980 BRIARCLIFF ROAD, ATLANTA, GA 30306 • (404) 872-5338

24 AUGUST 2021 |

▲ A new SweatHouz will open at 980 Howell Mill Road in West Midtown this summer. It joins four other metro Atlanta-area SweatHouz locations that have opened in the last year. Guests are invited to relax for an hour in a private sauna suite, with 45 minutes to sweat and 15 minutes to enjoy a refreshing vitamin-C infused shower. Benefits include boosting collagen and immunity, relieving stress and chronic pain, and burning calories. Visit sweathouz.com to learn more. The Los Angeles based menswear label, Buck Mason, has opened a new store at Ponce

to appreciate, purchase and admire. Featuring various artist exhibits for the community to enjoy and experience art without judgment, FreeMarket gallery encourages artists of all methods and mediums to create and take risks. Currently on display is Peter Ferrari’s solo show “Resplendent.” Get details at freemarketart.com. ART PAPERS magazine has increased its staff with contributing editors Lauren Tate Baeza, Re’al Christian, Orit Gat, Michael Jones McKean, Humberto Moro, Joey Orr and TK Smith will be part of the team starting with the Summer 2021 Issue. They join long-time contributing editors Stephanie Bailey, Paul Ryan and Dinah Ryan. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Updated master plan revealed for Centennial Yards project in Downtown

By Collin Kelley Centennial Yards, the $5 billion development rising in the area formerly known as The Gulch across from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, has released an updated master plan for the site. U.K.-based Foster + Partner recently joined the project’s design team and closely studied the city grid of the surrounding neighborhoods to create a more walkable environment. According to a media release, the developers listened to feedback on its previous master plan and tweaked the design to connect with the surrounding city blocks and neighborhoods. Centennial Yards is now being designed to blend with adjacent communities in style and scale, according to the developers. The unveiling of the updated master site plan coincides with the the latest Special Administrative Permit (SAP) application being submitted to the city for the mixed-used development of homes, offices, hotels, retail and more. “Every great city has a great downtown – where employees want to work, tourists want to visit and, most importantly, residents want to live,” said Brian McGowan, President of Centennial Yards Company, in the media statement. “With this SAP submittal, the goal is to enable At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Above, aerial views show how Centennial Yards will fill in or cover the warren of below-grade parking lots and railroad tracks across from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. At right, renderings of the forthcoming streetscapes and buildings of Centennial Yards. (Courtesy DBOX for Centennial Yards).

the infrastructure work and lay the groundwork to support vertical development.” In late April, an event was held to mark the beginning of infrastructure work on the site, as well as a ribbon cutting for The Lofts at Centennial Yards South. For more information about Centennial Yards, visit centennialyards.com. AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

Maximize the value of your home. Compass Concierge is the hassle-free way to sell your home faster and for a higher price. From painting to flooring, Concierge transforms your home with zero upfront costs and no interest. U P DAT E D E L E C T R I C A L

C O S M E T I C R E N O VAT I O N S

F R E S H PA I N T AND MORE...

26 AUGUST 2021 |

Rules & Exclusions apply. Compass offers no guarantee or warranty of results. Subject to additional terms and conditions.

Get started at compass.com/concierge

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Jim Getzinger & Co. 404.307.4020 jim.getzinger@compass.com

2948 Summitop Road $3,395,000 5 Bed 5 Bath 1 Half Bath

Jeff Beal & Cindy Steedle 678.793.8402 jeff.beal@compass.com

364 Cox Road $3,195,000 5 Bed 5 Bath 2 Half Bath

Peter Marks & Josh Van Pelt 404.585.7355 peter.marks@compass.com

1323 Northview Avenue NE $1,694,000 6 Bed 5 Bath

Doyle | Goodrowe 561.707.6139 matthew.doyle@compass.com

930 Lullwater Road NE $3,695,000 6 Bed 5 Bath 2 Half Bath

Team 360° ATL 404.946.7000 team360atl@compass.com

5330 Old Burdette Lane $3,395,000 7 Bed 6 Bath 2 Half Bath

Nicholas Brown 770.630.5430 nicholas.brown@compass.com

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

compassgreateratlanta | 404.668.6621 730 Edgewood Avenue NE, #22 Jim Getzinger & Co. $1,530,900 404.429.9037 3 Bed 3 Bath 2 Half Bath louise.hammer@compass.com

compass.com

Morningside

Inman Park

3107 Peachtree Road NE, #1102 Nicholas Brown $3,150,000 770.630.5430 3 Bed 3 Bath 1 Half Bath nicholas.brown@compass.com

compassatlanta

Roswell

Buckhead

Sandy Springs ITP

Marietta

211 The Prado NE $4,500,000 4 Bed 5 Bath

Druid Hills

Ansley Park

Guiding you home, Intown and beyond.

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

SUSTAINABILITY

Recycling � Resources � Lifestyle

The Deadly Risk of Heat Waves and Blackouts shorelines. A global group of climate scientists quickly analyzed this extreme event, concluding that the disaster would have been virtually impossible without the effects of human-caused climate change. The chances of the region reaching such extreme temperatures had increased 150-fold since pre-industrial times.

Hotter World

s I write this column in midJuly, the high temperature today is expected to be a balmy 83 degrees, unusually mild for the summer in Hot’Lanta—an old nickname popularized by the Allman Brothers Band in lyrics written an unbelievable five decades ago. Except for a few steamy days, the temperatures have been fairly cool, thus far, with the mercury rising above 90 degrees only a few times and moderating rain storms occurring almost daily. The weather has been nothing like the summer of 1980. A record high daily temperature of 105 sizzling degrees was recorded on three consecutive days in July of that year. I remember lying on my bed, motionless and surrounded by fans, trying to cool down in a room with a minimallyfunctional air conditioner. A friend recalls working outside that summer, renovating an apartment building, and having to stop work, when he became disoriented, agitated, and dizzy – the tell-tale signs that your brain is overheating. It was “only” 105, a number that seemed inconceivably high then, but now, less so, as our planet warms.

Heating Up The Earth is heating up because we burn gasoline in our cars, burn coal for

28 AUGUST 2021 |

heat and electricity, and burn natural gas: a cleaner fossil fuel, but one that still contributes to global warming. For decades, scientists have projected longer, larger and more intense heat waves; however, the impacts of a hotter world are no longer in the future – they have arrived. The warmest June ever recorded in North America occurred this summer. Globally, we experienced the fourth hottest June ever, as 23 countries reported temperatures that equaled or exceeded 122 degrees; the first, second and third hottest all occurred in the past five years. The western U.S. is being hammered with relentless heat this summer. Exceptionally high temperatures were registered at the end of June in the Pacific Northwest, where a “heat dome” of high-pressure air settled over the region. Portland, Seattle, and other cities experienced temperatures that were 30 to 40 degrees above average for the month. A small town in British Columbia suffered an intense 121 degrees over several days – the highest ever in Canada – and then literally burned to the ground. More than 500 deaths have been linked to the Pacific Northwest heat wave, which also resulted in forest fires, glacial meltwater floods, power cuts, buckled roads, and the death of millions of sea creatures that were “cooked to death” on

Those of us fortunate enough to have air-conditioned homes and the ability to travel to cooler climates may think that we will not be affected a great deal by a hotter world. That is, until we understand the growing risk of overlapping heat waves and power failures: a deadly combination, especially in unprepared cities. According to Dr. Brian Stone Jr., head of the Urban Climate Lab at Georgia Tech, power failures have doubled from 2015 to 2020 – as climate change has made heat waves worse. The causes? Increased demand placed on the electric power grid during the summer, more extreme storm events, and disinvestment in the grid.

What Atlanta Must Do Using computer models and historical (not future) extreme weather events to study three large cities, including Atlanta, Stone and his colleagues concluded that a combined blackout and heat wave would expose at least two-thirds of the people in the cities to heat exhaustion and heat stroke; that would mean hundreds of thousands of people in the city of Atlanta alone. Not surprisingly, heat exposure is most likely for lowest-income households and the homeless. We may have escaped excessive heat in Atlanta so far this summer, but a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reveals that the city’s monthly and yearly average high temperatures have been steadily rising. The potential for critical infrastructure failures during extreme weather events is also rising here – and everywhere. Not in the distant future, but now.

Has the city of Atlanta taken steps to prepare for the possibility of these concurrent events? Dr. Stone’s response is a resounding, no. He explains: “Atlanta’s orientation toward [climate] resilience is among the least developed of any major city in the U.S.” During most of the administration of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, neither sustainability nor climate change has

Above the Water Line Sally Bethea Sally Bethea is the retired executive director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and an environmental and sustainability advocate.

been a priority, according to local sustainability experts. Disturbingly, they say that “substantial cuts” were recently made in the budget for the city’s Office of Resilience. When the New York Times contacted the mayor’s office a few months ago for comments on a story about Dr. Stone’s findings, no one responded. What can – really must – be done now to prepare Atlanta for concurrent heat waves and blackouts? Three things for a start: (1) a more extensive network of emergency cooling centers with mandated backup power generation, (2) a robust tree protection and planting program that actually works (unlike the current effort), and (3) a permanent temperature monitoring system in all neighborhoods to notify residents of heat risks in real time. On November 2, 2021, a new mayor will be elected in Atlanta. All mayoral candidates and members of the city council must make a commitment to funding and strengthening the Office of Resilience, so that it has the ability and authority to take action now to help us adapt to our changing climate. Find more information at urbanclimate.gatech.edu.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Prices from the $500's to $900's

New Designer Model by Habachy Designs

MIDTOWN ownJ5.com

1BR & 2BR's nature Inspired condos for sale

in the heart of Midtown's historic garden district At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

30 AUGUST 2021 |

668 E. PELHAM ROAD OFFERED FOR $1,299,000

979 SPRINGDALE ROAD* OFFERED FOR $1,875,000

405 9TH STREET* OFFERED FOR $2,245,000

1812 WELLBOURNE DRIVE* OFFERED FOR $1,999,000

824 BRIARCLIFF PLACE OFFERED FOR $949,000

1085 ST. AUGUSTINE PLACE OFFERED FOR $1,049,000

676 CUMBERLAND CIRCLE OFFERED FOR $949,900

1021 REEDER CIRCLE OFFERED FOR $1,875,000

1754 MOUNT PARAN ROAD OFFERED FOR $4,495,000

1030 E. ROCK SPRINGS ROAD* OFFERED FOR $2,295,000

1975 LENOX ROAD OFFERED FOR $899,000

927 E. ROCK SPRINGS ROAD OFFERED FOR $1,175,000

4700 HARRIS TRAIL OFFERED FOR $2,500,000

1575 PIEDMONT AVENUE OFFERED FOR $999,000

703 CUMBERLAND CIRCLE OFFERED FOR $975,000

742 YORKSHIRE ROAD OFFERED FOR $1,925,000

1707 N ROCK SPRINGS ROAD OFFERED FOR $999,000, UNLISTED

5380 HIGH POINT MANOR OFFERED FOR $1,875,000

168 PEACHTREE CIRCLE OFFERED FOR $3,900,000, UNLISTED

110 HIGH POINT WALK* OFFERED FOR $1,350,000

1069 ROSDALE DRIVE OFFERED FOR $1,049,000

1215 N HIGHLAND AVENUE OFFERED FOR $745,000, UNLISTED

5805 DECLAIRE COURT OFFERED FOR $989,000

LISTED BY ANSLEY REAL ESTATE

4269 DEMING CIRCLE* OFFERED FOR $599,900

LISTED BY CHAPMAN HALL PREMIER REALTORS®

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

JARED SAPP REAL ESTATE GROUP

834 OAKDALE ROAD OFFERED FOR $1,995,000

1785 NOBLE DRIVE OFFERED FOR $1,649,000

8957 OLD SOUTHWICK PASS OFFERED FOR $3,500,000

1329 BERWICK AVENUE OFFERED FOR $1,795,000

578 PELHAM ROAD OFFERED FOR $1,150,000

#1 #1

INDUSTRY-WIDE MORNINGSIDE 2018, 2019, 2020 INDUSTRY-WIDE VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND 2018, 2019, 2020

725 LONDONBERRY ROAD OFFERED FOR $3,395,000

80+ MILLION SOLD, SOLD, 2020 212+ MILLION SOLD, SOLD, 2018-2020 100+ HOMES SOLD, SOLD, 2020 TOP 1%, ATLANTA REALTORS® ASSOCIATION 5445 MOUNT VERNON PARKWAY OFFERED FOR $2,995,000

262 DEVIN PLACE OFFERED FOR $1,139,000

5155 LONG ISLAND DRIVE OFFERED FOR $2,395,000

945 EULALIA ROAD OFFERED FOR $875,000

PHOENIX AWARD RECIPIENT, ARA 20 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

JARED SAPP JEN METZGER & STEPHANIE SELTZER c. 404.668.7233 • o. 404.237.5000 • jared@jaredsapp.com jaredsapp.com • atlantafinehomes.com • sir.com

1100 HOWELL MILL ROAD, NO. 510 OFFERED FOR $475,000

2694 LENOX ROAD NO. 4 OFFERED FOR $745,000 Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. *Represented buyer. Source: TrendGraphix, Source: TrendGraphix, Top Producer, January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2020, Zip Codes 30306, 30308 and 30324. All Property Types; All Price Points. No. 1 industry-wide in areas by volume sold.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

fabric that stitches them together along America’s most transformative urban redevelopment. The tour will start at the picnic tables behind Parish Restaurant and end at Ponce City Market. For details and registration, visit treesatlanta.org.

ECO BRIEFS Blue Heron Nature Preserve has partnered with Northside Hospital for August Wellness Month – a series of multi-generational programming along its 3-mile Blueway Trail in recognition of National Wellness Month. Programming at the 30-acre City of Atlanta nature preserve, including the Annual Firefly Hike and Bee Healthy with Honey workshop, will promote stress management, healthy living, and the benefit of experiences in nature for the body, mind, and spirit. For more information, visit bhnp.org/adult-edu.

Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy will host Picnic in the Park on Sept. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Island Ford Visitor Center, 1978 Island Ford Parkway. There will be food, games, and live music. More details chattahoocheeparks.org.

▲Trees Atlanta will host Walking Tour: History and Change on the BeltLine Eastside Trail on Aug. 14 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the Atlanta BeltLine

Eastside Trail. Jeff Keesee, Trees Atlanta volunteer for over 20 years, will be leading a guided walking tour of rails, trails, trees and tales, and the urban

Mark your calendars for the return of Mulberry Fields Gone Wylde on Oct. 23 from 2 to 8 p.m. Located in Candler Park, 1301 Iverson St, the event is hosted by the Wylde Center. Expect live music, food, fun and games. More details at WyldeCenter.org.

Nothing sets the tone of your home’s interior

better than the lighting.

Lighting

252 Rio Circle | Decatur, GA 30030 | 770.932.3585 FIREPLACES | GARAGE DOORS | LIGHTING www.ConstructionResourcesUSA.com

32 AUGUST 2021 |

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Discover Intown Living

BUCKHEAD 2 W Wesley Ridge Offered for $2,700,000 Neal Heery 404.312.2239 George Heery 404.643.7347

BUCKHEAD 2771 Peachtree Road, No. 6 Offered for $610,000 Kay Quigley 404.933.6637

BUCKHEAD 325 E Paces Ferry Road, No. 312 Offered for $259,000 Natalie Blalock 770.605.1225

BUCKHEAD 3338 Peachtree Road, No. 706 Offered for $277,000 Angela Henderson 404.664.9041 Julie Coward 770.329.8718

BUCKHEAD 3587 Old Ivy Lane Offered for $1,595,000 Dianne Harnell Cohen 404.313.7300

BUCKHEAD 3630 Peachtree Road, No. 2405 Offered for $929,000 Donny Guercio 404.216.1655

CHAMBLEE 5404 Peachtree Road, No. 2 Offered for $619,900 Allen Snow 404.931.1176

COLLEGE PARK 3476 Madison Street Offered for $945,000 Elizabeth Pietrusza 847.707.3603

COLLIER HILLS 18 Collier Road, No. 8 Offered for $287,500 Blaine Palmer 229.400.3674 Wilmot Irvin 704.776.8313

DRUID HILLS 1504 Red Fox Drive, No. D Offered for $877,900 Allen Snow 404.931.1176

DRUID HILLS 1200 Ponce de Leon Avenue, No. A3 Offered for $1,656,400 Allen Snow 404.931.1176

DRUID HILLS 1200 Ponce de Leon Avenue, No. A6 Offered for $1,105,500 Allen Snow 404.931.1176

EAST LAKE 576 Quillian Avenue Offered for $650,000 Lisa Bennett 678.531.2996

KIRKWOOD 1926 Trotti Street Offered for $1,150,000 Allen Snow 404.931.1176

LAGRANGE 555 Country Club Road Offered for $2,900,000 Clay Henderson 770.652.1890 Haden Henderson 678.787.9226

LORING HEIGHTS 470 Trabert Avenue Offered for $995,000 Laura Matura 404.310.0060

MIDTOWN 1204 Piedmont Avenue, No. 2 Offered for $1,275,000 Allen Snow 404.931.1176

MIDTOWN 20 10th Street, No. 1504 Offered for $630,000 Jack Truett 404.625.7626

MIDTOWN 850 Piedmont Avenue, No. 2102 Offered for $435,000 Blaine Palmer 229.400.3674 Wilmot Irvin 704.776.8313

MORNINGSIDE 578 Pelham Road Offered for $1,150,000 Jared Sapp 404.668.7233

MORNINGSIDE 736 Yorkshire Road Offered for $1,225,000 Michael Ross 404.824.1776

PIEDMONT HEIGHTS 1986 Lebanon Drive Offered for $775,000 Michelle Pittman 404.402.7124

PIEDMONT HEIGHTS 510 Montgomery Ferry Road Offered for $650,000 Brendan Wright 404.661.4740

SANDY SPRINGS 714 Bass Way Offered for $1,650,000 Angela Cashion 404.423.5245

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES The Palm Jumeirah Offered for $31,313,819 LUXHABITAT Sotheby’s International Realty

atlantafinehomes.com | sothebysrealty.com | 404.874.0300 At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. 1555 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Trends � Development � City Living

Tower Watch Pair of mixed-use projects planned for 10th, Peachtree in Midtown

A more detailed look at the 811 Peachtree Street project called “Society.”

Also on the DRC agenda was Mill 180 10th Street 811 Peachtree Street Creek’s concept for 180 10th Street. 15,600 square feet retail, 76,500 square Working with By Collin Kelley feet office, 460 residential units, and a architect Gresham Smith as the architect, six-story parking podium. The property is he Midtown Development ReMill Creek presented plans for a Modera currently a pay parking lot at the corner of view Committee (DRC) meeting concept on the north side of 10th St. Peachtree and 6th. on July 13 featured two mixedbetween Juniper and Piedmont. The The DRC offered a lengthy list use projects, including a 33-story building would be sandwiched between of recommendations for the project, mixed-use tower at the corner of Atlanta Fire Station #15 and Blue Med including more design elements for the Peachtree and 6th streets. Spa. parking podium, asked more detailed Property Markets Group and The 31-story building would have 345 plans for the retail storefronts, and architecture firm Cooper Carry presented residential units above 3,200 square feet recommended temporary on-street parking plans for 811 Peachtree Street. Known as of retail. To achieve the desired amount of along 6th. “Society,” the 33-story tower would feature residential density on the site, a transfer of

development rights (165,000 square feet) is in process, the developers said. The DRC recommended that the eight-story parking podium should utilize a colorful screening concept on both the east and west sides, provide outdoor dining space between the building and Blue Med Spa, a vehicular drop-off area, and limit the property to right-in/right out circulation along 10th St. — preferably via a center median coordinated with ATLDOT – to enhance safety of vehicles and bicyclists. Both projects are expected to come before the DRC again with modifications at the Aug. 10 meeting.

Your Next Home Could Be In… East Point

By Collin Kelley Where is it? It’s a 15 minute – or less – drive from Five Points to East Point. Or better yet, take MARTA to the East Point station, which drops you off in the heart of the city’s downtown. And if you move to East Point, you’re only two stops away from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. What are homes going for? You can get a cute bungalow for around $160,000 or

34 AUGUST 2021 |

new construction at $300,000+. Where to eat? The historic downtown has Oz Pizza, Chairs Upstairs Bar & Grille, Thumbs Up Diner, The Kupcakerie, Taco Pete and, yes, there’s a Waffle House for your scattered, smothered, and covered fix. What about shopping? Along with small shops in downtown, there’s also Camp Creek Marketplace, which has Target, BJ’s, Lowe’s, Publix, and plenty of fast food

options like Chipotle, Zaxby’s and Chickfil-a when you need to refuel. The weekly East Point Farmers Market also has fresh produce and food. And how about recreation? Downtown Commons is the central gathering spot, playing host to festivals and music (including a recent concert by Goodie Mob). Soccer in the Streets created a soccer field right in downtown across from the MARTA station. Sumner Park is home to Georgia’s only velodrome – Dick Lane

Velodrome – which was used as a training facility during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Sykes Park is home to tennis courts and wooded trail, while Georgia Sports Park has professional-quality soccer fields across 100 acres of green space. What’s the Microsoft connection? Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that East Point would become home to one of its new datacenters, which will bring hundreds of new tech jobs to the city. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

THE SUMMER MARKET IS HEATING UP!

SARA HARPER

GA GROUP

404-435-0034

MICHAEL HOSKIN

404-643-4731

MORNINGSIDE

1930 WILDWOOD PLACE

5 Bedrooms | 4 Full Bathrooms Listed for: $850,000 | FMLS #6824646

VIEWPOINT

678-428-8737

HISTORIC COLLEGE PARK

1780 JOHN CALVIN AVENUE DUPLEX: 1 Bedroom & 1 Full Bathroom / Studio Listed for: $245,000 | FMLS #6913773

855 PEACHTREE STREET NE UNIT #801 1 Bedroom | 1 Full Bathroom Listed for: $379,900 | FMLS #6912965

BONNIE WOLF

ANDRENE ESCOFFERY

404-216-9296

JUST SOLD

678-525-4388

WEST VILLAGE

BILTMORE ESTATES

2153 W VILLAGE LANE SE

1030 BURTON DRIVE NE

4 Bedrooms | 3 Full Bathrooms | 1 Half Bathroom Listed for: $519,000 | FMLS #6908757

5 Bedrooms | 4 Full Bathrooms Listed for: $705,000 | FMLS #6897006

EDGEWOOD

*represented the buyer

1257 ARKWRIGHT PLACE SE

4 Bedrooms | 4 Full Bathrooms Sold for: $785,000 | FMLS #6866901

The Intown Office | 1518 Monroe Dr NE, Ste. E | Atlanta, GA 30324 | 404-897-5558 | HarryNorman.com/Intown

AGEN T

SPOTL

IGHT

Information is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted. Offers subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales, and withdrawals without notice.

SARA HARPER Harry Norman, REALTORS® Intown Office Top Agent

2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020

2019-2021 Sales-to-Date $18+ Million Recently set FOUR RECORD SALES in four different buildings Accredited Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialist Cell: 404-435-0034 | Office: 404-897-5558 Sara.Harper@HarryNorman.com | SaraHarperWeb.HarryNorman.com continued on page 28

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

Joy Myrick

2020 TOP PERFORMER Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

FOR SALE IN VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND

FOR SALE IN MORNINGSIDE

877 HIGHLAND TERRACE

797 CUMBERLAND ROAD

FOR SALE IN MORNINGSIDE

JUST LISTED IN MORNINGSIDE

883 WILDWOOD ROAD

744 E. MORNINGSIDE DRIVE

Offered for $1,795,000

Offered for $875,000

Real estate investment firm plans renovation of historic Rufus M. Rose House

Offered for $1,175,000

Offered for $1,600,000

I have qualified buyers looking for Intown properties in all price ranges. Please call me, or have your agent call me, if you are considering selling your home.

JOY MYRICK REALTOR ® c. 404.408.2331 | o. 404.874.0300 joymyrick@atlantafinehomes.com Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. 1555 Peachtree Street, Suite 100 | Atlanta, Georgia 30309 | atlantafinehomes.com | sir.com

MEDLOCK

$32.95 Service Package (Reg $101.95)

FREE

TRIP SAFETY INSPECTION Valued At $49.95 Cannot Be Combined With Any Other Offer. Must Present Coupon Free for the first 25 people. Expires 8/31/21

$32.95

Service Package Includes Oil Change, Tire Rotation & 27 Point Safety Inspection. Valued at $101.95 Does not include synthetic oil/some filters extra. Expires 8/31/21

Call for an appointment! Monday-Friday 8-6 • Saturday 8-3 404.377.2285 1489 Scott Boulevard MedlockGulf.com 36 AUGUST 2021 |

By Collin Kelley Real estate investment firm UC Asset has purchased the historic Rufus M. Rose House on Peachtree Street with plans to fully restore the 120-year-old mansion. The Atlanta-based company closed the acquisition of the home, located across the street from Emory University Hospital Midtown, on July 7. UC Asset said it plans to fully refurbish the home and work with “city leaders and influencers” to find a suitable use for one of the last Peachtree mansions. “We are working very hard to put together a plan that will not only be loyal to history and beneficial to the current community, but will also provide good investment return to our shareholders,” said Larry Wu, founder of UC Asset. UC Asset’s plans were sanctioned by Atlanta Preservation Center, which is collaborating with the company on the upcoming restoration. “UCASU has committed to preserve this house, and this represents the continued renaissance of Downtown Atlanta through visionary partnerships. The Atlanta Preservation Center is very excited to participate with UCASU in seeing this part of our city’s story both return and welcome future generations to Atlanta,” says David Yoakley Mitchell, the center’s executive director. “Rufus Rose House was our headquarters for years. That adds yet another reason for my personal commitment to this project.” The Rufus Rose House is one of the oldest buildings in metro Atlanta and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Landmark Building Exterior by the City of Atlanta. The home has been vacant and crumbling since the Atlanta Preservation Center moved out in 2001. Over the past 20 years, the home has exchanged hands numerous times with various plans to transform it into offices, a restaurant, and studio and entrepreneur space. Designed by Atlanta architect E.C. Seiz, the Victorian Queen Anne-style home was built in 1901 for the wealthy founder of the R.M. Rose Distillery. Many Atlantans will remember the mansion as home to James H. Elliot’s antique shop and “Atlanta Museum,” which featured an eclectic array of oddities including furniture from Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell’s home, Eli Whitney’s original cotton gin model, and items owned by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Adolf Hitler.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Don’t blame the goldenrod The Environmental Gardener Erica Glasener is the Community Involvement and Events Manager for the Piedmont Park Conservancy. She also serves on the advisory board for Trees Atlanta.

August in Atlanta is a good time to get caught up with your weeding, especially after the recent summer rains we’ve been experiencing. And while it’s not the best time to add plants to your garden (since roots will be slow to get established with high soil temperatures and plants will require extra water), it’s an ideal time to add structures and hardscape, like edging for beds, walls, paths and fences.

planting beds. The materials you choose should complement or be the same as the material that your house is made of. If your house is made of brick, brick edging makes sense.

Fencing Before you install a fence check with your local government or homeowners’ association about any restrictions on how tall fences can be or if they are allowed in the front yard. Fences make great neighbors and offer a place to train vines or provide screening. You can leave them unpainted or plant a hedge in front for a dark backdrop.

Arbor An arbor provides a welcome an entrance to your garden as well as a place to train vines like Climbing hydrangea,

Weeding The best time to weed is after a long, gentle rain during the early morning or evening, when temperatures are bound to be a bit cooler. The soft soil will make it easier to pull out weeds, roots and all. Spending an hour per day weeding can make a difference (or so I keep telling myself ) and you get immediate gratification seeing the results of your labor. But don’t be too hasty. Some perennials, like goldenrod, can be mistaken for weeds by the novice gardener. Goldenrod offers striking yellow summer blooms and comes in a range of sizes. It is also a favorite of pollinators. Unfortunately, this native beauty gets blamed for causing hay fever because it flowers at the same time that ragweed (the real culprit) blooms. The timing of the blooms is the only thing these two plants have in common. Learn to recognize the difference between the foliage and the flowers of goldenrod and ragweed. The good news is that the best way to eradicated ragweed is to pull it out by hand, before or as soon as it blooms. This will keep the plants from spreading by seed and causing you and other unsuspecting visitors to your garden from sneezing or getting watery eyes. When you weed, make sure to wear long sleeves and gloves to avoid any possible skin irritations that this plant may cause.

Ideas for Adding Hardscape Edging If you have flower beds that run right up to the edge of your lawn and there is not any separation between the two, consider adding a stone or brick edge. This will also help keep turf from creeping into your At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

native honeysuckle or crossvine. As with paving, the material you choose for your arbor should complement the style of your house and garden. A tip: If you are putting in an arbor, make sure it is not too skimpy and is in scale with the house and garden. If in doubt, make it one size larger than you think it needs to be. Use substantial size posts to support plants.

Tall Perennials for Summer Cardinal Flower-Lobelia cardinalis – growing 2 to 4 feet (it’s not the tallest, but offers a great August bloom), this beauty grows naturally in moist soils along streams, in swamps and in wooded areas. It also adapts well to a moist well-drained garden soil. Plant it where it gets afternoon shade and it will be happy. The striking red flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds. Cup plant – Silphium perfoliatumGrowing 4 to 8 feet on strong sturdy

stems, this perennial gets its common name from the cup that is formed when the leaves encircle the stem. After it rains you can see the water that collects. Up to 3 inches in diameter the yellow, sun-colored ray flowers are welcome in the hot summer months. Give this plant plenty of room to spread. Goldenrod-Solidago rugosa “Fireworks”– One of many different goldenrods, this one grows 2.5 to 3 feet tall and produces yellow flowers from summer to fall. Plant it in full sun or part shade. It tolerates a range of soil types including wet to well-drained. Just pull out plants if they spread Ironweed-Vernonia noveboracensis – Growing to a height of 4 to 6 feet, this tough guy booms in late summer with rich purple flowers. Give it lots of space and plant it in a natural setting or near a stream. Ironweed grows in full sun or part shade and will tolerate well drained soils.

Joe Pye Weed-Eutrochium purpureum 4 to 7 feet – This pollinator-friendly perennial is tough and beautiful, with large mauve-pink blooms from July to September, when butterflies are drawn to it. Make sure you have space in your garden before you plant it. Combine it with Ironweed and native grasses and plant it in full sun. Purple Coneflower – Echinacea purpurea - Growing 2 to 5 feet tall, the purple ray flowers surround the stiff orange cones. Plant coneflower in full sun or part shade. It prefers a well-drained soil and will tolerate periods of drought. Leave the dead seed heads in place and, come winter, the cones will be a source of food for goldfinches or other birds that eat seeds. When you visit other gardens or public gardens make note of the August blooms and plan to add some of these perennials to your garden in fall or early spring so that you may enjoy them next year. AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

Q&A with Whitney Ray of Wyeth Ray Interiors By Amy Wenk Interior designer Whitney Ray will admit she likes a bit of drama. “You can count on my selections centering around modern-leaning pieces with some antiques peppered in for character,” said the principal of Buckheadbased design firm Wyeth Ray Interiors,

Whitney Ray, principal of Buckheadbased design firm Wyeth Ray Interiors. (Special/CatMax Photography)

REAL ESTATE BRIEFS

▲The Atlanta City Council voted in July to apply for a $1 million federal grant to fund an implementation study for The Stitch, a long-simmering plan to cap part of the Downtown Connector to reconnect the Downtown area while creating new buildable and park space. The funding would come from the recently announced $1 billion Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and

38 AUGUST 2021 |

located on East Paces Ferry Road. “I like a little bit of edge and what I call the ‘good sense of drama.’” Ray was a senior designer for Atlanta firms including Beth Webb and Wolf Designs before launching her own firm alongside architect Joel Kelly in 2017. Reporter Newspapers caught up with Ray to hear what home trends are popular this summer and how she approaches good design. What are the home trends you are seeing this year, especially coming out of the pandemic? That would have to be the deep, saturated colors! I will never part from my love of neutrals, but I’m having fun with the bold colors my clients are requesting. Who wouldn’t want an emerald green, lacquered bar to brighten up their home after spending so much time in quarantine? If your design style was a zodiac sign, what would it be? Gemini. I love contrasts. I will always mix antiques with more streamline, tailored pieces. I personally prefer a slightly more masculine palette in black, white, and family of browns offset with custom pillows in a variety of textures and dressmaker detailing. I like pretty things but will always edit out fussiness so that you can appreciate the juxtaposition of the selections and how they interplay in that setting.

Equity (RAISE) program from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The city will work with the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and Central Atlanta Progress to complete the application. HOME Real Estate has teamed up with Meals On Wheels Atlanta to create The HOME Fund, which supports seniors struggling with food insecurity. Every agent has committed to donate a portion of each commission from closing in the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2021. Proceeds will be used to purchase items of needs for seniors and their pets and pay for unexpected emergencies and home repairs. For more information visit homegeorgia.com and mowatl.org. PadSplit, an affordable housing marketplace that helps lowerincome individuals achieve financial independence, and Partners for HOME, a nonprofit created by the City of Atlanta to lead a coordinated response to ending homelessness in the city, have housed 88

What are some of your recent projects? A weekend mountain home on Lake Toxaway. A modern masterpiece in Chastain Park designed by the talented Plexus R&D. And a Brookhaven home for the owner of CaseMate and his family that sits atop a viewing garage for his rare car collection.

What are some simple things people can do to modernize their decor? Edit. Edit. Edit. I find that even in my own home, I can refresh a space simply by taking some things away. Try using larger statement pieces rather than a lot of small objects. It makes a big difference!

Ray loves to play with contrast in her designs. “I will always mix antiques with more streamline, tailored pieces,” she said. (Special/Jeff Ferr)

individuals through their partnership. “The past year has been an extremely hard one for the underhoused and those who experience homelessness,” said Cathryn Marchman, Partners for HOME chief executive officer. “We have moved as quickly as possible to secure housing for our clients, to keep them safe and help stem the spread of COVID-19 amongst the community. Time and again, we have called on PadSplit to assist with our efforts – sometimes on a moment’s notice – and they have stepped up to the challenge to help those when they need it most.” Visit padsplit.com for more details. Greystar’s 29-story Ascent Peachtree, built atop an existing parking garage at 161 Peachtree Center Ave., is now leasing its 345 units. Rents begin at $1,550 for a studio, while large two-level townhomes are available for $5,000 to $6,510 per month. The property amenities include a co-working space, yoga studio, bike repair area, and concierge services. On the 12th floor, the Spectator will have entertaining space and an outdoor terrace with pool. On the 29th floor, the Elevé terrace will feature more outdoor space, a wine room and lounge.

▼Atlanta-based nonprofit MicroLife Institute held a ribbon cutting in July for Cottages on Vaughan. The new pocket neighborhood, situated on a half-acre lot a block away from downtown Clarkston, includes eight tiny homes, a common green space for gathering, and climate-conscious development features such as solar panels and edible, regenerative landscaping. “This

project is a proof of concept for us.” Will Johnston, Founder and CEO of MicroLife Institute, said. “When people see these homes, they are shocked, they can’t believe the cottages are under 500 square feet, and that’s exactly the reaction we want. Every inch of this space was intentionally built to challenge our perception of space and make us reflect on how we can better utilize it.” Following the project groundbreaking in late 2019, the cottages had already developed an interest list of more than 1,500 people from around the country. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

NEWS YOU CAN EAT

Restaurants � Wine � Events

‘Where is Everybody?’ Restaurants, fast food chains grapple with worker shortage

By Amy Wenk and Collin Kelley If you’ve been to a restaurant or fast food joint lately, you’ve likely noticed “We’re Hiring” signs. That’s because local eateries are struggling to find employees to fill positions after the pandemic shutdown. Fast food restaurants like Cook Out are offering $12 an hour, bonuses, raises, and contributing to health insurance to attract employees. On a recent Saturday afternoon, the Krystal on Northside Drive at 14th in West Midtown had to temporarily shut down its busy drive-thru window as it waited for employees to arrive. But it’s not just the fast food industry that’s facing staffing issues. Karen Bremer, president and CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association, said she believes restaurants across the state are still short 50,000 to 70,000 workers. “Restaurateurs are struggling to find workers. Many have reduced hours and days open due to worker shortages,” Bremer said in a statement. “Some are offering signing bonuses, guaranteed schedules, and higher

hourly wages.” She said the worker shortage would continue for the foreseeable future due to robust consumer demand. Robby Kukler, a partner with Atlantabased Fifth Group Restaurants, said the labor shortage is preventing his company from reopening one of its restaurants. Fifth Group operates ten restaurants including South City Kitchen, Alma Cocina, Lure, Ecco, El Taco and La Tavola, with locations in areas such as Buckhead, Virginia-Highland and Midtown. Alma Cocina in downtown Atlanta has been closed since March 2020. Fifth Group hoped to reopen in July, but the company has been unable to hire the management team needed to open the doors. Its other restaurants have staggered open hours, with only two restaurants open seven days a week. “We are trying to be strategic about when will we do business,” Kukler said. “But it also comes down to when can your staff work.” He added the company still needs to hire in excess of 100 people. In fact, its peak

employment before the pandemic (Including its catering company Bold Catering & Design) was around 950 workers. Today, it has about 450 workers. “It’s a very complicated issue,” Kukler said of the labor issue, and it’s not just unique to the restaurant business. Due to the pandemic, he said, “there are a lot of people around the world who are thinking about life. I think people took opportunities maybe to change careers or try something on their own or just can take a little more time off this summer.” To help attract workers, Fifth Group has a “generous and aggressive referral program” where it offers current employees $500 if they refer a new hourly employee. The company also offers signing bonuses for new hourly workers, giving them an additional $1,000 after they work 100 days. Plus, hourly wages for back-of-house staff, such as line cooks and dishwashers, now range from $15 to $22 per hour. “It really isn’t attracting a lot of people,” Kukler said. “Where is everybody?” He said he’s unsure when the industry will recover, as he wonders how cooler weather this fall and the spread of the COVID delta variant could affect the state, which has low vaccination rates. His message to the public? “Get vaccinated.” Mitchell Anderson, who owns MetroFresh in Midtown, said he’d also been having trouble finding workers, including a cook. “I have posted on several platforms, I’ll get limited interest with even fewer qualified people,” Anderson said. “‘ll make appointments for people to come in for an interview and 90 percent of the time they don’t even show up. It’ super frustrating and ultimately may lead to shorter hours for the restaurant if I can’t fill the position soon.” Dunwoody resident and hospitality

veteran David Abes said he’s never seen a worker shortage like this in his 30-year career. “That’s the number one topic for my clients – staffing,” said Abes, owner of Dash Hospitality, a restaurant consulting business. Abes is also behind a planned restaurant and entertainment district in the Dunwoody Village that’s expected to start construction in August. “I think it has to do with attitude and the perception of restaurant business,” he said, explaining that with the pandemic, many people started to examine their quality of life and the hours they spent working. He’s finding workers are “hesitant to go back into the hospitality business.” In response, restaurant owners are having to think about how to run their operations differently. Some are using technology to counter labor shortages, such as investing in pay-at-the-table devices and new equipment to help automate back-of-house operations, Abes said. “The good operators have pivoted,” he said, adding he’s optimistic that early next year the industry will start to recover as more people return to work. A recent survey conducted by job search website Indeed doesn’t offer any immediate relief but is hopeful for the fall. The survey indicated that workers don’t feel a sense of urgency to get back to work this summer. However, many unemployed workers said increased vaccination against COVID-19, shrinking savings, and the opening of schools in the fall will be key catalysts for stepping up their job searches, the survey said. Georgia recently withdrew from pandemic programs that allowed unemployed residents to get extra financial support from the federal government, so that could also motivate people to return to work.

NEW RESTAURANT RADAR Serena Pastificio is now serving Italian cuisine with homemade pasta at Colony Square in Midtown. Find out more at serena-pastificio. com.

40 AUGUST 2021 |

The owners of Il Localino have reopened under a new name Amore e Amore at 467 N. Highland Ave. in Inman Park serving up classic Italian. See the menu at amoreeamore.com.

Ponce City Market favorite Saint-Germain has opened a new bakery and café at The Interlock, 1115 Howell Mill Rd., in West Midtown serving up French pastries, grilled sandwiches, quiches, and soups. Find out more at facebook.com/saintgermainfrenchbakery.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Tickets on sale for Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

A rendering of the interior of Reverence at Epicurean Atlanta.

Foodie Vacation

Epicurean Hotel will be dining destination By Collin Kelley

By Collin Kelley The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AFWF) returns to Historic Fourth Ward Park this year with its Tasting Tents on Saturday, Sept. 11 and Sunday, Sept. 12. Chefs and mixologists will be on hand along with wine pop-up stations, a cocktail garden, live music, and an interactive food and beverage pairing area. A percent of proceeds from this year’s curated dinners, lunches and brunches supports local charities Second Helpings Atlanta and Children of Conservation. “We’re happy to be back, doing what we love, which is creating and executing first class events for our consumers, chefs and partners,” says Brett Friedman, Partner & CEO of Agency 21, which owns and operates Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. “This year especially, we are looking forward to showcasing creative cuisine with talented chefs from all 13 Southern states, as a tribute to returning to normalcy.” After a pandemic pause, when the festival commenced in a virtual capacity, attendees can once again connect live and in-person in the Tasting Tents to indulge in the South’s finest flavors, featuring the up-and-coming as well as some favorite destinations and memorable brands. Tasting Tent tickets are now on sale with early bird pricing available until July 23. The festival’s lineup of intimate dinners, lunches and brunches taking place from September 9 through September 12 will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit atlfoodandwinefestival.com.

If you’ve ever wanted to take a foodie vacation, then checking into the new culinarythemed Epicurean Atlanta hotel in Midtown might just make your mouth water. The hotel, which is part of Selig Development’s 1105 West Peachtree development, is taking reservations for a late September opening. Epicurean’s signature restaurant, Reverence, will be under the direction of Executive Chef Ewart Wardhaugh and feature a seasonally adapted menu of fresh fish, meats, and produce. The Epicurean Theatre will present guests the opportunity to watch, learn, experience, and create with award-winning chefs, star mixologists, buzzworthy winemakers and talented artists to bring their inner connoisseur to life. Aerial Kitchen & Bar will be in a garden setting on the 9th level Sky Terrace adjacent to the hotel pool. The menu will offer signature cocktails and seasonal bites. Hotel guests enjoying a swim will be able to get private poolside cabana service. Situated across from the entrance to the hotel in the development’s 31-story office tower, The Office Bar is being positioned for casual meetings, collaborative lunches, or pre-dinner cocktails. The space will have lounge seating, communal tables, and bar seating. Lunch and dinner will be served seven days a week, with an emphasis on salads, hearty bowls, cocktails, local craft beers and an elevated wine list. Along with the hotel and office tower, the 1105 West Peachtree development will also have a 64-unit luxury condo tower, and those residents will also have access to the restaurants and bars. The hotel itself will have 178 guest rooms including 22 suites and 11,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor adaptable function space for meetings and events.

BREAKFAST THE FLYING BISCUIT CAFÉ ALSO OFFERS YOUR FAVORITES FOR LUNCH AND DINNER!

Incoming

WE’RE HIRING! VISIT FLYINGBISCUIT.COM TO APPLY

CANDLER PARK & MIDTOWN

MONDAY - THURSDAY: 8AM - 4PM FRIDAY - SUNDAY: 8AM - 8PM

..................

MUJŌ: Castellucci Hospitality Group’s latest venture will have sushi and more. (Fall)

..................

Chattahoochee Food Works: Selvasana, Grub Truck Stop, and Delilah’s Everyday Soul are the latest concepts announced for the food hall. (Fall) LET US CATER YOUR NEXT EVENT! CATERING: 404.849.2283

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

Dine-in Or Take-out

How the wine tasting thing goes One of the most interesting aspects of working in wine is the process of tasting. Each week, we sit down with purveyors, winemakers, and importers to try a series of wines, sometimes it is 3 wines and sometimes it is 30. This may sound like all we do is sit around and drink all day, but these tastings are used for some very specific purposes. There are over 4,200 wineries in California. Consider for a moment that California makes up 60% of American market share for wine, but worldwide America is fourth in production level. Italy dominates the volume of wine produced; they make more than double the U.S. each year. Between the two of us there are nearly 20 years of wine tasting. but we have yet to scratch the surface of the wine world even though we have tried thousands of wines. In the time we have been tasting, there Katie Rice & Sarah Pierre is rarely an occasion when we try wines Rice owns VinoTeca in Inman Park and Pierre owns 3 Parks Wine Shop in more than once. Taking in new vintages Glenwood Park. and constantly learning and exploring new regions (Switzerland!) and grapes (Kékfrankos!) to keep our guests in the know. Absorbing as much information about the world of wine is what drives our passion in this business; it is an endless pursuit of education. The most complex question is do we like the wine or more importantly, will the consumer like it? There are plenty of wines that have knocked our socks off, but we didn’t pick them up. Sometimes, it is simply that it doesn’t fit our program, but price is also a factor. We always want to make sure the price is appropriate for the wine that is in front of us. Our integrity lies in the wine that we sell. There is nothing in our stores that we haven’t tasted and deemed appropriate. So, here is how this tasting thing goes. The moment the wine hits the glass, we are looking at color. Is the wine clear or is there sediment? This would indicate filtration levels. Is it pale or more golden? This helps with type of grape as well as age. Next, we swirl and take a sniff. The nose of a wine is one of the most important factors as our brain relies on our schnoz for much of the flavors we receive. There is a deduction of any noticeable flaws: wet cardboard (cork taint), acetone, oxidation, sulfur. Then we take in the different aromas the wine gives. Katie thinks of the smells as colors, for example is it red like raspberries and cherries or Jenny Lemay black like plums and leather. As buyers, we are making sure that the wine smells like it is supposed to; Merlot should have notes of coffee and cherry with a slight herbaceous lift. Then we taste. Our goal here is again, to note the quality, flavor profile including acid, tannin, and alcohol levels. Also, we always spit the wine out. If we were to consume everything we tasted, you would often find us on the floor! Each wine we taste, we make a record of what we tried and often use secret code for what we like. At VinoTeca we use hearts, the more you get the more we like it and if they are filled in then it’s a winner! Sarah uses the heart and a star approach. Stars are for the winners, while hearts express true love. Katie sat down with Jenny Lemay, Sommelier at Aria in Buckhead, to discuss tasting for work. Her goals for tasting are first and foremost quality. How does the product represent itself? She states, “each wine has a unique fingerprint - does it speak to typicity or where it’s from, but also does it show the winemaker’s touch? And how does that all come together?” The next question is application, how it fits into the program. “Even when you fall in love with a wine you have to say, ‘Do we need this?’ I may love Sancerre, but I don’t need six of them.” Another factor is availability. Yes, we all want those unicorn wines, the ones we only get once a year and sell out immediately, but consistency is what diners prefer at their

Women + Wine

Mexican Restaurant 2895 North Decatur Rd Decatur, GA 30033

(404) 508-0404

Hours: 11am to 10:30pm

Buy any two fajita dinners, get

$7 OFF OR

Buy any two combination dinners with two drinks, get

Dinner 1 FREE Not valid with any other combination offer. Expires 8/31/21

55O SOMERSET TER. NE - #1O1, ATL, GA 3O3O6 NEWREALMBREWING.COM 42 AUGUST 2021 |

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

favorite spots. With the current state of the supply chain this is extremely relevant. Lemay notes, “it is hard to keep interest when certain wines are hard to keep in stock. It’s painful when a guest falls in love with something and you have to say, ‘Hopefully we’ll have more next year.’” This phenomenon will, hopefully, be short lived, but every part of the industry is affected from cardboard and glass shortage (Spain is in crisis) to a transportation logjam internationally. The trickle-down effect is real and has compounding consequences. Yes, our jobs are fun and we do get to experience a world that is exciting and interesting but we are also business women who are creating a collection we want to pass on to our guests. It is a pretty awesome job! As Jenny concluded “ we sacrifice ourselves daily as membranes through which to filter out a huge lot of boring and mediocre juice so you can have the best.” We do all of it for you!

Sarah’s Wine Pick 2017 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Domaine de Thalabert Crozes Hermitage, Côtes du Rhône, France What can I say, I love Syrah. Especially when it’s from France, or California. There are a few things I always look for when selecting a syrah for 3 Parks. I typically gravitate to concentrated flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and cassis. Cracked black pepper is always present with savory and smoky flavors that syrah is known for, reminiscent of bacon fat or cured meats. Whether it’s full-bodied like Domaine de Thalabert, or a bit more of a restrained style like Pax North Coast Syrah, the wines always identify appropriately and taste varietally correct. Available at 3 Parks Wine Shop for $49.99

UNDER CONTRACT E LUX

222 12th Street #806

1405 Cornell Road

Offered for $989,000

Offered for $799,000

MIDTOWN

DRUID HILLS

JUST LISTED 717 Piedmont Avenue MIDTOWN

Offered for $3,250,000 Listed by Carolyn Calloway & Charles Huff

FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE CAROLYN CALLOWAY

C: 404.312.6700 | O: 404.233.4142 Carolyn.Calloway@HarryNorman.com

For its 10th anniversary, Ford Fry’s restaurant no. 246 in Decatur has debuted a new “mafia”-style persona, which pays homage to the old-school, Italian dining scenes of yesteryear. The new persona also includes a new design and a new menu led by the newly advanced executive chef Dave Stockford including pizzas and pastas. Find out more at no246.com. Le Bilboquet and Le Colonial have been honored for their outstanding wine programs in Wine Spectator’s 2021 Restaurant Awards. The annual program recognizes restaurants around the world as a top destination for wine lovers. The Dinner Club, a subscription food delivery program, has launched in Atlanta. Tell the club how many people are in your household and how many meals you want delivered per week and meals from local restaurants are delivered at pre-selected times. Restaurants already partnered with Club include Fat Matt’s, Sukoshi, Momonoki, Bantam and Biddy, Osteria 832, Doc Cheys, Rreal Tacos and more to come. Visit eatdinnerclub.com for details. ►Author Amanda Plumb explores the city’s treasured restaurants in Unique Eats & Eateries of Atlanta, which is out now from Reedy Press. You’ll learn the surprising stories behind some of Atlanta’s most unique dining establishments from classic Southern restaurants, to Malaysian street food, burritos with a cult following, and an entire shopping plaza dedicated to Indian culture and cuisine. The book is available at your favorite local bookshop or Amazon. Restaurant RIP: Old Fourth Ward’s Serpas True Food has closed after more than a decade, while Lazy Llama Cantina in Morningside has also shuttered after just a year. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

MENU CHANGES DAILY

QUICK BITES

Food-O-Rama is Aug. 28 in Grant Park from 1 to 8 p.m. featuring food trucks and beverages. Tickets are $10 at eventeny.com by searching for the event.

HarryNorman.com | The above information is believed accurate, but is not warranted. This offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale and withdrawals without notice.

August @ MetroFresh! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Bar Sunday Funday Sliders - Every Sunday from 4-8 Saturday Night Date Night featuring Guest Chef - Ray “Mundo” Scott Now Serving FROZEN Cocktails!

Seven Days a Week

Monday-Thursday • 7am-9pm Friday • 7am-10pm Saturday • 8am-10pm Sunday • 10am-8pm

Every night in August bring someone to dinner and your second entree is

50% off

www.metrofreshatl.com

931 Monroe Dr., Atlanta | 404-724-0151 | Located in the Midtown Promenade AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

THE STUDIO

Arts � Culture � Music

Without Limits

Exhibition of British street artist Banksy coming to Underground Atlanta after the success of the immersive Van Gogh exhibition at Pratt Pullman Yard. “I think Banksy’s work will resonate with the people of Atlanta,” Biallas commented. “Banksy has a unique power to express strong political statements with poetry, energy and humor with an unnerving ability to get to the heart of the subject matter. Any location that features Banksy’s work becomes the place to see.” Curating an exhibition of Banksy has been “challenging and unique” Biallas said since much of the artist’s wellknown political and social commentary pieces were spray-painted on buildings and public sites – many now painted over, removed, or defaced. This isn’t to say Banksy hasn’t participated in any exhibitions or created art for public sale. He famously sold signed canvasses of his work on the streets of New York for just $60 in 2013 and his large-scale canvas “Devolved Parliament” – depicting members of the UK parliament as chimpanzees – sold

By Collin Kelley

“T

he Art of Banksy: Without Limits” exhibition is moving to Underground Atlanta for its opening this fall. Originally set for the Westside Cultural Arts Center, which recently hosted the Sistine Chapel exhibit, the presenters decided to make a venue change due to “strong interest” in tickets. The show will run Sept. 3 to Jan. 9. According to Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Global Entertainment, more than 20,000 tickets have already been sold in Atlanta and he expects 100,000 people to see the exhibition before it leaves next year. The exhibit is set to include more than 150 pieces, including certificated original works, reproductions of Banksy’s famed graffiti, photos, sculptures, murals, installations, digital installations and a video mapping show created specifically for the run. “We’re expecting 1,000 to 1,500 visitors each day to the exhibit, so Underground Atlanta is the perfect venue and atmosphere,” Biallas said. Biallas said the exhibition would stretch down Underground’s main street, and with its old brick walls and storefronts would be a perfect fit for Banksy’s street art. The exhibition of work by the famed, anonymous British street artist has generated controversy, some of it by Banksy himself, who has disavowed similar shows around the world. Biallas said his steam had been working

44 AUGUST 2021 |

for a record £9.9 million in London in 2019. The artist made headlines around the world in 2018 when a canvas of his famous “Balloon Girl” was sold at Sotheby’s in London for over £1 million. Shortly after the auction, a shredder he’d dhidden in the frame destroyed the work. Of course, one of the most enduring and alluring things about the work of Banksy is that no one has been able to unmask him for more than 30 years. Rumors continue to swirl about Banksy’s identity, with speculation that he’s artist Robin Gunningham or Robert Del Naja of the band Massive Attack, among others. Biallas said he hopes Banksy’s identity is never revealed. “I think part of the power of his message is that he’s anonymous,” he said. Tickets start at $29.20 available now through ArtOfBanksy.com. All tickets purchased previously for the Westside Cultural Arts Center remain valid for the confirmed time.

Dragon Con, Atlanta Jazz Festival return live Labor Day weekend

with Pest Control, which is the only authorized authenticator of Banksy’s work, to make sure the exhibition doesn’t fall afoul of the artist. Biallas said Atlanta was chosen for the U.S. premiere of “Without Limits”

The sci-fi and fantasy festival Dragon Con returns to Downtown, while music will fill the air at Piedmont Park at the Atlanta Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend. Dragon Con, set for Sept. 2 to 6, will feature panels, gaming, cosplay, the annual parade and Patti Austin the opportunity to meet celebrities from beloved movies and shows. This year, a “Battlestar Gallactica” reunion is in the offing featuring Edward James Olmos, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Michael Trucco, and Mary McDonnell, as well as “Smallville” stars Tom Welling, Michael Rosembaum, Laura Vandervoot, and Erica Durance, and “Shazam!” star Zachary Levi. Find out more and get tickets at dragoncon.org. Over in Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Jazz Festival will be held Sept. 5 and 6 with a lineup that includes Archie Shepp, Patti Austin, Brenda Nicole Moorer, Pasqual Grasso, Yuko Mabuchi, and more. Admission is free. See the full lineup and get more details at atlantafestivals.com.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

On the Grid

Ashley Anderson’s art inspired by video games, pop culture By Isadora Pennington He might be the nicest artist in Atlanta. Ashley Anderson, with his bushy beard and warm, inviting personality, has been one of the city’s most prolific and multifaceted artists since he moved here nearly 14 years ago. His works span a number of mediums, including illustration, watercolors, acrylics, screen printing, graphic design, murals, 3D works, cyanotypes, and even a mug series he calls ‘Death Metal Santas’ that he produces around the holidays. Central threads that unite his varied artworks are an affinity for

Walmart for Nintendo, so I kind of went crazy that following year,” explained Anderson. “I was downloading tons of games and playing them but also thinking about art history and philosophy in my classes and it started to all swim together. I started to see how you could use these images to talk about things that had nothing to do with videogames but would be attractive and accessible.” One example of this correlation between fine arts, pop culture, and videogames is his Marilyn Monroe series. The pieces which he rendered using his grid system came into the public eye even

Artist Ashley Anderson on his porch in Cabbagetown (Photo by Isadora Pennington)

videogames, pop culture icons, movies, a robust sense of humor, and a deep fascination with art history and philosophy. These days, Anderson frequently participates in artist markets in addition to online sales via social media, graphic design work for clients, and the occasional gallery show. One of Anderson’s most iconic styles is what he calls “pixel work.” These pieces are frequently interpretations of classic subject matter such as still lifes of flowers, bowls, vases, as well as recognizable faces from pop culture. He renders these images using a grid system and carefully chosen color palettes into pieces that are reminiscent of 80s videogame graphics. In contrast to the loud, sometimes chaotic, and always moving nature of these games, his paintings are quiet and contemplative both in creation and observation. “Growing up in Sandersville we didn’t have a lot of options to buy at the local At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

more when the High Museum of Art purchased three of his pieces in 2014, displaying them prominently just off the lobby during the special Andy Warhol exhibition in 2017. As Anderson explains it, the works, which he calls Shinobi Marilyn, are a play on Andy Warhol’s portraits of Marilyn Monroe styled as if they were created for a SEGA game. Anderson has also recently been churning out a number of bumper stickers

and shirts that are both screen printed and hand drawn. They often feature a recognizable character such as Garfield or Charlie Brown which have been modified, and in his word, “recycled,” to present a different and humorous message. “Jokes,” said Anderson when asked

how he chooses his subject matter. “If something’s funny I’m more likely to do it.” Often these images go viral and his designs have been picked up by fans from near and far. A design he created of E.T. giving the finger ended up being reproduced as a painting on a port-a-potty, and his 3D pixel gun idea was remade and produced en masse both locally and as far away as Mexico. While sometimes the stealing gets to him, he remains mostly unbothered. “As long as they are clever or funny, I am totally cool with it,” says Anderson. “There’s recycling, and it’s a joke. But I also understand where I fall in the chain of the life of an image.” The dining room of Anderson’s Cabbagetown home that he shares with a roommate has been nearly consumed by artwork, tools, and supplies. On the table is a screen print press set up to create his newest design of a UFO with the letters ATL on it. Nearby, signs and prints lean against a shelf that is stacked with Santa mugs, books, paints, and brushes. An assortment of sketchbooks on the kitchen are filled with his doodles dating back to middle school. Art is Anderson’s life, and it pervades every aspect of his existence. From sketches of people he sees on MARTA to a series of literally hundreds of Coke cups he doodled on during his time working at Fellini’s Pizza on Ponce, he is constantly creating art. He even let me in on a little secret project that he is doing for reasons yet unknown to him: crafting miniature bones out of tin foil wrappers from burritos that he orders at restaurants. He has boxes full of them, and he’s not sure how, if ever, he will display them. These bones are just another creative pursuit, another hobby, another manifestation of his love of creation. Whether it’s for pay or for pleasure, Anderson takes joy in making artwork and has no plans of stopping. “To some extent I believe that if you get an idea, it’s your responsibility to do something with it – to realize it. You never know what it is that you’re going to make that’s going to resonate with people. So, to some degree that frees you to do whatever you want to do, and it’s always more attractive innately if you’re having an authentic reaction.” AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

Reopen. Reignite. Reconnect.

During these uncertain times, HammerSmith is here for you and your family. We provide safe, essential services, architectural designs and home renovations. Start planning today for how to live better in a changed world.

8 Acknowledging the scourge and pain of the past 15 months, but with a hopeful eye to the future, the theme for this year’s ELEVATE Atlanta Art Festival is Reopen. Reignite. Reconnect. ELEVATE, the name by which the city’s premier annual public art festival is commonly known, will

Inside the Arts Camille Russell Love

Camille Russell Love Love has been executive director of the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (@atlantaoca) for more than two decades.

begin Labor Day weekend and end in late October. The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) launched ELEVATE in October 2011. Initially, OCA staff created the curated, temporary public art program to focus attention on and showcase specific Atlanta communities— using as its creative fuel local artists and neighborhood resources. The goal was to utilize free public art activities and events as driving forces for good— art appreciation, civic responsibility, social justice, economic and cultural vitality, and community pride. In the past, ELEVATE staff identified

46 AUGUST 2021 |

a neighborhood each year and researched its history and cultural resources to see how they could help enliven and enrich the community. They selected a curator, convened interested partners, and galvanized City of Atlanta and other resources. The result was a 7-10-day event that included performances, temporary and permanent art installations, community dinners, tours and engaging hands-on activities. ELEVATE 2021: Reopen. Reignite. Reconnect. will include much of the same. The principal difference will be its scope and citywide partnerships with cultural organizations and businesses. This year’s ELEVATE will be expanded to include eight sectors of the Atlanta metro area: Southwest and Southeast Atlanta, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead, the east and westsides of Atlanta, Midtown and Downtown. Beginning with the return of the Atlanta Jazz Festival on Sunday, September 5, and on each weekend through Sunday, October 31, 2021, one Atlanta metro sector will be an ELEVATE focal point. Artist and activist Charmaine Minniefield will serve as curator this year. A sign of the times, perhaps, ELEVATE 2021 is expanding and becoming more inclusive and multicultural. And, as is its tradition, ELEVATE is bringing together City of Atlanta and other resources to highlight what makes Atlanta unique – while increasing the city’s cultural and economic vitality. Fore more about the festival, visit elevateatlart.com. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Listen to ‘The Voice of Winter’ I’ve been blessed to have met many successful professionals in my industry and call them friends. These people have voices as different as they are. About 50 years ago, I heard a voice like no other. That voice belonged to Jeff Winter. Jeff’s voice was not the typical “radio voice” we were accustomed to hearing. By that I mean big pipes, or a somewhat

From the Crates Kelly McCoy is a veteran Atlanta broadcaster who writes about the days popular music only came on vinyl records, which often were stored in crates.

deeper voice. His voice wasn’t high, but it wasn’t low, either. It was smooth, casual, and velvety. Not weak by any means, but natural and unaffected. Many radio types yell, grunt or growl. And there are other adjectives that could be used to describe their delivery: one technical term we use in the business is “puking.” I first heard Jeff on WQXI FM, the sister station of WQXI, “Quixie in Dixie,” the legendary Top 40 AM station that produced a list of well-known radio and voice talent long enough to rival any station. (A fact many Atlanta radio fans don’t know is that WQXI FM once had the call letters WKXI. When Jeff began his radio tenure in Atlanta, he actually started on KXI.) Jeff is a native New Yorker who started his career after being bitten by the radio bug in the nation’s Number One market. As a young 15 year old, Jeff was allowed to observe onsite remote broadcasts by WNBC for hours at a time. The program director was impressed by his enthusiastic interest in the station. Jeff was invited to visit the studios and sit in with people on the air to watch real live radio from a heritage station in the famous RCA Building. Fast forward a few years. After getting his first full time job at 17, then At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Kelly McCoy, left, and Jeff Winter

volunteering and working at a handful of New York area stations, Uncle Sam invited Jeff to join the U.S. Army. While he was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Jeff was assigned to the Public Information Office as a Broadcast Specialist. During his stay, he entered a talent show at the service club with a comedy act that had him lip synching records. He won! His artistic abilities, along with his comedy later got him transferred to Fort McPherson

This is the beginning of his time at WKXI-FM, later known as WQXI FM. Jeff later became the morning man at a brand-new station called WKLS, perhaps better known as 96 Rock. Both of these stations changed the landscape of Atlanta radio in major ways. Jeff worked in many different jobs at the stations but recording commercials with clients interested him the most. Commercials are how stations generate revenue. They were the only way in those days. Jeff really dove into creating and voicing these spots. He’d always enjoyed great commercials, and what was required to make them work. Working the morning show left him plenty of extra time to pursue auditions for freelance voice work. Once he succeeded

in getting some really big accounts in the region, more exposure meant more attention from agents…locally, and nationally. Long-time Atlantans may remember the HiFi Buys spots voiced by Jeff. The first national TV account he landed was for Fresca. “National” translates to “huge” in the voiceover industry. While home for the summer in New York, Jeff pounded the pavement and had dozens of auditions…but turned up nothing. He still pursued his dream. After leaving 96 Rock, Jeff went back to New York, and won two of four auditions. One of these led to network TV. “Network” means “huge,” too! He never looked back. Based in Atlanta, Jeff spent a lot of time over the next several decades commuting to New York to do voice work and network TV. He was heard by millions. Jeff has slowed down a bit, but he is still one of the most respected people in the voiceover world, both as a talent and a person. I called this article “The Voice of Winter.” Now you know it has nothing to do with the season. Jeff Winter is voice actor. Many voiceover people are doing admirable jobs, but true voice actors take their gifted instruments to much higher levels. Not only with audio commercials, but anywhere a recording of a voice is needed. Maybe you’ll be fortunate enough to hear Jeff.

Seeking nominations of students for our 13th Annual 20 Under 20 issue.

20 20 UNDER

The 13th annual 20 Under 20 will appear in our January 2022 issue and we are now seeking nominations of students from public schools, private schools, and colleges ages 19 and younger who have contributed to the community in a significant way.

in Atlanta, and he joined a “traveling troupe of soldiers.” This group toured the Southeast, and that’s how Jeff finished his military career. I guess it was the Southern hospitality that lured this northern young man to stick around for a while.

Here’s the information we need: ■ Nominator (name, relationship to nominee and contact information) ■ Nominee (Name, age, grade, school, parent or guardian names, contact information) ■ Characteristics and service: Please provide a paragraph describing why this nominee deserves recognition. Include service projects, goals, and areas of interest. ■ A high resolution photograph (1MB in size or more) of the student in any setting. The deadline for nominations is Nov. 1, 2021. Please email your nominations to editor Collin Kelley at collin@atlantaintownpaper.com. AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

HEAD FOR THE HILLS

LAKE AND MOUNTAIN LIVING

A Weekend in Chattanooga Where to stay, what to see, and where to eat in Scenic City Hunter Museum

The Read House

By Collin Kelley and Chad Radford

Hair of the Dog

When you think of Chattanooga, the kitschy cuteness of Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium probably spring to mind, but there’s plenty more fun to be had in the Scenic City besides gnomes and fish. Chattanooga is perfect for a weekend getaway. Just a two-hour drive from Atlanta, it’s a straight shot up I-75 to a city with a decidedly more laid-back vibe. Lookout Mountain rises over the city, while the serpentine Tennessee River winds its way through downtown.

Incline Railway

Where To Stay There are plenty of Airbnb options to be had, but why not try a boutique hotel like the historic Read House (thereadhousehotel.com) or in the Edwin Hotel (theedwinhotel.com) in downtown? The Bluff View Inn (bluffviewartdistrictchattanooga.com), nestled along the river in the city’s Bluff View Arts District (more on that below), is actually three different historic homes: the English Tudor-style McClellan House, the American Foursquare T.C. Thompson House, and the Colonial Revival Martin House. If you want to get historic and touristy, The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel (choochoohotel.com) is located in the circa 1909 Terminal Station and adjacent restored Pullman cars. There’s also gorgeous gardens, live music, and dining on the station grounds.

48 AUGUST 2021 |

What To See The Bluff View Arts District situated high above the Tennessee River is a great place to start your weekend. Stroll through the River Gallery Sculpture Garden, grab a coffee of freshly roasted joe at Rembrandt’s Coffee House, have dinner at Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria, and enjoy the stunning views from the neighborhood. Another artsy place with a view is the Hunter Museum of American Art (huntermuseum.org), also situated along the river, with fantastic views outside and thought-provoking art inside it’s three galleries. On show through Sept. 6 is “Power, Passion & Pose: Photographs by Ken Browar and Deborah Ory,” while Chattanooga artist Baggs McKinley’s

denim installation “Indigo” is up until next February. Susan J. Barron’s photography series, “Depicting the Invisible: A Portrait Series of Veterans Suffering from PTSD,” opens Aug. 20. After the museum, take a walk across the river on the pedestrian-only Walnut Street Bridge, which connects downtown to the hip and happening NorthShore neighborhood. The circa 1890 truss bridge plays host to the annual Wine Over Water Food + Wine Festival in October (it’s on hold until 2022) and is vacation selfie central. Once you cross the bridge. check out the NorthShore (northshorechattanooga. com) mix of independent clothing and jewelry boutiques, cozy cafes, gastropubs, and popular neighborhood restaurants. Grab coffee at (Be)Caffeinated or Stone Cup Café, a gourmet hot dog at Good Dog, some authentic Japanese at Sushi Nabe, or a sandwich at River Street Deli.

If you’ve never been to the Tennessee Aquarium (tnaqua.org), it’s a much different experience than Atlanta’s. Located in downtown, the aquarium’s 400,000 gallon freshwater tank is one of the largest in the world with turtles, seahorses, frogs, otters, alligators, and free-flying songbirds, The 700,000 saltwater tank has sharks, rays, penguins, and fluttering butterflies. Yes, Lookout Mountain – home to Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway – is a tourist trap, but it still has its charms, especially if the kids are in tow. Rock City’s twisting paths lead visitors past and through formations like Fat Man’s Squeeze, Fairyland Caverns, and Mother Goose Village. If you aren’t claustrophobic, take the plunge into the middle of the mountain to see the giant underground waterfall knowns as Ruby Falls. And if heights aren’t a problem, the one-mile Incline Railway up the side of the mountain offers unparalleled views of the city.

What To Eat Market Street in downtown is full of eateries to try on your weekend getaway. Grab a casual breakfast or lunch at Kenny’s (kennyssandwiches.com), just a short walk from Chattanooga Choo Choo. Hair of the Dog (hairofthedogpub.net) offers up craft beers and good pub grub, while St. John’s is located inside a historic former hotel building serving up seasonal, American fare. For a sweet treat, Clumpies (clumpies.com) ice cream has been a Chattanooga tradition for more than two decades.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Your trusted advisor in Blue Ridge. #1 Agent, Northeast Georgia

662 Eaton Road

3794 Zion Hill Road

offered for $3,200,000

offered for $2,800,000

1000 Mulkey Road

544 East Main Street

offered for $1,700,000

offered for $2,500,000

550 East Main Street

214 Old Mill Pond Road

offered for $3,000,000

offered for $699,000

Kim Knutzen REALTOR®

c: 770.402.1908 o: 706.613.HOME KIM@ANSLEYRE.COM GUIDETOBLUERIDGE.COM 706.613.HOME | ANSLEYRE.COM | 116 WEST MAIN ST. UNIT 1C, BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513 All data believed to be accurate but not warranted. If you have any existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal housing opportunity.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

A Little Piece of Heaven

Folk artist Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden is a unique experience

By Chad Radford “I took the pieces you threw away, put them together by night and day. Washed by the rain. Dried by the sun. A million pieces all in one.” — Howard Finster Just under a two-hour drive from Atlanta, the small town of Summerville is home to Paradise Garden, the former house, studio, and stomping ground of folk

artist and Baptist minister, Howard Finster. As the story goes, one day in 1976, Finster was touching up the paint on a bicycle when a face appeared in the paint telling him to create sacred art – 5,000 pieces. And that’s exactly what he did, but he didn’t stop there. Finster was a man of visions, and he became an obsessive chronicler of these visions through his art and words. He had a busy mind, and even busier hands. Now,

70th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair Summer Line-Up

Paradise Garden is teeming with nearly 47,000 individual sculptures, paintings, mosaics, and out buildings that he created before he died in 2001. It’s enough work to take an entire lifetime to untangle. Taken together, the work constitutes its own landscape within the four-acre property, standing in the shadow of the iconic Prayer Tower. Finster saw true beauty in the world, especially in the trashed, discarded items that other people had thrown away, which became his medium. His charm was not lost on his contemporaries. Finster’s work landed him an appearance on the Johnny Carson show. The Talking Heads used his artwork on the cover of 1985’s Little Creatures, and R.E.M. filmed much of the “Radio Free Europe” video there. Pop artist Keith Haring, who died shortly after visiting Paradise Garden, is even represented by his signature style along the path. Taking a leisurely stroll along the path through the cluttered buildings and towering fixtures is the best way to soak up the mystical beauty of the labyrinth

Continued on Page 52

Concerts Camping Events Hiawassee | 706-896-4191

GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com 50 AUGUST 2021 |

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

Continued from page 50

he built. Finster created a truly inviting environment here, a gathering place without pretense. And it can be as secular as one makes it—no fire and brimstone on display

here. Paradise Garden is a fantasmagorical experience. The sheer quantity of Finster’s work and the whimsical flourishes on display chronicle the South in captivating and endearing ways. If you’d like to take a stroll through Finster’s world under the moonlight, Paradise Garden offers three Airbnb’s suites. Packages include the cost of admission to the park with unlimited access to the grounds. The duplex cottage is decorated by acclaimed designer Summer Loftin. See the website for details about each suite and the shared front porch. A perfect time to visit Paradise Garden might Oct. 9-0 when the annual “Finsterfest” will bring together three stages of live music and more than 60 folk and craft artist. For more information, visit paradisegardenfoundation. org.

Fair Time!

Georgia Mountain Fair returns with new rides, music, and more By Collin Kelley Like everything else last year, the Georgia Mountain Fair was cancelled due to the pandemic, but it’s whirling back to life Aug. 13-21 in Hiawassee. The 70th annual fair will feature a new midway vendor who will be bringing all new carnival rides to the fairgrounds. There will also be games, arts & crafts, and musical performances. This year’s live music shows will include The Gatlin Brothers, Wyatt Espalin, Andrew Chastain Band, The Primitives, T. Graham Brown, Country River Band, Southwind, Darryl Worley, and Ronnie McDowell. Some of the daily cultural events will be the Hot Glass Academy with glass blowing demonstrations, A Grizzly Experience featuring two 600 pound bears, and “Old Ways” demonstration that shows how moonshine, corn milling, quilts, and soap were made back in the day. The Pioneer Village will be open daily featuring a mercantile store with products only your grandmother might recognize, plus an old, one room schoolhouse, and a log home with smoke house, barn and corn crib. Tickets for the fair are $12 for a one-day pass (children 12 and under get in free); $33 for a three-day pass and $90 for the nine-day run. Midway rides are an additional $25 ($20 in advance). For tickets and details, visit georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

Let's find your home in the

North Georgia Mountains Developers Dream

HIGHLANDS OF BLUE RIDGE MLS # 303499

Lake Blue Ridge frontage

509 WISTERIA LANE MLS # 303087

Perfect for Build

50 CHEROKEE LANE

2624 TENNIS COURT ROAD

MLS # 302355

MLS # 307586

Char Stacy c: 706.633.9240 | o: 706.613.HOME CHAR@ANSLEYRE.COM | CHARSTACY.COM

706.613.HOME 116 WEST MAIN STREET, UNIT 1C BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513 ANSLEYRE.COM

All data believed to be accurate but not warranted. If you have any existing brokerage relationship, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal housing opportunity.

52 AUGUST 2021 |

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

EXPERIENCE THE

NORTH GA OFFICE LOCATIONS

Mountain Lifestyle

LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS

LISTINGS IN

COUNTIES

YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERTS IN NORTH GA, TN, & NC

TOP Producing REALTORS ® & REAL ESTATE Brokerage in North Georgia 3 DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS TO BETTER SERVE YOU BLAIRSVILLE OFFICE (706) 745-3000 63 Murphy Highway Blairsville, GA 30512

BLUE RIDGE OFFICE (706) 913-3000 252 West Main Street Blue RIdge, 30513

ELLIJAY OFFICE (706) 635-7214 312 South Main Street Ellijay, GA 30540

www.HarryNorman.com

Managing Broker: KRISTIE WHITAKER SVP The information was obtained from Northeast GA MLS and may not reflect all sales. If your home is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

Mountain Fun Farm Animal Fun Day Hardman Farm Historic Site in Sautee Nacoochee, GA hosts the annual event on Aug. 14 where you can pet some furry farm critters as well as tour the home and grounds. Visit helenga.org for more information.

Georgia Mountain Tennis Championships Young Harris, GA plays host to the annual tennis extravaganza on Aug. 28-29 featuring the Farm Animal Fun Day best players in North Georgia. The tournament benefits Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Cherokee County. Visit mountaintennis.com for details.

Foghat and Night Ranger (Nov. 27). Visit georgiamountain fairgrounds.com for tickets and details.

Oktoberfest Helen, GA’s big German festival is starting early with events Sept. 9-12, Sept. 16-19, Sept. 23-26 and then Sept. 30 and continues daily through the month of October. Music, food, and plenty of drinks will be flowing. Tickets are $8 per person Monday-Friday, $10 on Saturdays, and free on Sundays. Visit helenchamber.com for more.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Highlands Mountaintop Art & Craft Show Take a daytrip or weekend getaway to Highlands, NC on Aug. 29 for the annual arts and crafts fair taking place in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There’s free admission to the festival featuring pottery, wood work, jewelry, weaving, basketry, and more. all made by local and regional artisans. Visit highlandsvillageartshow.com for more information.

Oktoberfest

Mountain High Music, Craft & Car Show Franklin, NC plays host to this daylong event on Oct. 9 with food, music, classic cars and more. Tickets are $55. Visit franklin-chamber.com for more details.

Concerts at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Head to Hiawassee this fall for concerts by Gene Watson, Janie Frickie and Marty Haggard (Sept. 4), TobyMac (Sept. 11), Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee (Oct. 1), Tracy Lawrence (Oct. 9), Ronnie Milsap and Mark Wills, (Oct. 16), Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (Oct. 30), and

YOUR MOUNTAIN ESCAPE AWAITS, LET US WELCOME YOU HOME! ThePreserveAtWhitesideCliffs.com Turnkey Lot & Cottage Packages 2.5 Hours From Atlanta

Jonathan.Hough@EngelVoelkers.com 704.202.4161

54 AUGUST 2021 |

Grace.Battle@EngelVoelkers.com 470.602.9693 At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Hole #6 | Par 4

Nowhere else can you enjoy a true mountain lifestyle a stone’s throw from the charm and vibe of Georgia’s favorite mountain town, Blue Ridge. Only at Old Toccoa Farm, behind the beautifully appointed Gate House, can you enjoy custom homes and residences of unparalleled quality and design alongside a magnificent mountain “links-style” golf experience. Here, People, Lifestyle & Design live together and nature stands center-stage. Home of the 2021 Georgia State Golf Association Public Links Championship.

oldtoccoafarm.com 706.946.4653

Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor as a solicitation of offers to buy property in Old Toccoa Farm by residents of any state where prior registration is required.

Photographic credit: Square Frame Media

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

Visiting Georgia’s national parks By Charles Seabrook Some 50 years ago, I set an ambitious lifetime goal for myself — to visit every unit of the National Park Service, 423 of them by the latest count. I wouldn’t just drive through them to gaze at their waterfalls, mountain peaks and other features, but I’d also walk their trails, canoe their streams, explore their historic structures — even ramble through their visitors’ centers. The park units, of course, are a diverse lot. They range from a few acres to millions of acres in size. They include our familiar national parks such as Yellowstone and the Everglades, but also encompass national monuments, national historic sites, national battlefields, national seashores, national recreation areas and on and on. No matter their title or purpose, though, they’re all referred to as “national parks.” So far, I’ve made it to 336 of them — and, even though I’m now in my late 70s, I still hope to visit all 423. It’s questionable, though, if I ever will ever get to some of the remotest, most far-flung parks still on my bucket list — such as Wrangell — St. Elias National Park in Alaska or the American Samoa National Park. Why go? Mystery writer Nevada Barr, a former park ranger whose novels are set in national parks, summed up the feelings of many park lovers in Sierra Club Magazine: “Our parks are the home of our wildness, our pioneer spirit. Seeing them we know we can do much, go far, withstand the harshest punishment. We know we can make it; we can survive and thrive and flourish.” Not surprisingly, I long ago achieved a part of my ultimate goal — visiting all of the national parks in Georgia. Actually, I’ve visited them several times, but never get tired of them. In addition, an important section of the park service’s Appalachian National Scenic Trail lies in North Georgia. Also running through the state is part of another unit, the Trail of Tears National Historical Trail, which commemorates the Cherokee people who were forcibly removed from Georgia.

56 AUGUST 2021 |

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, where in 1863 Union and Confederate forces fought for control of Chattanooga, the “Gateway to the Deep South.”

Kennesaw National Battlefield Park, which preserves a Civil War battlefield of Sherman’s 1864 Atlanta campaign.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, whose 14 units stretch like an emerald necklace 48 miles downriver from Buford Dam.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which tells the life story of the revered civil rights leader.

Cumberland Island National Seashore, a stunningly beautiful, historyrich barrier island off Georgia’s coast.

Fort Frederica National Monument, archaeological remains of an early British settlement.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, featuring prehistoric American Indian sites.

Andersonville National Historic Site, home of the notorious Camp Sumter, the largest Confederate military prison during the Civil War.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, which for most of the 19th Century helped protect the coast from overseas enemies.

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, which includes Plains, the former president’s hometown, and his boyhood home and farm.

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

Georgia State Parks passes, travel guide available During the pandemic, parks across Georgia welcomed record numbers of visitors looking for fresh air, peaceful scenery. and exercise. With Georgia State Parks continuing to see high visitation rates, frequent visitors may want to purchase an annual park pass. The $50 pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and provides free parking at more than 40 destinations, including Fort Yargo, Tallulah Gorge, and Providence Canyon. A separate historic site pass ($50 for family, $30 individual, $25 students) covers admission fees at 15 sites, including Etowah Indian Mounds, Dahlonega Gold Museum, and Fort King George. “One advantage of having an annual park pass or historic site pass is that it

encourages people to explore parks and historic sites they’ve never been to before,” said Georgia State Parks Director Jeff Cown. “Your parking and admission fees are already covered for the whole year, and you may even find a new favorite campground, historic site museum or hiking trail.” The 2021 Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is a helpful resource for planning romantic retreats, summer vacations, and fall getaways. The booklet is filled with tips on the best hiking trails, fishing spots, pet travel, golf courses, cabins and campsites, as well as photos shared by park users. The 2021 Travel Guide is available free in park offices or can be viewed on GaStateParks.org. Passes may be purchased at the website, by calling (770) 389-7286, or in park offices as well.

READY FOR A CHANGE? The Village on Blackwell Creek... This is the upscale active adult community that you have been looking for. “The Village” is nature’s refuge from the congestion of the city and just a short drive to the beautiful North Georgia mountains. Call Today For Your Appointment to Tour Our Great Community! C: 770-335-7675 O: 770-893-2400

2625 Steve Tate Highway, Marble Hill, GA 30143 TheVillageBWC.com 58 AUGUST 2021 |

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

AUGUST 2021 | INTOWN

INTOWN & BEYOND FEATURED

LISTING

57 INTERLOCHEN DRIVE NE, ATLANTA | $3,985,000 | Jessica Li 404-754-6555 Resort style living in the heart of the city! Perfectly located steps from Chastain Park, Atlanta’s premier outdoor destination, this totally upgraded, better-than-new construction opportunity checks ALL the boxes!!! Simply take one step inside this elegant home to experience for yourself the high-quality construction and attention to detail. Once inside you will find a warm, welcoming living space, accented with exposed cedar wood beams, grand fireplaces, cozy gathering spots with private views onto the lawn and outdoor areas ready to entertain your family & friends!

2914 MABRY LANE NE, Brookhaven $900,000

640 GLEN IRIS DRIVE NE #615, Atlanta $790,000

2169 OLD GEORGIAN TERRACE NW Atlanta $435,000

27 HONOUR CIR NW, Atlanta $695,000

Gary Silverman 770-617-5658

Bru Krebs 404-984-0243

Nkosi Leary 404-849-5412

Jessica Li 404-754-6555

Valerie Levin MANAGING BROKER

O: 404-266-8100 E: Valerie.Levin@BHHSGeorgia.com

Midtown.BHHSGeorgia.com

1163 West Peachree St, Suite 200, Atlanta 30309

©2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

60 AUGUST 2021 |

At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m

Atlanta Intown - August 2021

Articles inside

Visit Georgia’s National Parks

Weekend in Chattanooga

From the Crates

Inside the Arts

Artist Ashley Anderson

The Art of Banksy

Quick Bites

Restaurant Worker Shortage

Real Estate Briefs

Epicurean Atlanta

Gardening

Colony Square Revamp

Pet Therapy

LoCo+ Network

Eco Briefs

TimmyDaddy

BeltLine Piper

Crime Wave

Homeless Policies