Atlanta Intown - April 2017

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Collin Kelley

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Sally Bethea, Kathy Dean, Grace Huseth, Asep Mawardi, Phil Mosier, Isadora Pennington, Colin Potts, Clare Richie, John Ruch, Tim Sullivan, Jaclyn Turner, Megan Volpert

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A decade of going green

Ten years ago this month, INtown published its first Green Issue to mark Earth Day and to spotlight the uptick in sustainability efforts around the city. That April 2007 publication was such a success, and there were so many stories to be told, we decided to we needed a Green section every month. We’ve never run out of stories or ideas, especially as Atlanta has ramped up its embrace of sustainability.

Collin Kelley collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

Mayor Kasim Reed has made sure that one of his legacies is leaving the city more sustainable than when he first took office. The Better Buildings Challenge, the creation of an Office of Sustainability, increased recycling efforts and facilities – all of these things have become part of the fabric of the city in less than a decade.

Recycling seems like second nature now. My building instituted it a few years ago and offers receptacles for plastic and paper. When I accidentally put something plastic in my regular trash, I get a tiny case of the guilts.

I’ve also started walking more rather than taking my car on short trips. I can easily walk to restaurants and the supermarket, so I’m doing a tiny part to help the environment and getting some exercise in, too.

Last month, I took MARTA to a couple of events and I used the carpool function on one of the rideshare services. I’ve actually started contemplating getting rid of my car in the near future, especially as the city’s transportation network expands. I don’t know if Atlanta will be ever as connected as New York or London, but the plans on the table to add more transit make me hopeful.

Whoever is elected the Atlanta’s next mayor, keeping the city’s environmental

Go Green Celebrating Sustainability

Month of events to mark annual Earth Day observance

By Collin Kelley

Whatever your political leanings might be, it’s hard to escape headlines on climate change and increasing concerns about the fate of our environment. On April 22, more than 190 countries will mark the 47th observance of Earth Day, and Atlanta will be one of the cities hosting a wide range of events to mark the occasion. The events are designed to bring awareness to sustainable and green efforts as well as encourage residents to get involved.

For our 10th anniversary Green Issue, we’ve rounded up a list of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss. Be sure to visit AtlantaINtownPaper.com to find even more events as they are announced in the coming weeks leading up to Earth Day.

EarthShare of Georgia

The nonprofit that helps raises funds for state environmental organizations is hosting some big events for Earth Day 2016.

• The 2017 Earth Day Corporate Green Day Challenge: This year’s challenge is set for April 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at various sites around the city. Employees from local businesses will improve parks, plant gardens, remove litter from stream banks and build forest trails, among other projects. The winning team will receive the Corporate Green Day Challenge Award recognizing leadership, employee participation, project accomplishment and sustainability.

• Water Symposium & Career Expo: This day-long event created by EarthShare will be held April 13 and will include the annual Leadership Breakfast, tours of The Water Hub reclamation facility at Emory University, a career expo, a luncheon featuring Trash Free Seas director Nicholas Mallos as keynote speaker and a panel talk. The event is hosted by Emory Sustainability Initiatives, the Emory University Career Center and Sustainable Water.

Earth Day, Birthday at The Wylde Center

Georgia Tech’s Earth Day Celebration

The 20th annual event is set for April 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tech Walk. The event is free, open to the public and features more than 70 exhibitors. There will also be eco-friendly giveaways, recycling opportunities, a clothing swap, an office supply exchange, live music and more. For more information, visit earthday.gatech.edu.

Earth Day on English Avenue

A two-day service event being hosted by Friends of English Avenue and the Captain Planet Foundation will take place April 21-22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lindsay Street Baptist Church, 550 Lindsay Street NW. The event aims to bring more than 1,000 volunteers to the English Avenue community for two days of cleanup and beautification projects, and is part of Friends of English Avenue’s 10th anniversary celebration. The Captain Planet Foundation will also host a 5K run and 1K kids fun run (best Captain Planet costume wins a prize) on April 22 as part of the festivities. Event proceeds will be used to develop a year-round teen workers program focused on continued English Avenue community cleanup efforts and for Captain Planet Foundation programs. For more information, visit captainplanetfoundation.org/earthday.

This year’s Earth Day event at the Wylde Center will also be a special celebration of the Wylde Center’s 20th birthday. “Earth Day, Birthday” will be held Sunday, April 23, at the Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Road in Decatur. A festive parade will begin at 12:30 p.m., with Earth Day activities scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Attendees will enjoy cake, children’s activities, games, a T-shirt design contest, live music, food vendors and much more. Admission is free. For more details, visit wyldecenter.org.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

The Chattahoochee Nature Center will host the Back To Your Roots Farm Fair on April 2 from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a mobile dairy demonstration, baby farm animals, musical performances, arts and crafts, food trucks and much more. Through May 31, visitors can also search for a dozen new, whimsical fairy houses along Homestead Trail and Kingfisher Pond Trail. On April 22 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., there will be a night hike through the forest and a campfire to relax by after the event to mark Earth Day. Also on April 22, Earth Day Canoeing: Shooting Stars on the River returns at 5 p.m. for a 2.5 mile paddle down the Chattahoochee with guides followed by a chance to watch for shooting stars during the peak of the Lyrid

Meteor Shower. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner. For more information, tickets and schedules, visit chattnaturecenter.org.

Trees Atlanta Native Wildflower and Vine Sale

The 5th Annual Native Wildflower and Vine Sale will be held April 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Freedom Farmers’ Market at The Carter Center. Over 100 varieties of native perennials, grasses, shrubs, and tree-friendly vines will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit Trees Atlanta’s youth education programs. All major credit cards, as well as checks, and cash will be accepted. For more information, visit TreesAtlanta.org.

Atlanta Bird Fest

The Atlanta Audubon Society will host the second annual Atlanta Bird Fest from April 15 to May 14. The event will feature five consecutive weekends of activities and events, including exclusive birding field trips, workshops, presentations and more. Proceeds from all events go toward supporting Atlanta Audubon Society’s work to protect Georgia’s birds and their habitats through education, conversation and advocacy. For a complete

listing of events and to register, visit atlantaaudubon.org.

The Nature Conservancy’s Earth Day Celebration

The Nature Conservancy in Georgia will host the 23rd annual Earth Day Celebration from 7 to 11 p.m. on April 21 at The Promenade at Piedmont Park. This annual event has raised more than $4 million over the past 22 years to protect Georgia’s forests, waters and coast. This year’s theme is “Moonlight Through the Pines.” Guests will enjoy cuisine by Dennis Dean catering, live music from the Bradley Cole Smith band, and the opportunity to learn more about conservation and meet community environmental leaders. Tickets ($150) and more information are at nature.org/GAearthday.

Sweep the Hooch

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will conduct its 7th annual Sweep the Hooch on April 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cleanup will include multiple sites with more than 500 volunteers expected. Since 2011, the event has removed 41 tons of river refuse. To register, visit sweepthehooch.org.

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Forest Fairy House Trail at Chattahoocee Nature Center

Making Connections

Blue Heron Nature Preserve plans to develop new biking trail

By Isadora Pennington

Atlanta is, in many ways, a sprawling and sometimes disconnected metropolis. Most who call the city home have to commute daily on the interstate from city to city, sitting in cars and cursing the endless rush hour traffic. So, what, one could ask, is the solution? For many, the answer is biking to and from work.

Bike and pedestrian projects such as Path 400, Atlanta BeltLine and the Silver Comet Trail have all done a lot to connect disparate parts of the city, and another local organization is now seeking to improve upon and add to those paths. The Blue Heron Nature Preserve is an unassuming stretch of land just off of Roswell Road in Buckhead and was recently awarded a $150,000 Park Pride Legacy Grant towards the Preserve’s plans to develop a new path, the Blueway Trail.

The trail earns its name due to running alongside creeks that flow throughout the property. Park Pride’s grant will provide much of the funding that’s required to begin developing and expanding the existing trails, some of which will require navigating across streets and creeks or bringing them up to ADA standards. While the grant accounts for a large portion of the funds that are needed to get things started, the Preserve has set a larger fundraising goal

of $600,000 to bring the Blueway project to completion. This plan is an ambitious one, and has been in the making for more than five years for the crew at Blue Heron.

Kevin McCauley, Executive Director, has an enthusiasm for this project that’s infectious. He has been involved with the Preserve for the past thirteen years in varying capacities, and was promoted to his current role on January 1 of this year.

Initially he met the founder, a teacher named Nancy Jones, through his children’s school. McCauley started volunteering at Blue Heron, and gradually began taking a more active role in developing the Preserve with ideas like the very popular community garden.

“It has been a great thing for the Preserve and for the neighborhood,” McCauley said, noting that many of the neighbors live in condominiums and apartments with limited access to nature in the community.

There are also other related businesses that call Blue Heron home, including the Atlanta Audubon Society and the recently founded Amphibian Foundation.

“This idea of connecting, in our mind, is a way of connecting Blue Heron and these wonderful organizations to a larger community, and in a way that they can get here without having to drive.”

The Preserve exists in a part of town where green space is increasingly hard

to come by. Nancy Jones went head to head with development companies back in 2000 and succeeded in halting the destruction of the property, a virtually unheard of feat in the area. Initially, the space was a mere seven acres, but through the years the Preserve has expanded and grown, and now spans a winding 30 acres.

McCauley hopes that the development of the Blueway Path will serve the city’s alternative transportation movement as well as encourage healthy lifestyle choices for residents. The award from Park Pride is a huge boost to the beginning of the project, but there are sure to be many more steps before it is completed. “We are taking it in small bites,” said McCauley.

To keep up with progress of the Blueway Trail initiative and find out about volunteering or programs at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve, visit bhnp.org.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

Blue Heron Nature Preserve executive dirctor Kevin McCauley, pictured below, points to a map of the future trail.

JONES

Living Building

Georgia Tech plans environmentally advanced facility

By Grace Huseth

You may think your house is green and environmentally friendly with LED light bulbs and a low flow toilet, but Georgia Tech is attempting to construct the most environmentally advanced building in the Southeast on its Midtown campus.

The challenge first came from The Kendeda Fund, one of the leading philanthropic investors in civic and environmental programs in the Atlanta area, and the International Living Future Institute. The Living Building Challenge is to construct a building not unlike a tree: a selfsustaining unit that can generate all of its own energy, capture and treat water and operate in harmony with nature.

Given the Southeast’s heat, humidity and variable fresh water supplies, the development of any building aiming for net positive energy and water consumption brings unique challenges. Building a facility that meets Living Building Challenge criteria will provide the opportunity to create a living-learning laboratory for hands-on educational and research opportunities that will be a model for the region and similar environments around the

world.

Work has already begun on the EcoCommons, a series of specially designed campus green spaces for stormwater management. The next step is to incorporate the Living Building, which will reside in proximity to Eco-Commons in the northwest campus vicinity to further support the stormwater and landscape master plans.

But that’s not all the multitasking building will provide. Composting toilets will be installed based upon their low energy and low water requirement, simplicity to use and maintain, and inexpensive lifecycle cost. Radiant flooring will utilize the building’s thermal mass to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The building will be constructed primarily out of glu-lam, a glue-laminated wood, for a low carbon footprint, regional availability and a natural aesthetic. Steel and concrete will only be used where needed for structural support.

The Living Building at Georgia Tech has recently reached a major milestone with the approval of the schematic design. Approved by Tech’s Planning and Design Commission in December, the schematic design essentially provides a working blueprint.

Teams of architects from The Miller Hull Partnership and Lord Aeck Sargent, engineers, landscape architects, cost estimators and other professionals have been hard at work analyzing mechanical systems and carefully weighing the tradeoffs to strike the ideal balance between form, function and cost for this unique building.

“The Living Building is moving into the design development stage where the building and its immediate surroundings really start to take shape based upon the program goals, Living Building Challenge certification requirements and the project’s budget,” said Howard Wertheimer, assistant vice president for Capital Planning and Space Management. “It has been a collaborative and rather intense analytical process to get to this stage of the project.”

The design calls for the team to prepare construction documents this summer so building can begin in the fall. The real test will come a year after the Living Building is

complete, determining whether the building still meets all the program requirements over a full 12-month period of continued operations and full occupancy.

According to Wertheimer, form can co-exist with function. The careful analysis performed leading up to the schematic design of the Living Building at Georgia Tech has shown that you can create a fully functional, high performance building that is still aesthetically pleasing.

For more on the Living Building at Georgia Tech, including updates on the design development, visit livingbuilding. gatech.edu.

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is a true professional in our field and we are thrilled that he has joined the Ansley Atlanta family. The intown market is an essential component of the Atlanta real estate market. Rodney’s 20 years of experience in both the intown neighborhoods and surrounding areas along with Ansley Atlanta’s technologydriven platform is a great fit. We look forward to working together!”

A rendering of the Living House

Self-Driven

Wheego Technologies is building cars of the future

By Clare S. Richie

The race to develop self-driving cars is on with big players like Google, Uber and Tesla in the game. But a lesserknown Atlanta based company, Wheego Technologies, is also poised to compete.

Lead by Mike McQuary, CEO and former President of MindSpring/ EarthLink, Wheego’s team works on emerging vehicle technologies in artificial intelligence/machine learning, self-driving vehicles, and connected devices for home, business and roadway.

“I want the best and the brightest to know that there is a company right here in Atlanta that is going to help change the world for the better,” McQuary said.

Atlanta is the headquarters for Wheego’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) development team while all electric vehicle (EV) and automotive work is done in Sonoma, CA.

McQuary founded the company in 2008, originally named Wheego Electric Cars Inc., to produce small EVs. Its Wheego LiFe sold 400 cars in the U.S., but in 2014, Wheego decided to switch gears and focus on autonomous vehicle development rather than EV production.

“Continuing to make and sell EV’s would require a lot of capital without a defensible competitive advantage in the long run,” McQuary explained. “However, I believe we are one of the best in the world at creating an AI platform that will deliver products to change people’s lives.”

With this change came a new name – Wheego Technologies, Inc. – and a team of industry experts in AI, networked communications and autonomous driving technologies.

“We have created an AI platform and our first product is an Advanced Driver Assistance System, the highest level of which is self-driving cars. It is one of the greatest challenges for AI because of the complexity of recognizing all of the stimuli in the environment around a vehicle that is moving and translating it all into driving maneuvers that are safe,” McQuary said.

Last fall, the California Department of Motor Vehicles awarded Wheego a permit to test its autonomous systems on public roads in California. It can run tests with a single vehicle and four drivers.

When will self-driving cars reach Atlanta? McQuary is optimistic that the promise of alleviating traffic congestion will motivate our city and state government to support these technological advances.

“The City of Atlanta is being very ambitious in their desire to test this technology and the state of Georgia is also showing early signs of legislative support for autonomous cars,” he said.

McQuary is using the same foresight that led him to create MindSpring (which later merged with EarthLink) more than 20 years ago. The extremely successful Internet business had more than 5 million subscribers and 5,000 employees.

“AI in 20 years will be woven into the fabric of our lives as the Internet is today. A simple example: your AI system knows that you set your alarm for 6:30 a.m. to wake and take your kids to school and get to the office on time. It realizes on a particular day that a traffic accident has occurred and

it changes your alarm to wake you up 30 minutes earlier so you can still make your itinerary on time,” McQuary said.

For this entrepreneur, lessons learned at MindSpring will propel Wheego forward in a very competitive environment. Namely, how a company “treats their customers, employees and investors, provides a real and meaningful competitive differentiation. That small smart companies can beat large corporations. That the best and the brightest coming out of college want to work where they can make a difference and change the world.”

Mike McQuary

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Gearing up for spring at the Atlanta Bicycle Barn

By Grace Huseth

When the Atlanta Bicycle Barn opened four years ago, founders Tim Bailiff and Ben Steins sold used bikes by flipping old bikes found on Craigslist. The duo slowly added on new bikes, and the number of rentals began to jump until the barn became became the go-to spot for renting bikes in the city.

Located on Sampson Street and just off the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail in the Old Fourth Ward, the old metal shell houses racks upon racks of bikes. When the doors open each day at 10 a.m., the lines start forming.

Bailiff said some of his traffic comes from those purchasing new and used bikes. Used bikes can be purchased for as low as $200. The used inventory mostly consists of used road bikes, which are popular for green Atlanta commuters and feature narrow tires and a lightweight frame for quick trips about town. Hybrids are gaining popularity as they offer the best of both worlds – street tires like a road bike, but with the low gear ratio of a mountain bike for the hills of Atlanta.

On the weekends, Atlantans flock to the Atlanta Bicycle Barn to get their hands on a bike for the day. Bike rentals are a $20 flat rate per day, $10 for up to two hours and $15 for three hours. Renting a bike at Atlanta Bicycle Barn is first come, first serve. The barn has over 80 rental bikes available, but on a sunny Saturday can run out of rental bikes by 1 p.m. Bailiff said he’s experienced a waiting list of 50 people on peak spring days.

The BeltLine is the most common destination for renters. Along the way, biking friends stop for brunch at Ladybird or start happy hour early at bars scattered along the trail. However, Bailiff said Atlanta has an impressive network of hidden trails covering over 40 miles inside the Perimeter. He would know, he’s been biking the city for pleasure ever since he moved to the city in 2001.

While a biology graduate student at GSU, Bailiff got a part time job at Decatur Bikes and quickly rode into the bicycle community. His love for bikes became a lifestyle, and mode of transportation. At the time, he commuted to a MARTA station on bike, but ended up cycling the 11 miles into town rather than wait for the trains.

“The more you bike, the more confident you are about being on the streets,” Bailiff said. “Bike lanes make people feel safer, and the more people who feel safe about getting from point A to point B on bike will bike more. It’s just about getting out and doing it.”

Bailiff recommends the Stone Mountain PATH as a way to get introduced to street biking. Biking on the roads will help you get comfortable with cars, while the PATH is easily accessible on more congested stretches.

The Atlanta Bicycle Barn is planning to add even more mountain bikes to their bike collection to reach adventurous daytrippers heading to North Georgia. In the meantime, Bailiff is preparing for those with spring fever to hit the barn with gusto. “Once I open those doors up, people know I’m open and we’re going.”

The Atlanta Bicycle Barn is located at151 Sampson Street NE. For more information, visit facebook.com/ABB151 or call (404) 588-9930.

Freight Farming

Visiting Georgia State’s lean, mean Leafy Green Machine

By Grace Huseth

As our world becomes more and more sustainable, shipping freights no longer transport food. They grow them. Rooftop gardens are now being phased out in favor of upcycled shipping containers that house a fully functional hydroponic farm. Their efficiency, both in in growth and space, caught the eye of Georgia State University as a way to locally source greens.

Located just behind the Piedmont North student housing complex, Georgia State’s Leafy Green Machine has been configured for the immediate growth of a variety of crops like lettuce, kale, spinach and herbs. Its innovative climate technology and growing equipment allow for the perfect environment year round.

“When the farm was first delivered last summer, I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we would be growing crops 365 days per year with no soil or sunlight required. I just remember when we harvested our first round of produce, the pride that our department felt – none of us are farmers! – in knowing that we made this happen and having the ability to fulfill our duty in providing our patrons with fresh and tasty food, straight from our backyard,” said Lenore Musick, Executive Director, PantherDining and Sustainability Initiatives at Georgia State.

A step inside the Leafy Green Machine is like touring the most efficient greenhouse ever created. The shipping container is able to hold a nursery area, where seeds germinate and grow, and vertical growing towers that can hold as many as 3,600 plants at one time. Some rave-worthy LED lighting strips mimic the sun’s natural light by providing growth-optimized blue and red hues while a closed loop hydroponic system delivers a nutrient rich water solution directly to roots, using only 10 gallons of water a day.

Shipping container gardens were first developed by Boston company Freight Farms in 2010. The founders were looking for new methods of rooftop greenhouse farming, but research revealed many of their plans would be costly and time intensive. At the time, people were getting creative with shipping containers by making tiny houses and other innovative, upcycling projects. Freight Farms simply retrofitted their greenhouse technology to fit inside a shipping container and created technology that is changing the way people perceive farming.

“At first, no one understood the concept of growing inside shipping containers. In just five years, Freight Farms has shipped Leafy Green Machines all over the United States. It’s the perfect outside environment, inside,” said Caroline Katsiroubas, community manager at Freight Farms. “It gives people an opportunity to make an impact in the food system in a tangible way.”

There are now 100 Leafy Green Machines across the globe and nearly 15 at schools and universities. Georgia State’s Leafy Green Machine provides the opportunity to integrate sustainable food production into current operations to make high-quality, local food part of Panther Dining. The Leafy Green Machine educates students on the journey their food takes farm-to-table while fostering a culture of social responsibility.

The university laid the groundwork for the first seedling tray of Red Butterhead lettuce in early July and harvested it at the beginning of September. This spring, Georgia State began adding Buttercrunch, Sparx and a gourmet lettuce mix to the farm. A taste can be found on salads or in sandwiches at Miss Demeanor’s or Centennial Café on Georgia State’s campus.

“With Georgia State’s campus situated in Downtown, one of the main draws of implementing the farm was the desire to show other universities that sustainable produce is possible even in an urban environment,” said Musick. Georgia State has hosted many open houses of the Leafy Green Machine, inviting schools like UGA, Clark Atlanta, Tech and Emory to check out the farm and piquing their interest in acquiring a one-acre farm.

From left: Panther Dining Team members Betsy Rivera-Ocasio, assistant director, Lenore Musick, executive director and Cameron Thompson Sous Chef tour the Freight Farms in Boston.

Creating Emory University’s ‘Revolutionary’ WaterHub

Dana Vazquez grew up in Cleveland, Ohio near the Cuyahoga River more than thirty years after the polluted waterway caught fire in 1969 and sparked an environmental revolution that began with the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970.

Today, the Cuyahoga is much cleaner – it no longer “oozes rather than flows” with industrial waste and sewage, as it did nearly fifty years ago; however, like most urban waterways, it still has challenges.

Dana remembers that, when she was a child, the lifeguards would not let anyone swim in Lake Erie, downstream of the Cuyahoga, until the water had been tested. It wasn’t until she came to Emory University in Atlanta and took a class on environmental justice, however, that she learned the full story about her hometown river.

Now a junior, Dana says that she became interested in sustainability and business while in high school, which led to her major: Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Corporate Sustainability and Ethics. That focus resulted in an internship with EarthShare of Georgia – an organization that connects people to trusted nonprofit organizations dedicated to conserving and protecting our air, land and water.

For many years, EarthShare of Georgia has organized Earth Day events in Atlanta that have inspired and engaged businesses, individuals and students to get involved in projects to protect our natural resources. As one of her first intern assignments last fall, Dana was charged with finding a new venue for Earth Day 2017: a place that would attract a “fresh and more diverse” audience of corporations, community members and students.

She didn’t have to look very far. The WaterHub, Emory’s “revolutionary” on-site water recycling system, is just a short walk from her dorm.

By Sally Bethea

As Dana learned more about the ecoengineering facility – the first system of its kind to be installed in the United States – and how it is reducing the university’s water footprint, she knew that she had found a perfect Earth Day venue. Created and managed by Sustainable Water, the WaterHub is capable of recycling up to 400,000 gallons per day for non-potable uses –nearly 40% of Emory’s total campus water needs.

On April 13, EarthShare of Georgia will host the 2017 Earth Day Water Symposium & Career Expo in partnership with Emory’s Career Center and Office of Sustainability Initiatives. Participants can choose to attend all day or select events of interest. Student discounts are available.

Dana is particularly excited about the Career Expo, which will be held at the Emory Student Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; it will showcase volunteer, internship and employment opportunities with EarthShare of Georgia’s corporate sustainers and member groups. She is anxious for her colleagues at Emory and students from other universities to learn that positions in the nonprofit and government sectors can be just as “glamorous” as corporate jobs.

A Leadership Luncheon in Emory’s Cox Hall will feature keynote speaker, Nicholas Mallos, director of the Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program. His presentation will be followed by facilitated table discussions and the annual awards program.

WaterHub tours will be offered to attendees from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., along with informal water industry presentations and small group discussions. A reception with a silent auction, music and networking will close the all-day event.

On Earth Day 1970, twenty million Americans took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies and teachins. Support came from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor – as groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, loss of wilderness and extinction of wildlife realized that they shared common values.

Today’s alarming proposals to eliminate or significantly reduce funding for federal and state environmental programs make it more important than ever for each of us to help save our planet: rally, demonstrate, learn, volunteer, celebrate, engage and support the organizations that are defending our air, land and water.

For more information about the 2017 Earth Day Symposium & Career Expo and to register, visit earthsharega.org.

Student Dana Vazquez spearheaded the effort to showcase Emory University’s WaterHub at the 2017 Earth Day Water Symposium & Career Expo.

Palm Sunday: April 9

Sanctuary Services | 8:45, 10:00, 11:15 am

Summit Services | 8:45, 11:15 am

Preaching: Dr. Richard Kannwischer

Maundy Thursday: April 13

Communion Service | 7:00 pm

Good Friday: April 14

Buckhead Community Service

Peachtree Presbyterian Sanctuary | 12:00 pm

Easter Egg Hunt: April 15

Chastain Park | 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Easter Services: April 15 & 16

Sat. Sanctuary Service | 5:00 pm

Sun. Sanctuary Services | 8:45, 10:00, 11:15 am

Summit Services | 8:45, 11:15 am

Preaching: Dr. Richard Kannwischer

*Nursery available for all services.

Sunday parking onsite & via bus from 7:30 am–1:00 pm.

Powers Ferry Square: 0.5 mile north of the church on the west side of Roswell Road between BB&T Bank & bartaco

Cates Center: 110 East Andrews Drive

ECO BRIEFS

MARTA is going green with an electric bus pilot program. The 40-foot Proterra Catalyst bus is on loan to MARTA as the authority explores cleaner transportation options. Currently, MARTA’s bus fleet is inclusive of both diesel, hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The Catalyst holds up to 40 seated passengers and can travel more than three hours on a single charge. MARTA Operations has outfitted the test routes with periodic rapid charging stations. The Catalyst fully recharges in approximately 10 minutes.

The City of Atlanta received the 2017 Climate Leadership Award – Partnership Award Certificate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its efforts to promote energy and water conservation through the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge and the Climate Action Plan. The Certificate for Innovative Partnership recognizes organizations working collaboratively on leading edge climate initiatives. EPA also honored Dr. Jairo Garcia, Director of Climate Policies and Renewables in the Office of Resilience, with the Individual Leadership award.

The City of Atlanta continues to lead the country with 111 million square feet of building space committed to reducing energy and water usage through the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge. UPS is the latest partner to join the challenge and has committed to reducing energy and water usage in more than one million square feet of commercial building space. The Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge has a goal to reduce energy and water consumption by at least 20 percent in participating buildings across Atlanta by the year 2020. To date, the City of Atlanta has already achieved its 20 percent water reduction goal, and has reduced its energy consumption portfolio by 17 percent.

The Piedmont Park Conservancy’s 21st Annual Landmark Luncheon will be held April 27 at 11 a.m. The event will feature a panel presentation from key individuals in the art and entertainment industry, including: Virginia Hepner, the President and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center; Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner Film, Music & Digital Entertainment for the State of Georgia; and Christopher Hicks, Director of The Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment. The Conservancy will honor two outstanding individuals. Jim Kennedy, Chairman of Cox Enterprises, Inc., will be presented with the Green Giant award for his commitment to environmental sustainability through the company’s Cox Conserves program and his longtime dedication to Piedmont Park. Virginia Hepner, also a panelist, will receive the Legacy Award in recognition for her tremendous impact on the art community and City of Atlanta. Individual tickets are available for $150 per person and may be purchased at piedmontpark.org. All proceeds from Landmark Luncheon support the Conservancy’s efforts to maintain and enhance Piedmont Park.

Atlanta Audubon Society is launching Lights Out Atlanta this spring to help reduce bird deaths caused by building collisions. Each year, an estimated 350 million to 1 billion birds die in the United States after colliding with buildings. The problem is particularly bad during spring and fall migration. Lights Out Atlanta is a voluntary program encouraging building owners and residential homeowners to turn off or reduce lighting from midnight to dawn during the peak bird migration periods. Participants pledge to reduce non-essential lighting during peak migration periods of March 15 to May 31 (spring) and Aug. 15 to Nov. 15 (fall). The pledge is available on the Atlanta Audubon website at AtlantaAudubon.org/lightsoutatlanta.

Join world-renowned Rabbi Bradley Artson and the Ahavath Achim Synagogue for a weekend of exploration, discussion, and education.

Register now for Friday evening’s dinner and discussion to explore the divine – in reason, science, and Jewish sources – to uncover the God you already know and actually love.

Friday, April 21

Services: 6:30 pm | Dinner and Discussion: 7:30 pm

Register at http://bit.ly/2nRrybY

Ahavath Achim Synagogue 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30327

*On Sunday morning at 9:00 am, join Ahavath Achim and the Jewish Abilities Alliance in a conversation with Rabbi Artson about his son, Jacob’s, journey and struggle with severe autism and his efforts to live a life of meaning and joy. For any questions regarding the weekend’s events, please call us at 404.603.5741.

Live Thrive Atlanta, a local non-profit raising awareness for hard to recycle materials, will host A CHaRM’ing Evening at Venkman’s on April 27. Enjoy a night alongside host Lois Reitzes of WABE and a chance to win a BMWi3 in a raffle sponsored by Global Imports BMW. Ticket price gets guests two drink tickets, complimentary appetizers and music from Yacht Rock Review. All of the proceeds from the ticket sales and raffle to Live Thrive Atlanta and the ChaRM recycling center. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Venkman’s, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd. Tickets are available at livethrive.org.

EcoAddenum will host a program called Discovering Atlanta’s Original Forest on April 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Emory University Math and Science Center Auditorium. The evening will feature Joan Maloof (pictured left), forest ecology author and founder of the Old Growth Forest Network. There will also be a panel discussion moderated by Maria Saporta. For more information, visit ecoaddendum.org.

Tickets are available now for the annual Rockin’ at the River hosted by the Chattahoochee Nature Center on May 13. Gardening expert Walter Reeves is this year’s honorary chair. For more information, visit chattnaturecenter.org/ratr/

The Neighborhood

Eastside Story

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail Extension

By Collin Kelley

The Eastside Trail extension of the Atlanta BeltLine is moving forward, with concrete being poured along Wylie Street, new lighting going up inside the Krog Street Tunnel and a portion of Irwin Street in the Old Fourth Ward closed to connect the existing trail with the new segment.

Residents got an update on the extension at a March 2 meeting held at Our Lady of Lourdes in the Old Fourth Ward. Project Manager Meghan Injaychock presented photographs and a timeline of the work to complete the extension, which runs from Irwin Street to Kirkwood Avenue in Reynoldstown. Most of the extension is expected to be complete by early summer.

The most visible work is in Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown as construction crews make progress on pouring the concrete along Wylie Street from the entrance to the Krog Street Tunnel to Kirkwood Avenue. Injaychock said the work should be completed by mid-April, weather permitting. After the trail itself is complete, new trees and plants will be installed by Trees Atlanta to continue the BeltLine Arboretum.

Those who travel through the Krog Street Tunnel on foot or by bike will have noticed the new lighting and pavers along the elevated path on the east side of the underpass.

At the busy intersection of Krog and DeKalb Avenue, work has been ongoing to move utilities and repair storm drains. A new pedestrian plaza will be built at the northwest corner of DeKalb Avenue and diagonal crossings – also known as a “pedestrian scramble” – will allow for easy access to any corner of the intersection.

As the extension moves west along DeKalb Avenue, the sidewalk will be removed and replaced with new trail before turning right into the old rail corridor and connecting up with the existing portion at Irwin Street. However, there will be a delay in completing this portion of the trail as the BeltLine works with North American Properties on the timeline for a mixed-use development, which will sit at the BeltLine’s intersection with DeKalb Avenue.

News & Features

The $80 million mixed-use development along DeKalb Avenue at the Eastside Trail will feature a mix of residential, loft office, restaurant, and retail. Twenty percent of the housing units will be allocated towards affordable workforce housing. When the Eastside Trail Extension opens in the summer, trail users will be directed up to the Edgewood Avenue bridge and Krog Street.

While the North American Properties project moves forward, work on the BeltLine will continue to create the paved trail under Edgewood Avenue and behind the Stove Works development. The connection of the Eastside Trail at Irwin Street, which will include installation of a speed table and rapid flashing beacons for pedestrians, means motorists and trail users will have to find a new route until April 17. Irwin will be closed 24 hours a day between Sampson Street/Auburn Avenue and Krog Street through the work period.

“We are hoping to be finished sooner, so we added a few extra days of padding to the timetable,” Injaychock said.

Some residents at the meeting said they were concerned that the vehicle detour would cause even more traffic headaches, especially along Randolph Street. Concern was also voiced about pedestrians crossing Irwin Street on the Eastside Trail and the impact on vehicle traffic.

“There is already a constant stream of people crossing at Irwin now, especially on the weekends,” one resident said. “Cars will be backed up in both directions along Irwin as people try to cross.”

Injaychock said the city will monitor traffic in the area and changes might be made once the trail crossing is complete.

Injaychock said funding is still being sought to continue the Eastside Trail from Kirkwood Avenue to Memorial Drive.

Courtesy Atlanta BeltLine

Above: Renderings of the new North American Properties mixed-use development at DeKalb Avenue and the Eastside Trail. Top Left: Crews pour concrete on the Eastside Trail extension in Reynoldstown. Bottom Left: The Eastside Trail where it will cross Irwin Street in the Old Fourth Ward.

Mayoral candidates to talk about design and development

By Melody Harclerode

Vision for Atlanta 2017 brings design and development issues to the forefront of the Atlanta mayoral race.

The forum will take place at the Trolley Barn in Inman Park, 963 Edgewood Ave., on Thursday, April 20, with networking at 6 p.m. and the panel discussion at 7 p.m.

Hosted by the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Atlanta), this panel discussion moderated by journalist Maria Saporta features the leading candidates for Atlanta’s highest office including business leader and Former Chief Operating Officer of the City of Atlanta Peter Aman; Chairman of the Fulton County Commission John H. Eaves; Georgia State Senator Vincent Fort; Atlanta City Council Member Kwanza Hall; Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell; Mary Norwood, Atlanta City Councilmember-At-Large, Post #2; Former Federal Prosecutor Michael Sterling; and the former President of Atlanta City Council Cathy Woolard.

With the impact of this position on the vibrancy and competitiveness of the city and the metropolitan area, Vision for Atlanta 2017 will the offer an opportunity for the public to discover the perspectives of Atlanta’s next mayor on issues such as community development, historic preservation, design excellence, affordability, and sustainability.

“Because our businesses and citizens are increasingly considering good (and sometimes great) design in where to live, play, and do business, our next mayor must champion policies that strongly encourage these values,” AIA Atlanta Executive Director David Southerland said. “Vision for Atlanta will be the premier event for the public to see where these candidates stand on pursuing and insisting on Atlanta as a city known for great design.”

For tickets and more information, visit aiaatl.org/events/vision-atlanta-2017/.

MARTA moving to new secure Breeze cards

MARTA is phasing in a new, more secure Breeze Card for rides on trains and buses. After March 31, the old Breeze Blue Card cannot be reloaded for future rides and after July 9 the old cards won’t be accepted at all.

Customers can transfer existing balances to the newly purchased cards. After March 31, customers will no longer be able to reload trips or balances on the blue Breeze cards. MARTA customers registering new cards before July 9 will be able to transfer their unexpired balances. After that date, all balances will be forfeited and the blue Breeze cards officially will be phased out of operation.

Transit officials are encouraging riders to use up remaining value on their Blue Cards and purchase a new Silver Breeze Card at any station for $2. For more information, visit itsmarta.com.

Mary Norwood

John Eaves

Michael Sterling

Senator Vincent Fort

Cathy Woolard

Kwanza Hall

Ceasar Mitchell

Peter Aman

ON THE AGENDA

MEETINGS

The Atlanta City Council will only meet once this month on April 17 at 1 p.m. at City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. For agendas and more information, visit citycouncil.atlantaga.gov.

The Atlanta Board of Education will meet April 12 at 2:30 p.m. for the board meeting and presentations and 6:30 p.m. for the community meeting and legislative action. 130 Trinity Ave. Visit atlanta.k12. ga.us for more.

The Midtown Review Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the fifth floor conference room at 999 Peachtree. For more information and to see agendas, visit midtownatl.com.

NEWS

Based on the findings of a feasibility study, Atlanta City Councilmember Kwanza Hall has introduced legislation that would change zoning laws to allow tiny houses in areas that already allow duplexes.

The Atlanta Preservation Center is encoring residents to sign a petition calling on the Georgia Building Authority to put protective restrictions on the sale of Pratt-Pullman Yard in Kirkwood. More than 2,000 people have signed the petition at Change.org, which asks the state to make preservation of the buildings in the century-old train yard a priority.

The Atlanta City Council passed Councilmember Kwanza Hall’s legislation that would repeal 40 of the 96 sections in the Atlanta Municipal Code’s Quality of Life Chapter that are unconstitutional or that are pre-empted by state law.

The City of Atlanta will issue the final $40 million of the Housing Opportunity Bond. The bonds will be used to fund homeowner renovations, multifamily loans, single family loans, nonprofit development loans and land assemblage for affordable and workforce housing development.

Group aims to unify metro Atlanta against anti-Semitism

By John Ruch

A Dunwoody homemaker’s outrage over recent anti-Semitic threats and vandalism across the country has spawned a rapidly growing advocacy organization that hopes to send a nationwide message against fear and hate.

“I want to stand up and be as loud as the people making the bomb threats,” said Lauren Menis, founder of the new Atlanta Initiative Against Anti-Semitism.

Menis’s text-message chats with other Davis Academy moms last month snowballed into the creation of AIAAS, which has already won support from the regional chapters of the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee.

The group hopes eventually to hold some kind of public town hall forums. On March 30, it plans a private organizing meeting that representatives of local governments and religious and cultural groups will attend, including some Dunwoody City Council members and the Sandy Springs police chief.

“I am very impressed by the grassroots efforts that Lauren has created,” said Dov Wilker, regional director of the American Jewish Committee’s Buckhead-based Atlanta chapter. “The greater awareness we bring to the issue of anti-Semitism, the better off we will all be. If we are able to create complementary efforts to combat anti-Semitism, we will be able to have a greater impact than by ourselves.”

Menis is Jewish, but “not particularly religious,” and said she has not been involved in advocacy organizing before. Her background is in the media as a producer at CNN and a local newspaper columnist.

The north Perimeter area has a large Jewish population and such cultural

Future Growth

institutions as the “Anne Frank in the World” exhibit in Sandy Springs. Two local organizations — the ADL’s Southeast regional office in Buckhead and Dunwoody’s Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta — have received bomb threats recently.

Menis said her activism is not in response to any local anti-Semitic incidents, but rather to the nationwide rise in threats and general intolerance.

“I have never had a problem with anti-Semitism and I feel perfectly safe in my community,” she said “I think what happened to me personally is, I started to feel a twinge of fear.”

Menis described several influences. She has previously visited Whitefish, a Montana resort town now notorious as a home of the “alt-right” white nationalist movement that gained publicity for supporting Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and which Trump later denounced. She was angered by posts insulting Muslims made on the Facebook account of a former Dunwoody assistant city attorney who said his account was hacked.

The final straw, she said, was news reports in February about desecration of a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia, one of several such vandalism incidents around the nation.

“I thought to myself, ‘I have to do something about anti-Semitism,’” Menis said.

With her journalism background,

Menis said, “I wanted a media statement: ‘Atlanta decries antiSemitism.’”

She acknowledged that AIAAS’s organizers have yet to come up with a more solid agenda, which will be a focus of the March 30 meeting.

However, the effort seems to be tapping a desire for more discussion about antiSemitism. The ADL and the American Jewish Committee have signed on as co-sponsors of the organizing meeting, and many prominent groups are sending representatives, including the MJCCA, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, the Davis Academy and the Weber School. Sandy Springs city Communications Director Sharon Kraun, who is Jewish and said she is well aware of the national threats, will attend along with Police Chief Ken DeSimone.

“We’ll go and listen,” Kraun said, adding that city officials are curious to hear AIAAS’ agenda.

“As far as anti-Semitism, the city has been very vocal that we don’t tolerate any kind of behavior that is against anyone,” Kraun said. “We support any effort that is combatting hate and intolerance.”

Menis said that one potential function of AIAAS — whose founding group has a Muslim member — is bringing together leaders from beyond the Jewish community.

“Anti-Semitism isn’t a Jewish problem,” she said. “It’s a community problem.”

Atlanta City Studio moving to Cascade Heights this month

Atlanta City Studio, the pop-up design laboratory focused on shaping the future of the city’s neighborhoods, will relocate to Cascade Heights this month. The studio, which has been located at Ponce City Market since its doors opened in May 2016, will be located at 2311Cascade Road in Southwest Atlanta.

The studio is comprised of rotating exhibits that highlight Atlanta neighborhoods and urban design concepts, and is staffed by city planners, architects and transportation professionals. The space is used to host lectures, book talks, film series, open forums, urban art presentations and other neighborhood and design components. Residents and planners can visit the Atlanta City Studio to learn more about the comprehensive transportation planning initiative launched by the City of Atlanta, as well as provide feedback.

“To promote high quality, sustainable and equitable growth and development in Atlanta, the people who live in the city must be a part of every planning aspect conducted by the Department of Planning and Community Development,” said Commissioner Tim Keane. “The City of Atlanta understands that community engagement and involvement is an integral part of shaping the future of Atlanta, and the Atlanta City Studio will continue to move around the city to ensure that every community can help guide us.”

The initiative will update the city’s existing Comprehensive

Lauren Menis, founder of Atlanta Initiative Against Anti-Semitism.

Transportation Plan, reframe transportation policies and identify recommendations for future transportation investment. The last citywide transportation plan was adopted in 2008.

Visitors to the current Atlanta City Studio Ponce City Market draw ideas for shaping the city’s neighborhoods.

Underground Atlanta redevelopment gets green light

By Collin Kelley

The city’s economic development arm, Invest Atlanta, has approved a conceptual master plan for the redevelopment of Underground Atlanta.

At a March 9 meeting, the board signed off on the plan from South Carolina-based WRS Real Estate Investments, which hoped to finalize purchase of the property from the city by the end of March.

WRS plans to transform the historic site into a mixed-use development with 1,000 residential units and 345,000 square feet of retail.

During a public comment period, residents expressed concern about the 3,500 parking spaces in the plan and the abandonment of Lower and Upper Alabama Street and two blocks of Pryor Street, which were made part of the sale to WRS.

The redevelopment would also mean the end of Kenny’s Alley, the restaurant and club area of Underground that is currently the home of The Masquerade. It would become parking for a supermarket.

The City of Atlanta bought out the remainder of an 88-year lease on the Undeground property in 2014 and has been trying to sell it ever since.

The retail and entertainment district, best known for hosting the annual Peach Drop on New Year’s Eve, was created after the Civil War as bridges and viaducts were built over Downtown’s railroad tracks. The five-block section, containing about 12 acres, was eventually covered and forgotten as the street level was raised one-and-a-half stories by the end of the 1920s.

Underground was rediscovered in the 1960s and the original store fronts, brick streets and gas lamps were renovated and turned into a restaurant and nightclub district in 1969, including the original Dante’s Down the Hatch. The heyday was short-lived and Underground became home to vagrants until the late 80s, when it was resurrected again in 1989.

The second heyday didn’t last long either as the upscale retailers and restaurants fled and were replaced by small shops, chain stores and fastfood restaurants.

City studying creation of its own transportation department

The Atlanta City Council passed a resolution during its Monday meeting to conduct a feasibility study on creating a single transportation-focused department, the Atlanta Department of Transportation (DOT). The new department would design, operate, manage and maintain the City of Atlanta’s transportation system, transit projects and infrastructure.

“After decades of traffic, mobility and connectivity being some of Atlanta’s top issues, I thought an Atlanta DOT would be a comprehensive way in which to provide a coordinated approach to making a difference in how we all move around the city we love,” said Councilmember Andre Dickens, who authored the request. “Currently, the city’s transportation needs are not clearly consolidated under any single department of the city.”

The Public Works Commissioner/ Deputy COO was requested to provide the results of the feasibility study to the city’s transportation committee no later than June 30.

Courtesy Invest Atlanta

A rendering of the redeveloped Underground Atlanta site in Downtown

Church marks 25th year of serving others

By Jaclyn Turner

More than 1,000 volunteers joined Peachtree Road United Methodist Church’s Great Day of Service on March 25.

“For us, the Great Day of Service is the introduction to service,” said Rev. Bill Britt, the senior minister at the church at 3180 Peachtree Road, which is marking its 25th year of serving the community. “They come on this one day of the year, and it inspires them to get involved in other ways throughout the year.”

More than 25 organizations will join in, along with members of the congregation and the community.

The event provides volunteers for 39 projects that focus on children, the impoverished, health and education. It is timed to coincide with the Christian observance of Lent, a period of fasting, penance and selfreflection leading up to Easter.

“As Christians, we are called to go out and serve,” said Beth Spencer, the director of local outreach and volunteer service. “We are a fortunate church and financially blessed as a congregation. It’s our moral duty to help our brothers and sisters in our city to help improve their quality of life.”

The day begins with communion and breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by service

projects across the city. It ends with a barbecue in the afternoon.

In celebration of the 25th year, PRUMC will recognize those who have volunteered since 1992. Church leaders have invited back the two women who thought up the idea in 1992: Rev. Vickie Smith, originally a church member who has since became ordained, and Melanie Johnson. In the first year, Smith thought 100 congregants would participate. Instead, 500 showed to donate their time and energy.

“In the early years it was meant to get us pew-sitters into service as true disciples,” said Claire Bowen, a longtime volunteer and human resources consultant. “It has had a ripple effect of people who want to be involved in service since.”

The Great Day of Service also allows for the church to interact with different partners in the community and help those who are less fortunate, Spencer said.

“Over the years, it becomes something you don’t want to miss,” Bowen said. “The camaraderie and feeling you get after you get in your car, knowing you made a difference, is something I look forward to. “

Spencer said that the event is inspired by the words of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who said, “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can … As long as you ever can.”

“During Lent we often times are asked to give something up, or take something on … so we ask them to take time out of their busy lives to give back to their community, even if it’s just for an hour,” Spencer said.

Projects include volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, New Hope AME Church, Covenant House, Police Athletic League and The Agape center.

Volunteers will have a chance this year to work at two new sites: Urban Recipe, a food co-op in Grant Park where volunteers will help ready a garden for planting; and The Hollis Innovation STEM Academy, a school in its first year that PRUMC helped launch where volunteers will help work in a garden and on stage sets for the school’s upcoming musical production of “Willy Wonka and

the Chocolate Factory.”

“Worship and outreach is the heartbeat of our church,” Britt said. “It is the very life of everything we do. Otherwise, we just become insulated and would think only of ourselves.”

To view the full list of community or for volunteer registration, visit prumc.org/greatday or call the church at (404) 266-2373.

Youth volunteer Caeley Ellinger joins Rev. Bill Britt, senior minister of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, at the PRUMC’s 2016 Great Day of Service last spring. Caeley was one of hundreds of volunteers who donated time at community service projects across Metro Atlanta.

Sally Westmoreland Agent of the Year

Bru Krebs & Associates Team of the Year

Kathleen Sickeler Sherry Warner

Nicole Davis

Mike Kondalski

Ann Finley

Erin Fye

Ed Woods

Ann Hudson

Lamar Golar

Julie Duffy

Michael JW Smith

Ryan Bowen

Nelson Brown

Retta

Christoforato

Kurt Harvell

Stephen Simonson

Margie Fischer Edwina Murphy

Chris Hilimire Helene DeLoach

Danielle Corriveau

Sean Carter

Clarke Weeks

Faith Stratton Top Leasing Agent

Dan Richardson Rookie of the Year

remarkable

faith ● service ● academics ● joy

At Holy Spirit Prep, we are committed to making our school a remarkable communion of joy, so that when our students graduate and enter their colleges or universities of choice across the world, they are joyful young men and women poised for a lifetime of happiness.

ACCEPTING 2017-18 APPLICATIONS

Learn more about our remarkable students, how to visit, and how to apply at holyspiritprep.org.

MAY OPEN HOUSES

Preschool Monday, May 1

Grades K-6 Tuesday, May 2

Grades 7-12 Wednesday, May 3 Details at holyspiritprep.org/visit.

Atlanta Streets Alive returns with new Westside route

Atlanta Streets Alive returns for 2017 with three events, including a brand new route on the Westside.

ASA kicks off on the Southside on Sunday, April 23, from 2 to 6 p.m., as a 4-mile stretch of street from Grant Park to Westview is closed to vehicles and opened to people on foot, bike, skates and other human-powered activities. As usual, there will be a wealth of activities and events along the route.

On June 11 from 4 to 8 p.m., ASA will be in uncharted territory for a brand new route on the Westside. Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street will be closed from Chattahoochee Avenue to Peachtree Street in the heart of Downtown. The event will coincide with the city-wide Atlanta Cycling Festival.

ASA returns to Peachtree Street on Sept. 24 from 2 to 6 p.m. with Atlanta’s main street closed from Midtown to Downtown. For more information and to get involved, visit atlantastreetsalive.com.

An independent Catholic school for students age 6 months-12th grade. www.holyspiritprep.org/visit

Your new home, set high above the heart of Atlanta’s

Midtown. Soak up

flourishing

sweeping city views from unprecedented heights. Enjoy access to a wealth of art, cuisine and the city’s greatest park at your doorstep. This is life orchestrated to perfection.

THE CANCER ANSWERTM IN YOUR HOMETOWN

Pet Pick

Boris is as charming as he is good looking! He loves all people though, due to his size and playful attitude, we ask that he not go home with anyone younger than 12 years old. He is a smart dog and picks up on training quickly. He stays fit and happy by taking lots of walks right now, but he would be okay learning to run, hike, or chase a ball as long as you were right there with him. To adopt Boris, visit the PAWS website at pawsatlanta.org or visit the shelter at 5287 Covington Highway in Decatur.

Pet Briefs

VetPronto has launched in Atlanta allowing users to request a veterinarian make a house call to help a sick pet. Diagnostics, physical exams and treatment plans can all be provided in the home, along with a cost estimate before the vet arrives. For more information, visit vetpronto.com.

Helping families impacted by domestic abuse is the 2017 goal for Morris, Manning & Martin’s MMMPact committee. Every year MMMPact – the Buckhead law firm’s social responsibility outreach – embraces a different nonprofit organization. This year’s nonprofit partner is Ahimsa House (ahimsahouse.org), which helps domestic abuse victims and their pets escape violence. The nonprofit, which was founded by a survivor of domestic violence, finds temporary homes for pets for up to 60 days. “Nobody should have to choose between their safety and a beloved pet,” said Ahimsa House Executive Director Myra Rasnick. “We also go to court with victims to get protective orders and provide follow-up care. We are very excited to engage with the firm and get the word out about what we do.”

Pets Are Loving Support (P.A.L.S.) is seeking a new executive director. The nonprofit provides ongoing care and support for pets who belong to people living with critical illness, disability and the elderly. For more information, visit palsatlanta.org.

Dr. Daniel Carr • Dr. Ethan Tolbert • Dr. Sheetal Patel • Dr. Laura Weakland

HISTORY REPEATING

The old Georgia Archives Building in Downtown Atlanta was imploded on March 5 to make way for a new state judicial complex. Located on Capitol Avenue near the Downtown Connector, the “White Ice Cube” was the state’s repository for historical documents from 1965 to 2003. After structural issues were discovered, a new state archive building was constructed near Clayton State University in Morrow. Our contributing photographer Asep Mawardi was on hand for the dawn demolition and captured these images.

A rendering of the new judicial complex.

“Saint Anne’s Terrace has a beautiful se ing with waterfalls, a sh pond and ower gardens. e sta is professional, iendly, courteous, which creates a family atmosphere. I’m very happy to be a part of this community.

Enjoy retirement by

.”

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

Wide-open family spaces

When did it become imperative for every young family to have (or aspire to have) a home with a wide-open kitchen looking out over the wide-open family room? If parents can’t prepare a casserole while overseeing their children tackle a jigsaw puzzle are they failing to realize the new American Dream?

The write-up of every listed home seems to include the words “open floor plan” which connotes updated and clean with neutral wall colors and stainless steel everything. Should you see the word “cozy” the house is obviously a dated, rat infested hovel with linoleum floors.

TIMMY DADDY

By Tim Sullivan

Our first two homes as a family unit were older houses. The kitchens were in the back of the house while the TV/family rooms were in the front of the house. I was okay with that. I’ll grant that there were instances where an open floor plan might have hastened our response, like the time Margo gnawed the corner of our coffee table. Still, when migraine-inducing shows like “Power Rangers” or “Caillou” were on TV, I was willing to take risks to be a couple rooms removed from the action. But like most Americans, we could only resist the allure of living in something that resembled a VFW Hall for so long. I suppose we longed to skateboard throughout our home, unencumbered by walls or pesky thresholds, so four years ago we took the leap. From the wide-open kitchen of our new home, we can just about view the whole main floor. But I’m careful not to gaze at the expanse too wistfully or I run the risk of being ankled by Margo’s scooter.

Of course we know we are very fortunate and indeed, there are perks. It’s a great house for entertaining and by the way, that’s what all the realtors say to perpetuate this trend. What they fail to point out is that on most days of the calendar year, you will not be entertaining. A typical weeknight at our house starts with a scramble to make dinner while guiding the kids through homework. They may not even need help but heck, we’re all right there so why not make it groupthink.

After dinner I’ll walk the dog. Kristen does the dishes and Elliott claims the front room. Kristen and I envisioned this as a den of sorts where we could slide the pocket doors shut and get some work done, do some reading or just catch up on each other’s

day. Instead it’s basically Elliott’s YouTube viewing station, catching up on the latest pranks or “fails.” Margo reigns over the family room. She watches tween shows like “Henry Danger” or “The Thundermans” and turns the volume up obnoxiously high to overpower the running water from the sink. March Madness takes on a new meaning when we suggest putting on a game instead.

By the time I get home with the dog it’s a cacophony of kitchen cleanup and a high decibel Nickelodeon laugh track accented by Elliott’s cackling from the front of the house. We do have a finished basement and it’s got a TV with xBox and toys and a Nerf Hoop and all sorts of things kids might like. Only problem is, they won’t go down there (unless we’re entertaining other kids).

I know what you’re thinking. Turn it into a Mancave, right? Just get some oak and polyurethane and mix it with whiskey and plaid and then I’ll be all set. Honestly though, the thought of hanging out downstairs by myself with a dart board or something is wholly unappealing. Plus, there would be nothing of the sort in the Sullivan household anyway. It would be a Gender-neutral cave open to all or Margo would be women’s marching all over me. Oh well, I guess “Henry Danger” is a pretty high quality tween show and my bracket is busted anyway. Maybe I’ll just go ahead and buy that skateboard.

Founded in 1991 by Warner McConaughey

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.

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INSIDE LOOK ATLANTA UNITED

Our contributing photographer Colin Potts was down on the pitch and in the stands at Bobby Dodd Stadium for Atlanta United FC’s second home game against Chicago Fire on March 18. The sellout crowd was on its feet as Atlanta won the match 4-0. ATLUTD will be playing all of its home games at the Georgia Tech stadium until MercedesBenz Stadium is ready in July.

GEORGIA DOME FINAL DAYS

INSIDE LOOK

Photographer Phil Mosier was at the “Salute the Dome” luncheon for current and former employees of the Georgia Dome. Carl Adkins, former general manager, greeted attendees (left). The annual Monster Jam truck show was the final event at the old arena, which will soon be demolished to create parking for Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Drawn Together

Candler Park’s Paper Ghost Studio creates, sells unique art

By Isadora Pennington

Tucked away in a storefront in Candler Park sits a charming little shop where doodles adorn the front windows, prints lean against the glass inside and the white walls beyond are lined with artwork.

Paper Ghost Studio is somewhat of an enigma – part gallery, part retail, and part office, and almost never open to the public. Founded by illustrators Mike Lowery, Katrin Wiehle, Sarah Watts and Taylor Morris in 2014, the shop was initially conceptualized simply to provide a communal setting for their work which otherwise was mostly tackled at home, alone.

“That’s the thing about illustration; we sit at the computer and work on our stuff,” said Lowery.

“It’s a collaborative company, so rather

than the three of us individually marketing our stuff, it’s three artists under one company,” said Sarah Neuburger. Their paths to co-working at the studio today are as varied as they are. Lowery went to school in the 90s for design, a practical degree, which also enabled him to take fine art classes and develop his skills.

“I didn’t know much about what illustration was, I thought it was just children’s books. Over the years my graphic design and fine art illustration started looking like each other,” Lowery said.

It was nearly 12 years ago that he illustrated his first book, and now is a published author himself. He has since married Katrin Wiehle, and together they make a living out of their artwork.

Wiehle grew up in a small village in Germany where she was exposed to lots of farm animals that inspired her art.

She later also went to school for design, but soon after shifted gears towards illustrating for magazines and children’s books. “I realized I was more interested in bringing my own ideas to life rather than bring to life something that someone else had visualized.”

One of her concepts, a series of children’s books printed on all natural cardboard with soy inks, even won the “world’s most beautiful book” award in Germany. “Since we are all individuals working on projects, it’s nice to have a space where you can be around other people and come up with ideas and then realize them together,” Wiehle explained about working at Paper Ghost.

Meanwhile Neuburger, originally hailing from South Carolina, got her masters degree in studio art at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Her wife’s work brought her to Atlanta, and now they live in Augusta. Though reluctant to label herself an illustrator until recently, Neuburger has 10 years of experience running an online shop through Tiny Object as a retail wholesale producer of cake toppers and rubber stamps.

“I got tired of making the same item over and over again, so I then switched over to wanting to draw more and dropped the wholesale line,” she explained. These days many of her clients seek her out for branding or marketing purposes, and she lends her quirky style to collateral for entrepreneurs and businesses.

Working at Paper Ghost Studio has served another rather unexpected purpose for the artists, as it bridges the gap between illustrator and clientele. Most of the time, you never meet the

person who drew the characters in your favorite children’s books, designed your stationary, or made the art that hangs on your walls. Through art shows and special pop up events, the crew at Paper Ghost came to know and love their community, and the shop’s impact expanded.

“We started doing pop up events called the Paper Ghost Fortune Machine, and it’s one of my favorite projects right now,” said Lowery. “People come up and fill out a questionnaire, and a psychic will draw their fortune.”

Around the holidays, the team also offers live drawing events where you can commission cards on the spot for your loved ones.

Throughout the years, and as the group saw successful shows, events, and collaborations, some things have changed while their core motives remain the same: to make art, work hard, and connect with their communities.

When they first started the space, it was supposed to be a working studio, but once it became more about being a public open space with events and the chance to meet and interact with more people from the area. That’s really exciting,” Neurburger said.

The shop, located at 1393 McLendon Ave., is only open to the public on openings and during special events, as otherwise it functions mostly as an office. For those who are interested in meeting these local artists and buying prints or small works, come out to their next Tiny Art Show opening on April 15 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit paperghoststudio.com.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

Sarah Neuburger, Katrin Wiehle and Mike Lowery created Paper Ghost Studio as a place to collaborate and create, but it’s turned into a retail business and gallery, too.

Soaking It In

Local entrepreneur creates all-natural soap and sponge products

are both natural and renewable,” Page said.

This “happy accident” started when she was formulating soaps in her kitchen to help her nephew who suffered huge welts from mosquito bites. She developed a blend of “bug hating” essential oils and nourishing butters to repel mosquitos without using DEET.

As she expanded her soap recipes, she turned to goat’s milk, an ancient skin care tradition because its pH level is similar to healthy human skin and very moisturizing.

Then she discovered the benefits of using sea sponges, which Page explained are “very absorbent, suitable for sensitive skin, more durable than synthetic sponges and do not mold or mildew.” Friends kept asking her where they could buy sea sponges and her hand crafted apothecary

“It’s like deadheading a flower – they all come back. It’s not like coral. Sea sponges are a totally renewable resource,” Page explained. Whole yellow sea sponges can last at least a year with no care required if you squeeze them out after use. But for those so inclined, Page provides a care sheet.

Sea Goat also sells a vase sponge, used to hydroponically grow plants without soil. Just place it in a bowl with water and you can easily create your own herb garden or grow orchids, seedlings, succulents and more. Watering depends on what you plant.

As her customer base grows, Page now prepares her products in a recently purchased mobile classroom with the help of her two sisters. There she can let her soaps cure four to six weeks on drying racks like baked goods to make them last longer.

By Clare S. Richie

While strolling through the Inman Park Festival in April or Virginia-Highland Summerfest in June, look for a kayak and Melissa Page in her captain’s hat to find the Sea Goat Soap and Sponge booth. After smelling the pure fragrances, reviewing the natural ingredients listed on the soap bars, and learning about sea sponges – you’re sure to become a repeat customer.

“Men and women today are more in-tune with what we put on our skin –our largest organ. Goat’s milk soap and natural sea sponges are great products to use,” Page said.

This Old Fourth Ward resident, with two decades of experience in product development and branding, has found an unexpected second career as a sea sponge entrepreneur.

“I’ve always been drawn to things that

She knew she could transform her hobby into a business, but credits her husband with its unique her goat’s milk soap and yellow sea sponge together, so like a Reese’s peanut butter cup, she decided to combine them. This product reminded her husband of the mythical Greek Sea Goat, with a goat’s head and body and the tail of a fish.

Page works with two licensed Florida divers who harvest sea sponges from Tampa to Key West. The divers hand cut each sponge, leaving more than one inch of base to ensure that in a few years they’ll grow back, often bigger and healthier.

For now, Sea Goat’s primary source of distribution is its website, seagoatsoap.com. But spring and summer festivals enable Page to educate new customers about what’s right for their skin and allows repeat customers a chance to restock.

“People are always asking me, where can I find your stuff in a shop?” Page said.

That’s the next step for Sea Goat, to place her products in more stores. For now, you can find a few items at Zoo Atlanta.

“That’s my push for this summer – to be more brave and more proactive and seek new outlets,” Page said.

Shaw

*Jenny Stallings

**Ashley

Webb

*BJ Webb

Melissa Page

Passionate, Tenacious and Real Knowledge of the Atlanta Market!

BUSINESS BRIEFS

platinum sponsors Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists

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gold sponsors Ansley Eye Care

Panacea Plastic Surgery

Ken Covers, Engel and Volkers food & decor Affairs to Remember

silver sponsors

Highland Eye Boutique

Midtown Bank, A Division of First Landmark Bank

Buckhead Pediatric Dentistry

Ashley Bynum Intown Realtor

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Boynton & Myrick Real Estate 755 North Apartments

Intown Renovations Group Poncey-Highland

Charlotte-based real estate company, Asana Partners, has purchased the two retail strip centers containing the historic Plaza Theatre and Majestic Diner in PonceyHighland. According to a report in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the company paid $18 million for the properties located at the corner of Ponce de Leon and North Highland Avenues. There are no plans to demolish or redevelop the property, according to the new property owners. Plaza Theatre, a fixture since 1939, released a statement on its Facebook page to calm fears from patrons who were concerned about the cinema’s future: “The sale of the shopping center in no way impacts the operation of the theatre or its long term lease. We look forward to a successful and positive relationship with the new landlord as this shopping center embarks on a new chapter. Here’s to another 77 years of movie theatre magic.”

utility’s operations center at 760 Ralph McGill Boulevard, located next to Historic Fourth Ward Park, is one of the largest remaining single tracts along the Eastside Trail. The Georgia Power property is just a short walk from Ponce City Market and the redeveloping Masquerade site.

Ground has been broken for Castleberry Park, a new mixed-use development on the Westside. The new $90 million development will offer approximately 130 apartments, a rooftop deck with panoramic city views and amenities including a clubroom, dog wash area and a package-delivery center. It will also feature ground level commercial space for restaurants and other retail, as well as a public park and a centrally located parking garage. In addition, Castleberry Park will include a 200-room Hard Rock brand hotel. The property is slated to be completed in 2019.

Fuqua Development has filed permits with the city to start the land development on nearly 160,000 square feet of retail for its Madison Yards project at 905 Memorial Drive in Reynoldstown. Madison Yards will have a mix of office, retail and 550 apartments developed by Greystar. Fuqua is reportedly in talks to bring a Publix supermarket and an AMC Theatre to the project, which will sit on the former Leggett & Platt factory site along the Atlanta BeltLine.

Georgia Power plans to put a prime 10-acre site along the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail on the market in April, according to a report from the AJC. The

Endeavor, a nonprofit organization that facilitates long-term economic growth by selecting, mentoring entrepreneurs around the world, is expanding to Atlanta. Endeavor Atlanta’s launch is made possible by seed funding from Cox Enterprises. The new office will be run by Aaron Hurst, who joins Endeavor Atlanta from the technology company Ceridian, where he most recently served as vice president of global solutions. For more information, visit EndeavorATL.org.

New retail is open – or soon to open – at Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward. Already open: Abbey Glass, which specializes in tailored womenswear and jewelry. Opening soon: South Moon Under – which offers women’s clothing, swimwear, accessories, jewelry and gifts for the home –and MAC Pro, the make-up company.

Spa810 is now open at Atlantic Station offering massages, skin care, facials, anti-aging, aesthetics and pain-free laser hair removal. For more information, visit spa810.com.

Castleberry Park

Madison Yards

Rudy Harrell

Morgan Rogers

Suzanne East

Sonny Jones

Allan Minter

Britton McLeod

Lindsay Dendy Kate Burke

Sally George Kathy McLean & Allison McWilliams

Alden Potts Diane Arnold

Vicki Crawford & Kathy Ghirardini

Kim Crahan

Carson Matthews Laura Hughen Emily Carlson

Cindy Camasta Lindsey Cheney Kevin McGlynn Judy Patch

Anna Stephens

Cheryl Bright Schalk

Dawn Anderson Elizabeth Harris King Katherine McClure Fluffy McDuffie

Geoff Friedman Frank Nelson

Amy Marsaudon Barbara Reichick Wight Mixon CiCi Harris Susan Traynor

Blair Huckeba

Carolyn Mellon

Pat Junod

Lynda Hall

Rod White Ashley Riley Katherine Hernandez Sandy Lawrence Katherine Wirth Lindsay Dawson Karen Anderson Jeff McCrary Allise Raad

Michael Crowe Scott Prather

Robert Peterson

Patti Junger

Charles Guthrie Harvin Greene & Stephanie Marinac

Ashley Rearden

Heather Greenhaw 10thYear Phoenix

Vicki Crawford 30thYear Phoenix Erin Yabroudy 10thYear Phoenix

Anne Jefferson Connell 10thYear Phoenix

Jason Cook Barbara Marxer Amy McBrien Betty Ereckson Jan Sugrue Heather Steiner Ansley Alexander

Atlanta Stockade set for mixed-use development

By Collin Kelley

Urban Realty Partners and RAF Capital have officially closed on the former Atlanta Stockade prison site in Grant Park with plans to create a mixed-use development of offices and restaurant space.

The project, now being called GlenCastle, sits on 4 acres next door to the giant Kroger supermarket at Glenwood Park and overlooks I-20.

Built in 1896, the Atlanta Stockade was the largest city-built prison complex in the state. The site, which also fronts on Glenwood Avenue, still contains the former Goth-style prison, blacksmith shop and stables, which are all on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

The developers are currently applying for historic tax credits for the buildings, which will be called The Forge (7,300 square feet of restaurant or creative office), The Stockade (38,000 square feet of creative office) and The Stable (25,000 square feet of single story creative office or restaurant). The site is also just a block from the future Southside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine.

Rachel Simpson Shockley Attorney

Dennis G. Collard Attorney

The Studio Festivals in Bloom

A guide to Intown’s can’t miss art and music festivals

By Kathy Dean and Collin Kelley

ATLANTA ARAB FESTIVAL

The 12th annual celebration of Arab culture will be held April 22 - 23 at the Alif Institute, 3288 Marjan Drive. There will be music, food, art and more. More details at alifinstitute.org.

SANDY

SPRINGS ARTSAPALOOZA 2017

This year’s Artsapalooza is April 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 16, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring local musicians, interactive art stations, plus up to 150 arts and crafts participants in every discipline. The event is held at 6100 Lake Forrest Drive. For more information, visit sandyspringsartsapalooza.com.

INMAN PARK FESTIVAL

The 46th annual festival will be held April 2930 from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The annual Tour of Homes (see page 56 for more details) begins on Friday, April 28. In addition to all the arts and crafts, music and food, the big event is the annual parade, which kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Edgewood and Euclid and runs to Austin Avenue. Parking will be strictly limited (or non-existent), so festivalgoers are encouraged to walk, bike, take MARTA to the Inman Park station or get dropped off by a ride share near the area. For more info: inmanparkfestival.org.

FESTIVAL ON PONCE

The spring version of the festival will be held April 1-2 in Olmsted Linear Park along Ponce de Leon Avenue. Visitors will enjoy fine art and crafts, folk and “outsider art” from more than 125 artisans, a children’s area and a line-up of some of Intown’s favorite food trucks. For a full list of artists and events, visit festivalonponce.com.

ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL

Piedmont Park will be buzzing once again on April 7-9 with the 81st annual Dogwood Festival. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The annual celebration of the dogwood will feature live music, arts and crafts, food booths and familyfriendly activities including the Mimosa 5K event on Saturday and the U.S. Disc Dog Southern Nationals, a world-class competition starring the top Frisbee dogs in the nation. Free admission. Get the details at dogwood.org.

SWEETWATER 420 FESTIVAL

The annual music and beer festival returns to Downtown’s Centennial Olympic Park on April 21-23. This year’s music line-up includes Widespread Panic, Ween, Trey Anastasio Band, Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Moe, Trombone Shorty and many more. The 420 Disco line-up includes Break Science, San Holo, Sunsquabi, G-Buck and Tep NoSavoy. For full details about the weekend and to buy VIP tickets, visit sweetwater420fest.com.

To Infinity and Beyond!

Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors coming to High Museum in 2018

On the heels of the announcement of the big summer Andy Warhol exhibition, the High Museum of Art in Midtown has also announced another expected blockbuster for 2018: “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors.”

The exhibit is currently in Washington D.C., where tickets disappeared in minutes, and will be at the High Museum from Nov. 18, 2018 through Feb. 17, 2019.

Organized by the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, this exhibition will take visitors on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through more than 60 years of Kusama’s creative output and will explore the evolution of the artist’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, her iconic kaleidoscopic environments. The exhibition will present six of these rooms, along with other large-scale installations, sculptures, paintings, works on paper, and archival photographs and films from the early 1950s through the present.

Also on view will be numerous new works by the 87-year-old artist, who is still very active in her Tokyo studio, including her recently completed “Infinity Mirror Room—All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins,” featuring dozens of Kusama’s signature dotted, bright-yellow pumpkin sculptures.

Other major works will include the artist’s original landmark installation, “Infinity Mirror Room—Phalli’s Field,” featuring a vast expanse of red-spotted white tubers in a room lined with mirrors, and “Dots Obsession—Love Transformed into Dots,” a mirrored room filled with inflatables suspended from the ceiling.

By Collin Kelley

The Alliance Theatre will take its 2017/18 season on the road to venues around the city as work begins on renovating its home at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Venues for the 49th season include the Fulton County Southwest Arts Center, Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, Marcus Jewish Community Center, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Actor’s Express, Spelman College, Dad’s Garage, Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta History Center, The Galloway School and the Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe University.

Season highlights include “Shakespeare in Love,” “Crossing Delancey,” “Candide,” “The Jungle Book,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the annual production of “A Christmas Carol” and two one-acts – “Hospice” and “Pointing at the Moon” – from Alliance Playwright in Residence Pearl Cleage. The full list of shows can be seen at alliancetheatre. org, where season tickets are already available. Single show tickets will be available in July.

“It never felt like the right choice to simply produce the off campus season in a single venue – or even in two venues that might approximate our two theatres,” said Alliance artistic director Susan V. Booth. “We have a once-in-an-organizational-lifetime opportunity to truly be Atlanta’s theatre. For 48 years, metro Atlanta has supported us by making the trip to our front door. It seemed like we had the opportunity to return the favor, and to do so in a way that celebrated the best of Atlanta by taking our work to a slate of cultural venues across our city. If we do this work right, each work will feel inevitably matched to its venue, and we’ll be both taking our loyal supporters on a curated trip around their city, and meeting new audiences that we can hopefully bring home with us in the years ahead.”

The Alliance renovation project will include a complete transformation of the stage, the theater’s rehearsal spaces, education and artist support spaces. The theatre company plans to return to its new space, which will include the renamed Coca-Cola Stage, in time for its 50th anniversary season in late 2018.

A rendering of the completed renovation of the Alliance Theatre space, which will be ready for the company’s 50th anniversary season in 2018-19.

Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone: This musical revue by Theatrical Outfit lays bare the rich legacy of an American icon whose work spans genres from jazz to gospel to blues to Broadway to rock and roll. Closes April 15. $20 to $48. theatricaloutfit.org

Visual Arts

Elegantissima: The Design and Typography of Louise Fili: Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) celebrates how a designer’s vision can be personal yet universal and bring joy to client and consumer. Tuesday through Sunday. Free to $10. museumofdesign.org

The Spirit of the Place: Photographs by Jack Leigh: Visit the High Museum of art to see this exhibit that showcases the lyrical work of celebrated Savannah photographer Jack Leigh (American, 1948–2004). Tuesday through Sunday. Free to $14.50. high.org

Found In Transition: “Found In Transition” at Gallery 180 brings together the works of Namwon Choi and Lynx to explore the concept and the process of transition. Closes April 14. Free. stanleybeamansears.com/gallery-180

Bullets: Moroccan-born multimedia artist Lalla Essaydi sewed thousands of bullet casings together for this exhibit at Jackson Fine Art. Closes April 15. Free. jacksonfineart.com

Tom Francis: Signatures: Wisconsinborn artist and SCAD Professor Tom Francis has been a fixture in the Atlanta art world for 30 years, and this is a retrospective of his paintings. Opens April 21. Free. thomasdeansfineart.com

Swimming Them Homeward: Atlanta

Contemporary Art Center presents a survey of artists from Lexington, Ky., an art community that is extraordinarily prolific and interconnected, but rarely exhibited outside of the region. Tuesday through Sunday. Free. atlantacontemporary.org

Performing Arts

Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales: Atlanta Shakespeare Company’s show draws on the influences of Geoffrey Chaucer’s writing, and the hilarious adaptation reintroduces the tales in forms ranging from classical to spaghetti Western. April 1 though 23. $15 to $36. shakespearetavern.com

Pete the Cat: This new show at Center for Puppetry Arts is a groovy adventure of one cool, skateboarding, surfing, rocking blue cat and his fine friends. Opens April 4. $20.50. puppet.org

Hedwig And The Angry Inch: Visit the Fox Theatre to see this genre-bending, fourth-wall-smashing musical sensation that tells the story of one of the most unique characters to ever hit the stage. April 4 and 5. $48.50 to $158.50. foxtheatre.org

Jerry Seinfeld: See the most successful and influential comedian of his generation live at the Fox Theatre. April 7. $65.10 to $197.40. foxtheatre.org

Che Malambo: Muy Macho Men: Don’t miss Che Malambo’s fiery, virtuosic dancing as the company debuts on the Rialto Center for the Arts stage. April 8. $31 to $62. rialtocenter.org

John Luther Adams Performed By Bent

Frequency: GSU’s ensemble in residence presents music by internationally renowned composer John Luther Adams. April 9. $20 to $51. rialtocenter.org

Cinderella and Fella: Alliance Theatre’s show is a magical retelling of the Cinderella story that’s more high-tops than glass slipper and is fueled by the magic of lightning bugs, singing cicadas and oozing mud. Closes April 9. $18 to $32. alliancetheatre.org

Grease: Featuring a spectacular cast filled with Atlanta’s brightest talent, Grease by Serenbe Playhouse is the story of star crossed teenage lovers, Danny and Sandy. Closes April 15. $30 to $35. serenbeplayhouse.com

The Legend of Georgia McBride: With a pregnant wife, an empty bank account and an eviction notice, Casey has no choice but to trade his Elvis jumpsuit for sequins as the Florida panhandle’s newest drag queen in this musical. Closes April 16. $21 to $45. actors-express.com

Matilda the Musical: Presented by Broadway in Atlanta at the Fox Theatre, this is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. April 18 through 23. $30 to $125. atlanta.broadway.com

Sweetwater 420 Fest: This festival at Centennial Olympic Park is three days of environmental awareness, awesome bands from all around the country, SweetWater’s heady brews, killer people, tons of vendors and delicious food. April 21 through 23. $66 to $170. sweetwater420fest.com

Billy Joel: Having sold 150 million records over the past quarter century, scoring 33 consecutive Top 40 hits, Billy Joel ranks as one of most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in history. See him in concert at SunTrust Park. April 28. $54.50 to $139.50. m.mlb.com/ braves/tickets/concerts/billy-

Turandot: Presented by The Atlanta Opera at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Puccini’s epic tale centers around the Princess Turandot, who decapitates each suitor who fails to answer her riddles. April 29 through May 7. $25 to $140. atlantaopera.org

Your family’s most comprehensive online guide to arts and cultural entertainment Visit AtlantaPlanIt.org for more upcoming events.

Dance | Drama | Visual Arts | And more!

Summertime is a wonderful opportunity for children to expand and grow.

Callanwolde’s summer camps will offer weeks of fun, age-appropriate and worthwhile lessons in visual art, music, drama, writing and movement. Our experienced artist/teachers and great projects (many completely new or re-imagined for 2017!) make Callanwolde’s summer camps an excellent experience!

Top right, bottom left images by J. Glenn Photography.

Pony Pals Summer Camp

Chastain Horse Park - convenient Buckhead location!

Boys and girls ages 4-8 – Mon-Fri 8am-1pm

Many weeks to choose from during Summer 2017

Camp activities for our younger riders include daily riding lessons, crafts and games! Contact us at (404) 252-4244 or ponypals@chastainhorsepark.org or download registration form at https://www.chastainhorsepark.org/horse-camps

www.chastainhorsepark.org

404-252-4244

News You Can Eat

Market Days

Intown farmers markets reopen for the season

GRANT PARK FARMERS MARKET

The market reopens April 3 and will be open on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Cherokee and Milledge avenues. There will be locally grown fruits, vegetables, artisan produced breads, cheeses, and celebrity chef demonstrations. Information: grantparkmarket.org.

By Collin Kelley

Intown’s eclectic array of farmers markets have re-opened – or soon will – for the season. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, baked goods or inspiration from local chefs, the local markets have got you covered.

GREEN MARKET AT PIEDMONT PARK

The annual Green Market at Piedmont Market opened in early March and continues every Saturday through mid-December from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the 12th Street gate. More than 40 vendors offer fresh goods and there are also chef demonstrations, arts and crafts, and live music. Information: piedmontpark.org.

EAST ATLANTA VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET

The market reopens April 13 and continues through mid-December on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. at 561 Flat Shoals Ave. You’ll find fresh produce, locally-made food and products, chef demos and much more throughout the season. Information: cfmatl.org/eav.

MORNINGSIDE FARMERS’ MARKET

Open year-round, this neighborhood market at 1393 N. Highland Ave. has been a Saturday morning favorite for more than 20 years. Check out organic produce, freshly prepared foods, baked goods, artisan crafts, flowers and more. Market hours are 8 to 11:30 a.m. Information: morningsidemarket.com.

PEACHTREE ROAD FARMERS MARKET

Located in the parking lot at Cathedral of St. Phillip, 2744 Peachtree Road in Buckhead, the market reopens for the season on April 1 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and continue every Saturday through mid-December. Upcoming guest chefs include Nick Leahy of Saltyard, Suzanne Vizethann of Buttermilk Kitchen, and Thomas McKeown of the Hyatt Atlanta. Information: peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com.

PEACHTREE CENTER GREEN MARKET

The market kicks off April 7 and will be held every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at in the courtyard of Downtown’s Peachtree Center. This market will feature over a dozen vendors selling local goods from produce to breads to juice. Information: facebook.com/peachtreecenter

PONCE CITY FARMERS MARKET

Opening day is April 11 for this market located directly on the Beltline’s Eastside Trail at The Shed at PCM. The market will be held seasonally on Tuesday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m., and will host urban farmers, artisanal food makers and pop-up chefs. Information: cfmatl. org/poncecity.

DECATUR FARMERS MARKET

Held on the front lawn of the First Baptist Church of Decatur at the corner of Commerce and Clairemont, the market reopens on Saturdays starting April 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each week. Information: cfmatl.org/Decatur.

FREEDOM FARMERS’ MARKET

The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year round at the Carter Center in PonceyHighland. Expect to find fresh produce, meats, baked goods, cheese and dairy, handmade preserves and honey, fresh coffee and more. There are also regular guest chefs in the restaurant pop-up tent. Information: freedomfarmersmkt.com.

Corny for Cornbread Sampling a Southern side-dish favorite

By Isadora Pennington

It doesn’t get more traditionally southern than buttery, crumbly cornbread. This dish, however, has origins that trace back long before the Americas were colonized by Europe. Corn, or maize, has long been used in ground format for many dishes by Native Americans, and settlers in the United States soon adapted their traditional bread recipes to include ground cornmeal.

Cornbread saw an uptick in popularity in times of war, most notably during the Civil War, when the affordable and easy dish lent itself to meager supplies and hastily concocted meals for soldiers in battle. Though cornbread did also come into favor in the northern states, the composition is notably different depending on the region where it was made.

In the north, most cornbread is sweeter and reminiscent of cake, while in the south the dish is usually made with little or no sugar and less flour. When made in the south, the dish also commonly employs buttermilk and white cornmeal. Meanwhile in Texas, cornbread developed a richer flavor, which included whole creamed corn kernels and sprinkled with jalapeños. In the north you’re more likely to find cornbread served alongside honey, while in the south you’ll get funny looks if you add anything to the dish beyond butter or molasses.

Today, it’s common to find cornbread on the menu of many top restaurants. The recipe has been adjusted and modified so much over the years that it can just as easily belong alongside a meal at a diner as it does at a fine dining restaurant.

So, what makes cornbread great?

In my humble opinion, I think it’s all about balance. Sure, there’s a time and a place for sweet cornbread, but there are also times when I’d prefer the salty, spicy kick of jalapeño cornbread to go with my chili or my barbecue. Considering of course the widespread success and popularity of this dish, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of delectable offerings in this city. Here are some of my favorite spots in town to get this crumbly and buttery bread dish.

every right

cop an attitude" -Zagat

Big Al’s Butter Made Burgers now open in Buckhead! THE

100% All Natural certified Angus beef. No hormones or antibiotics. All burgers are fresh, never frozen and are cooked in our hand churned gourmet butter to give extra flavor and tenderness to the burger.

Everybody Eats: Bert Weiss

By Megan Volpert

Welcome back to INtown’s new interview series where I discuss food with citizens of Atlanta who are prominent for non-food-related reasons. Let’s get to know our most high-profile residents a little more personally, shall we?

For this second installment, I spoke to Bert Weiss, namesake radio jockey for morning funny business on Q100 FM’s The Bert Show.

How do you like your eggs cooked?

► Well, I ate egg whites each and every morning for about 10 years until I just found out I have a food sensitivity to...egg whites! And a sensitivity to yolks as well. So... none.

What are your two favorite things to put in mac and cheese, other than the mac and the cheese?

► Hot dogs. Sausage.

Where’s a good place to go for a business lunch?

► Superica

Wine and beer, or the hard stuff, or none at all?

► Vodka! Tito’s specifically. Or tequila, Casa Dragones.

A lot of people with stomach sensitivities have to eat the same stuff at the same time every day. Could we set a clock by what you’re eating?

► Oh, yeah. It’s so boring. I have had stomach problems for the better part of 20 years. I had food allergy test done and I tested allergic or sensitive for 42 different foods. So, I’m learning to eat totally differently now. It’s super boring. I have never enjoyed the theater of eating so the adjustments haven’t been that big a deal.

You’re a pretty healthy eater, but what is your guilty pleasure snack food? Favorite food for a football tailgate?

► Pizza! My kids kill me. I do so well then they come in the house and it’s always pizza. It’s my food kryptonite.

What are your feelings about red velvet cake?

► Meh.

Is there any food so disgusting to you that you just won’t eat it?

► Goat cheese is my nemesis food. (See awkward photo.)

Who does most of the cooking in your house? Who cooked while you were growing up, and are you teaching your sons to cook?

► Cooking has never been a priority in my life. My mom was an awful cook. My dad was terrible. When I moved out I ate mostly frozen foods. I’ve just signed up with Blue Apron to force me into learning how to follow a recipe. For as healthy as I eat, it’s terrible how I don’t make my kids eat healthier.

Is Atlanta’s cuisine scene missing anything you loved to eat in San Diego?

► Well, those little dive Mexican restaurants are great in Atlanta, they just aren’t as abundant as they are back home. Taco Veloz, Cuernavaca and Taquito Express at the BP on Peachtree in Chamblee are my faves.

What is the most memorable food-related story you’ve got from your time on The Bert Show?

► We have food challenges every time a famous chef comes in. Everybody works so hard on them. I didn’t come in last place when I simply used the contents inside a ham and cheese Hot Pocket. The Bert Show member that came in last was so hurt that she couldn’t talk about it for years.

Q100

Bert Weiss eating goat cheese.

Atlanta chefs and restaurants have made the finalist list for the 2017 James Beard Foundation Awards, considered one of the most prestigious cooking and food awards in the world. Both Steven Satterfield of Miller Union and Ryan Smith of Staplehouse are up for Best Chef: Southeast, while Asha Gomez’s cookbook, “My Two Souths” is up for best cookbook in the American Cooking category. Meyer Davis Studio is nominated for its design of the St. Cecilia space and Miller Union is also nominated for Outstanding Wine Program. Winners will be announced in late April and early May.

Chef Eli Kirshtein closed The Luminary at Krog Street Market on March 31. Kirshstein released this statement about the closure: “I am so proud of the staff, purveyors, and partners of The Luminary, and all we have achieved together. The dedication, commitment, and effort everyone has put forth over the last two and half years has been truly humbling, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of the community support we have received. It’s becoming more and more difficult to run a successful restaurant in a city with such a high level of saturation. With costs increasing across the board, the challenges became too great for us. I always sincerely and deeply love the city of Atlanta and the people in it. Being born and raised here and having the ability to continue my career here is a dream come true. I look forward to cooking for Atlanta again - sometime soon!”

The team behind Savi Provisions markets has opened Jai Ho Indian Kitchen & Bar, a 3,700-square-foot restaurant at 560 Dutch Valley Road in Morningside. Drawing inspiration from owner Paul Nair’s upbringing in India, Jai Ho offers a blend of regional dishes in an upscale atmosphere. Partner and Chef Anish Nair and Chef Vijeesh Parayil helm the kitchen, updating traditional recipes with innovative techniques. For more information, visit jaihoatlanta.com.

The Highlander, located in the Midtown Promenade at 931 Monroe Drive, is celebrating its 25th anniversary on April 6-9 with special musical guests, DJs, multi-media art show and trivia. For more information, visit thehighlanderatlanta.com.

The first annual Atlanta Spring Wine Fest will be held on Saturday, April 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Historic Fourth Ward Park. There will be more than 100 wines as well as a selection of beer and cider to choose from along with live music, games, and food will be available for purchase. For tickets and more information, visit atlantawinefestival.com.

Atlanta’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry will take place on Thursday, April 20, at Southern Exchange at 200 Peachtree. Featured restaurants representing the Midtown and Downtown area include: 5Church, White Oak Kitchen & Cocktail, Twelve Eighty, Ted’s Montana Grill, Superica, Serpas True Food, Sun Dial and Kevin Rathbun Steak. Proceeds support Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger in America. For more information, visit ce.nokidhungry.org/atlanta.

The 8th Annual Cars and ‘Q for the Cause will be held Saturday, April 29, 4 to 7 p.m. at Choate Construction. There will be 100-plus stellar cars, tasty barbecue, continuous pours of your favorite brews, silent auction and live music, all to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation. Advance tickets are $15 for event entry and dinner; $30 for entry, dinner and bar access (legal age permitting). Tickets at the door are $20 and $40. Choate Construction, 8200 Roberts Dr., Atlanta, 30350. Visit carsnq.passioncff.org for tickets and details.

Home & Real Estate

Sustainable Living

Traditional wisdom adds more green to the modern home

By Kathy Dean

Homeowners and builders are incorporating more efficient energy systems in homes than ever before. The awareness of, and demand for, sustainable energy sources has increased over the years, but the use of green energy is not a new concept.

Before modern heating and air conditioning was widely available, people still found ways to keep their homes well lit and comfortable. That old-time wisdom still has a lot to offer.

“The challenge, really, is to use traditional passive cooling techniques along with modern technology to keep our homes comfortable by modern expectations,” said Brandy Herlinger Morrison, historical architect and president/owner of Morrison Design, LLC.

She shared several ideas to meet that challenge. For example, the way a house is situated can have a big impact. “Orienting the home to catch sunlight and breezes can reduce the reliance on other energy sources for heating and lighting,” she said. “The house should be situated in such a way that helps to cool it in summer and heat it in winter, while capturing as much light as possible.”

It takes some careful planning to achieve maximum efficiency. The architect needs to consider where sunlight falls on the house at different times of the year, as well as what direction the wind travels across the property.

Morrison went on to explain that the placement of windows and doors is another important factor. “In older buildings, we often see that the front and back doors are in a direct line with one another, as are windows. This allows breezes to sweep through the house and cool it.”

External shutters, often seen as a simple home decoration, can have an impact on energy savings as well. Using operable shutters that are well fitted to the outside of windows helps to control the interior temperature of the house.

According to Morrison, today’s home designers have moved away from tall or high windows; instead, they tend to opt for more insulated wall space. However, with Energy Star compliant windows, taller windows still insulate while allowing more ambient light into the room. This reduces the need to turn on inside lights.

Another traditional feature is the large front porch with an overhanging roof. “The porch is a wonderful passive cooling technique for homes. Not only does it offer shade, it also creates an extra living space that can be used comfortably through much of the year,” Morrison said.

Simple color and landscaping techniques provide ways to save energy, too. For instance, brick or siding in light colors reflect the sun’s heat. Morrison warned that while a lightcolored roof will also help keep a home cool, it could become a light pollution issue.

“Planting a row of deciduous trees along the south side of the house will shade it in summer,” she explained. “Once the leaves fall in winter, the sun can shine through and warm up the home, while the trees still provide a wind break.”

Morrison added that the passive cooling techniques have worked well for her family in their Atlanta home. While their large house is kept in the 70- to 80-degree range throughout the year, their energy consumption remains surprisingly low.

Photo courtesy GSU/Morrison

Historical architect Brandy Herlinger Morrison shares ideas to design greener homes.

Everyone can make a positive impact on the environment of their home, as well as the planet. There are a variety of changes that you can make that will yield big results. Keep Atlanta Beautiful, Inc. staff and volunteer board members, offered these helpful suggestions.

Unplug device chargers when they’re not in use. Cords suck energy, even when an electronic device isn’t attached to it, and TVs still draw electricity/energy when they’re not turned on. Connect your big electronic items to a UL certified power strip so the switch can be flipped off when they’re not in use for a long period, such as when you’re going to work, to bed or on vacation.

Change to eco light bulbs. An LED security light uses virtually no power and can be left on all night. Consider adding motion sensing switches, which are especially helpful with forgetful children or housemates.

Save water in the bathroom with a low flush toilet. Older toilets use from 3.5 to 7 gallons with every flush, while a low flush toilet uses around 1.5 gallons. Lowflow shower heads and faucets can reduce water consumption up to 50 percent.

Set the thermostat in the mid 70s to conserve energy and save on costs. Control heat from the sun with closed curtains in summer and open curtains in winter. When the opportunity arises, replace older windows with new energy-efficient double paned windows. They make a huge difference in controlling air leakage.

Once older appliances need to be replaced, look for energy-efficient models. Get product reviews and more information at energystar.gov.

Xeriscape (landscape with plants that need little to no irrigation) or plant edible vegetation.

Keep a compost bucket in the kitchen for uncooked vegetable and fruit scraps, egg shells and coffee grounds that can be added to a backyard compost pile.

Request paper bags at supermarkets and use them as biodegradable trash bags in your home.

Use non-toxic cleaners. Natural cleansers – baking soda, borax, lemon juice and vinegar – can be used for many cleaning tasks in the home. Websites like eartheasy.com and prevention.com offer suggestions and specifics.

Capture and use rainwater with a rainwater storage system, like one of those available at rainwaterpillow.com. The water can be used for non-potable purposes, like watering outdoor plants. Add a filtration system for potable water that can be used for drinking, bathing and laundry.

Keep Atlanta Beautiful, Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers that partners with city and county governments, private industry and local community groups to make Atlanta one of the most beautiful cities. Learn more at keepatlantabeautiful.org.

proud sponsors of

Springintoyour new home!

April 21-23, 2017

By Collin Kelley

Spring is here and that means Intown homes will be opening their doors and garden gates for tours. Throughout April and May, these tours will offer a glimpse inside some of the city’s most beautiful homes as well as raise money for the organizations sponsoring them. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events.

DRUID HILLS TOUR OF HOMES & GARDENS

The event marks its 49th year with six homes and one garden that feature the work of master renovators and landscape designers. The tour, which runs April 21-23, will also feature a series of events open to the public at Emory Village and throughout the neighborhood including the Makers Market on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Slice & Pint parking lot, local bands, the Patch Dash 5K Run/ Walk, CDC Museum Tour, and the Lulllwater Preservation Garden Plant Sale. Tour hours are 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Proceeds from the tour, events and merchandise benefit the Druid Hills neighborhood, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Advance tickets are $25 for an individual and $20 per person for a group of 6 or more. Purchase tickets and learn more at druidhillstour.org.

INMAN PARK TOUR OF HOMES

As part of the annual Inman Park Festival, this year’s tour runs April 28-30. Details were still being firmed up at press time, but expect to see more than a half-dozen of the neighborhood’s most unique homes, including Victorians, Four Squares, bungalows and renovated, modern spaces. For updated information on the tour, visit inmanparkfestival.org.

GARDENS FOR CONNOISSEURS TOUR

Benefitting the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 10 lush gardens at private homes in Buckhead, Midtown, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs will be on view May 13-14. Featuring a range of styles and sizes – from tranquil woodland settings to intimate urban oases, the professionally designed to “gardener’s gardens” –the event will delight both green thumbs and the “garden curious” alike. Tickets for the self-guided tour, held rain or shine each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., go on sale April 1 at atlantabg.org. Tickets are $28 in advance (garden members $22) and $35 on days of the tour, and are valid both days.

INTO THE WYLDE: A TOUR OF GARDENS

The Wylde Center will present some of Decatur and Atlanta’s most beautiful private and public gardens and greenspaces on May 6-7. The tour will be held rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for Wylde Center members, $20 for non-members in advance and $25 the day of the tour, and may be purchased at wyldecenter.org or at the Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Road in Decatur. Children under age 12 will be admitted for free. Proceeds benefit the Wylde Center.

As The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta in Buckhead approach sellout, iStar Inc. has released The Maisonettes, a set of three villa-style homes starting at $2.8 million. The homes offer all the amenities of the luxury hotel brand with comfortable multi-level living and a high-capacity garage. The units also include large front yards and outdoor terraces.

Apartments and retail are coming to MARTA’s King Memorial Station as part of a transit-oriented development. MARTA announced today that it is entering a partnership with Place Properties/H. J. Russell & Company to develop 400 apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail on property located behind the station near Oakland Cemetery. The $51.3 million joint venture replaces the one MARTA announced with Walton Communities in 2014.

Construction on the multi-story modular project – the first of its kind in Atlanta to be co-located with a transit hub – will begin later this year. Twenty percent of the apartment units will be earmarked for affordable housing.

A new high-rise apartment tower overlooking Piedmont Park plans to break ground this summer. Lennar Multifamily Communities is behind the 26-story tower at 195 13th Street, which will have 300 apartments.

The current home of the United Way and other nonprofit organizations at 100 Edgewood Avenue is on the market to be transformed into student housing. According to Atlanta Curbed, the Robert W. Woodruff Volunteer Service Center Building has served as offices since it was constructed back in 1965.

Knock, online home selling platform that provides homeowners a guaranteed way to sell their home in six weeks or less without risk, has launched in Atlanta. Created by founding team members from Trulia.com, the company uses data science to price homes accurately, technology to sell homes quickly and a dedicated team of professionals to guide homeowners through the selling process. For more information, visit knock.co.

AMLI Piedmont Heights has been awarded LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The 375-unit luxury apartment community located in the Piedmont Heights neighborhood uses Energy Star windows and appliances, eco-friendly plumbing fixtures, stormwater irrigation and is 100 percent smoke-free inside and out.

The Maisonettes

Top Photo: Our contributing photographer Asep Mawardi was on hand for the 135th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Peachtree Street and caught this hilarious image from the day.

Bottom Left: More than 500 African American runners took part in last month’s Publix Georgia Marathon and HalfMarathon through the streets of Intown. Known as Team Take Down, some of the runners who took part in the race posed for this photo taken by Da’Rel Patterson.

Bottom Right: Rap superstar and entrepreneur Ludacris talked with ChooseATL campaign director Kate Atwood during the SXSW festival in Austin, TX last month. ChooseATL was at the festival to recruit new tech talent to the city and showcase all Atlanta has to offer for business start-ups.

BUCKHEAD - Spectacular living top of Sovereign. Three separate private covered balconies, upgraded counters, appliances, flooring, custom lighting, custom closets, front and rear entry, open floorplan, grand entrance. 2Bed/2.5Bath $1,990,000

FMLS: 5756028 Bru Krebs 404.984.0243

DRUID HILLS - Stately Druid Hills home situated on coveted corner lot. Large kitchen with SS appliances. Separate dining room, large living room, screened sun porch, separate den/office/music room. Big fenced backyard. 4Bed/2.5Bath $949,000

FMLS: 5797298 Nicole Davis 404.358.6252

DRUID HILLS - Wonderful home on the Druid Hills Golf Course! 2 oversized living/family rms, w/ 3 walls of light-filled windows w/ kitchen conveniently located in between. Enormous 2 car garage. 1/2-acre lot is lushly landscaped. 5Bed/4.5Bath $899,000

FMLS: 5816512 Sally Westmoreland 404.354.4845

DRUID HILLS - Classic 1930’s Druid Hills home on one level! 3BR/2BA on main level with 1BR/1BA suite on terrace level. Landscaped fenced-in backyard w/ pool. Renovated kitchen. Agent/Owner. 4Bed/3Bath $875,000

FMLS: 5792906 Victor Miller 404.374.5310

BROOKHAVEN - Incredible 2 lot property in the heart of Brookhaven. Superior location! Come build your dream home on this quiet street close to shopping. 50x115 and 50x55 lot. Lots being sold together.

$460,000

FMLS: 5803997 Sean Carter 404.981.0639

BROOKHAVEN - Quaint cul de sac home in the heart of Brookhaven! Two bedrooms & two baths on 1st level with additional large bedroom & full bath upstairs. Abundant natural light throughout. Large back deck. 3Bed/3Bath $375,000

FMLS: 5792365 Cherie Sundy 678.557.7791

MORNINGSIDE - Style and space abound in desirable Morningside elementary! Room with fireplace, separate Dining Room, large eat in Kitchen w/ breakfast bar, spacious Master Suite with adjoining Office. Private, fenced in backyard. 3Bed/2Bath $549,900

FMLS: 5820565 Kathleen Sickeler 404.368.3234

LAVISTA PARK - Newly refinished hardwood flrs and freshly painted. Open floorplan w/Gourmet’s kitchen viewing to keeping rm/eat in area and the serene screened in porch. Sep living rm w/dining. Spacious master suite and finished basement. 3Bed/3Bath

$469,900 FMLS: 5820498 Erin Fye 404.771.9822

MORNINGSIDE - Best value in Morningside on corner lot. 3BR/2BA up with a huge 1BR/1BA inlaw suite below. Huge .635 acre lot. Newly refinished hardwoods, large kitchen, open floor plan. 4Bed/3Bath $489,000

FMLS: 5759395

Ed Woods 404.759.9680

NORTH HAMPTON - Mid-century French Provincial home on 3/4 acres. 2 masters; walk in closets each w/ private laundry, spa tubs & heated flrs. True chef’s kitchen, Walkable to schools. 4Bed/3.5Bath $524,900

FMLS: 5790097

Jen Falk 678.793.4263

COTTAGES AT COLLIER - Open floorpan includes kitchen w/granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Overlooks living room w/fireplace. Separate dining room. Heart of Pine floors throughout home. 4Bed/4.5Bath $760,000

FMLS: 5745286 Mike Kondalski 404.234.9379

BROOKHAVEN - Superbly maintained home, beautiful 2-story foyer with formal living & DR on main, vaulted ceilings, granite counters & SS appliances. Private, fenced-in back yard. 2 car garage. Close to shopping & restaurants. 3Bed/2.5Bath $489,900

FMLS: 5801875 Michael JW Smith 404.786.2057

DURAND MILL - 4 sides brick newer construction situated on a cul-de-sac. Minutes from Emory/CDC. Hardwood floors & guest suite on main. Two-story family room, SS appliances & marble countertops in kitchen.

6Bed/5 Bath $818,500

FMLS: 5761525 Nicole Davis 404.358.6252

EDGEWOOD - Minutes to new Edgewood MARTA, Beltline, Ponce City Market. Open floor plan, two covered porches. Large master suite on top floor with custom master bath - double vanity and double shower heads.