LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF A LANDMARK

First residents move into O4W’s Water Tower Stacks

By Collin Kelley

The water tower at the corner of Irwin Street and Auburn Avenue in the Old Fourth Ward is a landmark. Built in 1906 to store water for the cotton mill next door (which is now known as the mixed-use Studioplex), the concrete cylinder rises 100 feet in the air, casting a historic shadow over this bustling neighborhood. The tower also has new neighbors – a row of townhomes called, appropriately enough, the Water Tower Stacks.

When Epic Development first announced plans to build a row of a dozen townhomes literally underneath the historic water tower, concern rippled through the O4W. The water tower and its surrounding green space have long been a gathering spot for events, dog walking, picnics, Frisbee playing and photo shoots. What would happen when homes were built on the tower’s western perimeter?

Surprisingly, in a city full of pedestrian and uninspired developments, the Water Tower Stacks are actually cool – inside and out. The water tower keeps its place of prominence rather than being overpowered by the townhomes. The modern, four-story brownstone style (the units have elevators and stairs) fits organically onto the property, and the view of the tower from the expansive windows in each home keeps the icon front and center. And the other big plus: the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail is, basically, just across the street.

In mid-March, after a year of construction, the first residents began moving into their townhomes. When INtown interviewed the three homeowners, they were still arranging (and buying) furniture and figuring out where to hang photos and artwork. But they were all already excited about their neighborhood and in awe of the property and its history.

Susan and David Levy

The Levys downsized from East Cobb after their children left the nest. “We weren’t looking at this area,” Susan recalled. “Some of our friends moved down here and invited us for dinner. We loved the positive vibe, the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood and the BeltLine. The Levys have been enjoying walking to Ponce City Market for shopping and dinner, and all the way to Piedmont Park on the BeltLine.

Bunny and Bob Lenhard

The Lenhards lived in Sandy Springs for 37 years, but grew bored of suburbia. “We were always coming to the city for shopping and dining, and I’d always wanted to move Intown,” Bunny said. The Lenhards said moving into the modern, contemporary townhome was a bit of a shock after living in a traditional home, but they’ve already fallen in love with the windows and light. The rooftop patio also offers a stunning view of the Downtown and Midtown skyline. They also love being able to walk “everywhere,” including Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market. Bunny is also an avid runner and enjoys the flat expanse of the BeltLine trail.

Fred and Donna Duncan

The Duncans moved from Dunwoody a decade ago to another up-and-coming community, Glenwood Park, before buying their new townhome. “We fell in love with the BeltLine because we like to ride our bikes and with the neighborhood itself,” Donna said. They’ve also been enjoying Irwin Street Market, dining at Rathbun’s Steak and Serpas Restaurant -- all outside their front door. “The windows are amazing,” Fred commented. “We love watching all the activity outside and knowing it’s right at our doorstep.”