Atlanta Intown - June 2017

Morningside: 1651 North Pelham Rd. Exceptional Morningside Home with Rare Coach House with Ideal Nanny/In-Law Suite with Kitchenette & Bath. Architecturally Rich, Home features Signature 2-Story Center Atrium Surrounded by Large Light-Filled Rooms. Sep. Media Room on Terrace Level. Lush Gardens, Layered Patios, Generous Motor Court & 2-Car Garage. 5BR/4.5 BA $1,375,000

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Morningside: 1495 Lanier Place. Tastefully Renovated Home Offers Both Character and Open Floorplan for Today’s Living. Front Parlor, Sunroom with Doors to Courtyard, Generous Kitchen, Rear Deck Off The Living Room. All Upstairs Bedrooms with En-Suite Baths, Master with Private Balcony. Located in Morningside Elementary, Just Steps to Alon’s Bakery & Shops 4 BR /4.5 BA

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CONTACT US

Editorial

Collin Kelley INtown Editor

collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

(404) 917-2200, ext. 102

Contributors

Sally Bethea, Kathy Dean, Melody Harclerode, Grace Huseth, Asep Mawardi, Isadora Pennington, Clare S. Richie, Tim Sullivan, Jaclyn Turner, Megan Volpert, Jemille Williams.

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Article queries and calendar submissions should be emailed to collin@ atlantaintownpaper.com

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June 2017

The

Go

The

Our contributing photographer Isadora Pennington captured Denver and Livian Freeman, the children of Melissa Houston and Steven Freeman, playing at the splash pad at Historic Fourth Ward Park on a recent hot afternoon.

This home is

INtown has a new website

EDITOR’S LETTER

A year ago, we debuted a new look for Atlanta INtown’s monthly print edition. We were going for a magazine approach with bigger photos and plenty of white space for a clean, refined look. Now, we’ve done the same for our online home at AtlantaINtownPaper.com.

I worked closely with our creative director Rico Figliolini, poring over dozens and dozens of base templates that would be used to build the new site. I didn’t want to completely reinvent our home on the web as much as give it a refresh, and Rico was infinitely patient as I rejected all of the template ideas he sent my way.

I hate a cluttered news and magazine websites where the developer has packed text and photos into every available space. Like our print edition, I wanted the INtown website to be clean and photo-driven with each image and headline to have room to breathe.

When you visit today, you’ll still find all your favorite sections including news and features in The Neighborhood, food reviews in News You Can Eat and arts and culture in The Studio. The “In the Loop” section is still the place to check for the latest or breaking news from around the city.

collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

If you scroll to the bottom of the site on your PC, smartphone or tablet, you’ll also see a new portal to read the digital version of our print edition and a new slideshow highlighting our most recent restaurant reviews.

You’ll also notice there is prominent space for our advertisers, which remain the lifeblood of our operation. If you’re interested in advertising on the site, turn back to Page 3 and contact one of our sales executives today.

Along with the website, we’re even more active on our Facebook page (facebook.com/ AtlantaINtown) and on Twitter @ATLINtownPaper.

See you on the interwebz, kids!

Collin Kelley

The Neighborhood

New Greenspace

Ground broken for Rodney Cook Sr. Park on Westside

Agroundbreaking ceremony was held May 19 for the $45 million Rodney Cook Sr. Park on the city’s Westside.

The 16-acre park, which will be located in Vine City, began as a way to ease flooding issues in the neighborhoods, but has morphed into an active space that will also honor Civil Rights-era leaders and include a towering sculpture called the Peace Column.

Located along Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, the park will include a pond system similar to the one in Historic Fourth Ward Park that collects stormwater and alleviates much of the flooding that has plagued the area.

But the flooding mitigation is just one element of the greenspace, which will also include a splash-pad, a playground, a performance plaza, a picnic pavilion, courts for multi-use sports, a fitness area, a boardwalk, an overlook and terraced pools.

The National Monuments Foundation, which created the Millennium Gate in Atlantic Station and is headed by the son of the park’s namesake, Rodney Cook Jr., has raised money for the Peace Column and “Peace Pantheon.” The column will be topped by a statue of Chief Tomochichi, the Native American who helped co-found the state of Georgia.

To pay tribute to the City of Atlanta being the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, the park will include 18 statues of Georgia civil rights leaders and peacemakers, as well as the Dr. C.T. Vivian Library of African American Literature.

The Trust for Public Land and its design consultant firm, Andropogon, in collaboration with the City of Atlanta, worked with several stakeholders and the community to finalize the plan design. In addition, The Trust for Public Land is raising $12.7 million from the private sector for the construction and design of the greenspace. With lead gifts from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, and support from other notable family and corporate foundations, The Trust for Public Land is on track to complete fundraising for the project by the end of September.

Cook Sr., who died in 2013, was a city alderman and member of the Georgia House of Representatives who was active in the Civil Rights Movement, famously having a cross burned on his front lawn by the Ku Klux Klan after he introduced legislation to desegregate white neighborhoods in the city.

The park is set to open in spring 2018.

Renderings of multi-use Cook Park in Vine City show views from the Peace Column, which will be topped by Georgia co-founder Chief Tomochichi.

Georgia Dome site to become green event space for new stadium

Once the Georgia Dome is demolished, the 13-acre site is set to become a greenspace dubbed The Home Depot Backyard to be used for game day parking, arts and culture events, entertainment and community events. The announcement was made during a Friday morning press conference where renderings of the space, set to be completed sometime in 2018, were also revealed to attendees.

“I am proud to join Mercedes-Benz Stadium and The Home Depot to announce this exciting new amenity,” Mayor Kasim Reed said. “My administration has made it a priority to revitalize Atlanta’s Westside and has worked to bring new public and private resources to support economic and civic development in the area. The Home Depot Backyard is yet another example of the City of Atlanta and its vital partners’ commitment to West Atlanta, and will serve as a gateway to Downtown, to our cultural district and to the world’s greatest sports venue, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.”

“Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be one of the finest sports and entertainment venues in the world, and more importantly, a catalyst for transformation in the surrounding neighborhoods of Atlanta’s historic Westside,” Home Depot Founder and Atlanta Falcons owner Arther Blank said. “We are proud to have it grace the iconic skyline of downtown Atlanta, and we are even more proud to have a partner in The Home Depot to help us create a space that will drive connectivity and community engagement between the Westside, Downtown and all of Atlanta.”

2989 N. Fulton Drive, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30305

ON THE AGENDA

MEETINGS

The next open house event for the Downtown Atlanta Master Plan is June 14 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. For more information, visit plandowntownatl. com.

The Atlanta City Council meets June 5 and June 19 at 1 p.m. at City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. For agendas and more information, visit citycouncil.atlantaga.gov.

NPU-E, which covers Midtown, Ansley Park, Home Park and Loring Heights, meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Peachtree Christian Church, 1580 Peachtree St.

The Decatur City Commission meets in open session on the first and third Mondays of each month at City Hall, 509 North McDonough Street, at 7:30 p.m.

NEWS

Chicago-based SP Plus has officially taken over the management of the 2,400 city-owned surface parking spaces. The deal comes after the city awarded SP the contract at the end of last year and booted its former parking management company, the controversial and complaint-ridden PARKAtlanta.

The Atlanta City Council has created a community improvement district (CID) for West End. CIDs are self-taxing business districts where commercial property owners agree to pay a tax to fund a variety of improvements, primarily transportation upgrades such as wider sidewalks, intersection and parking upgrades, and pedestrian and bicycle paths.

The City of Atlanta has reopened all 12 of its public swimming pools for the summer, including Grant Park, Candler Park and Piedmont Park. Admission is $5, with kids 5 and under free.

MARTA has opened its renovated Reduced Fare and Lost and Found offices at the Five Points Station in Downtown.

Fundraiser launched to ‘freshen up’ O4W Water Tower

corner of Auburn Avenue and Irwin Street in the

Fourth Ward has been a local landmark and wayfinder for more than a century. Now, a movement is afoot to “freshen up” the water tower and, eventually, activate the greenspace around it.

Local nonprofit Sweet Auburn Works – a coalition of neighbors, business owners and volunteers – is working through the National Trust for Historic Preservation and The Cities Project sponsored by Heineken beer to raise $15,000 for the project by June 30. Those who make a donation can win perks like tickets to see Bruno Mars, art prints and more.

As part of the revitalization project, rubble and garbage will be cleared from inside the tower where local artist Greg

Mike will paint a mural depicting the history of Atlanta. Outside, the structure will be power washed to remove graffiti and new cast iron windows and a door will be installed.

Sweet Auburn Works also hopes to eventually use the greenspace around the water tower for community events. The tower, built for a mere $6,000 in 1906, was constructed to provide a water suppression system for the cotton compress factory, which is now the site of Studioplex.

To make a donation, visit https://igg. me/at/sweetauburnwatertower/x

The century-old water tower in the Old Fourth Ward is currently closed and full of debris, but a renovation plan would give it new a life.

BeltLine extension work to close Krog Tunnel

By Collin Kelley

The extension of the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail will mean a summer of detours, including the closure of Krog Street Tunnel.

The detours will begin on June 5 with the re-closure of Irwin Street in the Old Fourth Ward for repairs to the recently installed speed table connecting the trail segments. Irwin Street was recently closed for a month as the raised crossing was installed, but the pavement leading up to the table has already started to crumble. BeltLine officials have not said how long the repair will take.

More significant will be the closure of Krog Street Tunnel that connects Cabbagetown to DeKalb Avenue. Crews will be installing handrails and new lighting inside the graffiti-covered tunnel. The northbound lane will be closed to traffic June 12-30, while the southbound lane will be closed July 1-21. Closures will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Also on tap is the closure of portions of the north lane on Wylie Street to complete work installing landscaping and pedestrian crossings along the newlycompleted segment of the trail. During this period, traffic will be redirected to the south side of Wylie Street. No dates have been set for the lane closure.

And at a date also to be determined, Kirkwood Avenue in Reynoldstown will be closed where it intersects with the Eastside Trail extension for construction of underground stormwater infrastructure.

For more about the construction process and upcoming closures and detours, visit beltline.org.

The historic water tower at the

Old

Courtesy Atlanta BeltLine

The famed Krog Street Tunnel will receive new lighting and handrails as it becomes a connection point for the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail.

Grant Park Gateway will mix parking with greenspace

Plans have been unveiled for the $48 million Grant Park Gateway Project, a new underground parking and mobility facility which will be located at the site of the existing eight-acre surface parking lot, adjacent to Zoo Atlanta on Boulevard Avenue.

The new facility will feature a park on the roof with green infrastructure elements and a restaurant highlighting regional cuisine, while providing approximately 1,000 parking spaces.

“The Grant Park Gateway will be the first facility of its kind in the City of Atlanta, and earned its name because it provides an entirely new way of looking at the entrance to the community,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The design benefits the Grant Park neighborhood and respects its history as Atlanta’s oldest park, while addressing parking demands, reducing traffic congestion and improving the overall safety in the area.”

Other proposed features for the future LEED-certified facility include: planted vegetation which will reduce storm water run-off and improve air quality; an intelligent parking system aimed at helping guide patrons find vacant spots; and state-of-the-art surveillance cameras to promote safety. The Department of Parks and Recreation will host community meetings in the upcoming months to solicit additional ideas and concerns from residents as they move forward with the planning of the project.

“The Department of Parks and Recreation is excited about this project, which speaks volumes about how innovative the City of Atlanta has become with developing greenspace expansion, watershed management and mobility solutions,” said Amy Phuong, Commissioner of the department. “We will continue to actively engage with the Grant Park Conservancy, the Grant Park Neighborhood Association and community members to create a parking facility and greenspace that will serve as a source of pride for the greater community for years to come.”

The overall project will complement the Zoo’s “Grand New View” project, which aims to repurpose the former Cyclorama building to a multi-use, special events facility and expand their entry plaza to the Boulevard entrance.

Children Read Donated books help bring literacy

kids around Intown

Children Read founder and president Marlene Zeiler, left, used her experience as owner of Tall Tales Books to create the nonprofit literary organization.

As books poured in from former customers, she approached her old landlord, Clyde Sheppard. “Do you have space you want to give me?” Zeiler asked him. He did – and rent-free.

Today, Children Read collects, repairs and distributes gently used or new books to children aged birth to five at 28 Head Starts, primarily near downtown Atlanta (Sheltering Arms) and Clarkston (Partnership for Community Action), and to 30 pre-K programs housed in DeKalb County Title 1 Schools.

“We go to these schools with our volunteers, read a story in each classroom and leave a bag of books for each child to take home. Many of these children don’t have books at home and often get to kindergarten without the basic skills for beginning to read,” said Cindy Jaret, Children Read Vice President and former pre-K teacher.

shapes and rhymes.

And once you’re done at home, consider organizing a book drive. In 2015, The Goddard Schools banded together to collect 28,000 books for Children Read and in April, followed up with another 16,000 books.

Other schools, scout troops, churches and synagogues have also answered the call. Eagle Scout, Nathaniel Anderson collected 1,600 books to Children Read.

Children Read could always use more volunteers to prepare the book bags or read in the schools. The organization wants to expand to other low income pre-K programs in Atlanta, Fulton, Gwinnett and Cobb counties.

“In the meantime some of those DeKalb teachers are going to be calling me next year –because they want us to come back for the new kids,” Jaret said.

By Clare S. Richie

It’s early May and the headquarters for Children Read, an efficient space tucked behind the Fidelity Bank across from Toco Hills shopping center, is humming with activity. Children’s books fill every nook and cranny of this all-volunteer operation, but they are not here for long. Some are headed to Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Center’s East Lake location, where 78 children ages 3-5 are about to each receive a bag of five books, and 56 babies will get a bag of three books each.

“We have given away over 31,000 books to more than 1,000 children,” Marlene Zeiler, Children Read Founder and President, said.

In 2013, even though Zeiler sold the Tall Tales Books Shop that she owned and operated since 1979, she wasn’t ready to part with books. Thankfully, she wouldn’t have to.

By happenstance, she had heard an NPR story a few weeks prior about a children’s book bank in Portland, Oregon. This sparked Zeiler’s next chapter – she would collect books and give them to low-income preschoolers.

“My mantra is reading is forever; start early. These kids need to have a chance to do that,” Zeiler said.

In fact, 61 percent of lower income families have no children’s books in the home. This lack of early exposure to books is one of the biggest obstacles to literacy and to later school success. Sadly, those who are poor readers in third grade will likely remain so in high school.

“The children are very excited to get their own books and talk about who could read to them and who they could read to,” Jaret added. Reading with their parents will help improve their parent’s literacy skills, too. So clean off those bookshelves this summer and get ready to donate.

“Anybody and everybody can collect books,” Jaret urged. They’d love your board books, picture books, storybooks and those that introduce the alphabet, numbers,

“But we’ll do it,” Zeiler reassured.

Book Donation Sites

■ 2936M North Druid Hills Road on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or email childrenread@earthlink.net for other arrangements.

■ Little Shop of Stories

133-A East Court Square, Decatur

■ Tall Tales Book Shop

Toco Hill Shopping Center

2105 Lavista Road

For more info, see childrenreadatlanta.org or follow on Facebook.

By Clare S. Richie

The Highland Avenue Bridge between Randolph and Sampson Streets has a fresh new look that celebrates the Old Fourth Ward community as seen through the eyes of its young residents.

Local artist Lauren Pallotta Stumberg worked with Hope-Hill Elementary School’s 4th graders to develop the mural design.

“It was a community effort. Designed by kids, facilitated by me, and painted by members of the community,” Stumberg said.

Stumberg applied for a Neighborhood Arts Grant from the City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs with Fourth Ward Neighbors (FWN), her neighbors who live between Freedom Parkway and DeKalb Ave, Boulevard and the BeltLine.

Once the grant was approved last August, FWN encouraged Stumberg to build on its relationship with Hope-Hill by involving students. Perhaps by fate, Stumberg and Hope-Hill’s Art teacher, Patricia Jackson, discovered they lived in the same building.

The timing was perfect for Jackson’s fourth graders. “We’d been talking about muralists versus graffiti artists,” Jackson reflected.

After reviewing different elements

of street art, Stumberg guided the students through activities to elicit their vision. Each student expressed in words or drawings what he or she thought of community. The images revealed a happy and healthy neighborhood.

Then Stumberg traced a drawing from each student onto transparent paper, scanned it and enlarged it. At her next school visit, she placed the enlarged images on the wall and students painted their designs – seeing how the mural would come together.

“The design evolved into a large-scale ‘wallpaper’ of their drawings and ideas that celebrate the neighborhood’s walkable and bikable pathways, parks, buildings, servicemen, residents and more,” Stumberg shared.

To paint the mural, Stumberg once again created a process to involve her neighbors.

“It was basically paint by numbers to make it full-proof for volunteers. It’s been very participatory,” Stumberg said.

“When the students look at it, they can see – this is mine,” Jackson said.

Stumberg has applied for more art funding to beautify two more bridges and electrical boxes in the O4W. Fingers crossed until August.

“I hope we can collaborate again next school year,” Jackson said.

“When our students see something that they helped create have a positive impact on their neighborhood and surrounding communities, it instills a sense of pride,” Hope Hill Principal Maureen Wheeler added.

Pet Pick

Wisconsin came to us with his mother and siblings when he was just a day or two old. Everyone loves his smart, sweet personality. Wisconsin is friendly with people and does well with other dogs when he is properly introduced. He would love to have a human who is willing to help him learn the basics of how to thrive in a home. If you’re active and love exercise and fresh air, Wisconsin would be a great fit. To adopt Wisconsin, visit PAWS Atlanta at pawsatlanta.org or drop by the shelter at 5287 Covington Highway in Decatur.

Pet Briefs

An Atlanta dog was named to Milk-Bone’s third annual list of Dogs Who Changed The World. Pixel, a labradoodle/golden retriever mix, is a service dog that works with pet parent, Erin, who leads an active lifestyle but also suffers from diabetes and epilepsy. Whether she’s running cross-country next to Erin, or playing Frisbee at the park, Pixel is a dog that is trained to know when Erin’s blood sugar is low or is near an epileptic episode. Pixel was a “top-dog” graduate of the Canine Assistants School, which trains high-functioning service dogs to be the superpups of the canine world. Thanks to support from MilkBone, Canine Assistants has placed more than 2,000 hero dogs with individuals across the U.S.

HISTORY REPEATING

The Hyatt Regency Atlanta hotel in Downtown officially celebrated its 50th birthday last month with a special party attended by local officials and guests. Designed by noted architect John Portman, the Hyatt opened in 1967 and quickly garnered international acclaim for its soaring 22-story open atrium, futuristic elevators and the spinning, blue-domed “spaceship” on the roof that houses the Polaris restaurant.

From left to right: Nick Pritzker, Tom Pritzker, Penny Pritzker and John Pritzker (owners of the Hyatt Hotel chain) and Mark Hoplamazian (President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation,) discuss the history and legacy of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta during a special party in May.

Dance like your daddy

Margo was about 3 or 4 when she had her first ballet recital. I knew enough to bring flowers, but I wasn’t quite prepared for all the ado. The scene was a jangle of nerves, wildly uncomfortable looking outfits and hair pulled back so tightly it gave me a migraine just looking at it. Then came the ballet itself, which is sort of beyond me. Margo got through it okay, but I was happy to cross that experience off the kiddie bucket list before one of us had a nervous breakdown.

But this past year Margo got the dancer’s itch again and Kristen found hip-hop classes at Project Slide (projectslide.com). Now that I’m used to hearing Flo Rida lyrics from my 1st grader, I can say it’s been a great experience. Tickets to the end of season production at the Ferst Center on Georgia Tech’s campus sold out. Margo wouldn’t show us any of the moves, but I knew we were with the right program because the instructor told them, if you mess up, just pretend it’s your solo.

Kristen hit three different stores that week to find the appropriate leggings and tank top, which were just to go underneath Margo’s secret outfit. We weren’t allowed to see it prior to the show either (they would get dressed backstage beforehand). We were, however, permitted to know that it cost us $90. If Beyonce really did hand stitch the sequins, it’s a pretty good deal. That might not be true, though. We called in Aunt Maggie to help with hair and makeup because Kristen insisted she was not a stage mom and felt out of her element. Our instructions were that Margo’s hair should be curly for the show. I thought we got off easy because her hair is naturally super curly. Luckily, Maggie knew that meant her hair was first to be completely straightened and then curling ironed into “loose curls.” We Sullivans obviously don’t know much about stage performance and even less about loose curls.

Anyway, the tank and tights were on and feeling good. The hair was straightened and curled to specifications and my little girl was wearing lipstick, which was slightly unsettling but, hey, this is show business, people! Maggie was going home to get herself ready for the big event so Margo walked her out. On her way back in, she managed to pick up a splinter roughly the size of a golf tee in her big toe. If timing is everything in dance, bad timing must be everything else. And if you thought you heard a tornado siren on a perfectly clear day a few weeks back, it may have just been my daughter.

We were in a time crunch, so after a quick soak, Kristen went in with the tweezers while I hug-pinned Margo down. It was not going well. The splinter was in deep and Margo let us know that it would probably hurt less if we just cut her entire foot off. Drama classes won’t be necessary. But Kristen stayed on task and after a 45-minute shriek fest, extracted the offending shard. We patched Margo up and indeed, the show would go on. It was Mother’s Day weekend and, stage mom or not, Kristen really earned that new fidget spinner the kids got her. And the show was fantastic. I don’t know how the kids can do all that stuff and I have no idea how the instructors can teach all that stuff. Margo danced and smiled like the whole ordeal was a distant memory and her loose curls bounced perfectly. One of the songs was “Dance like your Daddy” by Meghan Trainor and in mock fashion they incorporated the shopping cart, the sprinkler, the shoulder roll… if there was any remaining performance stress left in the auditorium, they ushered it right out.

updated Leila Ross Wilburn in the heart of Druid Hills. Spectacular kitchen and family room with walk out backyard

Margo Sullivan has the itch to dance.

Atlanta Jazz Festival

40th annual event held at Piedmont Park

RIDE THE WEEKEND

2-day weekend pass now for just $10.50.

You and your family can enjoy Atlanta’s many attractions & events with unlimited rides on all buses & trains for only $10.50 per person. The 25% discounted passes are available for purchase until June 30, 2017, but you can use your Weekend Passes for any weekend you have planned!

Our contributing photographer Asep Mawardi dropped by Piedmont Park on Memorial Day weekend to check out the sights and sounds of the 40th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival. In the photo set, you’ll see Dwight Andrews (bottom right) and Kemba Cofield (above) performing sets to an appreciative audience. Other big events happening that weekend included performances by Macy Gray and a tribute to the late, great Miles Davis.

ChooseATL City campaign continues to make strides

By Grace Huseth

At one of Ludacris’ recent appearances, he didn’t rap at all. Instead, the music star spoke about his career and how Atlanta helped him achieve greatness.

Ludacris was in Austin at the famed South by Southwest (SXSW) festival and conference in mid-March. He represented ChooseATL, the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s campaign to showcase the innovation, creative careers and diverse opportunities that can be found in city’s job market.

This was ChooseATL’s second year in Austin and their biggest effort to promote the city. They hosted conversations with leaders and held a job fair, panel discussions and a big dance party at the ChooseATL House on 6th Avenue. They also had the largest footprint in the job fair along with hospitality from six different Atlanta companies which came to shine a light on life in the city.

“Since SXSW has become one of the largest meetings of music, tech and film, we have to show up in a different way to break through the noise,” said Kate Atwood, executive director of ChooseATL.

Atwood said SXSW focuses on film, interactive media and music – three areas where cities are always trying to attract talent. While there are cities known for each niche – think Nashville for music and Silicon Valley for tech – Atlanta is in a unique position to include all three. “No emerging city can go toe to toe with Atlanta when you look at three of those things colliding together,” she said.

To offer a different narrative, leaders in film and innovation chatted about the job market while popular artists and DJs created a fun atmosphere. Rapper Rich Homie Quan headlined the dance party, while the Ludacris conversation was such a hit that it was trending nationally on Twitter.

The biggest message was communicating the startling statistics about the job market in Atlanta. There are currently 10,000 jobs available in the tech market, Atlanta is ranked third as a city with the most Fortune 500 headquarters and is the number three Startup Hub to Watch.

Atwood’s favorite moment during SXSW was a conversation with Frank Patterson, CEO of Pinewood Atlanta Studios, moderated by Tripp Crosby, a content creator and aspiring filmmaker. Crosby recently moved back to Atlanta from Los Angeles with the dream of making a feature length movie. Together, the duo chatted about journeys in the film industry and the extensive filming capability at Pinewood Studios.

During the conversation, Patterson offered Crosby access to the studios at Pinewood and resources to make his film a reality. “It was a magical moment when a leader met an underdog and said they would help make this dream come true,” Atwood said. “I don’t know how many other cities can make that moment happen.”

As much as ChooseATL is about attracting talent, the organization wants those who have chosen Atlanta to feel they have a part in the growth of the city. “Young people want to wave the flag for the community they live in,” Atwood said. “We are a digitally connected world now, but that makes knowing your neighbors so much more important.”

Neighborhoods came together on May 20 when ChooseATL hosted a series of seven block parties in communities around the city offering networking, food, art and music.

“There is a place here to hustle and a place to set out to achieve wildest dreams,” Atwood said. “We don’t have the cut-throat, survival of the fittest of other cities. Here it’s a hospitality and generosity that will meet you as long as you are willing to work hard and hustle.”

Top Photo : Metro Atlanta Chamber President Hala Moddelmog meets and greets at the job fair at SXSW.

Middle Photo: Visitors mingle at the ChooseATL House at SXSW.

Bottom Photo: ChooseATL Executive Director Kate Atwood interviews Ludacris.

Photos courtesy ChooseATL

Buckhead soda company bubbles up with offbeat brands

By Jaclyn Turner

Atlanta may always be equated with Coca-Cola, but a Buckhead-based soda company adds some pop to the market by keeping unusual and regional favorites alive.

Monarch Beverage Company produces such old-school brands as Kickapoo Joy Juice and Ramblin’ Root Beer for a market that includes fans of the new “craft soda” trend and people seeking a taste of nostalgia.

Founded in 1965

in Atlanta by Frank Armstrong, a former CocaCola executive, Monarch operates from a local office in the 3630 Peachtree Road tower and an international outpost in Paris.

The company seeks out drinks with a regional market that could capitalize on having a distinct popularity and loyal following, according to Mariam Diallo, head of marketing. Its two main brands in the U.S. are Kickapoo and Ramblin’.

More than 99 percent of Monarch’s beverages are consumed overseas, mostly in Asian, African and Latin American countries.

“It can be very hard to compete with Coke,” Diallo said, “but we differentiate ourselves with specialty drinks that can be regionally adapted, like a horchata ... or tamarind drinks in Africa.”

Kickapoo and Ramblin’ Root Beer are

bottled in Coca-Cola facilities. Monarch holds the international rights, but not the domestic rights, to other brands, such as American Cola, Bubble Up and Nesbitt’s.

Kickapoo Joy Juice was based on the newspaper comic strip “Li’l Abner,” which launched in the 1930s and continued until the 1970s. The drink debuted in the United States in 1965. Kickapoo Joy Juice was also the first brand Monarch introduced internationally, and is currently the number one citrus soda drink in Malaysia and Singapore.

The comic branded the mixture as a “volatile brew” that Al Capp, the cartoonist, described as “a liquor of such stupefying potency that the hardiest citizens of Dogpatch, after the first burning sip, rose into the air, stiff as frozen codfish.”

For fans of the comic, the drink’s recipe remained an enigma. Through the years, the comic-strip drink supposedly contained anything from live grizzly bears to panthers to kerosene, horseshoes and anvils.

That’s not the Joy Juice of today, or reality, however. The citrusy original debuted in 1965, has flavoring similar to Mountain Dew, is made with real sugar and has more caffeine than its soda counterparts.

In 2014, in efforts to revive the brand, Monarch released three cocktail-inspired varieties: Fuzzy Navel, Fruit Shine, a sangria

flavor, and Maliblu, a blue piña colada soda.

Ramblin’ Root Beer began in 1979 with a commercial featuring a very young Sarah Jessica Parker. The Coca-Cola Co. originally distributed it, until they obtained the rights to Barq’s root beer.

Monarch acquired and revamped the brand in 2008, and recently added more flavors to the line-up, with rose cream, butterscotch and maple varieties.

“Craft soda sales, which is the market we are in, are rising,” said U.S. sales manager Ted Hatcher. “It’s not that people don’t want to drink soda. It’s that they are tired of the regular, everyday [flavors]. People are wanting a different flavor, and that’s where we come in.”

Monarch aims Kickapoo Joy Juice at three target audiences: the nostalgia audience that grew up with the Li’l Abner comics; craft soda lovers who are seeking an artisanal experience; and a young population wanting something unconventional.

“Part of the customer base is nostalgia, but sodas are also a young person’s drink. Mountain Dew works with extreme sports and connecting with young people. We chose the video games and geek subculture,” said Diallo.

The goal is for these young adults to think, ‘It’s a quirky, funny brand that speaks to me. I’ve made it my own and I share it with my friends.’”

“One of the things we struggle with as a small company is finding distribution,” said Hatcher. “We work with a lot of partners to get where we are. We’re really a niche in a

hidden market that is somewhat saturated. We are having an interesting time in the U.S. getting our products out there, because Coke and Pepsi are such big players, and there are others. We want to start in Atlanta and expand outwards.”

Kickapoo Joy Juice and Ramblin’ Root Beer now can be purchased on Amazon.com and through small merchants such as Rocket Fizz in Decatur, H-Mart in Chamblee, Cracker Barrels, and many package stores. Monarch is in talks to get its products sold through large chain retailers, such as Publix grocery stores and Sam’s Club big-box stores.

Monarch has also set up tastings at local festivals and promoted its drinks at Georgia Tech games.

After realizing that Kickapoo Joy Juice mixes well with alcohol, company officials have held events at bars and are a sponsor of Dad’s Garage, an Atlanta theater company, which offers a “Dad’s Juice” cocktail of Joy Juice, vodka and cranberry juice.

Jaclyn Turner

Monarch Beverage marketing director Mariam Diallo and U.S. sales manager Ted Hatcher in the company’s Buckhead office.

Construction on the long-delayed Georgia Proton Treatment Center facility in Midtown is set to resume, according to a report from the Midtown Alliance. The state-of-the-art cancer treatment center, which broke ground back in 2013, is now set to open next year. Construction of the facility on the block bounded by Peachtree Street, Juniper Street, North Avenue and Ponce de Leon Avenue is currently 80 percent complete and is set to resume in the near-term. Work is expected to include exterior treatments to the building façade to enhance visual interest at street-level. For more info on the project, visit GeorgiaProton.com.

Lionstone Investments has acquired the 25-story office tower at 271 17th Street in Atlantic Station. Built in 2009, the 541,789-squarefoot building is home to companies such as BB&T, Sage Software, Womble Carlyle, The Ogilvy Group, Pandora Media and Live Nation Worldwide, among others. Property management and leasing will be performed by Cushman Wakefield, led by John Zintak and Laura Power.

TechSquare Labs joined Code2040 and Google for Entrepreneurs has announced Jonnie Williams of Groupiiie as Atlanta’s first Code2040 Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR). Williams is the CEO and Founder of Groupiiie. Code2040’s residency program, facilitated through the Google for Entrepreneurs Tech Hub Network, and is focused on empowering Black and Latinx entrepreneurs with unique opportunities to grow their tech companies, while cultivating diversity in their own communities.

Swedish watch brand Daniel Wellington has opened its first Atlanta store at Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward. Daniel Wellington’s watches, which start at $135, can be customized by choosing the watch band, color and size.

Four of the top 50 fastest-growing women-owned/led companies this year are in Atlanta. These women are ranked on the global list of flourishing women-owned companies, co-sponsored by the Women Presidents’ Organization and American Express. The Atlanta awardees include: CATMEDIA led by Catherine Downey ; XtremeSolutions founded by Phyllis Newhouse ; CA South led by Stacy Knight ; and Softpath System led by Sushumnaa Roy Jalajam.

Consumer credit reporting agency Equifax announced that it will bring more than 800 jobs to Atlanta and expand its workforce to nearly 3,000 over the next five years. The announcement was made during an unveiling ceremony of Equifax’s new office space at One Atlantic Center in Midtown last month.

The new office space consisting of five floors in the 50-story skyscraper serves as an extension of the company’s operations and joins the other Equifax metro Atlanta locations.

Serena & Lily Design Shop has taken over the space vacated by Star Provision in the Westside Provisions District. The shop will offer a collection of home décor, bedding, bath and furniture items.

Lenox Square has announced the additions of Amazon Pop-Up , offering all of the online giant’s devices like the Echo and Kindle, and casual men’s apparel brand UNTUCKit . Also on the way: pop-ups from local Atlanta favorites including Crafted, Elk Head Clothing and The Merchant. These announcements come on the heels of the recent news that the Buckhead shopping landmark will soon welcome Hammer Made and Sweet Hut Bakery & Café.

Hottie+Lord , the readyto-wear contemporary women’s brand, has opened its first storefront at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.

The former Harp Transmission repair shop next to Oakland Cemetery is set to undergo a startling transformation in the near future. Pellerin Real Estate and partner Clark Property have filed for a rezoning with the city to transform the building at 350 Memorial Drive into a mixeduse office, restaurant and retail space. The original building will be preserved inside a new glass shell making the project 36,000 square feet. For more information, visit harptransmission.com.

Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank will receive the Atlanta Sports Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Coca-Cola at the 2017 Atlanta Sports Awards on July 13 at the Rialto Center for the Arts.

Colony Square’s new bike valet, called C-Cycle, opened to office tenants on April 19 on the Concourse level of Building 100 off 14th Street. C-Cycle encourages office tenants to bike to work and safely store their bikes at no charge. The bike valet also offers office tenants access to lockers and showers.

Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) have hired Ansley Whipple as the new Woodruff Park Project Manager. Whipple will be CAP/ ADID’S point person for the Park with regards to planning and strategy, budgeting and financial management, programming, special events, operations and maintenance, and capital projects.

S.J. Collins Enterprises has signed leases for the first tenants at North Decatur , a new mixed-use retail center at North Decatur Road and Church Street. The 86,000-square-foot development will be anchored by 365 by Whole Foods , a smaller, more economical version of the regular Whole Foods, that will be the first to open in Georgia. Other tenants will include Avalon Nail Spa, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Club Pilates, gusto! Wood Fire Grill, Hollywood Feed, Regions Bank, Sage Dental and Takorea . The site will also feature a four-story apartment building by Terwilliger Pappas with 290 units called Solis Decatur.

Go Green

Sustainability � Recycling � Lifestyle

Do you believe in the dog poop fairy?

City campaign continues to make strides

ABOVE THE WATER LINE

By Sally Bethea

Sally Bethea is the retired executive director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (chattahoochee.org), a nonprofit environmental organization whose mission is to protect and

restore the drinking water supply for nearly four million people.

Flying undetected, the fabled dog poop fairy is believed to follow dogs and their owners, picking up what dogs have deposited on the ground and their owners have left behind in small plastic bags. A belief in this fairy apparently reassures the owners that additional cleanup is optional.

Public parks attract poop fairy devotees in large numbers. A few months ago, I took a walk in the Paces Mill Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Within 50 feet of the river that supplies drinking water to metro Atlanta, I was disgusted to find dozens of (loaded) plastic doggie bags decorating the trail and nearby bushes.

Some of the plastic bags were only a few hundred yards from the pet waste receptacle installed by the National Park Service. I picked up a dozen bags during my walk and carried them to the trashcan. Two week later, I walked the same trail and more dog poop bags had blossomed!

Dog waste is an environmental pollutant; therefore, properly disposing it is a health imperative. It can contain nasty things like giardia, heartworms, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, parvovirus, salmonella and E. coli. Leaving dog poop, bagged or unbagged, near a river or stream – where stormwater can carry it into the waterway – is particularly appalling.

So, why do some dog owners do only half the job: neatly bagging the waste and then leaving it beside the trail or along a road?

Perhaps: they can’t stand the thought of carrying the poop bag any distance, even in a bag; they forget to pick the bag up later and properly dispose it; they think the bags are biodegradable and the bag and poop will eventually “go away”; or they truly believe in the dog poop fairy. With

ECO BRIEFS

The Wylde Center will hold its annual Beer Garden and Silent Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, June 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This popular event brings together local beers, live music and exciting items to bid on for a fun evening at the Oakhurst Garden in Decatur. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Silent auction items will include vacation getaways, restaurant gift certificates, spa packages and other enticing items and experiences. Each guest will receive a free souvenir Wylde Center tasting glass so they can sample beer from local craft breweries. For more information, visit wyldecenter.org.

The South Fork Conservancy held its annual Creek Rising Fundraiser at Zonolite Park in May raising more than $50,000 dollars toward preserving and beautifying the waterways and greenspace of Atlanta. The South Fork Conservancy is one of only 17 urban wildlife partnerships in the United States. The organization has developed four significant segments of creekside trails along the South Fork of Peachtree Creek and plans to connect over 33 miles of trails along the waterway. For more information, visit southforkconservancy.org.

80 million dogs in our country producing ten million tons of poop each year, this issue is worth the attention of all responsible dog owners.

Since my discovery of poop bags left for the fairy, I have conducted an informal survey and concluded that this problem is ubiquitous, growing and controversial. Of course, the only “fairies” are the park volunteers and civic-minded folks who pick up a very small percentage of the doggie bags and put them where they belong – in a trash can and not a yard-waste container or home composter!

In a perfect world, all dog poop would be flushed down the toilet (but not the bag; few if any are biodegradable as claimed, says the FTC) and treated in municipal sewage treatment plants. This is not practical for most people, especially when walking in parks or the woods, so bagging the waste and carrying it to a trash can is preferred, according to experts. Yes, it will end up in a lined landfill, but that’s better than in a river or a child’s hand.

Exactly how you get the poop into the bag is up to you: using the Piqapoo (a clip attached to your dog’s tail with a small bag beneath), Pooper Scooper Power Tool, Poo Puck, Auggie Dog or any of the multitude of poop tools available online. My method: use the plastic bag as a mitt, pick up the waste, knot the top of the bag and then toss it into the nearest trash receptacle. It’s that simple.

Do not toss your poop bag into the bushes or drop it beside the trail. That is rude and potentially harmful to other people, our waterways and the local environment.

Lastly, do not place your dog’s plasticwrapped gift at the front door of National Park Service headquarters, as more than one person has (unbelievably) done. It’s your responsibility as a dog owner to properly dispose the poop – so let’s DOO it!

Atlanta Audubon Society has welcomed the City of Atlanta, Highwoods Properties and the Southface Energy Institute as the first commercial participants in Lights Out Atlanta. Sponsored by Atlanta Audubon and the Atlanta Better Building Challenge (ABBC), Lights Out Atlanta was launched in March 2017 to reduce bird deaths caused by building collisions. The City of Atlanta has enrolled four buildings, including Atlanta City Hall, Atlanta Municipal Court, Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters and Atlanta Watershed Management. Highwoods Properties has enrolled four buildings as well, including One Alliance Center, Monarch Plaza, Two Alliance Center and Monarch Tower. The Southface Energy Institute has enrolled their building on Pine Street in Atlanta. Each of these properties has agreed to turn off or minimize both outdoor and indoor lighting during peak migration. For more information, visit atlantaaudubon.org/lights-out-atlanta.

Pratt Industries has opened its newest Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on the western side of Atlanta to better service the recycling needs of metro-Atlanta, as well as the northwest and southwest metropolitan areas. The plant, which will receive recovered materials from both municipal and commercial recycling programs, is the most recent addition to the Georgiabased company’s system of recycling facilities. The new facility can process both residential and commercial single-stream recyclables, as well as source-separated and baled materials. These include various grades of paper, plastic and metal, as well as other materials.

Beyond the Bridge

Protecting the beauty of metro Atlanta’s South River

By Grace Huseth

According to healthy river advocate Jackie Echols, most people only see Atlanta’s rivers from bridges. Echols wants to get people off the bridges and down to the banks with the creation of the South River Neighborhood Network.

“Most don’t know the name of the creek in their backyard,” said Echols, who is president of the South River Watershed Alliance. “It’s important for people to have a name and become aware of how they can improve it.”

On Earth Day in April, the South River Water Alliance partnered with The Nature Conservancy, Park Pride, Trees Atlanta and other organizations to create a network that supports the 60-mile long South River. The South River has its headwaters north of Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport and runs through six counties before emptying into Lake Jackson.

The South River Neighborhood Network initiative will advocate and maintain five “urban forest” projects in DeKalb County and the City of Atlanta.

Developing greenspaces is the first line of defense for rivers. Not only do they catch debris and pollution before they can even hit the water, but are critical in urban biological diversity. The first projects in the initiative include building a new trail to better connect residents to the Chapel Hill Park in Decatur, maintaining a native plant pollinator garden at the Wylde Center, removing invasive species at the 200acre Constitution Lakes wetlands and creating trails at Thomasville Heights and Redan Nature Reserve.

As part of the South River Neighborhood Network, the South River Water Alliance will perform their first water testing as an organized effort. Echols envisions water tests to be an event during which people can learn about the creeks in their neighborhood.

Echols is hoping residents will report the real time data to their DeKalb County and that the data will provide evidence that county’s Clean Water Act must be upheld. “Water tests arm folks with information to have that conversation and advocate for the creeks and streams in their neighborhoods,” she said.

Myriam Dormer, urban conservation director for The Nature Conservancy in Georgia, said sanitary sewer overflow is a sensitive subject in DeKalb. “The county is working to address this, but residents don’t understand the scale of this problem,” Dormer said. “We do want people to use their local creeks and streams as an amenity, but the awareness of the presence of the South River in the region is very low.”

The water-monitoring program will raise mindfulness and allows for what Dormer calls “citizen science.”

Any member of the community can track water quality over time and share the information with their neighbors. Neighbors can then chat, often through online platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook, to share updates on the water quality.

This passion for protecting local creeks and rivers is usually sparked by seeing the beauty of the river. One of Echols’ first projects as president of the South River Water Alliance was to organize a canoe outing to see exactly what they would be improving. A team of nearly 25 people rented canoes from Atlanta outfitter White Water Georgia Learning Outfitter, set off from Panola Shoals and floated down over six miles of remote, tranquil river. They rarely heard a car.

“Seeing just how beautiful the river is often is the best way we can raise awareness,” Echols said.

For more information, visit southriverga.org.

Photo courtesey of Georgia River Network

Community Gardens

Planter beds installed on PATH400

A new kind of greenspace has come to PATH400: community gardens.

When construction on the segment of PATH400 between Sidney Marcus Boulevard and Miami Circle began about 18 months ago, crews discovered that residents of the Atlanta Housing Authority’s nearby Marian Road highrise had been using a tucked-away piece of land to grow

vegetables. PATH400’s leaders were inspired to take this “guerilla gardening” to the next level and made plans to create a community garden space on the trail.

“In the same way that PATH400 is being built in the ‘found’ right-of-way space along the highway, these gardeners took an unused space and turned it into something worthwhile,” said Denise Starling, executive

director

of Livable Buckhead, the nonprofit organization spearheading PATH400 in Buckhead. “We love that spirit, and we wanted to bring it into the project in a way that engages the local community and

creates a unique amenity for this area.”

In April, more than 30 volunteers from Livable Buckhead, the City of Atlanta’s Office of Sustainability, Atlanta Housing Authority, Rubicon, Integral, Lockton and Jones, Lang, LaSalle completed installation of planter beds that spell out “PATH400.” The beds, filled with vegetable plants, were then dedicated to the residents of the Marian Road highrise who will tend them.

“AHA appreciates Livable Buckhead, the cohort of Atlanta citizens and our AHA staff volunteers who showed up today for the installation and initial planting of the PATH400 community gardens,” said Catherine Buell, president and CEO of the Atlanta Housing Authority. “The outcome is beautiful, but more important for the Marian Road highrise residents, the gardens represent access to healthy produce and an opportunity to get outdoors for exercise as part of AHA’s aging well strategy.”

The planter beds were crafted by designer Chris McDowell who works with reclaimed lumber to create his works of garden art. McDowell created the beds in his Athens shop and transported them to Buckhead for the installation. He was brought into the project by Mario Cambardella, urban agriculture director for the City of Atlanta’s Office of Sustainability.

“When Livable Buckhead approached us about building a community garden on PATH400 that would also be a design feature, I knew Chris was the perfect person for the project,” said Cambardella. “These beds are a great example of why urban agriculture is so beneficial and why the Office of Sustainability wants to encourage it citywide. We’re glad to have played a part in helping the Marian Road highrise residents take their community garden to the next level, and are thankful to Livable Buckhead for bringing us in on the project.”

Photos courtesy Livable Buckhead Volunteers install the new planter beds at the PATH400 community garden in Buckhead.

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The Studio

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Art, movies, music, bike tours and beach party on tap

By Collin Kelley

If a vacation isn’t in the cards this summer, never fear! There is plenty – and we do mean plenty – to do around Intown to keep the entire family happy. Whether it’s a blockbuster art exhibit, an art festival, a nighttime bike ride or a beach party, Atlanta has staycation options galore.

Andy Warhol at The High Museum

The High Museum of Art will mount the exclusive exhibition “Andy Warhol: Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation” from June 11 through Sept. 3. According to the High, the comprehensive retrospective is the largest exhibition of its kind presented and features more than 250 prints and ephemera by Andy Warhol, including such iconic screenprint portfolios as “Marilyn Monroe” (1967), “Campbell’s Soup I” (1968), “Electric Chair” (1971) and “Mao” (1972). For more information, visit high.org.

Coca-Cola Summer Movie Festival

The Fox Theatre and Coke team up again for the annual film festival, and Harry Potter fans are sure to be delighted by this year’s announcement. All eight “Harry Potter” films will be screened, while there will also be sing-a-long versions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Mary Poppins”, and “Casablanca” will mark its 75th anniversary. For dates and tickets, visit foxtheatre.org.

Atlanta Moon Ride

The Atlanta Moon Ride hits the streets on Friday, June 9, at 11 p.m. for a 6-mile bike ride through some of Atlanta’s coolest neighborhoods beginning and ending in Piedmont Park. Participants are encouraged to ride with flair – dressing in costumes, decorative helmets and glow sticks. Tickets are $30 and proceeds benefit local nonprofit Bert’s Big Adventure. For more information and tickets, visit atlantamoonride.com.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit oldfourthwardparkartsfestival.com.

Concerts in the Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s concert series will feature Gladys Knight (June 18); Michael Feinstein (July 7); Barenaked Ladies (July 21); Brandi Carlile (July 23); Punch Brothers and I’m With Her (Aug. 11); Lifehouse and Switchfoot (Aug. 20); Buddy Guy (Aug. 25); and Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Love & Comedy Tour (Sept. 8). For tickets and information, visit atlantabg.org.

Callanwolde Jazz on the Lawn

The annual series at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center will feature Rhonda Thomas (June 16); Joe Gransden (June 30); Joey “Papa J” Sommerville (July 14); Virginia Schenck and Free Planet Radio (July 28); and Bob Baldwin (Aug. 11). For tickets and information, visit callanwolde.org.

Summer in the City

Formerly known as the Decatur Beach Party, this year’s rebranded event will still feature 60 tons of sand, kids activities, rock climbing, food and music from 5 to 11 p.m. on June 16. New this year: the event is free! Visit decaturdba.com/events/beach-party.

Tunes from the Tombs

This year’s Tunes from the Tombs at Oakland Cemetery will also act as a memorial tribute to Col. Bruce Hampton, who collapsed and died on stage at the Fox Theatre last month. On June 10, members of the Hampton Grease Band, Aquarium Rescue Unit and Tinsley Ellis will headline the event. Also on the bill: Delta Moon, Secondhand Swagger, Cadillac Jones, Trey Dahl & The Jugtime Ragband, Five Eight, Bad Spell, Spencer Garn & The Diamond Street Players, Blake Rainey and his Demons, Dang, Dang, Dang, Atlanta Rock ‘n Roll All-Stars, Octave Atlanta, Little Country Giants, Wasted Potential Brass Band, and Bonaventure Quartet. Atlanta Taiko Project and NerdKween will busk throughout the cemetery. Tickets, $15 in advance or $20 at the gate, are available at TicketAlternative.com.

Atlanta Cycling Festival

The free, week-long festival, June 10-17, will feature 35-plus events and rides. The festival is geared towards connecting bicyclists of all ages and experience levels with each other and to support local bike-friendly businesses and organizations. For more information, visit atlantacyclingfestival.com.

Atlanta Streets Alive

The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition introduces a new route on the city’s Westside on June 11 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Old Fourth Ward Park Arts Festival

Nearly 100 arts and craft vendors will be on hand for the annual festival on June 24-25 at Historic Fourth Ward Park. There will also be a children’s play area, live music and food.

A 4-mile stretch of Marietta Street and Howell Mill Road will be closed to motorized traffic, but wide open to people on foot, bikes and other human-powered activities. For the route and more information, visit atlantastreetsalive.com.

By Isadora Pennington

“The word HealiUm has a big red U, what do you think that symbolizes?” Jim Peera asked. “It signifies you; today is your day. It’s your day to be you.”

Peera is the director and artist behind the local art collective HealiUm Center in Candler Park. He runs the organization with the help of his wife Donna, their children Haseena and Iman, and a team of dedicated volunteers.

Originally from Tanzania in East Africa, Peera and his family fled during the UgandaTanzania War to France, where they lived as refugees before eventually moving to England. After his father’s death, Peera’s brother in America suggested that he relocate there to complete high school. He later attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and it was there that he met Donna, who was attending The University of Arizona.

“I was a designer, so she was my model,” he explained. “We traveled together, and we’ve been halfway around the world together as a couple.”

After growing tired of living in California, they moved across the country to Atlanta to escape the fog and crowd. “Little did we know…” he trailed off with a chuckle. In the 25 years that followed, they have built a family and a community here in the city.

Peera’s appreciation for America and the city is what led him to come up with the HealiUm Center concept. “It’s for the community, that’s what it is for,” he said. “I’ve been in America for about 40 years now, so the idea comes to me at a time when things are falling apart and for me it was – how do I contribute to a country that has done so much for me and opened their hearts? How can I pay them back? How can I pay it forward?

“I felt that there was a disconnect in America,” Peera continued. “People were spending a lot of effort and time with their kids, but the adults were being left out. The parents were taking care of kids, making sure they went to art classes in school, but the parents fell short.”

He noticed that most adults could only really let loose at bars or sporting events, and not a lot of spaces were dedicated to creativity for people of all ages.

“There needs to be a place where people can come out and express themselves freely, because at the end of the day, we are all creative beings, you know.”

The HealiUm Center features an art gallery, art studio, photo studio, event room, Zen room, music and performance space, and a sanctuary. While it may look unassuming on the outside, to step inside is to be transported to another world. Colorful artwork of all types adorns the walls, rows of tables with easels await the next art class, and local musicians play in the basement of the church. The walls are painted bright colors with a specific correlation to colors of the chakra that infuse the different spaces with varying energies.

For just $15, visitors can partake in weekly Open Studio sessions that occur in the evenings. There’s a fully equipped stage for musicians and the fee covers art supplies such as canvases, paints and brushes. Volunteers can also work in exchange for access to the center, and the space can be rented out for parties and group events.

One of the current, on-going events is the Art of the Heal, a campaign to send over 100,000 pieces of art to the White House by July 4. Inspired by the actions of and controversy surrounding the current administration, Peera intends to provide a creative outlet for coping with the unstable political landscape.

“The idea was to kind of get people to come together and really explore the fact that we all have a lot more in common than what is different,” he said. “There’s a lot more commonality within this society and the people than the guy at the top wants us to believe.”

While the Art of the Heal project hopes to bring artwork to the attention of politicians on a national level, the HealiUm center continues to provide affordable and accessible creative opportunities to their growing community of artists in Atlanta. “A lot of the kids, they call us mom and dad, it’s like their home here,” he laughed. “This is their creative home, they come and share their stories with us, so we have built this cool extended family of artists.”

For more information about the HealiUm Center, visit healiumcenter.com.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

Jim and Donna Peer operate the HealiUm Center in Candler Park.

The Right Stuff

Intown is home to popular “Stuff You Should Know” podcast

By Grace Huseth

When podcast fans around the country hungrily download the new episodes of “Stuff You Should Know” at lunchtime on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, most don’t realize that the show originates in the Old Fourth Ward’s bustling Ponce City Market.

Podcast publisher and education website How Stuff Works has become a go-to for those seeking answers to questions about a variety of topics. Their most popular podcast series, “Stuff You Should Know,” starts conversations about everything from genes to the Galapagos. The show is constantly on iTunes Top 10 podcast rankings.

Over the course of eight years, “Stuff You Should Know” hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant have recorded some of the most downloaded podcasts ever, including “How Dark Money Works,” “How Makeup Works,” “How Big Bang Theory Works” (with Neil deGrasse Tyson) and “How Water Slides Work.”

“The fun thing about “Stuff You Should Know” is that since we cover such a wide range of topics, we are constantly learning something interesting ourselves,” said Bryant.

Coming up with original, captivating episodes is aided by the creative office space at How Stuff Works. The fourth floor Ponce City Market office features a large mural

that depicts how ideas take shape, a large research library, audio and video recording studios and a giant question mark-shaped conference table where the 35-member staff meets to discuss ideas.

Clark and Bryant, both Atlanta natives, are always on the hunt for interesting topics and spend countless hours in research to record the twice-weekly podcasts. The duo never rehearses a show together before recording in order to preserve an authentic,

conversational flow.

Tacked on the walls of the “Stuff You Should Know” sound studio is just some of the kooky fan mail Clark and Bryant have received over the years, ranging from photoshopped posters to wedding invitations. The hosts gained even more attention when the Science Channel aired a video version of “Stuff You Should Know.”

Bryant said the listener base is dedicated and loyal. “There is something about getting

[the podcast] for free that makes them want to return the favor,” he said.

At some point, the duo hopes to do a show about Atlanta, and specifically the secret behind the fame of Coca-Cola.

“The city is more progressive than it’s ever been,” Bryant said. “I felt like I had to defend Atlanta for a number of years, but now it makes me proud.”

For more about the show, visit stuffyoushouldknow.com.

High Museum makes major acquisition of African-American art

The High Museum of Art has received 54 works from the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, one of the most significant acquisitions by the museum’s folk and self-taught art department since its establishment in 1994.

The combined gift and purchase features

paintings, sculptures and works on paper by 33 contemporary African-American artists from the southern United States, including 13 works by Thornton Dial that span four decades of the artist’s career. The acquisition also features 11 quilts created by the women of Gee’s Bend, Ala. Work by Lonnie Holley

and Ronald Lockett, artists whose work the High has been collecting since the 1990s, is joined by sculpture from their Alabama contemporaries Joe Minter and Richard Dial.

In addition to Minter and Richard Dial, artists entering the High’s collection for the first time include Eldren Bailey, one of four Georgia artists represented in the acquisition, Charles Williams, Vernon Burwell and Georgia Speller. A significant group of paintings and sculpture by Joe Light, as well as individual works by artists such as Archie Byron, Mary T. Smith, Royal Robertson and Purvis Young, complement existing holdings by those artists.

“This landmark acquisition is a capstone of years of collaboration with the High Museum of Art, the anchoring institution in the Foundation’s hometown of Atlanta. We are very pleased to add dozens of significant works to the High’s collection of

contemporary art and look forward to years of future collaboration through insightful programming, displays and publications,” said Maxwell L. Anderson, president of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation.

To showcase these new acquisitions, the museum will increase the physical footprint of the folk and self-taught art galleries by 30 percent as part of a permanent collection reinstallation planned for 2018.

Photo courtesy Nathan Otoski

Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant are the hosts of the wildly popular podcast “Stuff You Should Know.”

Dial Birmingham-News

Pettaway-Birds in the Air

Jordan Light-Untitled 1987

Outdoor Art

A selection of paintings from the recent Olmsted Plein Air Invitational

The Olmsted Plein Air Invitational drew hundreds of artists to Intown this spring to create new paintings. You might have spotted artists with their palettes and canvas set up at locations around the city in April for a week of painting in the plein air – or “outdoor painting.” The event culminated in an art show and sale at Olmsted Linear Park in Druid Hills. Below are a selection of some of the paintings created during the event. Be sure to check olmstedpleinair.com for details about next year’s event.

Keefe Shelby - Arrested Development

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

Visual Arts

Luba Lukova: Designing Justice: Visit Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) to see Luba Lukova’s thought-provoking posters that address essential themes of humanity and injustice worldwide. Opens June 3. Free to $10. museumofdesign.org

Virginia-Highland Summerfest: With more than 250 artists from all around the Southeast, Historic Virginia-Highland’s Summerfest offers a wide variety of work selected by a jury of art professors, curators and gallery owners. June 3 and 4. Free. vahi.org

The Blue Man Group – Making Waves: The Children’s Museum of Atlanta presents this exhibit that takes the whole family through a multi-sensory exploration of sound and provides an opportunity to play together while discovering the fun of music. Opens June 10. $14.95. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Andy

Warhol: Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundations: The High Museum of Art is the exclusive East Coast venue to present this comprehensive exhibit of 250 prints and ephemera by Andy Warhol. Opens June 11. Free to $14.50. high.org

Second Act: Atlanta Photography Group Gallery showcases an exhibit of black and white photographs by Myrtie Cope that depict the interiors of two landmark theatres: the Fox in Atlanta and the Tivoli in Chattanooga. Closes June 17. Free. apgphoto.org

Phyllis Stephens: Story Quilts: Visit Oglethorpe University Museum of Art to see works by an award-winning fifth generation quilt maker who is considered a Master of African-American Story Quilts. Opens June 24. Free to $5. museum. oglethorpe.edu

Old Fourth Ward Park Arts Festival: Festival goers are invited to explore painting, photography, woodwork and more along with live music and games. June 24 and 25. Free. h4wpc.com

Bad Latch: In dream-like scenes, where repetition and patterning are foregrounded, Sasha Braunig’s figures emit an extrasensory glow in her exhibit at Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. Free. Tuesday through Sunday. atlantacontemporary.org

The Curious Garden: Atlanta Botanical Garden’s newest exhibit tells the story of the Garden’s conservation work through colorful, and some scientific, installations. Tuesday through Sunday. Free to $21.95. atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain: SCAD FASH shows off more than 200 pairs of shoes, from ancient Egyptian slippers to Christian Louboutin heels and cutting-edge designs. Tuesday through Sunday. Free to $10. scadfash.org

Uncle Sam Wants You! World War I and the American Poster: Take a fascinating look at American posters of World War I, both as graphic masterworks and as illustrations of a tragic historical episode. Daily. Free to $16.50. atlantahistorycenter.com

Performing Arts

The Dancing Handkerchief: Part magic act, part musical and part puppet show, this world premiere is the story of Mysterioso the Magician and his curious child Bastienne. June 1 through 18. $20 to $48. theatricaloutfit.org

Eclipsed: Synchronicity’s season finale is a regional premiere of a play in which five Liberian women struggle to negotiate power, protection and peace in a stunning tale of hope and resilience. June 2 through 25. $11 to $36. synchrotheatre.com

A Staged Reading of “Ulysses”: In celebration of Bloomsday, Aris Theatre is re-mounting its staged reading of “Ulysses” adapted by acclaimed playwright and novelist Dermot Bolger from the novel by James Joyce. June 6 and 7. $10. aristheatre.org

Tunes from the Tombs: Rock in peace with favorite bands, cold drinks, the hottest food trucks, kid’s activities and more at Oakland Cemetery’s annual music festival. June 10. $15. oaklandcemetery.com

The Dancing Granny: Kids and adults will be tapping their feet at Alliance Theatre’s children’s story of a clever granny dancing in her garden. June 10 through 18. $8 to $15. alliancetheatre.org

Plundering Pirates of Symphony Hall: Ahoy matey! ‘Tis time to walk the plank into Symphony Hall for a swashbuckling afternoon of songs from the high seas presented by those scallywags in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra! June 11. $15 to $20. atlantasymphony.org

Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival: Visit Morris Brown College for a festival celebrating the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S.. June 16 through 18. Free! juneteenthatl.com

Gladys Knight: Kick back under the stars for a live concert with Gladys Knight at Atlanta Botanical Garden. ¬June 18. $67.50. atlantabg.org

The Moth’s Atlanta StorySLAM: Put your name in the hat, or come and watch, as people compete in The Moth’s monthly storytelling session with the theme “cheating.” June 19. dadsgarage.com

Cinderella Della Circus: Cinderella Della Circus brings high-flying thrills to the Center for Puppetry Arts in a show that balances both puppetry and the circus through fairytale magic! Opens June 20. $11.25 to $19.50. puppet.org

Macbeth: Starring film and television star Justin Deeley, this adaptation features a modern take on the war zone, set in a waterfall surrounded by the dense woods of Serenbe, much like the forests of Scotland. Opens June 22. $25 to $30. serenbeplayhouse.com

Chicago and The Doobie Brothers: Two of the most successful and critically-acclaimed rock bands head out on a national amphitheatre tour with a stop at Alpharetta’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. June 23. $25 to $125. vzwamp.com

How to Use a Knife: In the chaotic hustle and bustle of a Wall Street restaurant, George – a down-on-his-luck master chef – faces his last chance to turn his life around in this show at Horizon Theatre. Closes June 29. $25 to $45. horizontheatre.com

Jazz On The Lawn With Joe Gransden: Bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy this concert surrounded by the natural beauty of the Callanwolde Amphitheater. June 30. $20. callanwolde.org

News You Can Eat

Restaurants � Reviews � Events

Ice Cold

Frozen drinks to help beat Atlanta’s summer heat

By Isadora Pennington

Remember that feeling when you were a kid at the playground on a hot summer day and you suddenly heard the siren call of an ice cream truck? Before you knew it, you were up and running, shouting “Ice cream!” to anyone nearby as you raced to find change and line up for a cool summer treat.

As an adult, it’s sometimes hard to experience life with as much unbridled enthusiasm and joy as when you were a child, so I try to pay attention when I feel that familiar rush and excitement. For me, the adult version of that is when you combine alcohol and cold, slushy fruit drinks. Give me a frozen drink and a breezy patio on a hot summer day and I’ll be a happy camper.

From the classic Atlanta staples such as Jack & Coke Slushies from Victory Sandwich Bar to the tropical offerings of Bon Ton, a brand new Cajun-Creole restaurant in the old Top Flr space in Midtown, these are some of my favorite tasty beverages to take the edge off of those humid summer nights.

◄ BON TON

Frozen Ward Six Cup: Housemade Cathead Vodka “Pimm’s,” cucumber, fruit, ginger, lemon, small $9, large $13

Frozen Vietnamese Irish Coffee: Jameson, coffee brandy, sweetened condensed milk, chicory coffee, cream, nutmeg, small $9, large $13 674 Myrtle St. NE, bontonatl.com or (404) 996-6177

Frosé: Frozen rosé, small $6, large $12 Boozy Coke Slushy: Jack Daniels and Coke, small $4, large $8 913 Bernina Ave. NE, vicsandwich.com or (404) 709-2892

KIRKYARD PUBLIC HOUSE ►

Frozen Dark & Stormy: Gosling’s black rum, Gosling’s ginger beer, fresh squeezed lime juice, half pint $5.25, pint $10

Augusta Lemonade: Fruitland Augusta peach tea vodka, lemonade, half pint $5.25, pint $10 1963 Hosea L Williams Drive NE, kirkyardpub.com or (404) 500-1357

Bourbon Coffee: Four Roses

Yellow Label and Vietnamese coffee, single $7, double $12

Blackberry Gin Bramble: Gin Cassis, lemon, house blackberry syrup, single $7, double $12 427 Edgewood Ave. SE, joystickgamebar.com or (404) 525-3002

THE PAINTED PIN ► Pin’s Cup: Pimm’s, Lemon, Grilled Pineapple Soda, $10 737 Miami Circle NE, thepaintedpin.com or (404) 814-8736

◄ VICTORY SANDWICH BAR

◄ JOYSTICK GAMEBAR

Under Contract

Under Contract

Under Contract

Intown Advisor Spotlight • This Month: Ken Covers

With great pleasure we would like to recognize Ken Covers not only for his level of success over the past 13 years, but also for his commitment to the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Over the past three months Ken raised over $160,000 for this year’s Atlanta’s Dancing with the Stars Competition which partners with the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. Congratulations ,Ken, for all your achievements!

- Scott Askew President

NOWOPEN

GRILL & BUFFET

NORCROSS

2055 Beaver Ruin Rd Norcross, GA 30071

Tel: 470-395-3333

I-85; Exit 101

ChowKingNorcross.com

SMYRNA

2400 Cobb Pkwy SE

Smyrna, GA 30080

Tel: 470-308-3333

Across from SunTrust Park

ChowKingCobb.com

Everybody Eats: Jeff Graham

Serving Chinese, Japanese, Korean & American

Serving Lunch From $8.49 (weekdays)

Creative Southwestern

& Award Winning Margaritas

By Megan Volpert

Welcome to the 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 installment, I spoke to Jeff Graham, Executive Director of the LGBT advocacy group Georgia Equality.

How do you like your eggs cooked?

► Sunny-side up, just like my attitude about politics.

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

► Mushrooms and lobster, though not together.

What are some of your favorite spots for brunch?

► Apres Diem is great to meet friends. We love to take our dog walking along the BeltLine and then have a late brunch at Park Tavern or Across the Street on Highland Avenue. The Georgia Equality offices are in the same building as Radial Cafe, so it’s the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch if I need to discuss business.

What’s your favorite food city, other than Atlanta?

► Washington, DC. It’s the first major city I visited as a kid and I was amazed to find out there was more to life than meat and potatoes.

Are you any good at gardening?

► I fantasize about being good at gardening, but the tomato plants I struggle to keep alive each year would probably argue with that notion.

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

► White wine at a benefit, so I don’t have to worry if I spill. Otherwise it’s either bourbon or tequila.

What is your guilty pleasure snack food? Favorite food for a tailgate?

► Popcorn is the guilty pleasure. Peel and eat shrimp or veggie hot dogs for a tailgate.

What are your feelings about red velvet cake?

► It’s all a plot to sell red food coloring to the unsuspecting!

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

► I’m pescatarian, but I draw the line at Rocky Mountain Oysters!

Who does most of the cooking in your house? Who cooked while you were growing up?

► I cook and my husband does the laundry. We divided those duties when we first moved in together 27 years ago. Back then, I was working at a costume shop and he worked at a deli, so we wanted to make sure the chores at home differed from the chores at work. My folks divorced when I was young, so I grew up with both of my parents cooking. Living with single parents, I also learned how to chip in and fix dinner by the time I was in my teens.

What is the most memorable food-related story you’ve got from your time with Georgia Equality?

► The most memorable fundraiser I ever attended was when the catering staff went on strike a couple of hours before the benefit started. The employees for the charity helped to prepare and serve the meal to the attendees. Naturally there was a very long delay from the time we were seated until the food arrived. It was an awards banquet and the guest of honor had too much to drink and gave a rambling speech that seemed to go on forever. Luckily all of the guests were very understanding when there was not enough food or utensils for everyone and we all had to share family style! I heard that the hotel ended up refunding all of the costs, so it ended up being the most profitable event that group had ever had.

LOCAL EXPERTISE | GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

NEW

BROWNSTONES AT CENTRAL PK, O4W 334 Brownstones Circle, $615,000 3BR/3fb/1hb. FMLS: 5844475

Connie Cousins-Baker 404-324-7973

ATLANTA NORTH 770-622-3081

EAST COBB 770-977-9500

ATLANTA PERIMETER 770-394-2131

FMLS: 5830339 Sarah Mock 404-683-9012 COMING

MIDTOWN 562 Greenwood Ave NE, $659,000 4BR/3fb/1hb.

C. Cousins-Baker 404-324-7973 Kim Orr 404-915-7668

BUCKHEAD 675 Norfleet Road, $1,174,000 5BR/4fb/1hb. FMLS: 5818032 Kathy Olmstead 404-550-5203

LAKE RABUN 904 Lake Rabun Road, $969,500 4BR/4fb/1hb. GAMLS: 8050993

Michael McGaughey 706-982-9030

HARRYNORMAN.COM

1531 PIEDMONT AVENUE NE, STE B | ATLANTA, GA 30324 | 404-897-5558

BIG CANOE - NORTH GEORGIA 770-893-2400

FORSYTH/LAKE LANIER 770-497-2000

HIAWASSEE 706-632-7211

BLUE RIDGE 706-632-7211

INTOWN 404-897-5558

BUCKHEAD 404-233-4142

BUCKHEAD CHASTAIN 404-233-1492

LUXURY LAKE & MOUNTAIN 706-212-0228

BUCKHEAD NORTH 404-814-9000

NORTH FULTON 678-461-8700

BROOKHAVEN 4555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, $1,295,000 4BR/4fb/2hb. FMLS: 5813605

Sandy Abrams 404-281-0097

BUCKHEAD NORTHWEST 404-261-2700

PEACHTREE CITY 770-632-8526

COBB MARIETTA 770-422-6005

SANDY SPRINGS 404-250-9900

but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. www.HarryNorman.com

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

QUICK BITES

The ninth annual Atlanta Summer Beer Fest will be held on Saturday, June 17, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Historic Fourth Ward Park. There will be more than 200 beers, wines, live music and games, and food will be available for purchase. For tickets and information, visit atlantasummerbeerfest.com.

Family Food Fest Atlanta, a multicultural charitable food tasting celebration, will be held on Father’s Day, June 18 at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, 65 MLK Jr. Drive. One hundred men will prepare dishes from appetizers to main courses to desserts for attendees. There will also be a barbecue cook-off, kids fun zone, face painting, health pavilion and much more. Special guests this year will include Celebrity Chef Tregaye Fraser, Food Network Star champion for 2016, and Chef Will Boxx owner of restaurant SBK in Atlanta. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under in advance. For more information, visit familyfoodfestatlanta.com.

Old Fourth Ward’s Fetch Park and Ice House, Atlanta’s first restaurant and dog park bar concept, has launched a membership presale. Memberships are $240 annually or $20 monthly and include free entry to the park’s full calendar of events such as small concerts, holiday and theme parties along with standard membership perks. Located steps from the Atlanta BeltLine, the concept includes Fetch Ice House, a full-service Texasstyle eatery and bar, and Fetch Park, an off-leash dog park bar. For more information, visit fetchparkatl.com.

Midtown Alliance released a list of new restaurants that are opening soon in the district. The list includes:

- Neapolitan pizzeria MidiCi, 999 Peachtree St.

- Tacos & tapas restaurant Babalu, 33 Peachtree Pl.

- Persian restaurant and bar Molana, 915 W. Peachtree St.

- Miami staple Bulla Gastrobar, 60 11th St.

- Vietnamese restaurant Anh’s Kitchen, 855 Peachtree St.

- Craft tacos and taqueria restaurant Cactus House, 1020 Piedmont Ave.

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.

Paces Properties has announced that Firepit Pizza Tavern and Full Commission will join the tenant mix at its Larkin on Memorial development at 519 Memorial Drive in Grant Park. Firepit Pizza Tavern is a new concept developed by Leslie Cohen – local chef, restaurateur and winner of the Food Network show Cutthroat Kitchen. According to a media release, the restaurant will offer authentic brick oven pizza, along with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Full Commission, created by David Traxler, will be an upscale restaurant and tap room serving southern fusion small plates, coffee and full bar.

With any burger, fries, and drink combo. Limited time only. Valid Monday-Thursday with coupon.

(404) 351-0450

2221 Peachtree Rd NE Ste G Atlanta, GA 30309

Housed in a former streetcar stop building at 332 Ormond Street in Grant Park, Mediterranea uses locally-sourced ingredients in its offerings. Founded by Gerard Nudo and Gary McElroy, who have led a gluten-free lifestyle for more than 12 years, dinner is served Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5 to 10 p.m. Brunch is available on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and freshly baked goods and coffee are available from the bakery counter seven days a week. For more details, visit mediterraneaatl.com.

CO restaurant, offering a modern take on traditional Southeast Asian cuisine, is open in the Poncey-Highland at 675 N. Highland Ave. Executive Chef Masanori Shiraishi will lead the kitchen, drawing inspiration from generationsold family dishes and popular dishes throughout Southeast Asia.

California-based Public School on Tap, a gastropub delivering an “education in the art of food and beer,” has opened Public School 404 at 930 Howell Mill Road at The Brady apartment building. Barbecue bison burgers, bacon cheddar tots, chorizo mac & cheese, eggs benedict pizza, fried chicken & waffles and Nutella cookie sandwiches are just some of the menu items along with a large selection of beers and cocktails. For more information, visit psontap.com.

Dallas-based Taverna, which serves a menu of northern Italian fare, is now open at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, serving lunch and dinner on weekdays and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit tavernabylombardi.com.

The Flying Biscuit Café has opened at new outpost on the Westside at Howell Mill Village, 857 Collier Road, serving up its famous Love Cakes, shrimp and grits, pimento cheese sandwiches, chicken salad and those big fluffy biscuits. For more information, visit flyingbiscuit.com.

The 29th anniversary celebration of Atlanta’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry raised $795,000 to end childhood hunger in Atlanta and across America. More than 1,400 guests gathered at Southern Exchange at 200 Peachtree in April for a special evening featuring gourmet samplings of more than 50 of Atlanta’s most celebrated chefs, as well as live, silent and beverage auctions, wine tastings and live entertainment.

The Fresh MARTA Market is now open at several local stations, providing transit customers with a convenient shopping alternative for fresh, affordable and locally grown produce. Markets will be at the West End (Tuesdays), H.E. Holmes (Wednesdays), College Park (Thursdays) and Five Points (Fridays) stations through December. For more information, visit itsmarta.com.

Thanks to the strong demand for its IPAs and stouts, Scofflaw Brewing Company has taken delivery of three 90-barrel fermentation tanks and one 90-barrel bright tank. After just nine months of operation, the additional tanks will double the present capacity to around 14,000 barrels per year for the brewery located in the Bolton neighborhood of Atlanta’s Westside. For more information, visit scofflawbrewery.com.

Sixteen metro Atlanta nonprofits participated in Gas South’s sixth annual Charity Cornhole Challenge at SweetWater 420 Fest in April. The Giving Kitchen won in the championship showdown and received a $10,000 donation for its ongoing mission to provide emergency assistance grants to metro Atlanta restaurant workers facing unanticipated hardship.

Home & Real Estate

Modern living, rustic settings beckon Intown homebuyers

By Kathy Dean

The serene beauty of the north Georgia mountains has long been enjoyed by the locals and served as an inspiration for artists. Today, more folks are discovering the beauty and benefits of living in the foothills of the Appalachians, especially people in the nearby Atlanta area.

Modern-day developers consider the landscape carefully and build to protect the area’s natural resources. Homeowners enjoy the pay-offs – a wide variety of top-notch recreational opportunities and breathtaking vistas.

Big Canoe is a prime example. The gated private residential community set is set in the rolling mountains of Jasper, Ga., just a onehour drive north from Atlanta. The rise in sales reflects the neighborhood’s popularity.

“The current real estate market in Big Canoe is very healthy,” said Katie Wercholuk, Marketing Director, Big Canoe Company, LLC. “It’s almost as strong as the height of the 2005 market, and we’re well on our way to surpassing those records.”

She added that 2016 was the best resale home year of all time in Big Canoe’s 30-year history. Through the end of April 2017, resale transactions increased by 39 percent compared to the same time last year. “More often than not, we’re seeing multiple offers on Big Canoe homes and home sites,” Wercholuk said.

The sales upsurge is echoed by Kim L. Knutzen, Managing Broker, Harry Norman REALTORS Blue Ridge Office. “This is one of the strongest markets I’ve seen since 2003, when I moved to the mountains fulltime and opened up the Harry Norman Realtors office,” she said.

Knutzen noted that while there are still good resale valued homes available, she is

seeing an issue with low inventory. Resales tend to move well with price points of $200,000-$500,000 and certain amenities, such as a waterfront or mountain view.

“We’ve seen an influx of buyers for Old Toccoa Farm, a new development and the only fly fishing and golf community in our area,” Knutzen said. “We also have other nonamenitized properties such as Aska’s Grand Vista, which not only offers mountain views, but also has views of Lake Blue Ridge.”

Old Toccoa Farm, just 85 miles north of Atlanta, is near the historic town of Blue Ridge, Ga. It boasts price points of $450,000 and up for custom and spec homes, with lot prices starting at $90,000. Aska’s Grand Vista, located roughly five miles from downtown Blue Ridge, has price points running from the high $400,000s to the mid $600,000s.

Faron W. King, Broker/Owner, Coldwell Banker High Country Realty, reported that the market remained brisk through the winter months, “…leading us right into the typically strong spring selling season, which is a bit unusual,” he said. “The milder winter coupled with people’s confidence in

a stronger economy has them in the mood to buy a second or retirement home.”

King said that while it’s still true that many mountain homes are bought by retirees and vacationers, that’s not the whole story. “We’re seeing younger buyers wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta for a weekend getaway, and it turns into a part-time home if their career allows them to telecommute,” said King. “They spend as much time here as their schedule allows, and reliable high speed internet access is at the top of their required list of amenities.”

Nathan Fitts, Nathan Fitts & Team of RE/MAX Town & Country, is also enthusiastic about the strong sales. “This is the best market we’ve experienced in years,” he said. “We have a demand for all types of homes and properties. Over the last few years, vacant land sales had been struggling, but they began to make a turnaround in 2016, and so far in 2017, they’ve continued, as new construction is booming and in high demand.”

He said that the prices for a three-bedroom, three-bath mountain view home in the area, including resales and new construction, range from $65,000 to $985,000, with the average sales price of $287,323.

Fitts pointed to the ever-popular Aska Adventure Area as a hot spot for those moving to Blue Ridge,

especially for people looking for second homes and rental investments. “These desirable communities include Necowa Cove, which overlooks and fronts the pristine waters of Lake Blue Ridge,” he said. Deer Crest, Ridges Over the Lake, Raccoon Ridge and Little Creek Overlook are also on many homebuyers’ wish lists.

Other hot properties, according to Fitts, are The Heights at Cashes Valley, an upscale modern rustic community consisting of homes starting at $500,000, Riverwalk on the Toccoa, and Cherry Log Mountain/Lake. North Georgia also offers

A home at Big Canoe.

Riverwalk Toccoa

Lake Sconti

Cherry Lake

A SPECIAL SECTION

THE TOP 3 reasons to visit the WNC mountains:

1. Outdoor activities for the whole family

2. See nature’s majesty

3. Reconnect with loved ones

homes and rent them out through cabin rental programs.

a variety of full-time living communities with craftsman and traditional style living, such as Owen Glen, in Blairsville, and the nearby Thirteen Hundred, complete with golf, tennis and swimming pool.

“These all-inclusive communities and these types of amenities are becoming more and more popular since many people are moving to this area full time, rather than just using these houses as second homes,” Fitts said.

There are HUNDREDS of ways to enjoy the mountains of Western North Carolina; we just can’t fit them all into one ad! Come to the mountains and discover your own reason to keep coming back. There’s space for the whole family or for just the two of you. Contact Landmark Vacation Rentals today to explore vacation and seasonal rentals in Cashiers, Highlands, Lake Glenville, Lake Toxaway, Sapphire Valley, and Burlingame!

LUXURY HOMES | CABINS | COTTAGES | CONDOS

www.LandmarkVacations.com

TOLL FREE: 877-747-9234 17 Highway 64, Cashiers, NC 28717

REAL ESTATE SALES: www.LandmarkRG.com

While many people buying in the foothills plan to use their mountain home as a second home until they retire to the north Georgia mountains, the market trends are beginning to change, according to Fitts. “In addition to second homes, we’re seeing a huge increase in primary home sales,” he said. “In previous years, a high percentage of our buyers were from Atlanta and Florida, and a majority still are, but we’re now seeing relocations from all over the United States. Almost half of our closings in 2016 were not with Georgia based buyers, and were purchased as homes for full time living.”

Big Canoe has also seen an increase in pre-retirees who are attracted to the lifestyle and options that the community offers. “Many metro Atlanta residents are becoming empty-nesters, but they’re still working and planning for the future before it’s time to retire,” Wercholuk said. “Since we’re only an hour to downtown Atlanta, and even closer to Buckhead, we’re starting to see an increase in younger buyers.”

As far as second home and vacation homebuyers, Big Canoe remains steady at about 60/40, full time residents vs. part time or weekenders. Wercholuk expects that these trends will remain consistent in Big Canoe for some time, especially as metro Atlanta counties continue to expand in population.

While low inventory has become a concern in many areas, that’s not a problem in Big Canoe, which sprawls across 8,000 acres. “There’s always enough inventory to meet the demand,” Wercholuk said. “New construction is still moving and there are still plenty of opportunities to build or buy.”

Knutzen added that another segment of the population that’s buying in the north Georgia mountains are investors who buy

She said that she does see the need for more well-designed homes in the area, but the issue is being addressed. “Developers and builders are stepping up to the plate to meet the demand,” said Knutzen. “Old Toccoa Farm has definitely filled a void for our area.”

“Inventory continues to be a problem in most areas of the region we serve,” King said. “This is evidenced by the fact that many of the builders are building custom homes for end users, and that’s product that never hits the market.” He added that when an attractive property enters the market as a resale, there are typically multiple offers and it often goes for above list price.

Fitts agreed that inventory has been low over the last 12 months, but added that there are many new communities and developments that will be coming on the market soon. One is a new anchor for the downtown Blue Ridge area.

“I’m currently working with developers who are planning a mixed-use project near downtown Blue Ridge with the live, work, play concept,” he said. “It will feature some exciting new shared office spaces, a concert venue, retail and dining opportunities and an indoor market.”

Also, in the early stages, is a plan for a self-sustainable community just outside the Blue Ridge area. Fitts noted that it will be north Georgia’s first community of that type.

The trend of heading to the hills is only increasing as homebuyers look to the north Georgia mountains to find their dream retirement homes, hideaway vacation houses or full-time relaxing residences. As developers continue to meet the demand, there are more spots of heaven available for everyone.

Continued from Page 40

The view at Big Canoe

Blue RIdge Bungalow

CHECK OUT WHAT’S HOT IN THE HILLS ON PG 46.

MOUNTAIN RUN

Running enthusiasts lace up for events at Georgia State Parks

On your mark, get set, go!

Whether you’re a trail runner or a triathlete, Georgia State Parks has the terrain, the technicality and some pretty amazing views year-round.

Check out this list of upcoming and future races and get more details at GaStateParks.org

For Trail Runners

Red Top Roaster 9.9-mile or 3.1-mile Trail Race

July 29 at Red Top Mountain State Park, Acworth

Named for the hot temperatures in July, the Red Top Roaster is one of the most popular races at Red Top Mountain State Park. The terrain utilizes most of the park’s trails including the Sweet Gum Trail, Homestead Trail, Iron Hill Trail, Campground Trail and Visitor Center Loop Trail. The course is made up of rolling hills and double track with minimal rocks and roots, perfect for a first trail race.

Fort Yargo State Park 8.75 or 3.1 mile Trail Race

Oct. 14 at Fort Yargo State Park, Winder

The trail race starts in the powerline alley before

dipping into the woods. Fort Yargo’s trails are known to mountain bikers, which means trail runners will find a mixture of smooth, easy-to-navigate singletrack along with some technical rocky and rooted sections.

Chattanooga 50-mile, 100-mile and 100-mile 8-person Relay

Dec. 1-2 at Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn

Trail runners journey all the trails within Cloudland Canyon State Park in the first-annual Chattanooga 100-mile race. The course features two 50-mile loops where runners will pass by waterfalls, run along ridgeline and rim trails and see expansive views of the canyon and surrounding areas.

Helen Holiday Half Marathon/10k

Dec. 16 at Unicoi State Park, Helen

One of the most festive trail races, runners start and end in Unicoi State Park, looping through the park’s trails and running through downtown Helen’s Main Street. Runners are encouraged to dress in costumes, and a party at the finish line greets participants with a DJ and Santa Claus.

For Triathletes

Tri the Parks - Richard B. Russell State Park

July 29 at Richard B. Russell State Park, Elberton

Athletes swim 1,500 meters in Lake Russell, then leave the park to ride a 22-mile lollipop loop around Elberton, followed by a 6.2-mile run through the park’s rolling hills. The race has a duathlon and aquabike option.

Tugaloo Triathlon

Sept. 9 at Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia

This Olympic distance triathlon consists of a 1.5k swim, a 42k bike and a 10k run throughout Tugaloo State Park. Racers will swim in Lake Hartwell, bike through the rolling hills of Hart County and run a relatively flat road that loops throughout the park.

Fort Yargo - biking

Fort Yargo Dirty Spokes

Helen Holiday Half Marathon

Red Top Roaster Race

If

MOUNTAIN FUN

Events and activities happening in North Georgia

Lake Blue Ridge 5BR/3BA $1,200,000

Walk from 2576 SF lakefront, mountain view, custom, true log home to your own boat/jet ski dock on Lake Blue Ridge. Call Curt Barger 706.633.9088

Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival

The festival will be held June 17 from 3 to 9 p.m. at 58 Boardtown Road near the town of Blue Ridge. Acts include headliner Denny Jiosa, Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk, Jazz Jones Legacy and Taryn Newborne

Blairsville Scottish Festival

Bagpipes, drums, games and food will bring the Scottish highlands to Meeks Park in Blairsville on June 10-11. Admission is $10 for one day or $15 for both days. Children 12 and under get in free. Visit blairsvillescottishfestival.com for details.

Georgia Wine Country Festival

Three Sisters Vineyards in Dahlonega will

Morganton, GA 3BR/3BA $359,900

Stunning 3010 SF Prow Front Log Home on 1.3 ac – Mtn & Lake Views – Luxury Features, 2 story porches, private fishing lake. Call Donna O’Neal 706.356.9034

Morganton, GA 3BR/3BA $346,900 Mtn getaway has it ALL– 2208 SF – 3.2 Ac. Furnished & loaded – 2 masters, bunk room, wrap deck, theater, RV parking, and more! Call Chris Colbert 404.226.2062

Blue Ridge, GA 5BR/2.5BA $329,000

Farm style Cedar Log Cabin – 2240 SF – 9.4 Ac. Mtn & fishing pond view. Country kitchen, master on main, wood burning stove, pine flrs. Call Donna O’Neal 770.356.9034

Blue Ridge, GA 3BR/3BA $389,500

Affordable Luxury – 3357 SF Cabin with Mtn & Lake Blue Ridge views and access. Upscale kitchen, open plan, 3 decks, immaculate! Call Curt Barger 706.633.9088

McCaysville, GA 2BR/2BA $174,900 Log cabin getaway – 1.1 Ac – 1008 SF. Access to Fightingtown Creek – Best trout stream in N. GA. Bring your fishing pole! Call Kimberly Bruner 706.455.5703

Escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains...

host the 16th annual festival every weekend in June. A wine garden featuring wineries from around the state will be featured along with food trucks, jazz and more. Visit threesistersvineyards.com for details.

Rabun County Music Festival

The annual music extravaganza returns to the Rearden Theatre on the campus of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Rabun County. The lineup includes: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (June 18); Jim Curry (July 2); Phil Dirt and the Dozers (July 16); Barbra and Frank: The Concert That Never Was (July 30); and Joe Gransden & His Big Band (Aug. 13). Tickets and details at rabunmusicfestival.com.

Georgia Mountain Fair

This year’s fair is July 21-29 at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee. Rides, live music, food and much more draw thousands of visitors each year. See all the events happening this summer at the fairgrounds at georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

Christmas In July at North Georgia Zoo

Enjoy a full weekend, July 7-9, of Christmas music, gift-buying, holiday cheer and animals at the North Georgia Zoo in Cleveland. Santa will be on hand

for photos and sporting his Hawaiian best for all those who wonder what Santa does in the summer. For more information, visit myfavoritezoo.com.

Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Music Festival

The annual festival will be held in the downtown Blue Ridge City Park on Sept. 14-16. There will be barbeque, live music, craft beer, fun stuff for the kids and more. Find more information at stayinblueridge.com.

Rome Beer Fest

Head to Rome for this 10th annual unique craft beer, art and music experience on Sept. 16. All proceeds benefit the Rome Area Council for the Arts, providing community arts programming, education and outreach. For more information, romebeerfest.com.

Georgia Apple Festival

The annual event is held over two weekends – Oct. 1415 and Oct. 21-22 – in Ellijay. There will be more than 300 vendors, an antique car show, a parade and plenty of apples. Visit georgiaapplefestival. org for information.

Mountain Dreams Begin Here

Highlands Cove Realty specializes in luxury North Carolina mountain homes, breathtaking homesites, condominiums, cottages and vacation rentals at Old Edwards Club and in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain communities.

The gated community at Old Edwards Club offers a private golf club, with an 18 hole Tom Jackson designed course, a 24 hour exercise facility, heated mineral pool and pavilion area, two clay tennis courts, an outside chimney terraced and a club house with a large bar area and several different dining area options, both indoors and out.

80 Lower Cottage Lane

MLS #85812

This cottage has both a mountain and golf course view and offers all the charm that you would expect in your dream vacation home in the mountains. $1,095,000.

40D Sanctuary Drive

MLS #80650

Turning Leaf Condominium, is nestled on a privately wooded cul de sac and has views of Old Edwards Club. $455,000.

29 Teton Point

MLS #84102

Appointed with beautiful hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, custom cabinetry and granite countertops this home is dressed to impress $1,900,000.

Raleigh 95 40 85

Asheville Highlands Charlotte

The quaint town of Highlands is located in the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains. Just 2 hours from Atlanta, and in close proximity to interstate 85.

30 Hilldale Lane MLS # 84473

This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath has all the space you need to live comfortably indoors and out. Situated on a private lot bordering National Forest Service Land. $1,295,000.

26 Creekwood Court

MLS #85527

A split floor plan affords the owners an oversized private master suite on one side of the home and their guests privacy on the other. $1,350,000.

81 Sundown Crest

MLS #85212

Modern meets mountains in this brand new 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath custom home in the gated community of Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove. $1,989,000.

226A Napa Ridge Lane MLS # 83286

Gorgeous mountain and golf course views from almost every room! This condo comes with a 1 year home warranty. $539,000.

101D Napa Ridge Lane MLS # 80659

Enjoy maintenance free living in this spectacular 3 bedroom, 3 bath upper level condominium. $519,500.

In the Heart of Downtown Blue Ridge

A Boutique Inn with Southern Hospitality

All rooms have Private Bath, Cable T V and WIFI

Open Year -Round

Full Countr y Breakfast

Use promo code: REPORTER10 when booking for a special rate

706-661-7575

477 West First Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513

What’s Hot in the Hills

By Kathy Dean

It’s not hard to know what people want from their mountain homes. While everyone has their individual styles and specific needs, there are some overriding features that most homebuyers look for in north Georgia.

“Water oriented properties are always the hottest properties, whether lake front homes on one of our several lakes throughout the region or a river front or creek front home, which is quite attractive as well,” said Faron W. King, Broker/Owner, Coldwell Banker High Country Realty.

“Acreage and lots are back in favor, too, especially when buyers can’t find their ideal home as a finished product,” King said. “They find the perfect spot for their needs and engage a local builder to build their dream mountain home.”

King urged anyone looking for a home in the north Georgia mountains to visit the Coldwell Banker High Country Realty website. “Let one of our Mountain Lifestyle Specialists share their wealth of regional knowledge with you to find the perfect mountain home,” he said.

www.BlueRidgeInnBandB.com info@blueridgeinnbandb.com

View properties are also very popular, he noted, especially if it combines a lake view with long-range mountain views.

Katie Wercholuk, Marketing Director, Big Canoe Company, LLC, reported that after years of surveying visitors about what attracts them to the area, the same answer

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EXQUISITE NEW NEIGHBORHOODS NOW AVAILABLE.

HIGHLANDS VISTA

Ranch Style Homes from the $200s - $400s PHASE II NOW OPEN

Single level living with open floorplans, stylish interior appointments and comfortable outdoor living areas.

SANCTUARY COVE

Luxury Lakeside Living - Homes $300s - $800s

New 28-lot neighborhood featuring breathtaking views and offering individual deep water docks.

This beautiful master planned mountain, lake, golfing community is just 40 minutes from Atlanta, convenient to nearby Canton and minutes from the new, state-of-the-art Northside Cherokee Hospital. The vast list of amenities is much too long to list here and includes eight miles of walking/hiking trails, pickleball, championship golf and a crystal clear 540-acre lake surrounded by picturesque mountain views. For the full list of amenities and much more information, visit www.lakearrowheadga.com

2419 Lake Arrowhead Drive | Waleska, GA 30183 770.720.2700

LAKE ARROWHEAD. LIVE THE DREAM.

MASTER ON THE MAIN TOWNHOMES COMING SOON.

kept coming up: the natural beauty!

“City dwellers are looking for fresh air, peace and quiet, and gorgeous mountain views,” she said. “At Big Canoe, you can have the million-dollar mountain house of your dreams with long-range views of the Atlanta skyline,” said Wercholuk, “or you can have a Southern Living inspired cottage with views of the golf course.”

She added that a key request is incorporating outdoor living with everyday practical living. Residents want the longrange mountain views, water views and to be near one of the trails on the community’s 22-plus mile trail system.

Homebuyers also tend to look for neighborhoods with trails and locations that promote outdoor living and fitness. Wercholuk noted that Big Canoe easily fits the fill with its unique Jeep Trail, the awardwinning hiking and biking trails, three outdoor dog parks, three waterfalls, three lakes and scenic mountain landscapes.

“One of our most sought after neighborhoods is Wildcat, a mountain ridge neighborhood with a private reserve,” said Wercholuk. “Nearly half of the neighborhood’s 700-acre area is set aside for usable greenspace, including 12 miles of walking paths and trails.” Home sites in the neighborhood share spectacular mountain views, wildflower meadows and lush forests. Wildcat still has available lots for sale and plenty of new construction.

Wercholuk receives many requests for two and three car garages, a master suite on the main level, open floor plans and four-season rooms, such as covered screened porches with fireplaces and grilling areas.

Trends have changed over the last few years, according to Nathan Fitts, Nathan Fitts & Team of RE/MAX Town & Country. “Many people are leaving the traditional log cabins and moving towards modern rustic lodge-style retreats with a blend of wood finishes with iron, metal and stone accents,” he said.

Fitts added that, for second homes, buyers tend to prefer a mix of wood textures including board and batten, cedar, shake, wood siding with accents of iron and natural stone.

The popularity of north Georgia real estate has attracted high-quality builders to meet the construction demand. One of the building companies that Fitts and his team often works with is Big South Builders.

“They build the modern rustic style homes which are very much in demand in the current market,” he said. “Brown Haven Builders, another great building company to work with, specializes in craftsman style homes, which is a popular choice for retirement and full time homes.”

A couple of other reputable builders doing well in the market are Watkins Home Builders and Big Dawg Builders, Fitts said. Homebuyers have a lot of choices in the Appalachian foothills, and can find everything from custom luxury hideaways to cozy neighborhood cottages.

Big Canoe

Head for the hills and breathe deeply while you reconnect with nature, with others — and yourself.

A captivating golf and river community, rooted in simplicity, quality, and natural beauty, located a stone’s throw from charming downtown Blue Ridge.

A Golf Experience Like No Other

A very natural, links-look golf course offering manicured zoysia fairways & tees, and undulating bentgrass greens.

9-holes currently open for play

18-holes are scheduled for play in spring 2018

Over 180 members and growing.

OLD TOCCOA FARM REALTY, LLC

Private Residences & Cottages Under

Construction

Canadian Log Home for sale at $649,900 Cottage/lot package from the high $300’s Private Residences from the mid $400’s Cottage & Private Resident lots starting at $65,000

596 Curtis Switch Road, Mineral Bluff, GA 30559 | Real Estate – 706.946-4663 & Golf – 706.946.4653 | www.oldtoccoafarm.com

4,000+ Feet On The Toccoa River

An exceptional trout fishery of native brown & rainbow trout. Fly fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle and more! Easy-to-walk trails and several fire-pit gathering areas.

Planned amenities: River Pavilion, Event Barn, Pool, Tennis, Fitness and more.

FOLLOW US

IS NOT DIRECTED TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY, OR ON BEHALF OF, OLD TOCCOA FARM, LLC OR ANYONE ACTING WITH OLD TOCCOA FARM, LLC’S KNOWLEDGE. NO OFFERING OR PURCHASE OR SALE OF ANY PROPERTY SHALL TAKE PLACE AS A RESULT OF THIS OFFERING, UNTIL ALL REGISTRATION AND FILING REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE NEW YORK MARTIN ACT AND THE NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL’S REGULATIONS ARE COMPLIED WITH; A WRITTEN EXEMPTION IS OBTAINED PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION IS GRANTED PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH COOPERATIVE POLICY STATEMENTS #1 OR #7; OR A “NO-ACTION” REQUEST IS GRANTED.

THE CANCER ANSWERTM IN

Expanding the boundaries of art and architecture

Amy Landesberg blurs the definition of an architect. While architects may create artistic drawings for a project or as a hobby, they typically define themselves as an architect, and focus on designing, enhancing and preserving buildings and spaces. The Decatur resident, on the other hand, describes herself as an architect and artist.

Before she received her Master of Architecture from the Yale School of Architecture, and interned at architectural firms, Landesberg worked for 10 years as an artist creating objects that provoke contemplation. Her award-winning work over a 30-year career is rooted with overlapping the boundary of art and architecture in terms of content, complexity and scope.

Perspectives in Architecture

By Melody Harclerode

Decatur’s Fire Station No. 2 built in partnership with the architectural firm LP3 exemplifies her passion to fuse art and architecture. Completed in 2006, this building features a textured composition of brick on its front side. Taking cues from the existing Fire Station No. 1, Landesberg and her partners advanced the nondescript, yet functional design of its hose tower by designing Fire Station No. 2 to have a sculptural tower equipped with solar panels. The number “2,”,which identifies the fire station, playfully travels across the face of the building, and functions as a sun dial. Adding color and an element of surprise, the solar tower lights at night in a vivid, red color.

Melody L. Harclerode, AIA, promotes significant historical, cultural, and natural sites as an organizational leader, architect and writer.

Top and middle photo: Amy Landesberg designed Dectur Fire Station No. 2 fusing her passion for both art and architecture.

Veneers Hartsfield Jackson International Terminal

Georgia Cancer Specialists is a national leader in advanced cancer treatment and research. The Cancer Answer® is patient-focused care anchored by prevention, early detection, advanced treatment, clinical research and compassionate caregivers.

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

For the past 20 years, Landesberg has created 20 large-scale art projects and exhibits. She enhanced the neutral tan brick walls of the Fulton County Center for Health and Rehabilitation (c. 2006) with an eye-catching “SUN…orange, green, blue and blue” installation. Likewise, her “Veneers” (c. 2012) art projects at Hartsfield/Jackson Atlanta International Terminal dazzles visitors with cool, yet dramatic imagery derived from endangered wood species. Landesberg’s 2016 installation, “Autoplast,” greets visitors to the San Diego County Regional Airport Rental car center with a strategic, yet provocative refiguration of thousands of car parts.

Landesberg continues this exploration of car parts with “Plasti-Plast,” a kinetic, robotic project on display for the prestigious Gathered III: Georgia Artists Selecting Georgia Artists exhibition running this month until July 1 at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA). This exhibition showcases 58 works of art from 37 Georgia artists across the state. Although the preparation for this exhibition has been intense over the past months, she thrives on the diversity of her work as an architect and artist. Thinking about her projects for the rest of 2017, Landesberg exudes enthusiasm saying, “I’m never exactly sure exactly what form it will take, but the exploration will continue.”

Tiny Steps

City zoning change is crucial step in tiny house movement

By Jemille Williams

Proponents of the tiny house movement are celebrating a vote by the Atlanta City Council they say is a crucial step in allowing smaller living spaces in the city.

On May 1, an amendment to city zoning laws sponsored by District 2 Councilmember Kwanza Hall restored the legality of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on properties already zoned R-5, where duplexes are permitted.

This is welcome news to area architects, real estate agents and most of all to founder and CEO of Tiny House Atlanta, Will Johnston. “This is an encouraging start towards recognizing other solutions in innovative housing and micro-living,” said Johnston.

Real estate agent Lynn Lamousin with Red Robin Realtors said, “With Atlanta’s film and television industry growing each year, short-term rentals, especially with Airbnb, are getting really big. When production companies put up crew for the duration of the project, hotels are expensive, and not very homey, so it’s nice to have a fully furnished place with a kitchen. Stand-alone cottages command the highest rates.”

Kronberg Wall Architects, who have won awards for affordable housing, are in the process of forming a spinoff design/build joint venture called Atlanta ADU Co. that will initially offer one- and two-bedroom prototypes. “We’re offering the simplicity of paying one company which handles everything from concept through permitting to final delivery of the product,” partner Adam Wall said.

Having a carriage house with living quarters was extremely common back in the day in neighborhoods like Candler Park, Grant Park and Inman Parks. Many of those structures still remain and are ripe for being transformed into small dwellings.

Classic backyard guest house by Kronberg Wall Architects for a client in Decatur.

ColdwellBankerHomes

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 $1,890,000

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 $899,000

FMLS: 5797298 Nicole Davis 404.358.6252

DRUID HILLS - Druid Hills Golf Course lot at remarkable price! 2 oversized living/family rms, w/3 walls of light-filled windows w/kitchen conveniently located in between. Enormous 2 car garage. .5acre lot is lushly landscaped. 5Bed/4.5Bath $849,000

FMLS: 5816512 Sally Westmoreland 404.354.4845

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND - Excellent opportunity! Unique & light-filled. Open floor plan, tons of windows, awesome views, saltwater pool, hot tub, outdoor shower, greenhouse, private gated front courtyard & completely fenced bkyd. Owner/Agent. 4Bed/2Bath $850,000

FMLS: 5851771 Kay Goldstein 404.784.0937

DRUID HILLS - Stately newer construction meets high end luxury. Home has sought after flowing floor plan. Chef’s dream kit open to lrg family room. Fenced, level, and lush grassy back yard with automatic gate for driveway. 5Bed/5.5Bath $1,599,000

FMLS: 5849385 Nicole Davis 404.358.6252

MORNINGSIDE - Classic Tudor in popular Johnson Estates. Hardwood floors, formal floorplan, kitchen/ family room, spacious second floor master suite, large screen porch, sunroom, two car garage, fenced yard. 3Bed/3Bath $799,000

FMLS: 5848349 Ron Pope 404.872.4517

MIDTOWN - Classic 1920’s Brick Bungalow tucked away on a quiet Midtown street, steps from Piedmont Park & Beltline. Home sits on a deep, level lot with an electric gate & fenced, entertainment ready yard & 2 Car Carport. 3Bed/2Bath $650,000

FMLS: 5852645 Michael JW Smith 404.786.2057

THE ATLANTIC - perfect & totally upgraded custom lighting, hardwoods, upgraded appliances, wine refrigerator, washer/dryer, granite counters, hardwood floors, large bedrooms/baths/walk in closets are all in this perfect home. 2Bed/2.5Bath $529,900

FMLS: 5847941 Bru Krebs 404.984.0243

MORNINGSIDE - Meticulously maintained & updated, features 2 master suites, walk-in closet, sound proof media room, gleaming hardwood floors, chef’s kitchen, wooded lot, private driveway, and French doors to patio and fenced in back yard. 4-5Bed/4.5Bath

$874,900 Nicole Davis 404.358.6252

ORMEWOOD PARK - New appliances, kitchen granite, light fixtures, all windows recently replaced. Freshly painted and other home fix ups! Large unfinished basement for a workshop or darkroom! Completely fenced backyard. 2Bed/2Bath $364,900

FMLS: 5833251 Kathleen Sickeler 404.368.3234

THE ATLANTIC - These two homes have Buckhead views from the hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, spacious master suite with huge master bath. Huge master closet. 1Bed/1.5Bath FMLS 5822735 $280,000, FMLS 5850850 $275,900 Sean Carter 404.981.0639

BELVEDERE PARK PEACHCREST - Gorgeous Charleston style 2 story newer construction sitting on 2+ acres. Main level floorplan perfect for entertaining. Kitchen features stained cabinets, granite c-tops, with French door to the deck. 3Bed/2.5Bath $250,000 FMLS: 5847524 Sherry Warner 404.784.8848

SPRING VALLEY - Wonderful back wrap around screened porch off family room & living room is perfect for entertaining/gardening or just enjoying your beautiful private back yard. Living/Dining Room combo w/hardwoods. 3Bed/2 Bath $194,900

FMLS: 5820694 Edwina Murphy 404.275.1807

EASTLAND VILLAGE - Gorgeous End Unit T’home, Open Floorplan w/Hrdwd Flrs, 10ft Ceils, Sep DN, Gourmet’s Kit w/SS Appls, Granite, an Island for Prep and B’fst bar! Master suite retreat has HUGE bonus loft.

3Bed/3.5Bath $234,900

FMLS: 5821281 Erin Fye 404.771.9822

MORNINGSIDE - Desirable Morningside elementary! Great floorplan features Living Room with fireplace, separate Dining Room, large eat in Kitchen w/ breakfast bar, spacious Master Suite with adjoining Office. 3Bed/2Bath $535,000

FMLS: 5820565 Kathleen Sickeler 404.368.3234

PARK PLACE SOUTH - New construction. 9’ ceilings and hrdwd flrs, granite countertops in kitchen and master bath, SS appliances. 100% financing available to qualified buyers. See agent for details. 4Bed/2.5 Bath $229,900

FMLS: 5844598 Kirby Young 404.660.2468