Atlanta Intown - July 2015

Our mission: Published monthly since 1994, Atlanta INtown provides its readers with hyperlocal news and information that helps foster a sense of community in a dynamic urban setting. Live, work and play—we cover everything that makes our city home.

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Editorial Collin Kelley INtown Editor collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

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Ann Taylor Boutwell, Cathy Burroughs, Kathy Dean, Asep Mawardi, Annie Kinnett Nichols, Martha Nodar, Clare S. Richie, Tim Sullivan, Megan Volpert

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Bennett and Lady Gaga and new places to get your retail therapy on at Ponce City Market.

Collin

Kelley collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

A Hot Spell

I kicked off the summer months with a road trip to the new Atlanta Botanical Garden outpost in Gainesville, eating “Georgia’s Best Barbecue” at Fresh Air BBQ in Jackson and getting a big dose of rock ‘n roll courtesy of the legendary Rolling Stones. And that was just June.

With school out and warm weather, people are thinking about heading to the beach or the mountains – depending on your climate disposition. We’re continuing our special Head for the Hills coverage in the July issue of INtown and this month we talk to homeowners who have taken the plunge and bought a second home in the mountains. You’ll also find a photo spread from the new Atlanta Botanical Garden, a roundup of summer fun at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina and some tips for renting your mountain retreat when you have to be back at work in the city.

If a vacation out of town isn’t in the cards, Atlanta has plenty offer for a “staycation.” The Fourth of July will offer up the traditional fireworks and parades, but you’ll also find summer theater from Pinch ‘n’ Ouch and Horizon, music from Tony

July also welcomes our new restaurant reviewer, Megan Volpert, to the INtown family. Art Huckabee has put down his fork after two years of fantastic reviews, but you’ll be in good hands with Megan’s adventurous palate. For her first review, Megan waited in line at Ann’s Snack Bar to see how the burgers are faring since the passing of owner Ann Price. Her family is keeping the home of the iconic “Ghetto Burger” going and all of Miss Ann’s rules (no cellphones, no cursing, etc.) still apply. Megan has an ambitious list of restaurants to visit in the coming months, including Kevin Gillespie’s new Revival in Decatur, Superica at Krog Street Market and sampling some of Buford Highway’s delights.

Speaking of delights, I was delighted to hear that VirginiaHighland’s historic Fire Station 19 has been spared from closure and demolition. The nearly century old building still needs the community’s support for repairs and renovations, but here’s hoping it will be serving the community for another 100 years. With Atlanta’s zeal to tear down its history and replace it with shiny and new, every time we can save a piece of our history it’s a win for future generations.

At press time, Atlanta was in the middle of heat wave with temperatures in the high 90s. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and get out and enjoy all that Intown has to offer during this hot spell.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville

Fire Station No. 19 saved but funds still needed

By Clare S. Richie

It’s official. The Atlanta City Council’s approved list of projects for the $250 million Renew Atlanta Infrastructure Bond includes $600,000 to renovate Fire Station No. 19, located in the heart of Virginia-Highland.

Station 19 is Atlanta’s oldest operating fire station and has been a local landmark for more than 90 years. The building is structurally sound but needs upgrades and repairs. Based on

its age, it was slotted for replacement in 2016.

According to Va-Hi resident Dr. Catherine Lewis, a historian at Kennesaw State University who leads the No. 19 Preservation Committee, there is “no risk of closure.”

Atlanta Fire Department Sgt. Ian Allum’s reaction was disbelief then relief. “When we started this project five years ago, I wasn’t sure we could pull it off,” he said. “I appreciate the community support through the years. Without the community, this couldn’t have happened.”

Allum is especially grateful to restaurateur Rich Chey who’s dedication from the beginning included Santa breakfasts, dine outs and the Morningside Mile – most recently raising $17,000 in April.

That said, community support is still needed. With a renovation budget estimated closer to $800,000, many are pulling together to double the $100,000 already raised by year-end.

The No. 19 Preservation Committee and The VirginiaHighland Conservation League are raising funds through corporate asks,

1929 brick traditional with tile roof, recently renovated with walk-out level backyard and patio. The updated kitchen is open to the family room, screened porch, casual dining room, sunfilled living and dining rooms, a separate study and charming powder room, with hardwood floors throughout. Upstairs includes a private master retreat, second bedroom with en suite and two additional bedrooms, with a shared third bathroom, plus laundry room.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

in-kind donations, and direct appeals. And if you’re in town this July 4th, check out the Inaugural Virginia-Highland and Morningside Parent Association Independence Day Parade with all proceeds to benefit Station 19.

“Construction should start in 2016,” Allum explained, once bids are finalized and the firefighters are temporarily placed elsewhere. Once refurbished, No. 19 should be in operation for another 50 years.

To learn more about the No. 19 Preservation Committee email Lewis at clewis1@kennesaw.edu. More information can be found and donations can be made to help renovate the fire station at vhfirecompany.com. For the July 4th parade, turn to page 8 for more information.

Public Safety Briefs

The Atlanta Police Department has stepped up patrols in Midtown after a report showed a spike in crime during the first quarter of 2015. The APD’s records show that in the first four months of 2015, compared with the same period in 2014, some of the biggest increases in the city’s crimes were in Police Zone Five, which includes Midtown. There were 106 aggravated assaults (an increase of 56 percent) and 61 residential burglaries (an increase of 33 percent). The burglaries, assaults and robberies in Midtown have occurred at all times of the day and night. Another hotspot: Zone Six, which includes Little Five Points, Grant Park, East Atlanta, has seen 251 auto thefts so far this year, a 49 percent increase.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves recently met with municipal police chiefs from departments all over the county to discuss the usage of body cameras throughout the region. Eaves said he hoped to formulate a county-wide approach to using the technology in the wake of incidents of officer-involved shootings around the country.

Since 2011, the Atlanta Police Department has partnered with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) on various initiatives to support law enforcement and anti-crime efforts. INL is a supporter of the Atlanta Police Department’s work on LGBT issues and successfully nominated them to serve as a panelist at a White House forum on Combatting BiasMotivated Violence Around the World. Members of the Department discussed domestic and international efforts, programs and practices that are addressing violence against LGBT communities abroad in June. Atlanta Police officers also went to San Salvador to assist in learning how to counter hate crimes for representatives from Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Peru, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador.

Atlanta Police Chief George N. Turner has been elected to the position of 2nd Vice President on the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) Executive Board. Chief Turner will serve in this post until December 2017. The MCCA is a professional organization of 70 police executives representing the largest cities in the United States and Canada. MCCA provides a unique forum for urban police, sheriffs and other law enforcement chief executives to discuss common problems, to share information and to create problem-solving strategies.

Above: L-R, Lieutenant Travis, of Station 15 (Midtown) and Dewitt Lucas of Station 19. Below: A rendering of the renovated Fire Station 19.

Inside the new Falcons’ Nest

Photographs by Asep Mawardi

The new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons and the to-be-named soccer franchise is rising quickly on Downtown’s westside in the shadow of the existing Georgia Dome. Scheduled to open in 2017, the stadium will feature a retractable roof that can open in less than eight minutes, seating for 71,000 fans (expandable to 75,000) plus other state of the art technology. Reserve seating for the stadium is already on sale. You can keep up with construction –including live webcams – and other news at newstadium.atlantafalcons.com.

Meetings

The Atlanta City Council meets July 6 and July 20 at city hall, 55 Trinity Ave. in Downtown. To see meeting agendas and more information, visit citycouncil.atlantaga.gov.

The Atlanta Board of Education will not meet in July. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 10 with a committee of the whole at 2 p.m. and community meeting at 6 p.m. Visit atlanta.k12.ga.us for more information.

Community meetings, news & events

The Kirkwood Neighbors’ Organization meets the 10th of every month at 7 p.m. in the lower level of Turner Monumental AME Church, 645 Howard Ave. For more information, visit historic-kirkwood.org.

The Midtown Neighbors Association holds its land use committee meeting the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the community room of Jason’s Deli, 230 10th Street. For more, visit midtownatlanta.org.

News

At its June 4 meeting, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution in support of marriage equality, urging the Clerk of the Fulton County Probate Court to begin preparing for an anticipated ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court recognizing marriage for same-sex couples. The resolution, co-sponsored by Commissioner Joan P. Garner and Chairman John H. Eaves, would ensure that the Probate Court administration is prepared to minimize lag time in issuing marriage licenses. At press time, the Supreme Court was preparing to rule on marriage equality for all U.S. states.

The Clinton Global Initiative will hold its sixth annual CGI America meeting in Atlanta in June 2016. Georgia businesses, nonprofits and philanthropies will meet with similar organizations from around the country to develop solutions for economic growth, long-term competitiveness, and social mobility in the United States. For more information, visit cgiamerica.org.

Over the next year, Midtown Alliance will lead a comprehensive transportation and implementation plan to assess the district’s current transportation system and identify needs for future projects. The Midtown Alliance wants to hear from residents, so visit https:// goo.gl/3psYOR to offer your ideas and for improvements.The Midtown study come as the Georgia Department of Transportation is about to launch its on study to improve congestion on the Downtown Connector. Strategies under consideration in the GDOT study include the proposed 15th Street HOV Bridge/Interchange, which would provide direct access to and from Midtown for those in a high occupancy vehicle. The interchange would provide access to I-85 and Georgia 400 from the northern part of Midtown and allow for better eastwest connectivity.

Residents who live near Turner Field recently met with officials from Georgia State University and real estate firm Carter to mostly voice their displeasure with proposed plans for the site once the Braves leave in 2017. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, many residents asked that the college and developer hold off until a master planning exercise under the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) can be completed. The ARC in February announced a $212,000 grant to fund a study of redevelopment possibilities of the 80-acre site. Georgia State and Carter have proposed a mixed-use development of student apartments, single-family homes, senior housing, retailers and separate football and baseball stadiums for the site.

Brain Research Study SEE YOUR BRAIN AT WORK!

We are conducting a research study to determine which parts of the brain are used to find your way throughout the environment and remember where you are going. Eligible participants will perform memory and learning tasks while receiving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain. Other studies which do not require MRI scans are also available.

We are looking for men and women volunteers who are:

1. In generally good physical health

2. 60 years of age and older

You will be reimbursed for your participation.

If you are interested in learning more about our studies, please contact us at moffatneurolab@gmail.com or (404) 385-0523.

4TH OF JULY GUIDE

Parades, fireworks and more for Independence Day

The 46th annual Peachtree Road Race officially kicks off the holiday with 60,000 people taking part in the massive morning sprint from Buckhead to Midtown. As usual the race starts at Lenox Square and makes its ways down Peachtree Street to 10th Street and Piedmont Park. The wheelchair race begins at 6:45 a.m. and the foot race at 7:17 a.m. Spectators are strongly encouraged to take MARTA, which will begin running at 5 a.m. on race day. Many restaurants and bars will be open along the route to watch the race, so check with your favorite watering hole. For more information, visit peachtreeroadrace.org.

The inaugural Virginia-Highland & Morningside Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at the fire station on Lanier Boulevard and continues to University Avenue. The event will benefit historic Fire Station #19. For more information, visit vhmpa.org.

The Legendary Fourth of July at Lenox Square features live music and one of the biggest fireworks displays in the country. Lenox Square shops and restaurants will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 4. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with Gump Fiction and Party on the Moon. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:40 p.m. Parking will be almost impossible, so visitors are encouraged to take MARTA. Pets are not allowed. For more information, visit simon.com.

The Centennial Olympic Park’s 4th of July Celebration will begin at 6 p.m. with fireworks scheduled around 9:40 p.m. There will be entertainment and live music, too. Visitors are encouraged to take MARTA to Philips Arena/GWCC or Peachtree Center stations, and don’t forget the Atlanta Streetcar stops at Centennial Park. For more information: centennialpark.com.

The Georgia Aquarium Red White & Brew is July 4 from 7 to 10 p.m. with beer, food and live music in the Oceans Ballroom. Guests will move to the aquarium’s parking deck rooftop to watch the fireworks at Centennial Park around 9:40 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $55 and proceeds go to the aquarium’s educational and summer camp programs for kids. For more information, visit georgiaaquarium.com.

Decatur’s July 4th Pied Piper Parade will wind through downtown Decatur on July 4 and the community is invited to join in by decorating your wagon, riding a

bike, skating or walking in the event. Line-up is at 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur, the parade begins at 6 p.m. and ends at the Community Bandstand on the courthouse square. The Callanwolde Concert Band will play at 7 p.m. and fireworks will follow at dark. For more information, visit visitdecaturgeorgia.com.

The Dunwoody 4th of July Parade is the largest in the metro area. It will step off at 9 a.m. at the corner of Mount Vernon and Jett Ferry roads. There will be floats, marching bands and after-parade activities.

The Sandy Springs Stars and Stripes Celebration is actually on July 5 with music from Shiloh at 7:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:45 p.m. at the King and Queen buildings. The official viewing area will be located on the lawn at the Concourse Corporate Center located at Five Concourse Parkway. Visitors are encouraged to pack a snack, bring a blanket, and enjoy an evening under the stars. For more information, visit sandyspringsga.org.

Stone Mountain is hosting its Fantastic Fourth Celebration July 2-5. All the parks big attractions will be open and the Lasershow Spectacular will be extra spectacular with fireworks to mark the holiday. Be advised to arrive early on July 4 because once the park reaches capacity, the gates are closed to traffic. Visit stonemountainpark.com for details.

Comprehensive Women’s Health

Lynley S. Durrett, M.D.

Health Briefs

The 12th Atlanta Women’s Build is currently seeking volunteers to build a home for an Atlanta Habitat for Humanity family . The build takes place over the course of seven Saturdays from Aug. 15 to Oct. 3. The Atlanta Women’s Build is a grassroots effort led by women, who raise funds to sponsor and construct an Atlanta Habitat home for a working mother and her family. Nearly 300 women volunteers are needed to work side by side with the homebuyer to construct the house, offering a unique opportunity to highlight the ways that Atlanta Habitat empowers women and builds stability in communities. No previous construction experience is required, just the desire to help make homeownership a reality for a hard working mother. For more information, visit atlantahabitat.org/atlantawomens-build.

Registration is open for the Winship 5K , which will be held Oct. 5 at 8:30 a.m. at Emory University’s McDonough Field. The cost is $35 for non-chip timed runners and walkers and $40 for a timing chip. Donations raised by participants will benefit cancer research. For more information and to register, visit winship5k. emory.edu.

Obiamaka Mora, M.D.

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Great News!

For the convenience of our patients, we have a new office location at Northside Hospital Campus. Appointments being accepted now! Call to schedule for either office today: 404-352-2850

Julie Sayers, PA-C

Philip Modesitt of Buckhead recently graduated from All About Developmental Disabilities’ Ambassador Leadership training program. AADD is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing family support, advocacy and training opportunities for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities. The Ambassador program teaches young adults between the ages of 20 and 30 with developmental disabilities to become active and influential leaders in their communities.

Registration is now open for AID Atlanta’s 25th Annual AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run on Oct. 18 at Piedmont Park. Last year’ event raised nearly $1 million and had more than 7,000 participants. For more information or to register, visit aidswalkatlanta.com or call (404) 876-9255.

Jessica Guilfoil Killeen, WHNP-BC

Main Office: Piedmont Hospital Campus 105 Collier Rd NW, Suite 1080 Atlanta, GA 30309 404-352-2850

Satellite Office: Northside Hospital Campus 960 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 336 Atlanta, GA 30342 404-352-2850

www.mcdanielanddurrett.com

$15, $25, $35

Philip Modesitt

GET ACTIVE!

Join Team Decatur for eight weeks of fitness

Kaiser Permanente Atlanta and Team Decatur will host a kickoff event for the annual Get Active! program on July 14.

The even will be held at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett and Olympian Jeff Galloway for the fun event, which kicks off the free eight week training program offered through Sept. 23.

Here’s what to expect at the kickoff:

• Health and fitness expo featuring local businesses sharing information on getting and keeping fit and nutrition.

• Wear fitness clothes to participate in activities including Jazzercise, Tai Chi,

Aerobics and more.

• Drawings for prizes including free fitness classes and gift certificates.

• Information on Team Decatur, the running and walking group formed to participate in the Kaiser Permanente Run/Walk 5k for a fifth year.

• Learn about “Bright at Night” and receive a free blinkie light to keep you safe.

To join Team Decatur, visit kpcorporaterunwalk.com and register for the KP Corporate Run/Walk 5k. Be sure to select Team Decatur from the list of corporate teams. For more information on Team Decatur visit decaturga.com/ teamdecatur.

“ ere is a magical rapport between residents and sta at St. Anne’s that delights in the shared humanity and, yes, it brings ashes of lighthearted humor om both.”

Those attending the Team Decatur kick-off event can take part in some free exercise classes (above) and get information about health living from local sponsors like DeKalb Medical Center (right).

Special

DeKalb senior center offers location, activities, friendship

By Martha Nodar

Built on a prime location just under a mile from the Toco Hills Shopping Center, the Central DeKalb County Senior Center aims to help meet the needs of a growing population, said Victoria Kingsland, the center’s manager.

A DeKalb baby boomer herself, Kingsland said that providing an affordable and central location where seniors could gather and stay physically and mentally active was the plan the county had in mind.

“Seniors have two primary challenges: social engagement and transportation,” she said.

Adjacent to the Mason Mill Park and its recreation center, the twostory senior center is at a comfortable walking distance from the park, the Toco Hills-Avis G. Williams Public Library, and Clairmont Crest – a senior apartment complex. There are also other senior complexes nearby.

“There are community organizations helping us spread the word about the center,” Kingsland said. “I want to create an environment where seniors are not only able to hang out with their old friends, but also make new friends.”

DeKalb residents who are 62 and over, and are “independent and self-

sufficient are welcome to become members,” Kingsland said. An annual membership fee of $60 includes the vast majority of classes, except those which may require a small fee charged by the instructor teaching the class to cover the expense of supplies.

Josie Crane takes the line dancing class on Mondays and Wednesdays.

“I love line dancing because you don’t need to have a partner,” Crane said. “This is my favorite class and the best thing I do all week. I’m going to move for as long as I am able.”

The class is taught by Denise Clark, a resident of Clairmont Crest who said line dancing combines her two passions – exercise and dancing.

Other classes involve word games designed for cognitive stimulation.

With its state-of-the-art amenities, the center was made possible by a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and it is maintained by other grants for its operating expenses, Kingsland said.

Plans for the use of the building include offering catered lunch to members in the Great Room – a large area with tables, chairs, and floorto-ceiling windows overlooking the landscape. Kingsland said the Great Room is also available for rent to community organizations holding special events.

Each classroom has been specifically designed for a particular activity, such as exercise classes, the use of exercise equipment, arts and crafts, book discussions, or playing cards, ping-pong or pool. The outdoor patio

overlooks the park.

“It’s wonderful to have such a center,” Crane said.

For more information or to join, drop by or call (770) 492-5465, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo by Martha Nodar

Denise Clark, center in white tank top, leads a line dancing class for seniors.

The Neighborhood Hot List: Ansley Park

1. Ansley Mall

Opened in 1964, this open air mall at the corner of Monroe and Piedmont still draws shoppers from Ansley Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.

2. Ansley Golf Club

The jewel of the neighborhood is the Ansley Golf Club, which features 27 of the most picturesque and demanding holes in the world of southern golf.

3. Ansley Wine Merchants

If you’re looking for a bottle of vino for any occasion, then this wellstocked shop at Ansley Mall should be your first stop.

4. The BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine trail runs along the border of the mall and the neighborhood offering connectivity to Piedmont Park and points east.

5. Greenspace

Ansley Park is dotted with other parks and greenspaces,which are perfect for picnics, exercise or letting the kids romp and play. McClatchey Park has a great playground.

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Encouraging Biking and Walking

Oakhurst Elementary School was selected as the 2015 Georgia Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Resource Center’s Partner of the Year for the Metro Atlanta Area.

Winners of this award are chosen based on the progress of their SRTS programs during the past year in getting more students to walk and bike to school and increasing the awareness of SRTS within its community.

Under the leadership of parent Heather Tell, Oakhurst Elementary students, staff, teachers, and parents have embraced the SRTS program as part of the core culture of the school.

Over 60 percent of students regularly walk and bike to school – the highest percentage of any City of Decatur school.

The school sponsors a monthly Walk and Roll to School Day celebration, with fun themes and prizes to encourage participation, donations from local businesses, and bicycle bells for kids. Safety tips are included in the school’s weekly newsletter, and all 450 students learn basic bike safety at the annual Fall Health and Wellness Festival.

For more information on the City of Decatur Safe Routes to School program visit decaturga.com/srts.

Special

Students, parents and teachers at Oakhurst Elementary School promote safe biking and walking to class.

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• Life celebration services

• Beautiful chapels

• Urns, paw print impressions, and memorial jewelry

• Free monthly Pet Loss Support Group

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When Mimsy is around there is never a dull moment, and it is hard to be sad when you look into her loyal and loving eyes. She is only 8 months old and is as smart as they come. We think that must be the shepherd in her! She is an active and fun-loving girl and would love to find an owner who shares those characteristics. She is currently living in a foster home, but would like nothing better than a family of her own. To adopt Mimsy or any of the other available cats or dogs looking for a home, visit PAWSAtlanta. org or stop by the shelter at 5287 Covington Highway in Decatur.

Oakland Cemetery will get new greenhouse from garden club

After more than four decades, historic Oakland Cemetery will once again have a functioning greenhouse, thanks to the Buckhead Men’s Garden Club, the Atlanta History Center and other partners.

The Cyclorama painting’s impending move from Grant Park to the Atlanta History Center campus required the Buckhead Men’s Garden Club (BMGC), so the organization offered the structure to Historic Oakland Foundation (HOF) in hopes that the cemetery could utilize it.

With the help of History Center, the City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation, the Urban Design Commission, Georgia State University, and other groups and private donors, Oakland Cemetery will relocate and reconstruct the 50-foot by 30-foot greenhouse this summer.

Once erected, the greenhouse will serve a very important purpose at the cemetery. Primarily, gardens staff will no longer be limited to growing temperaturespecific varieties of plants. Instead, the greenhouse will facilitate the growth of plants historically found at Oakland.

After HOF’s establishment in 1976, plans were made to restore

the greenhouse and other cemetery structures that had fallen into disrepair. However, that project did not come to fruition and brick walls are all that remain of the greenhouse today.

Fortunately, the BMGC greenhouse fits perfectly in those existing walls. This allows Oakland’s preservation team to restore function to the greenhouse while retaining its historic features and meeting preservation standards.

“Having a working greenhouse will give us the opportunity to properly interpret this important part of our history. It will also open up other possibilities, from a more diverse palette of Victorian-era plants to the ability to hold classes and workshops,” said Sara Henderson, director of gardens at HOF.

Special

The greenhouse at the Atlanta History Center will have a new home at Oakland Cemetery.

Mimsy

A LOOK BACK

This Month in History

Ann Taylor Boutwell

July 1, 1946: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was established on Peachtree Street in Downtown under the name Communicable Disease Center, a name it would retain until 1967.

July 4, 1979: In just a decade, the Peachtree Road Race grew from 110 runners to 20,000. Tim Singleton, a 1950s Georgia Tech football and track athlete, is credited as a founder of the race.

July 8, 1941: Hamilton E. Holmes was born in Atlanta. In 1961, he would become one of the first African-Americans, along with Charlayne Hunter, admitted to the University of Georgia in Athens. After graduating cum laude, he would become the first black student admitted to the Emory School of Medicine.

July 8, 1908: Thomas E. Watson, seeking nomination for U.S. President as a member of the Populist Party, spoke at the Nicholas Auditorium at the Ponce de Leon Amusement Park. As a Congressman from Georgia, Watson is best known as the senator who pushed through Rural Free Delivery (RFD) in 1893, which required the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail to rural farms. He was also a prominent newspaperman, creating the publications Watsons Magazine and The Jeffersonian, and was later vilified for anti-Semitic views expressed during the appeal of factory manager Leo Frank, who was found guilty of murdering employee Mary Phagan. A statue of Watson stands across from the Georgia State Capitol in Park Plaza.

July 19, 1996: The opening ceremony for the Centennial Olympic Games is held in what is now Turner Field.

July 20, 1879: Joel Chandler Harris published his first Uncle Remus story in the Atlanta Constitution. The title was "Story of Mr. Rabbit and Mr. Fox as told by Uncle Remus." Within months, magazines across the country were reprinting his tales, and after more than 1,000 written requests for a collection, the first Uncle Remus book was published in November, 1880.

July 24, 1985: Former President Jimmy Carter stood in the drizzling rain and shoveled the red clay where the future Japanese garden designed by renowned landscape artist Kinsaku Nakane would be built on the site of the Carter Presidential Library.

Tell them you saw it in Atlanta INtown

Hamilton E. Holmes

Thomas E. Watson

By Tim Sullivan

Life with the Potty Mouth Police

Certain parental moments hang in the air just a touch longer than others. Maybe your five year old successfully clicks her seatbelt for the first time or you overhear one child dole out a rare compliment to the other. You feel like Zendaddy.

But say you inadvertently let out an F-bomb in front of your kids? That’s a matzoh ball of a moment. Awaiting the Potty Mouth Police leap to action – the word bubble hovering above your head –is heavy enough to crush you. First there is the shock and then the scolding. Mom is alerted. Offenses are documented. Permanent records are marred!

I don’t know where this comes from. Kristen and I are relatively lax when it comes to what they can and cannot say. I guess growing up in New Jersey and New York respectively engenders a degree of understanding that an occasionally well placed bad word can be quite effective. I mean, I’m sure the notion of “bad” words goes back to the dawning of language itself, but why? There aren’t any “bad” letters so how does the order in which they are assembled offend so much? Anyway, there must be some serious scolds at school or camp because my little puritans have taken up the task

with gusto.

It’s been suggested that we keep a swear jar handy at home that Kristen and I contribute a quarter to every time we offend, but unless that thing accepts debit cards I don’t see my wife participating. Adding to the degree of difficulty is that often what the kids think are bad words aren’t really at all. We spent Memorial Day weekend in the mountains with friends and the gaggle of kids devoted hours to poking around the edges of acceptable terms.

“I know what the F-word is!” exclaimed Winslow Borgman. Joel wasn’t aware his daughter was so familiar with the term. “What’s the F-word, Winslow?” “Fart!” Joel explained “that’s something that happens and it does start with an F, but it’s not necessarily a bad word.” Then older brother Sebastian asserted that he knew what the REAL F-word was –“Freakin’!!!” Joel concurred that indeed, that was the real F-word that must be avoided at all times.

On the ride home our kids watched Big with Tom Hanks. They’ve seen it before, so Margo warned there is a bad S-word in the movie. That word turned out to be “Suckers!” Elliott argued that this wasn’t a bad word. Margo offered

that it was “spoken in a bad way.” Elliott prepared us to hear the D-word as if our ears may bleed should we not properly brace for it. I must have a potty brain too because I thought of at least three D-words I would hope to never hear my children say before the punch line was delivered – Dammit. So if you are keeping track, the F-word could be Freakin’, the S-word is sometimes Suckers and the D-word just might be Dammit.

Watching World Cup soccer Elliott coolly pointed out that the Canadian player Schmidt has a name that rhymes with the really bad S-word. Apparently, bad words are lurking everywhere, so I’m training myself to rely on fiddlesticks, malarkey and phooey because otherwise I’m screwed. Can I say screwed?

I know they will eventually grow out of it. Elliott and I were playing golf the other day and the twosome in front of us had slowed to a crawl so we were waiting on every shot. On the eighth tee I slipped and let out a “What the hell are these guys doing?” Surprisingly, Elliott said “I feel ya, dad.” For a split second, it was okay. We were just two guys out on a golf course and it was something of a glimpse into

the future. I cherished that moment, however fleeting…“Only you should have said ‘heck’ instead of that H-Edouble-hockey-sticks word.”

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

Photo by Betsy Buckley

The Potty Mouth Police force, from left, Winslow Borgman, Eva Schulz, Emma Buckley and Margo Sullivan.

A Spooky Good Time

The dead were surely dancing and rattling their bones during last month’s Tunes from the Tombs at historic Oakland Cemetery. The day of music featured local musicans and headliner Matthew Sweet.

At left: Courtney Bryant and her dog, Bayla, enjoyed the music.

Bottom left: The Bonaventure Quartet at the Bell Tower Beer Garden.

Top right: Siblings Benjamin, Louisa, and Susannah Schleicher try the drums at the Atlanta Taiko Project.

Middle left: Claudia Ramos and Karen Dillard were ready for a day of tunes.

Middle right: Matthew Swartling with his dog, Seamus O’Neil.

Bottom right: The Michelle Malone Band rocked the crowd.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

Happy Sweet Sixteen!

Videodrome, Atlanta’s favorite video rental store, celebrated its 16th anniversary with a party at the Highland Ballroom on June 16.

At left, John Ramonson takes a break from DJ duties during the party.

At right, from top: Kit and Stuart Sutherland, Katie Luther and Lauren Jaramillo, Murphy Ryan and Harmony Kubiak, Nadia Marie Belvanson and Noah Orisich.

Below, letters to the store were on display. Some were good, some were not.

Below, left, a sign welcomes visitors to the party.

Below, middle, Joshua Hooper, Esar Tehrani & Chris Gomez pose for a photo op.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

ART SUPPLY AND DEMAND

Binders finds success at Ponce City Market

By Isadora Pennington

Ponce City Market is one of the biggest redevelopment projects undertaken in recent Atlanta history. The building, once Sears, Roebuck & Company and later City Hall East, has been redesigned into a mixed use development with living spaces, retail spaces, work spaces, and a large food hall.

In September of 2014, Ponce City Market invited local art supply store Binders to open a shop on the property. Howard Krinsky, owner of Binders, was intrigued by the concept behind the revitalization of this historic property. We sat together for a while and talked about the history of the business and their choice to open this newest eastside location.

Binders was started 60 years ago, in 1955, as a gift shop on Broad Street in Downtown. The shop, originally called Binders Gift and Frame, was started by Howard’s father, Moe Krinsky. Moe and his brother Joe moved to Atlanta from New Jersey in 1946 and started a small bar, Moe’s and Joe’s, which is still in operation in the Virginia-Highland.The

two have since passed, but their legacy lives on through their businesses.

Art supplies were not always on the shelves of the shop, however. “A travelling salesman suggested they sell art supplies,” said Krinsky. The shop began carrying Permanent Pigments Paint, a brand that’s now known as Liquitex, and is now one of the biggest paint distributors in the art supply market.

Binders once had 16 stores spread from Cleveland to Arizona. In the late ‘90s, the company began experiencing financial problems and many of those stores were closed. In 2001, Krinsky and his late business partner, Jay Shapiro, purchased the assets of the company. Something wasn’t working, and it was time for a change.

Change came via a reorganization of company priorities. Krinsky wanted to get involved with the local art community. He set out to build a rapport with the neighborhood, develop relationships with organizations and “get out from behind the counter.” The company aimed to become more than just an art store.

The new location falls in line

with the organization’s desire to maintain high standards and take the company to the next level in the community. When Ponce City Market approached Krinsky, opening a new location was not something that was on the table for the company.

The financial investment and effort that goes into opening a new, fully-stocked art supply store could have been a deterrent to the project, but Krinsky saw that the plans for this historic property were different. “They really had a vision, which I liked,” he said.

The building that houses Binders was initially Sears’ auto repair building, and it was later used for police car maintenance during the City Hall East days.

Past and present meld nicely in the 10,000 square feet shop, which includes a gallery and classroom and stocks around 26,000 products.

Historical remnants can be seen throughout the shop, from original hardwoods in the entrance and on the counter that were donated from the main building of the market, to a small metal sign that reads “Auto Center Compactor.” Steel beams above the doorways, exposed original brick, and cross-aisles were incorporations that Krinsky was able to negotiate in the initial build-out of the space.

The grounds were once home to the Ponce de Leon Amusement Park in the early 1900s, and before that the land was known for the Ponce de Leon Springs, a natural spring that was believed to have healing properties. Upon becoming involved with the property, Krinsky feels that

Photos by Isadora Pennington

Howard Krinsky, owner of Binders, spoke of the benefits and drawbacks of being one of the first businesses to take up residence in the Ponce City Market complex.

Above, reclaimed wood from the main building was incorporated into the design of the shop.

Below, aisle after aisle is filled to the brim with supplies and tools.

MARKET UPDATE

What’s open, what’s on the way to Ponce City Market

By Collin Kelley

Progress on the redevelopment of the former Sears & Roebuck building into Ponce City Market continues both inside and out, although a few delays have cropped up along the way.

The Central Food Hall is behind schedule, but restaurants and stalls should begin opening in August. The latest addition to the hall will be The Mercury, a cocktail-focused, classic American eatery inspired by the culture of the 1960’s, will open on the second floor later this year with direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine. The Mercury is the latest concept from the team behind The Pinewood in Decatur.

The shop stocks both serious art supplies and fun, art-related gifts. Top, the tables near the door offer books and other knicknacks. Bottom left, find the perfect gift for the artist in your life, from pallette-inspired spaghetti measuring devices to fine art-inspired potholders. Bottom right, classic art supplies such as canvases and paintbrushes are available as well. At right, the gallery space adds another element of community-integration for the art supply store.

there are still some connections to that time in the area’s history. “We laughed because we said ‘you can feel the springs here.’”

Getting in on the ground floor of the Ponce City Market leasing has been an interesting experience for Krinsky and the company. “I’m curious to see this grand food hall,” Krinsky said. Food trucks set up in the parking lot daily, but there is much anticipation regarding the restaurants that are set to

open soon in the complex.

“There is something in the air,” Krinsky commented regarding the atmosphere of the development.

“Even the construction workers can feel it.” He maintains that there’s a certain energy to the Ponce City Market development that has continued to build throughout the renovation. “I’m part of something that’s going to be a big part of Atlanta for years to come.”

Also coming soon to the Food Hall: H&F Burger; gourmet Italian from Bellina; Indian street food from Boti; Dub’s Fish Camp; Farm to Ladle; Honeysuckle Gelato; Jia, Authentic Szechuan; Juice Box; Simply Seoul Kitchen; Mexican concept Minero; Guy Wong’s new Japanese concept, Ton Ton; and Spiller Coffee.

On the retail and business side, a number of new companies will be taking up occupancy in the coming months. Industrious, a collaborative workspace for entrepreneurs, will be moving into the mixed-use development later this year. The company will have 27,981 square feet

on the 8th floor of the former Sears & Roebuck building in the Old Fourth Ward. Also announced: Q Clothier, men’s apparel; Rye 51, men’s apparel and whiskey bar; Lily Rain, women’s apparel and accessories; Onward Reserve, men’s apparel and home goods; Karoo, South African-inspired eyewear: and CorePower Yoga.

A flagship store for the Frye Company has announced it will open in August in a 4,000 square foot store on the mail level above the retail arcade. The footwear and accessory shop is the oldest operated shoe company in America, starting in 1863.

Also on the retail side, clothing and accessory store Anthropologie was scheduled to open in June, as was furniture shop West Elm.

To keep up with the latest announcements and openings, visit poncecitymarket.com.

Special

A rendering of the Frye Company space at PCM.

Business & Retail Briefs

Georgia Tech is planning a significant expansion of its footprint in Midtown and on the Westside, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle. There has been discussion about expanding the 11-acre Technology Enterprise Park into a $500 million mixed-use industry focused hub that would sit on 60 acres on North Avenue. A more ambitious version sees the innovation district extending south beyond the Georgia World Congress Center and including the area immediately surrounding the new Atlanta Falcons stadium. Georgia Tech also revealed new renderings for its expansion of Technology Square in Midtown. Tech and developer Portman Holdings are asking for economic development incentives to build up to a $360 million project that would include 620,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of data center space and 46,000 square feet of retail. The project also includes the preserved facade of the historic Crum & Forster building on Spring Street.

Designer footwear and accessories retailer Jimmy Choo has opened shop in Buckhead Atlanta. For more, visit buckhead-atl.com.

Balance Design is now open at 1653 McLendon Ave. offering a selection of modern abstract paintings, gold leaf photography, ceramics, pillows, scented candles and more. Visit balancedesignatlanta.com for more information.

Atlanta-based Kronberg Wall Architects earned top honors at the 14th annual Charter Awards hosted by the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) last month in Dallas, Tex. The firm earned the grand prize for a rehabilitation project, Iberville Offsites, in New Orleans. Iberville Offsites combines historic preservation with green retrofitting through the restoration of 46 historic, vernacular dwellings using environmentallyfriendly technology and building practices.

Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s board of directors has selected Lisa Y. Gordon as chief executive officer and president. Her tenure at the affordable housing nonprofit will begin on July 6. Gordon currently serves as vice president and chief operating officer for Atlanta Beltline, Inc.

ERIN YABROUDY + ASSOCIATES

Morningside Gem!

830 Courtenay Drive

$1,250,000 • 5 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms

Beautifully renovated all-brick home short walking distance to Piedmont Park and the Beltline! Recently upgraded chef’s kitchen that opens to great room and large dining room for easy living and entertaining. Floorplan is ideal—large master with spa-like bath and 3 other bedrooms up. Screened in porch overlooks great backyard. FMLS 5539936

Atlanta-based global management consulting firm, North Highland, has acquired ACME Business Consulting, a management consulting firm with a strong foothold in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR.

Cartunes, which specializes in installing and customizing mobile accessories such as audio, video and smart phone, has opened a new state-of-the-art location at 8601 Roswell Road, nearly doubling their old retail space from 9,000 to 14,000 square feet. The new facility features a professionally designed and remodeled showroom, a significantly larger work bay area, and new waiting room. They also added workspace for a fabrication and woodworking shop dedicated specifically to car customization services. For more information visit, cartunesatlanta.com.

Piedmont Healthcare has acquired The Sheffield Building, a 78,000-squarefoot medical office building at 1938 Peachtree St., in exchange for two medical office buildings located at 4890 Roswell Road and 3020 Paces Mill Road, and an undisclosed amount of cash. “We have looked at acquiring this building many times over the years. It is a significant piece of property on the Piedmont Atlanta campus that Piedmont Healthcare didn’t own,” says Kevin Brown, president and CEO of Piedmont Healthcare. “We’re happy to have this piece in place.”

Carmyn Roots

Carmyn Roots, a tech entrepreneur from the Buckhead Atlanta Technology Village, was among 75 entrepreneurs selected from around the world to attend the White House for the Emerging Global Entrepreneurs Event in May. The group heard remarks from President Obama and each had the opportunity to bounce ideas off of Shark Tank investors Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran and Daymond John. Roots is the creator of MarketplaceMeet.com, an online marketplace where businesses seeking brand or product awareness can partner with individuals with mass social media popularity and exchange promotion for compensation.

Leaf sculptures get permanent home on BeltLine

Trees Atlanta commissioned nationally acclaimed sculptor David Landis to create a large-scale, permanent educational art installation on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

The landscape installation, 33 Oaks, consists of oversized oak leaves representing the 33 oaks native to Georgia. Each leaf, constructed of polished stainless steel, is between 3 and 8 feet in size. The installation serves as an educational tool, with plantings of each species of oak in proximity of the coinciding leaf sculpture.

Seventeen of the sculptures are in place adjacent to the Angier Springs trailhead on the Eastside Trail. The leaf sculptures will each gesture differently, reflect light, and appear to “dance” in the landscape. The project will be completed, with all 33 leaves installed, by this fall.

Prior to this project, Landis partnered with Trees Atlanta in 2013 to create the Permanente Tree at the Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center. Other local permanent installations by Landis include the Northern White sculpture on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, inspired by the Northern White Rhino as well as Cycles at Rose Circle Park on the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail.

Outside of Georgia, installations include Currents located at US Bancorp Center in Minneapolis and The Dance located at The RitzCarlton in Shenzhen, China.

Special

Artist David Landis is creating 33 Oaks, a series of leaf sculptures, that are being installed along the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail.

Each month, our Engel & Völkers Intown Atlanta family wants to recognize a few homeowners who take exceptional pride in their community, and individual homes, by showcasing these lovely properties as our “Yard of the Month” award winners. Not only are these properties beautiful to view, they also help improve desirability, and thus value, for their neighborhoods.

July 2015 Yard of the Month winners

Merton Road, Morningside

Manford Road, Capitol View Manor Noble Drive, Morningside

Druid Hills: Updated kitchen. Office at top of stairs. Master w/sitting area, 2 walk-ins & 2 vanities. Renovated bsmt, rentable guest house in back. 3BR/ 3.5BA

Lynda Cox lynda.cox@evusa.com

Olde Ivy: Elegant end unit. Spacious w/custom finishes. Formal LR, open kitchen, columns, fireplace. Full bath in finished basement. All hardwoods. 3BR/ 3.5BA

Marsha McNeer marsha.mcneer@evusa.com

Druid Hills: Modern ranch. Corner lot. Fully renovated. Chef appliances. LG mstr w/dbl vanity & walk-in shower. Wraparound deck. Sunroom, private backyard. 4BD/ 3BA

Dan Gunia dan.gunia@evusa.com

Virginia Highland: Exceptional John Willis Custom Home with back veranda & fireplace to be enjoyed 9 months of year. Customize this home to your taste. 5BR/ 4.5BA

Michael Gaddy michael.gaddy@evusa.com

Freedom Heights: Top floor on the Beltline. New paint, carpet. Spacious, tons of natural light, gated parking, on site security, pool, fitness center. 2BR/ 2BA

Ashlee Heath ashlee.heath@evusa.com

Morningside: Exquisite interiors. High ceilings, screen porch overlooking private backyard. Artist loft on 3rd floor. Excellent children’s park. 5BR/ 4BA

Ken Covers ken.covers@evusa.com

$1,289,000

Reynoldstown: Spacious cottage w/high ceilings, hdwds throughout. Huge master w/his-her closets. 3 fireplaces & ample storage. Front porch view of city skyline. 3BR/ 2BA

Lynda Cox lynda.cox@evusa.com

$325,000

Montreal Parc: End-unit townhome. 2-story foyer, hdwds. Open kitchen, walk-in pantry, breakfast bar, great rm w/ fireplace & wall of windows. Huge master. 2BR/ 1BA

Nancy Guss nancy.guss@evusa.com

1411 North Highland Avenue Atlanta, GA 30306 404-874-6357 | intownatlanta.evusa.com

Sherwood Forest: Exceptional craftsmanship in signature home. Two master suites, old world details, paneled library, inlay flooring, saltwater pool, outdoor kitchen.

Michael Gaddy & Mandi Robertson michael.gaddy@evusa.com

$2,695,000

Teaching the world outside

Nature is one of the biggest teachers at Academe of the Oaks in Decatur. The Waldorf School affiliate has built two outdoor classrooms – a beautiful Tuscan garden to study and relax in and a butterfly garden featuring vegetables, flowers, bees, goats and chickens for students to tend. Students at the school learn to take care of the gardens, including creating compost piles, planting and then preparing what they’ve grown for dinner. The goats keep the grass mowed and can be found happily chomping away. The school even rents out the goats to individuals who want to have their lawns taken care of rather than cutting with a mower. In the fall, Academe of the Oaks will host its annual fundraiser, The Farmers Market, where they sell some of the garden bounty to the community and invite local growers to sell as well. For more information about the school, visit academeatlanta.org.

–Annie Kinnett Nichols

Eco-Briefs

The City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Sustainability has announced that the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge Water Pilot program exceeded 22 other cities in a national water conservation program. Atlanta buildings participating in the pilot accounted for 43 percent of the total 377 million gallons of water saved – the equivalent of 570 Olympic-sized swimming pools – in the first year of program. “We are extremely proud of the ABBC participants across the city who have rallied around the goal to reduce energy and water use,” said Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, Director of the Office of Sustainability. “To account for nearly half of the total water savings is something the entire city should celebrate, and we see this achievement as a true reflection of the water conservation work being done across the community.” The results of the program were revealed at the recent Better Buildings Summit in Washington, D.C. The Better Buildings Water Pilot was launched by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2014. Under the program, commercial buildings in 23 cities agreed to voluntarily measure and reduce their water consumption. In the City of Atlanta, 406 buildings have voluntarily committed to reduce energy and water use by 20 percent by the year 2020.

Two Buckhead companies earned top honors at the Georgia Commute Honors, an event recognizing outstanding participants in Georgia Commute Options, a program of the Georgia Department of Transportation. Cousins Properties earned the "Best Overall Program - Property Management" award for its leadership in Buckhead's congestion mitigation efforts, and for its embrace of commute options, specifically vanpooling at their Terminus property. This award was presented to a single metro Atlanta commercial property management company for taking creative measures to offer Georgia Commute Options incentives and programs to their tenants. PulteGroup relocated their corporate offices to Buckhead in mid-2014, citing Buckhead's proximity to transit connections as a major factor in its site selection. Since then, the company’s commitment to transit has delivered incredible returns and earned PulteGroup the “Rising Star - Employer" award. This honor was given to only one employer in the entire metro Atlanta region, and it recognizes company that has made promising early efforts to promote clean commuting through Georgia Commute Options. For more information, visit GaCommuteOptions.com.

Atlanta-based LIVBAG , a fashionable and functional line of tote bags, has announced a new line of chic bags made in an effort to bring awareness to child hunger in the United States. LIVBAG has two new bags including a signature tote and drawstring backpack that are made of organic canvas and hemp. Both the tote and backpack are versatile and can be used as everyday handbags, gym bags, diaper bags, beach bags and market bags. Half of all LIVBAG annual profits will benefit B lessings in a Backpack , an organization that discreetly provides elementary school children who are on the federal Free and Reduced Price Meal Program with a backpack of food to take home for 38 weekends during the school year. According to founder Joanne Credi, the company’s name was inspired by a little girl named Olivia, who in lieu of receiving gifts for her 9th birthday asked the other children to bring brand new pairs of shoes to be donated to other kids in need. For more information, please visit livbag.com.

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is the recipient of a grant from The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta’s Grants to Green initiative. This matching grant of $370,074 will enable the MJCCA to upgrade its interior lighting, HVAC equipment and controls, and kitchen ventilation, among other facility systems, to ensure the energy efficiency of its Zaban Park campus in Dunwoody at 5342 Tilly Mill Road.

The Association of Energy Engineers’s (AEE) new international headquarters building at 3168 Mercer University Drive has earned EPA's ENERGY STAR for label year 2014 with a score of 85. The new headquarters was decorated using paint and carpeting low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), LED lighting, double-paned and glazed windows and more.

The Academe of the Oaks in Decatur has built two learning gardens on campus, giving students an opportunity to learn about growing plants and food. At far left, teachers Tara Wyman and Eva Handschin at the entrance to the vegetable garden.

Photos by Annie Kinnett Nichols

The Intown Office

By Clare S. Richie

Tucked away in a quiet Lake Claire neighborhood, is a blacksmith shop (also known as a forge) built by hand by resident blacksmith, Nelms Creekmur. There, Creekmur forges practical items with an organic aesthetic and teaches others his craft.

“I’m proud of this place and love visitors. When they come to the shop I can show them what I’m doing, that I’m ready to do business, and that they can do this too,” Creekmur said.

Up until five years ago, Creekmur “never once thought of becoming a blacksmith.” His earlier passions were for photography, writing and teaching, but those all led him to his current vocation.

As a student, Creekmur collected photography books like Karl Blossfeldt’s 1929 close-up photographs of plants and living things. Decades later, Blossfeldts images of natural symmetry, would become a major influence to Creekmur’s aesthetic and a daily reference in his shop.

After college, Creekmur focused on writing short stories, while working

Blacksmith Nelms Creekmur has a passion for metal

manual jobs with a brick mason and stone mason to earn a living.

“With the masons, I learned how to use tools, hard physical labor, how things fit together, and the importance of getting proportions right,” Creekmur reflected.

While living with his wife Renata in Milan, Italy from 1997 to 2007, Creekmur continued writing, this time teaching English to help pay the bills.

Creekmur and Renata welcomed two daughters to their family before relocating to Atlanta.

Ironically, it was Creekmur’ detested medical supplies sales job in Atlanta that sparked his unexpected career shift to blacksmithing. “I thought about what else I could do. I always liked photography, physical labor and making a nice line,” he explained.

Forging steel as a blacksmith appealed to his senses. Creekmur liked the way it felt to swing a hammer and the sound of his tools. “I like the rhythms I make when I’m hammering on the anvil,” he said. He

appreciated that although metal starts off hard and cold it can become malleable when heated and transformed into a new shape.

He started with bottle openers made from reclaimed railroad spikes that he and his daughters found along

the Atlanta BeltLine. “I forge practical household items, such as bottle openers, grilling forks, and fire pokers – that you like to look at and you like to hold in your hand.”

He also creates architectural hardware like doorknockers, door straps, shutter hinges and small gates. Creekmur forged door pulls, booth hooks and a customized bar piece for The Albert in Inman Park. Now more restaurants are lining up for his useful art. And new patrons are requesting bigger custom pieces like fire baskets and side tables held together with rivets that allow for cleaner lines.

“I’m inspired by the curves and lines in nature – in plants, leaves, trees but I’m not looking to perfectly replicate a leaf,” Creekmur said. Rather, he produces a natural symmetry that is balanced but not perfect. None of the scrolls on his the fire basket or gate are exactly the same. Creekmur is self-taught and eager to share what he’s learned. At his forge, Creekmur teaches beginning blacksmithing coordinated by The Homestead Atlanta, a central source of classes in both heritage skills and sustainability innovations. His classes are always the first to sell out and receive the most universally positive feedback, according to The Atlanta Homestead founder Kimberly Coburn.

“People love their time in his studio, and his teaching demeanor is kind enough for the shyest participant and firm enough to make sure everyone leaves having really learned the basics. Many are eager to start designing their own home forges when they leave,” Coburn said

You can find Nelms Creekmur Forge on YouTube, etsy or at local festivals. In August, look for him at the Piedmont Park Arts Festival and Grant Park Summer Shade Festival selling premade items, meeting new patrons seeking customized pieces, and finding new students.

Blacksmith Nelms Creekmur shows off some of his latest creations inside his shop in Lake Claire.

Photo by Clare S. Richie

SUMMER READING

If you’re looking for a good book to read, check out these titles by local authors and poets.

Black Girl in Moscow: A Memoir by Jacqueline Clay Chester

The fashion model chronicles her journey to the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. As an African American model from America working at the height of the Cold War, Chester received international attention, which propelled her career.

Storm in the Valley by Lee Passarella

This historical drama follows a 12-year-old boy who enlists as a drummer boy with the 51st Virginia Volunteer Regiment and is swept up in the Civil War.

How I Shed My Skin: Unlearning the Racist Lessons of a Southern Childhood by Jim Grimsley

Grimsley looks unflinchingly at his childhood racism and the society that taught him to think that way after the integration of his small North Carolina school.

Traveling the Two-Lane: A Memoir and Travelogue by Marilyn Berman Berman comes to grips with her sexuality on an epic, solo road trip to Alaska where she spent a year driving North America, hiking and meditating on her life – past and present.

Order Sutra by Megan Volpert

If you like Noam Chomsky, psychedelia, Office Space and riddle, then poet Megan Volpert’s latest chapbook is right up your alley.

Before I Go: A Novel by Colleen Oakley

Daisy Richmond, a young woman who survived one bout of breast cancer but is diagnosed with a stage-four recurrence on her “cancerversary,” becomes consumed with finding a replacement wife for her husband.

Done in One: A Novel by Jan Thomas and Grant Jerkins

SWAT sniper Jack Denton questions if his line of work is beginning to affect his mental health after his mentor becomes the prime suspect in a series of shootings that have paralyzed Northern California.

Klara with a K by Sandy Berman

Winner of the 2015 Independent Publisher Award, Berman’s novel follows a young woman who finds herself in Georgia after being liberated from the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany. She soon finds that America’s Jim Crow rules are eerily similar to the Nazi laws she escaped from after World War II.

Dad’s Garage begins second phase of capital campaign

After a successful capital campaign to buy a new space, Dad's Garage Theatre is hoping to raise additional funds to spruce up the building.

Dad’s Garage has been shacking up with 7 Stages Theatre in Little Five Points since 2013 when it lost its original home in Inman Park to the Inman Quarter mixeduse development. Last year, the improv theater company purchased a church building on Ezzard Street in the Old Fourth Ward for its permanent home.

Midtown Bank has given Dad’s Garage a loan to get the company operation again, but the interior of the new “House of Dad’s” still needs transform the space.

Dad’s will remove the red velvet pews and stained-glass windows to create a more neutral space, plus install risers, a lighting grid and sound system. Also on the wish list: an elevator for handicapped performers and patrons, a bar, new toilets and a greenroom/rehearsal space for backstage privacy.

Every dollar given by an individual to the capital campaign will be matched by an anonymous Atlanta-area foundation. Dad’s is offering up naming opportunities for donors, including chairs, toilet stalls and much more.

For more information, visit houseofdads.com.

RAW TRUTH

Pinch ‘N’ Ouch Theatre nurtures new plays & actors

By Cathy H. Burroughs

Under the direction of founder and producing artistic director Grant McGowen, Pinch ‘N’ Ouch Theatre (PNO) has been presenting edgy and poignant new scripts with impassioned, vulnerable performances for the past five years.

PNO’s numerous awards and kudos (including acclaim for McGowen’s own plays, Let’s Make It and Wall Street Wedding) and its intensive acting classes (the four-level Meisner Acting Immersion course used by the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Robert Duval and Hillary Swank, among others) make it stand out among the city’s impressive theatre community.

McGowen's and PNO's brand of raw and sometimes harrowing truthfulness is on display in the current production of Quiara Alegria Hudes's Water by the Spoonful, winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize. Prepare to be awed by this bare bones take on recovery and drug addiction in the theatre's relatively new 45-seat space on Arizona Avenue near Candler Park.

INtown sat down with McGowen to talk about PNO and Water by the Spoonful, which continues through July.

Tell us about your current production, Water by the Spoonful?

Water by the Spoonful is about a community of recovering addicts that meet online from all over the world. It's funny, moving, and is some of the best writing I've ever seen. What initially grabbed me was Hudes's compassionate and diverse characters – they're all relatable, unique, intelligent, and very funny.

What can a newcomer expect from this show and PNO’s future productions?

The acting is usually very good. We take acting seriously. Truth and spontaneity is important to us. We

want every performance to feel unique and one of a kind. Also, the material we choose is usually challenging and derived from a sense of truth (meaning there is a certain necessary disregard for censorship). If you like pretty fairy tales, PNO is not your theatre, but if you like to be challenged and emotionally moved, check us out.

How do you get such vulnerable, raw and powerful performances from your actors?

I train most of them and encourage them to work very hard in exercising the muscles necessary to be a powerful actor. These traits include listening, being sensitive, penetrable, spontaneous, instinctive, expressive, and truthful. It takes a lot of practice, but acting is an ability that almost anyone can learn. I tell them to practice like Michael Jordan and I give them the exercises necessary to do so. Some have the work ethic, most don't, but the ones that do, stick around.

Why the name Pinch 'N' Ouch?

"Pinch and Ouch" was coined from a great acting teacher Sanford Meisner, who was perhaps the least intellectual of all the great acting teachers. He wanted acting to be moving and expressive and not performed. He taught actors to be sensitive and instinctive, and one of the things he would say was, "you have to really listen, pay attention, and feel that 'pinch' from the other actor. Your performance comes from them. Your 'ouch' is a unique expression and if you block it, it won't exist." Sometimes people ask me what "Pinch and ouch" means and I just smile and say, "I guess you'll have to take an acting class."

Pinch ‘N’ Ouch Theatre’s production of Water By the Spoonful continues through July. Next up is The Aliens (Aug. 5-28) and A Behanding in Spokane (Oct. 1-24). For tickets, workshop information and more details visit pnotheatre.org.

Grant McGowen

Special

Water by the Spoonful runs through the end of July.

Visual Arts

Once Upon a Time... Exploring the World of Fairy Tales: From an African jungle to a giant’s castle, kids can explore larger-than-life pages of seven favorite fairy tales at this exhibit. Closes July 26. $12.75. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Flight Patterns: International artists push the boundaries of textile arts in this exhibit that originally premiered at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, now on display at GSU. Closes July 31. Free. arts.gsu.edu

Alex Katz: This Is Now: See more than 60 works by Alex Katz, including 15 monumental landscapes brought together publicly for the first time, at this new exhibit. Tuesday through Sunday. $12 to $19.50.

Shawne Major: Surface Tension: Found and discarded objects become connections to ritual, fetish and the handmade object at this Marcia Wood Gallery exhibit by Shawne Major. Closes July 25. Free. marciawoodgallery.com

Endless Road: A Look at Nexus Press: For 26 years Nexus Press brought the world to the South and the South out to the world through its artists' books, and now Atlanta Contemporary Art Center reflects on that innovative work. Closes July 25. $5 to $8. thecontemporary.org

Bodies: The Exhibition: Get an intimate and informative view into the human body with more than 200 actual human bodies and specimens on display at this Atlantic Station exhibit. Daily. $14 to $24. premierexhibitions.com

CREATE ATL: Family Fun at The Woodruff Arts Center: Enjoy an afternoon of free family programming, every Sunday, led by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art. Sundays. Free. woodruffcenter.org

John James Audubon: Swift Birds of Passage: See rare Audubon prints, primarily of birds native to or migratory through the region, at this Oglethorpe University exhibit. Tuesday through Sunday. $5. museum.oglethorpe. edu

Pierre Mendell: At First Sight: SCAD Atlanta presents select posters, books, brochures and design concepts from Pierre Mendell (1929-2008), one of the world’s leading graphic designers. Monday through Friday. Free. scad. edu/ tlanta

Performing Arts

Chasin' dem Blues: This roof-raising show is a foot-stomping, multi-media musical celebration of how a Midwest town changed the landscapes of American music with Paramount Records. Opens July 7. $20 to $50. truecolorstheatre.org

Rent: The East Village is full of possibilities for the young and unafraid in this musical based on Puccini’s “La Boheme.” Opens July 8. $20 to $45. actors-express.com

The Addams Family: When Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a "normal" boyfriend, the shocking development it turns the Addams household downside up. Opens July 10. $13 to $20. onstagesatlanta.com

The Mystery of Edwin Drood: This play-within-a-play puts a hilarious twist on an unfinished Dickens mystery of murder on a stormy Christmas Eve. Opens July 11. $15 to $30. stagedoorplayers.net

As You Like It: Take a rip into Shakespeare's enchanted woods where Rosalind disguises herself as a man as Orlando litters the woods with love notes praising her beauty and virtue. Closes July 12. $15 to $39. shakespearetavern.com

Summer Pops Concert with Libby Whittemore: Vocalist Libby Whittemore performs with the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra at this annual summer pops concert. July 17. $15 to $30. dekalbsymphony.org

Cats: Atlanta Lyric Theatre performs one of Broadway’s longest-running shows at this special Cobb Energy Centre limited engagement. July 17 through July 19. $40.25 to $61.50. cobbenergycentre.com

Sunset Sessions: The Main Squeeze: This post funk band comes to Park Tavern for its Sunday evening concert series. July 19. Free! parktavern.com

Evita: Audiences are transported to the countryside of Argentina to follow the intriguing political climb of Evita. Opens July 23. $30 to $35. serenbeplayhouse. com

Concerts in the Garden: The Beach Boys: Beginning their career as the most popular surf band in the nation, The Beach Boys are back on stage in Atlanta, surrounded by the greenery at Atlanta Botanical Garden. July 24. $65.50. atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Idina Menzel: This Tony Awardwinning Broadway star and reigning Disney queen comes to Chastain for a night of

RENT AT ACTORS EXPRESS

live music. July 24. $35.50 to $105.50. classicchastain.com

Jazz on the Lawn: Theresa Hightower: Jazz on the Lawn returns to Callanwolde with jazz and blues vocalist Theresa Hightower. July 24. $20 to $25. callanwolde.org

Drivin’ N Cryin’: Southern rock band Drivin' N Cryin' continues Chamblee’s outdoor summer concert series at Peachtree Park. July 24. Free! chambleega. com

On the Light Side: The Music of George and Ira Gershwin: Capitol City Opera Company performs the music of the Gershwins at this indoor-picnic style performance. July 24 and July 25. $35. ccopera.org

The Reluctant Dragon: When a dragon moves into the neighborhood, a bookish boy, the soft spoken dragon and a famous knight stage a battle to calm the villagers’ fears. Opens July 28. $16.50. puppet.org

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: These two performers first teamed up in 2011 for one song, “The Lady Is a Tramp,” and have since gone on to record the full, top-selling album "Cheek to Cheek." July 29. $48 to $150. classicchastain.com

THE MAIN SQUEEZE

ALEX KATZ

TONY BENNETT AND LADY GAGA

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

Community Calendar July 2015

To submit your calendar listings, please email details to calendar@atlantaintownpaper.com

South Pacific Festival - July 11, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The ‘Nezian Fest is an event featuring Islander food from Samoa, Hawaii, Tonga, New Zealand, Guam and more, as well as entertainment and kids’ events. Free and open to the public. Candler Park, 1500 McLendon Ave NE, 30307. For more information, go online to facebook.com/nezianfest or email thenezianfest@gmail.com.

July 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Get up close to live geckos, tortoises, iguanas, pythons, king snakes, and more reptiles and amphibians at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The event combines educational presentations about the animals with hands-on experiences. Price included in general admission tickets to the museum, free for members.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Rd, 30307. For more information, go online to fernbankmuseum.org or call (404) 929-6300.

Field Day in the Park - July 11, 12-5:30 p.m. Atlanta

Field Day will take place in Historic Fourth Ward Park, and teams of eight people can compete in adult versions of tug of war, relay races, obstacle courses, and other games. The most points gained throughout the day will earn one team the title of King of the Field. Free and open to the public. 681 North Ave NE, 30308. For more information and to register your team or as an individual in advance, go online to atlfieldday.com or email havefun@atlantasportandsocialclub.com.

Legends of Light and Shadow - July 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of the East Atlanta Library, this shadow puppet performance and workshop will explore the journeys of literary heroes and heroines. Featuring stories from Greece, Russia, England Africa, and Native America, this workshop is suitable for kids aged 5-12. Free with valid library ID, registration encouraged. Meeting Room, East Atlanta Branch Library, 400 Flat Shoals Ave SE, 30316. For more information, go online to afpls.org/east-atlanta-branch, or email oscar.gittemeier@fultoncountyga.gov to register.

Brave New Voices - July 15 through 18, hours vary. Presented by Youth Speaks, an organization that seeks to empower young people through writing and reading their works, the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam provides an opportunity for hundreds of young poets, their mentors, and the organizations that sponsor them to come together for a series of approximately 20 workshops and 50 events. Most events are free for Atlanta youth, some require registration, see the website for event locations, times, and registration. Go online to youthspeaks.org/bravenewvoices for more information.

Writers Exchange - July 16, 7 p.m. Eyedrum presents an evening of encouragement and networking for writers of all experience levels. Participants will read their works aloud for 10 minutes and receive feedback, suggestions, and constructive criticism in 5 minute sessions. Free and open to the public. Eyedrum Art & Music Gallery, 88 Forsyth St SW, 30303. For more information, go online to eyedrum.org or call (678) 642-0612.

Girls in DIY - July 18, 12-9 p.m. The Atlanta Zine Fest presents a day of screenings, readings, workshops, podcasts, panels, and discussions on the topic of girls in DIY media and within the context of zines. Vendors, artists, and DJs will transform three of Eyedrum’s Buildings located at 88 Forsyth St, the Mammal Gallery at 91 Broad St, and the Broad Street Visitors Center at 90 Broad St. Free and open to the public. Eyedrum Art & Music Gallery, 88 Forsyth St SW, 30303. For more information, go online to murmurmedia.org or email info@murmurmedia.org.

Reptile Day -

Tasting Intown

By Megan Volpert

Revisiting Ann’s Snack Bar

Editor’s Note: After nearly two years of reviews, Art Huckabee has put down his fork. Decatur writer, resident and foodie

Megan Volpert will pick up where Art left off, visiting a mix of established and newly-opened eateries around the metro. Megan is serious about her victuals and has planned vacations around restaurants. For her first assignment, she revisits an Atlanta institution. Forks up!

By Megan Volpert

As everyone knows, Miss Ann Price, owner and proprietor of the beloved Ann’s Snack Bar, passed away in April. When word got around that she had gone, citizens of Atlanta were saddened for many reasons, at least one of which – selfishly – was concern over whether the Snack Bar would fold. Would the legendary Ghetto Burger fade away? Would it hang on as a mere shadow of its former glory? And how good could the visit be without Miss

Ann to police your manners when you finally got to sit down?

Restaurant Review

It was a muggy Thursday and I’d just spent half the morning waiting through the seven circles of the DMV. Having accustomed myself to long lines for the day already, seemed like a trip down Memorial Drive to the Snack Bar was a good reward. It was my first time there since Miss Ann’s passing and I was delighted to arrive in an empty parking lot. Just thirty minutes before opening and I was first in line! So I sat on the curb watching other cars pull in and eyeball my number one slot with envy. We filed in at eleven o’clock on the dot, hurrying past the patio tables on the screened-in porch to claim one of the eight seats at the counter.

If you like quiet, sit at one of the three seats on the left. Nothing going on over there but a stack of burger buns a mile high. If you really want to see what’s

what, sit on the right side of the counter – right in front of the giant sign with Miss Ann’s rules and with a good view of the grill. The best thing about the five seats on the right, however, is that you get

front row for the antics of Miss Henrietta. What a pistol! It’s a wonder she survived behind the counter, given Miss Ann’s rule against cursing. I asked Miss Henrietta how she and the family are getting along at the Snack Bar since April and she reports that they’re “maintaining.”

Indeed, nothing about the rules or the food has changed. A tardy newcomer stepped to the counter to place her order, and was instantly waved off with a curt, “who was first?” It was all I could do not to shout, “bingo!” As much as I love the Ghetto Burger, let’s bear in mind it’s really an emergency food – not a dreary Thursday afternoon food unless you had one wicked Wednesday night. I ordered the double-cheeseburger combo with homemade sweet tea, ready for me in about ten minutes.

I managed to eat two-thirds of my enormous burger and made a small dent in the fries. The remainder was wrapped up in tinfoil to take home for dinner. Yes, the burger is still huge and still cooked to perfection and still topped with the usual suspects and still totally delicious. Yes, the fries are still average because the fact that you even bothered to order and eat any fries alongside a burger so spectacularly gluttonous is kind of crazy. Yes, the sweet tea still gets stored on the counter in giant old plastic barrels and it still tastes precisely like the South poured into a styrofoam cup.

Ann’s Snack Bar has been holding steady since Nixon’s first term. After more than four decades as the tightest burger ship in town, what on earth made you think the ship would falter? Miss Ann must be resting in peace, for the Snack Bar is still what it always was.

Megan Volpert lives in Decatur, teaches in Roswell and writes books about popular culture. Send feedback to TastingIntown@ AtlantaINtownPaper.com.

Megan Volpert could only eat half of her giant doublecheeseburger, so she took the rest home for dinner. Ann Price’s rules for the Snack Bar remain in force, so beware while you enjoy your burgers.

Photos by Madeline Freidman

FOOD TRUCK TAKEOVER

Atlanta

Local food trucks will roll into Piedmont Park on July 11 for the fourth annual Atlanta Street Food Festival.

The festival will run from noon to 10 p.m. and proceeds will benefit The Giving Kitchen, the culinary charity with the unique mission of providing crisis grants to members of Atlanta’s restaurant community facing unanticipated hardship.

More than 50 food trucks, including MIX’d UP, Nectar Food Truck, Ibiza Bites, Yumbii, Genki Sushi Food Truck and VietNomie’s, will gather for the occasion. Visitors will be able to wash down their food truck meals with a diverse selection of craft beer, cocktails and wine.

Along with the food trucks there will be local merchants, artists and live entertainment from local performers including Nameless Band Atlanta, Gritz & Peanut Butter & Jelly, Bird City Revolutionaries, Wasted Potential Brass Band and Secondhand Swagger.

Before you head to the festival, be sure to download the Atlanta Street Food Festival app in the iTunes or Google Play

store. Once downloaded, smart phone users can view featured menus, peruse the entertainment schedule and festival map, and upload photos of their favorite food truck fare. Festival-goers will be able to vote for their favorite food truck from noon to 6 p.m. by texting the name of their favorite food truck to 411247. The winner will be announced at 7 p.m. Tickets are not required to enter the event, but patrons must purchase a wristband ($12 for adults; free wristband for kids ages 12 and under) to buy food from the food trucks and to purchase alcohol. Wristbands can be purchased at atlantastreetfoodfestival.com.

Last year’s Atlanta Street Food Festival drew big crowds to Piedmont Park.

Avoid fast food at these Intown lunch spots

By Isadora Pennington

Lunch is probably my favorite meal of the day. Maybe it’s because I love bread so much (I do) or maybe it’s because I’m always in a hurry (I am), but regardless of the reason why, I have a special place in my heart for sandwiches.

ere’s something special about getting lunch, and it’s di erent from dinner or brunch or other meals out. My years working in the service industry taught me that midday during the work week is one of the best times to go out and have a quiet, peaceful meal in the city. Kids are in school most of the time, and only intowners are present at some of the busier spots around town, which is perfect for someone like myself who o en likes to eat alone, reading a book or ipping through a newspaper. is month, I set out to eat and photograph some of my favorite local fast lunches.

ON THE MENU

Downtown Restaurant Week set for July 18-26

Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week returns for its 13th year Saturday, July 18, through Sunday, July 26.

Presented by Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), this year’s event has more than 30 participating restaurants this year offering prix-fixe menus ranging from $15, $25 or $35 for brunch, lunch and/or dinner options. Prices are per person and exclude alcohol, tax and gratuity.

At press time the restaurant list included: Alma Cocina, Asante, Atlanta Braves All Star Grill, BLT Steak, Café 458, Cuts Steakhouse, Der Biergarten, Fandangles, Fire of Brazil, Game-X, Glenn’s Kitchen, Hard Rock Café Atlanta, Hudson Grille, Jalapeno Charlie’s, Legal Sea Foods, Max Lager’s Wood Fired Grill and Brewery, Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, McCormick & Schmidt’s, Meehan’s Public House, Morton’s the Steakhouse, No Mas! Cantina, Pittypat’s Porch Restaurant, Polaris, Poor Calvin’s, Prime Meridian, Ray’s in the City, ROOM at Twelve, STATS, Sway, Terrace Bistro, The Commerce Club, Thrive, Trader Vic’s, Truva, Twenty-Two Storys, Twin Smokers BBQ and White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails.

“In addition to many of our renowned Restaurant Week veterans, we are excited to welcome quite a few recentlyopened Downtown restaurants to this year’s event,” said A.J. Robinson, CAP President. “Downtown Restaurant Week gives Atlantans and visitors the unique

opportunity to explore downtown Atlanta’s exciting, new attractions while enjoying culinary creations from some the city’s most talented chefs.”

To view the most up-to-date list of participating restaurants, menus and event information, visit atlantadowntown.com/fun/restaurantweek.

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White Oak Kitchen is one of the restaurants taking part in Downtown Restaurant Week.

Eric Lawton

Danielle Greene

Quick Bites

The Midtown Development Review Committee (DRC) met on June 9 to review a new application for an “organic grocery store” at 14th and Spring streets. The unnamed store: a flagship

Whole Foods Market

Planned as the second phase of The Related Group’s mixed-used development on the block bound by Spring, 14th, West Peachtree and 13th streets, the project consists of two levels of retail – a 50,040-square-foot organic foods market and an additional 21,907-square-feet of restaurant and retail space – above three levels of parking. Access to the parking will be provided off Spring and 13th streets. Some of unique features for this Whole Foods would include a brew pub, cooking school, green walls, and two outdoor patio spaces, one located on Spring Street and one located at the corner of 14th Street and West Peachtree. The committee asked that the development team revisit the street-level façades to provide a more pedestrian friendly and to explore options for a green roof to meet the sustainability objectives of the Midtown Eco-District. The applicant will continue to develop their proposal further and return to the DRC for a follow-up review.

The Old Fourth Ward Farmers Market is now open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Southern Dairies building (home of 4th and Swift) on North Avenue. Find out more at fourthfarmers.com.

Chef Ford Fry plans to open a second outpost of his “Mex-Tex” restaurant Superica in Buckhead. The restaurant, which is expected to open early next year, will take over the old Outback Steakhouse space in Buckhead Court. The Superica concept made its debut at the Krog Street Market in Inman Park earlier this year and has been a big hit with the locals.

Dolce Italian recently served up a victory on the season finale of Bravo’s culinary competition series Best New Restaurant. Atlantans will get a taste of the winning modern Italian menu when a new outpost opens later this summer at Buckhead Atlanta.

Tavernpointe, the newest venture from Chef Drew Van Leuvan, is currently under construction in the Peachtree Pointe building. Located on the corner of Peachtree and Spring Street, Tavernpointe will feature a menu of smoked and roasted meats, fresh seafood, and salads sourced from local farms.

Chef Kevin Gillespie is expected to open Revival in Decatur this month. The restaurant will feature family-style Southern suppers that Gillespie grew up eating as a child.Revival is located at 129 Church Street in the former Harbour House Pub site. For updates on the restaurant, visit www.revivaldecatur.com.

The Georgia Restaurant Association and the Georgia Department of Economic Development have partnered together to create the first ever Georgia Restaurant Week. This inaugural seven day culinary event will take place July 13-19 and feature restaurants from around the state. Visit garestaurants.org to see the full list of participating restaurants.

Alma Cocina is participating in The James Beard Foundation’s (JBF) Better Burger Project, a nationwide contest and challenge to make a “better burger” by blending ground meat with finely chopped, cultivated mushrooms to create a delicious, healthier and more sustainable burger. The public can vote by visiting the restaurant, ordering a burger and posting a photo to Instagram using the hashtag #betterburgerproject, tagging Alma Cocina (@fifthgrouper) and sharing what’s better about the burger in the caption by July 31. Visit betterburgerproject.org for more information.

Nature’s Garden Express will open a 410 square foot market stall at Krog Street Market later this year. The first of its kind to join KSM, the grocer will supply everything from organic goods and cold pressed juices to kitchen staples like milk, eggs, and bread. In addition, the store will offer a variety of artisanal food products including coconut wraps, nut butters, hummus, pasta sauces, kombuchas, dried grains and olive oils. The shop will also offer a grocery delivery service. For more, visit NaturesGardenExpress.com.

Nectar , an Atlanta-based raw juice bar and smoothie shop, is now open at Piedmont Park. The location will be open seven days a week and offers healthy handcrafted juices, smoothies and Panini. For more information, visit benectar.com.

Organic and natural foods grocery store Earth Fare will host a grand opening celebration at Emory Point, 1578 Avenue Place, at 7 a.m. on July 8.The 24,000 square foot store will offer staples that are free of trans-fats, artificial dyes, preservatives, added hormones and antibiotics, bleached and bromated flour and sweeteners. For more information, visit EarthFare.com/EmoryPoint.

The 7th annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival will be held July 19, 1-5 p.m. featuring tomato dishes and drinks by some of the South’s best chefs and mixologists. Local all-chef band Ill Communication and Five Bone Rack will perform during the fundraiser, proceeds benefiting Georgia Organics and The Giving Kitchen. General admission tickets are $70, VIP tickets for early admission at 12 p.m. are $125. JCT Kitchen & Bar, 1198 Howell Mill Rd, Suite 18, 30318. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit killertomatofest.com or call (404) 355-2252.

Wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts are invited to taste more than 50 wines at the Opera Nightclub in Midtown during the Atlanta Wine Party on July 25, 6-10 p.m. Guests receive a souvenir glass and can enjoy live music and DJ entertainment. VIP tickets include tastings of 15 additional premium wines and exclusive access to the 2nd floor. General admission starts at $40 in advance, $45 after July 16, and $55 at the door. First 100 general admission guest tickets only $30. VIP tickets are $75 in advance and $85 after July 16. This 21 and up event is not kid or pet friendly and is a rain or shine event. For tickets and information, visit atlantawineparty.com.

Nectar

Homeowners talk trading in the city life for the mountains

By Kathy Dean

It might seem that the reasons for moving to the North Georgia mountains would be as varied as the people moving there, but that’s not really the case. It can all be distilled down to a few basic things that everyone wants – natural beauty, a relaxed lifestyle and friendly communities.

When it comes to the details, though, everybody has their specific needs. For Kathy and Dave Brown, their 20-year dream of a log home finally came true in March. It took perseverance and patience to find the perfect cabin for vacations, and eventually retirement – a place with plenty of land for their grandchildren to play.

“My husband and I are both retired law enforcement and we look forward to this quieter way of life,” Kathy said. “We come from the Tampa, Florida area where it’s a rat race. In the mountains, no one is a stranger and everyone is more than willing to help you.”

The Browns are ready to get back to basics and enjoy the tranquility and slower-paced lifestyle. They’d originally bought acreage in Sylva, NC but never built on it; they realized they wanted something a little closer to home.

“We’re just eight hours from our Florida house and within a few hours of Atlanta, Chattanooga and Cherokee,” Kathy added. “It’s the perfect vacation area, and I love the clean mountain air and beautiful landscapes of the mountains.”

The area also affords them a great place to enjoy outdoor leisure activities and antiquing. Throughout the years, the Browns had been collecting antiques for their dream cabin. Some remodeling is already underway to make it true to the early 1900s theme they’ve chosen.

“Their cabin is lovely, and so is their land,” noted Donna M. O’Neal, Associate Broker, Coldwell Banker High Country Realty, the realtor who helped them locate their mountain cabin in Morganton, Georgia.

For mountain living, it’s hard to beat Big Canoe, a beauty spot surrounded by even more natural beauty. Big Canoe’s North gate is 10 miles from Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, home of the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. And just five minutes from

the gates of Big Canoe is Gibbs Gardens, recognized as one of the premier gardens in all of North America.

A bit farther, but still just minutes away, are the 750,000 protected acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest, which features more than 430 miles of trails and 2,200 miles of rivers and streams – 1,370 are trout streams. Just over the Tennessee border, there’s the 640,000-acre Cherokee National Forest, and the 530,000-acre Nantahala National Forest is down the road in North Carolina.

But it’s what’s in Big Canoe that brings people. Not only is it the perfect setting for events, especially weddings and retreats, there’s a range of new and resale homes, priced from $200,000 to $3million+, that attract people looking for retirement homes, vacation homes and second homes. Hundreds of Atlanta families find their weekend getaway homes there. For one of those families, Bob and Carolyn Littell, it’s become their permanent spot of paradise.

In the 1980s, Bob was living and working in Dallas, Texas. He relocated to Atlanta in 1981 as Chief Marketing Officer of an Atlanta-based insurance company. Soon after arriving, he attended a corporate retreat at Big Canoe that had already been planned before he arrived. He can remember saying: “I thought I’d found heaven!”

After returning home from the retreat, he told his wife, Carolyn, about it and on regular intervals over the years that followed, they returned for visits, renting homes for the weekend to catch up on some reading and hike the wonderful trails. What drew them back was an area dubbed “the Enchanted Land” by the Indians, a mountaintop retreat of more than 8,000 pristine acres of

woodlands and lakes.

Cousins Properties in Atlanta began developing the area in the early 1970s. Bill Byrne of the Byrne Corporation of Georgia acquired the development in 1987. In 1997, Greenwood Development Corporation joined forces with Byrne to form the Big Canoe Co., LLC, which still manages Big Canoe today. While the area is carefully developed, about 30 percent of the land is set aside as usable green space.

Initially, the Littells had planned to downsize their Buckhead home and just have a mountain weekend getaway in Big Canoe. But one day Carolyn called Bob and told him, “The dogs and I are moving up to Big Canoe permanently and you’re welcome to join us.” Today, Bob works only a few days out of their condo in Buckhead and then heads north to their mountain sanctuary.

“It is really an amazing place,” Bob said. “And it attracts amazing people, including several retired university presidents, senior executives, and other successful professionals, working and retired.”

The interior of Kathy and Dave Brown’s big cabin in Morganton, GA.

There’s no shortage of activities in Big Canoe. The mountains cradle three lakes that invite swimmers, boaters and fishermen/women to get out in the water and enjoy the natural bounty. More than 300 members play on the indoor and outdoor courts of Big Canoe Tennis Club, one of the area’s finest tennis complexes. For golfers there’s the challenging Mountain Course, a 27-hole championship golf course designed by Joe Lee that winds through picturesque valleys and along rushing streams; it’s been rated as a Top 20 course in Georgia.

“The gorgeous, new clubhouse is a great place to socialize and one of the things I like best about Big Canoe is that you can own a $250,000 weekend get-away cabin and be sitting in the Black Bear Pub talking with someone who owns a $2 million home. Nobody cares,” Bob added. “The common bond is nature and the setting. Most Big Canoe residents check their egos at the door… and their lawnmowers.”

Another couple, Kathleen and Paul Greenlaw, moved

in May 2014 from the Stone Mountain area to Talking Rock in Pickens County. They found their retirement home while searching through online listings, though they were originally looking for a plot of land to park their camper.

Tina Pritchett, Owner/ Broker of Mountain Tracks Realty in Blue Ridge, followed up with them and helped them get everything settled. “Tina was really great,” Paul said, “and she did not pay me to say that!”

The Greenlaws agreed that the best part of living in the mountains is the small communities with little to no traffic, and the abundant wildlife and nature. They enjoy the privacy, peace, relaxation and silence, broken only by singing birds. Being in just the right place up on a mountain affords incredible views, they said, and lets them see amazingly colorful sunsets at night, and the fog shrouded valley in the early morning (if they decide to get up early enough to watch the beautiful sunrise).

There’s a lot they love about their new homestead, and plenty to do, like fishing, hiking, and nature and wildlife photography. Local courses, like the nearby Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course in Elberton, offers great deals for golfers. When they get in the mood to shop, it’s just a 15- or 20-minute drive to get anything they need.

Kathleen and Paul added that one of their favorite activities is sitting on their deck or in the sunroom and watching the wildlife – deer, foxes, turkeys and the

LOOK TO LITTELL TO LIST and SELL!

Carolyn Littell discovered Big Canoe in 1981 and has resided here for the past 15 years. She is a former HOA board member, is passionate about the sense of “Community” Big Canoe offers and has a high sense of urgency. Have an ethical and professional agent in your corner. Carolyn will work hard with YOUR best interests in mind...

Carolyn

occasional bear.

“People are usually ‘wowed’ when they come to visit us. It’s not so much about our house, as it is about our location,” Kathleen said. “We live at 1,700 feet, completely surrounded by woods, nature and wildlife, all on more than five acres.”

Paul shared his advice for people considering a move to the north Georgia mountains. First, make a list of what you really want, what’s really important to you, and prioritize each point.

Questions to consider are: where do you want to be located, and in what kind of setting do you want your mountain home? Do you want to be in the woods, near a lake or on the top of a mountain? Would you like a pond, stream or river on your property? How much acreage would you like to buy? Do you want to live in or near a town, or in the country? Do you want to be able to see your neighbors or not?

Then do some extensive research to find the spot that’s right for you. “We narrowed a list of approximately 100 Internet listings down to a dozen or so and spent two weekends with Mountain Tracks Realty finding the perfect home,” Kathleen said. “Here in the mountains, there are so many possibilities to choose from. The deals are still incredible, but prices are going up. If you are seriously looking for a mountain home, don’t wait! Our home realized a 10 percent increase in value in less than a year.”

The Greenlaws look forward to each day in the mountains and the new things they see, hear and enjoy there, from sunrise to the amazing sunsets¬ – and the incredible amount of stars that the city lights didn’t let them see.

“All this and, should we miss the traffic, we’re less than an hour-and-a-half from Downtown Atlanta,” Paul added with a smile.

This page: You can’t beat the water and mountain views of the mountains and Lake Sconti in Big Canoe, GA.

Head for the Hills

Atlanta Botanical Garden-Gainesville opens to visitors

By Collin Kelley

The Atlanta Botanical Garden has expanded, but not in Midtown. Just an hour and half north of the city, the first phase of the Gainesville outpost of ABG is now open to visitors.

Located on land donated by Charles and Lessie Smithgall, phase one is a little more than five acres, but will eventually grow to 168. The new garden is destined to be one of the largest and most diverse woodland gardens in the country, including the largest conservation nursery in the Southeast on the property.

The Gainesville garden makes for a perfect day trip, or perhaps a stop on leisurely longer one to Lake Lanier or the mountains.

The garden is divided into sections, all easily accessible up gently rolling paved pathways. Just behind the sleek visitors center is the Forest Pond where flowering water lilies and other aquatic plants float and surround the surface.

Also just beyond the visitors center is the Ivester Amphitheater, which will play host to concerts and events on a regular basis. Three of this year’s SunTrust in the Garden concerts are being held in Gainesville, including last month’s Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell show. The Temptations are July 11 and Scott McCreery is July 17. The curving, grassy terraces can seat 2,200 people with ample room to spread out a picnic.

Head up the pathway into the Overlook Garden, which features perennials, shrubs and ornamental trees. Butterflies seemed to particularly enjoy this part of the garden. There’s also comfortable seating along the paths to rest and observe the flora and fauna.

Perhaps the most beautiful section is the Stream Garden, a woodland hillside with a dramatic, cascading waterfall surrounded by wildflowers and hydrangeas. The curving path and series of wooden bridges offer amply places to stop and snap photos.

Kids of all ages will love the Model Train Garden where two large – and impressive sounding trains – chug through a tunnels and twist along their

own garden. In the adjacent Glade Garden, a box of toy trains is available for kids to build their own adventures.

For those who want a longer walk, the half-mile Sourwood Trail and Holly Ridge Trail take visitors into the woods surrounding the garden. Native hollies, rhododendrons, witch hazel and shade trees make for good scenery along the hilly terrain.

The Gainesville garden is also offering regular events such as wine tastings and activities for children. Visit atlantabg.org and click on Gainesville for more details and directions.

only about five acres now, but it will eventually expand to 168 acres. The pathways reveal a colorful expanse of native plants, trees, water features and even a model train garden sure to delight kids of all ages.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville is

Photos by Collin Kelley

Morganton, GA 7BR/5BA $1,749,900

Luxury Mountain Estate on 126 acres. Creekfront, trout pond, 3 car garage with apartment, golf driving range. MLS 245619 Call Teresa Bidez 706-455-2911

Blairsville, GA 5BR/4.5BA $1,100,000 Horse Ranch on 83+ unrestricted acres! Elegant country home, barn, workshop. Moments to Lake Nottely. MLS 247725 Call Dana Nelson 706-835-7906

Ellijay, GA 3BR/2.5BA $619,500

Craftsman style home on 3+ acres1000 ft on Boardtown Creek. 3 fireplaces 3 covered porches, 2 car garage. MLS 247581 Call Donna O’Neal 770-356-9034

Blue Ridge, GA 5BR3.5BA $475,000 Gorgeous creekfront cabin - 1.9 acres on Fightingtown Creek. Perfect family retreat or full time home. MLS 238605 Call Mike Holloway 706-851-7513

Cherry Log, GA 4BR/3.5BA $454,900

Mountain & river view lodge on 2.7 acres. Gated community with deeded river access, paved roads, underground utilities. MLS 246455 Call Mark Reeves 706-455-2418

Blue Ridge, GA 3BR/3BA $448,000

Luxurious LOG home – Million $$ View! Great rental property or year round home. Too many features to list. MLS 248069 Call Mark Engledow 706-633-3988

Mineral Bluff, GA 3BR/3BA $439,900

Panoramic view cabin on 2.9 acres. Double level decks, exterior fireplace. Excellent rental history. MLS 233289 Call Jackie Lumpkin 706-455-1830

Blue Ridge, GA 3BR/3BA $424,999

Renovated 1908 cottage. 2 serene acres, 1BR guest house. Custom furnishings & antiques included. MLS 248430 Call Mark Reeves 706-455-2418

Marble, NC 3BR/3BA $399,900

Two houses on 6+ acres, mountain views. Main house is REAL log home. Multiple outdoor spaces. MLS 248087 Call Jack Shingler 321-279-1049

Blue Ridge, GA 3BR/3.5BA $384,900

Custom built Craftsman style home3.7 acres on noisy Fightingtown Creek. Mountain views too! MLS 246708 Call Teresa Bidez 706-455-2911

Morganton, GA 3BR/3BA $329,900

Incredible long range views of the Cohuttas! Open concept, outdoor fireplace porch. Paved roads. MLS 247942 Call Mark Reeves 706-455-2418

Blue Ridge, GA 5BR/4BA $318,800

Country home on 6+ acres – borders USFS and trout stream. Outbldgs, guest quarters, fenced horse pasture. MLS 242861 Call Jack Cusick 706-994-1203

Blue Ridge, GA 2BR/2BA $259,900

Spacious log-sided cabin – prime rental location. 1.35 acre lot, mtn views, garage and basement. MLS 242431 Call Donna O’Neal 770-356-9034

Mineral Bluff, GA 4BR/2BA $229,000

Stately 1900 Victorian in downtown. Professional kitchen, 5 FPS, 1+ acres, 3 car garage, and MORE. MLS 247124 Call Mark Reeves 706-455-2418

Hiawassee, GA 3BR/3BA $189,900

Great year round mtn view from wrap porch. Minutes from Boundary Waters Marina on Lake Chatuge. MLS 248166 Call Aric Drott 404-219-2000

Cherry Log, GA 3BR/1BA $165,000

Furnished cabin in the woods. Open plan living with 2 bedrooms on the main. Gas fireplace, covered porch. MLS 248471 Call Kimberly Bruner 706-455-5703

Head for the Hills

RENTING YOUR RETREAT

Tips on how to prepare and list your property

So you’ve bought a second home in the mountains, now you have to figure out how to pay for it. Until you retire, that mountain home might only be used on weekends or once a twice a month. One idea is to put the home on the vacation rental market. We asked Bill Gilmore, a Realtor with PalmerHouse Properties and Highlands Cove Realty, to offer up essential tips for those who are considering renting their investment.

Qualifying Your Property for Rental

• Understand any rental restrictions in your property covenants

• Review your mortgage for rental restrictions

• Review your insurance policy to ensure coverage

• Know your state and county taxes you must charge for

St� your Mountain Home search wi�

Experience Matters

lodging

• Talk to your tax advisor about your new business

• Determine if an LLC (limited liability company) should be established

• Create your rental agreement with a lawyer

Marketing Your Home

• Use VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) to see what is renting in your area

• Set your rental price based on market demand and seasonal considerations

• Highlight your unique features such as view, lake, golf, etc.

• If clients can utilize your club amenities, set the fee structure

• Make the most of your photos to market your home

• Simplify and define your home for ease of use

• Decide if you will allow pets

• Define total number of guests allowed

• Is your home child friendly? Don’t be afraid to say no.

The Owners Practical Advice

• Create a secure storage facility to stow items that are not intended for clients

• Cleaning is essential

• Consolidate maintenance agreements on all appliances

• Do you need to have two sets of washers and dryers to finish laundry?

• Provide all cleaning agentsscent free and hypoallergenic

• Define your brand with sheets, toweling, bath soaps and shampoo’s

• Consider all white towels and sheets so everything can go in the same load

• Create booklets on how to operate the home, recommended restaurants, etc.

• Email with the clients via the web site for concise communications.

Consult Your CPA for Tax Advice

• Understand the depreciation on the home, furnishings and fixtures

• Are you qualified for depreciation based on hotel rules?

• Log your time spent on renting, fixing and readying your home

• Save receipts for all expenses

• Consider getting one credit card for all related expenses

• Document mileage for all related activity on the rental property

Head for the Hills

WHITEWATER FUN

Nantahala Outdoor Center hosting special summer events

Just an hour northwest of Highlands, NC, the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) has a summer of events on tap for families, vacationers and whitewater paddlers. There’s something for guests of all ages and skill levels to enjoy during the months of July, August and September along the banks of the river. Multi-day adventures are available for visitors interested in rafting or zip lining by day and then relaxing overnight in one of NOC’s newly renovated cabins, bunkhouses or a resort lodge with convenient access to campus activities.

NOC’s Sizzlin’ 4th of July

Beyond whitewater rafting and zip lining, event highlights include free live music July 3-5, a major sale at NOC’s Outfitter’s Store and much more.

Whitewater Junior Olympics

Nantahala Racing Club, the nonprofit partner of NOC, hosts paddlers ages 18 and under for the 2015 Whitewater Junior Olympics July 2426. This national-level youth event features slalom, downriver and freestyle competitions. Family-friendly and fun for beginner through advanced paddlers, it’s a great opportunity for kids to meet

young paddlers and families from around the country and get inspired about whitewater.

ICF Junior & U23 Whitewater Canoeing World Championships

The International Canoe Federation's Wildwater Canoeing World Championships provides juniors and young adults under 23 with the opportunity to compete internationally in the wildwater discipline. Wildwater racing consists of individuals and teams racing from one point on the river to another point. The races take place Aug. 2-7.

Paddle Grapple

Participants in the Sept. 6 event choose from stand-up paddleboard, surfski, marathon, kayak or canoe classes in this race on Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains. With 3 and 6 mile race options available, the Paddle Grapple has something for every boater, whether recreational or elite.

Guest Appreciation Festival

(GAF) & Bike Trials: September 25-27

The weekend of Sept. 25-27 includes craft vendors and family-friendly

activities including corn hole, giant Jenga, face painting, a bounce house and more. After rafting and zip lining guests can dance to live music on the banks of the

For the complete event schedule and more information, visit noc.com/ events.

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Nantahala River.

Special Whitewater rafting along the Nantahala River.

Scott Askew, President of Engel & Volkers Intown Atlanta, gets a flame exchange as he prepares to run with the torch for the Special Olympics. Askew said he was “proud and humbled” to be carrying the torch.

Atlanta photographer Diane Kirkland won the 2015 National Wetlands Awards Grand Prize for her photograph of the Okefenokee Swamp. The awards ceremony, sponsored by the Environmental Law Institute took place in May at the U.S. Botanical Garden in Washington DC.

MORNINGSIDE - Not your typical 1920s tudor! Original tile floor in Grand Salon/LR. Separate Library, Family Room and Sun Porch, too. Guest BR suite on the main. Mst plus 2 BRs up. 4Bed/3.5Bath $769,900 FMLS: 5523122 Sally Westmoreland 404-354-4845

MORNINGSIDE - Exceptional Mid-Century Modern home on over 3.27 acres of beautiful private hardwood forest. Bright, open, well lit space - a bird watcher, nature lover paradise. 4Bed/3Bath $1,100,000 FMLS: 5549229 Clarke Weeks 404-932-0391

DECATUR - Gorgeous Stoney River resale, only 1.5 years old! Fantastic Decatur neighborhood on a quiet dead end street.

4Bed/3.5Bath $759,900

FMLS: 5543335

Erin Fye 404-771-9822

MORNINGSIDE - Move right in to this charming home - steps from Noble Park! Recently renovated kitchen w/huge eat-in area opens to the lovely deck overlooking the private backyard. 4Bed/3Bath $750,000 FMLS: 5549054 Cindy Hulbert 404-597-9984

MIDTOWN - You will love the feeling of space afforded by the almost 10’ ceilings with custom moldings and antique light fixtures. Enjoy the serenity of the lovely sunroom and large screened in porch. 3Bed/1.5Bath $449,900 FMLS: 5525255 Rhonda St. Peters 816-308-6266

OAKHURST – Latest home underway by Stoney River Homes! Awesome floorplan, abundance of space, drive under garage & finished lower level, all on large sunny lot!

6Bed/5Bath $899,900 FMLS: 5538765

Kathleen Sickeler 404-368-3234

DRUID HILLS - Hidden gem in Druid Hills. One level living. Very private, French provincial, French doors everywhere, courtyard, and a real designated master bedroom.

4Bed/3.5Bath

BUCKHEAD - Beautifully Renovated. Over 1600 sf. 2 Separate Bedroom Suites. Gourmet Kitchen. Great Balcony Views. Huge Deeded Storage Room. 2Bed/2Bath $209,000

FMLS: 5519398

Warren Lambert 404-403-4255

INTOWN - White Provision. Stunning Floorplan. Gourmet Kitchen. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows. Walk-Out Balcony. Prime Location.

2Bed/2Bath $369,900

FMLS: 5545646

Rea Kelly 404-428-9929

MIDTOWN - 1010 Midtown. Spectacular Views. Hardwood Floors. Gorgeous Kitchen. Two Covered Parking Spaces. Outstanding Location. 2Bed/2Bath $489,500

FMLS: 5525482

Ben Harris 404-509-1181

MIDTOWN - Renovated Mid-Century Landmark Jewel. Entertainer’s Home w/Chef’s Kitchen. Whole-House Audio System. Soaring Ceilings. Romantic Courtyard.

3Bed/3Bath $974,900 FMLS: 5382896

Marc Castillo 404-449-6862

EMORY/CDC - Linden Place Townhomes - New Construction. Two-Car Garage. Gourmet kitchen. Granite c-tops. S/S Appliances. Open Floor Plan. 3&4 Bed/3.5Bath. Starting at $399,900. FMLS: 5312121

Allen Snow 404-931-1176

INTOWN - The Stacks. 1st Floor Location w/ Custom Loft. Lots of Light. Concrete Floors. Stained Cabinets. Huge Laundry-Storage Room. 1Bed/1Bath $205,000

FMLS: 5547092

Tonya Marlatt 404-518-8787

MIDTOWN – Mayfair. Large Bedroom w/Bright Open Floorplan. Hardwood Floors. Walk out Balcony. Awesome Amenities. Walk to Everything. 1Bed/Bath $186,500

FMLS: 5544509

Ben Harris 404-509-1181