Bargains for Charity

Cathedral Thrift House marks 70th year of selling quality goods to the community

By Mary Bondurant

The Cathedral of St. Philip Thrift House, which began in 1947 in a church basement, has grown into a 6,600-squarefoot warehouse, but its mission to serve the community by selling quality goods at affordable prices remains the same. So does giving 100 percent of the profits back to local charities.

Most of the donations to the Cathedral Thrift House come from parishioners of the church on Peachtree Road in Buckhead. As a result, the Thrift House and its customers see a wide range of high-quality inventory, from Baccarat crystal and collectible tea sets wonderful customers from Morningside, Midtown and Buckhead,” says Thrift House manager Nellie Holleman. “Not only do they buy from us, but their generous donations support us. We take great pride in having an extremely talented group of antique dealers who work in the area and visit us daily. Yes, they also buy from us, but always take the time to give advice on pricing, history and wonderful little tidbits which help to enhance our merchandise.” to Brooks Brothers suits, Cole Hahn shoes and the occasional Prada handbag, as well as more standard thrift store items. All of the items are sold well below retail price. Their larger quarters at 1893 Piedmont Road now allow them to offer more furniture, rugs and artwork.

The Cathedral Thrift House also serves the community by welcoming its homeless neighbors with a kind word, a warm jacket or a set of clean clothes. Since 2000, the Thrift House has donated over $1.1 million to the community and church. Recent recipients include the Emmaus House, which serves the residents of the Peoplestown neighborhood near Turner Field, The Church of the Common Ground, Open Door Community, The Road and the Beacon of Hope Learning Center.

“Our eclectic customers and merchandise truly set us apart,” Holleman says.

“We are fortunate to have so many

“We have something for everyone, from an unbelievable selection of books, music, art and jewelry to an equally great offering of children’s clothing and toys. A beautiful selection of furniture, rugs, porcelains, linens, unique kitchenware, fabulous men’s and women’s clothing and shoes. All in one beautiful spot.”

The Cathedral Thrift House is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Information: (404) 876-5440.

Neighborhood Hot List: Reynoldstown

The Reynoldstown neighborhood west of Downtown was settled after the Civil War by freed slaves who were employed by the railroad. Madison and Sarah Reynolds were among the first ex-slaves to move to the area, and it is believed that the community was named for them. Today, Reynoldstown has become one of Intown’s real estate hotspots thanks to its varied housing and buildings as well at its location on the Atlanta BeltLine.

The former dairy plant on Memorial Drive will be transformed into a mixeduse entertainment-driven development with music venues, retail, restaurants, office space and homes.

The nonprofit dedicated to preserving Atlanta’s tree canopy, as well as working with the BeltLine on an arboretum project, has its headquarters and meeting space in Reynoldstown.

The Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail cuts through the heart of the neighborhood and will eventually be paved all the way to Memorial Drive. A performing arts stage is planned for the trail in Reynoldstown.

The Reynoldstown Civic Improvement League has voted in favor of Fuqua Development’s new mixed-use development, Madison Yards, at 905 Memorial Drive. The 17.5 acre site, the former Legget and Platt warehouse facility, is at the corner of Bill Kennedy Way. The plan calls for a grocery store, an eightscreen theater, a fitness center, retail space, office space, restaurants, and 700 apartments and condos.