Sign up now to get our Daily Breaking News Alerts
We’ve listed the new developer’s response below
Atlantic Station is getting a face lift Joan Rivers would envy.
Or at least that’s the vibe the new developers for the Midtown development are putting off.
North American Properties has actively listened to your suggestions about the direction Atlantic Station should take to be successful.
Among those listening is Mark Toro, a partner at North American Properties of Cincinnati, one of the “live-work-play” complex’s new owners.
Geisha House closing Sunday marks another milestone in Atlantic Station’s “evolution.” This is “the first part of our commitment to shut down the night club operations,” said Toro.
But will the new developers follow through?
Walter Woods, vice president and director of real estate practice for Cohn & Wolfe, put together a response entitled, “Atlantic Station: What We Heard.”
Between 300 and 400 comments have been collected through Twitter, Facebook, blogs and news sites, according to spokesman Walter Woods.
What Now Atlanta accounts for more than 200 comments of that received input (read those here and here).
“The response has been smart, honest and overwhelming,” said Woods.
Woods outlined the four major themes that have sparked the direction Atlantic Station will take as they evolve: Security, a better experience, intown, and a “no mall, no corporate” policy:
Theme One: Security.
Make it feel safer, more welcoming, more comfortable, for everyone, day and night
What you said:
“I hope they increase the security presence, especially at night, to deter the wanna be … criminals from hanging out there and ruining it …”
“… it is the wrong crowd they are bringing in now … got to bring in the right people so the retail/restaurants can make some money …”
“The first step for the new owners should be improved security. Higher visibility of APD… is a must.”
“Security is an issue. Whether there are incidents or not, the lack of security is perceived as a major concern…”
“It now reminds me of a bad urban mall scene. The last few times I went by it looked like it was overrun by truant kids…”
Our response:
We hear you. We’re implementing the Midtown Blue safety model. We’re closing the night club scene and eliminating loitering. We’ve reached out to Mayor Reed and the police chief to help us make Atlantic Station a safe experience for everyone. And if you feel uncomfortable, or see something you don’t like, let us know right away.
Theme Two: A better experience.
Improved parking. Easier access. New ideas. More offerings.
What you said:
“… free parking. Get that done and we can talk …”
“Parking is an absolute nightmare … I’ve worked here for 5 years but still get lost in the garage. More detailed signs explaining what stores/restaurants are at that stairwell …
“… more accessible to public transportation …”
“I think they should put in a skating rink …”
“Irish style pub, bocce courts …”
“ … a farmers market … for intown …”
“.. street performers (with) more of an ‘edge’…”
“Have they thought about booking regional bands/performers to play on weekend nights? I think jazz or even some all ages jam bands could be fun in the summer months …”
“One more thing – what about commissioning a local artist or two to create some ‘interactive art’ for Atlantic Station? It would be fun to have a cool statue or something…”
Our Response:
Bingo! Job one is to improve the guest experience, from the parking deck to public spaces to the vibe on the streets. Look for common sense, user friendly upgrades to the center’s look and feel, as well as new experiences you won’t see anywhere else in the city.
Theme Three: Intown
Make it modern. Make it cool. Make it something Midtown and intown Atlanta will respond to.
What you said:
“I would love to see an effort to reach out to people looking for an urban experience …”
“… just give it more character and make it a major destination with a more authentic urban experience. After all, it is in the middle of the city …”
“Maybe those of us in midtown or the west side don’t want to go to Buckhead or the Perimeter area!”
“Seems to me there’s plenty of quality, reasonably priced restaurants around town that would warrant a second location”
“I like AS and want it to succeed. But I wish they’d work on linking it up better to the Westside.”
“Has anyone checked out the jewelry stands in VaHi? I’d even like some of the New York Central Park type vendors who sell hats, scarves, pictures of Atlanta pre-framed for the tourist, etc…”
“New Orleans, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and European cities … would be great models for AS: local, trendy, family, upscale and fun …
“AS needs to attracts all people: gay, straight, Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, young, old, student, professional, tourist, singles, families …”
Our response:
Exactly. We’re reaching out to our neighbors like SCAD and Georgia Tech, the Midtown Alliance and Piedmont Park to welcome the creative, diverse intown neighborhoods. We want people from Old Fourth Ward to West Midtown to come here and enjoy a new experience like you find in the coolest cities in the world.
Theme Four: No mall. No corporate.
Make it local – local retailers & local restaurants from local operators.
What you said:
“I don’t want to feel like I’m at an outdoor … mall …”
“… Get local businesses in Atlantic Station! …”
“Something unique and fun, but not snotty …”
“Better restaurants – local ones, not crappy chains …”
“Revamping ALL of the restaurants is definitely in order … Local, unique restaurants would be great.”
“Retail chains, only if they are unique to Atlanta– and NO more restaurant chains please… and finally, consider banning anyone from OTP– just kidding… sort of…”
Our Response:
We agree. We want the coolest boutiques, most innovative chefs and risk-taking operators to open their concepts here – and we’re looking around town and in cities like Austin, Seattle and Denver to find them.
We can’t thank you enough for your responses. And remember, this is just step one. We’ll be seeking your input constantly as we continue to evolve Atlantic Station into THE center for Intown Atlanta. Stay tuned
What are your thoughts of the new developers progress so far?– tell us!
(Amy Wenk with Midtown Patch contributed to this report)