Atlantic Station responds to What Now Atlanta reader’s suggestions for change

Sign up now to get our Daily Breaking News Alerts

Opt out at anytime

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)

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

56 Responses

  1. Can we please, pretty please have another Millennium arch? Just kidding. Can we please implode the one we have?

  2. What are all of the comments about the “wrong crowd” and need for improved security about? It sounds, to me, like veiled racial comments. Between those comments and those about improved and more free parking it sounds like the What Now Atlanta readers want a sterilized mall for Midtown.

    Honestly, I think Atlantic Station already feels too sterilized. The mall cops lurking all over do not make me feel safer, but rather make Atlantic Station feel less authentic and far too contrived and programmed.

  3. More bike racks, please. There is no reason bikes should only be allowed to park at one of the very few, inconveniently located racks. Other successful developments, not to mention actual neighborhood shopping areas, allow cyclists to park in front of the store they’re going to- not at a rack hidden behind the escalators 2 blocks away. In general, please consider visitors that arrive by modes of transportation other than driving. Make the bridge more appealing to pedestrians (provide shade!). Thank you.

  4. Hey Randy, have you actually attempted to go to AS at night? Are you suggesting that to feel fearful for your personal safety is an even trade for an “authentic” experience? You’ve read about the crime, and the shootings, right?

    To ask for more security to minimize chances of, you know, getting KILLED is selling out? Enough with your politically correct manure. Safety is safety. It’s woefully lacking at Atlantic Station. It’s why lots of us stay the hell out of there on nights and weekends.

    Don’t be an idiot.

  5. great to see the idea of a farmer’s market thrown around… I would love to see that for the intown residents!

  6. I’m going to be honest, and I know I’m probably asking for a stoning by saying this, but I actually think that Atlantic Station should have been developed as an enclosed mall/mixed use development. But I’m not talking about your typical generic suburban mall which is nothing but stores:

    Here’s my “Atlantic Station That Could Have Been”:

    Yes, GASP, a mall. But with a mix of national and local retailers, to make it unique to others in the area. To the “no mall/no corporate” crowd, don’t get me wrong. I’m all for supporting local businesses. But let’s be realistic too. The reason why stores like Gap, Banana Republic, and Victoria’s Secret pop up everywhere is because people like to shop at those stores. Also, you have to remember that when it comes to shopping, Atlanta is very mall-centric. Sure, it would be awesome to have a Fifth Avenue/Magnificent Mile/Nicollet Street type experience, but I just don’t realistically see it happening here any time soon. Also, by “mall”, I’m thinking more along the lines of the Houston Galleria in Texas, where it’s not only just a mall, but it also serves as a link between several office, hotel, and condo buildings. And of course, this complex would include things like a grocery store and entertainment district with a movie theater and tasteful nightlife. As for artwork, I think that’s a very important aspect as well. My inspiration for architecture and design would be another Texas mall, Dallas’ NorthPark Center. There, the architecture is clean and understated in a way that accentuates the many pieces of art and sculptures scattered throughout the mall. NPC is almost like a half-mall, half-art museum.

    And then, the surrounding area would have single-family homes, apartment complexes, and town homes, much like the periphery of AS has now.

    I would even go so far as to say that a new, larger Amtrak station could’ve been built, but I don’t know if we have enough rail travel in and out of Atlanta to justify having such a large station.

    You could say my idea is a little to EPCOT-esque or suburban-ish for some people’s liking, especially those in-town, but I just think it would’ve been more effective than what’s there now. (Those who know the history of how Walt Disney World was planned originally would know what I mean by “EPCOT-esque”.) I personally would’ve rather them had just built something like what I just described instead of a faux streetscape.

  7. Randy,

    You’re the first person who’s mentioned race. You think asking for greater police presence to decrease crime is veiled racism? If you do then you the one connecting race to crime which actually makes you the racist.

  8. Randy, I’m going to have to agree with Benji. You’ve been to AS at night, so you know exactly what the demographic is. These aren’t veiled “racial” comments, as the same comment would be made if the overwhelming majority of the crowd were Asian, African American, Russian, Italian, Argentinean, Indian, or Peruvian. The fact of the matter is that Atlantic Station is swamped with no good loiterers and criminals. I don’t think “midtowners” want a sterilized mall – I for one would love more diversity in-town – but I’m pretty sure I’d take a little sterilization over obnoxious loiterers and criminals hanging around.

    First, I don’t think you can ever really “overhaul” AS into something that truly functions like an in-town neighborhood, unless you fill all of the residential out with a mixed demographic. If you do that, then you might have a chance for the area of AS that is built in a mixed-use nature. The unfortunate thing here is that you’re going to have to change the nature of the people that hang around AS first, and then you’ll probably start to get some traction on leasing the retail space. What also needs to be done is to connect AS to the rest of the city via some sort of public transport, so that it becomes accessible – maybe a MARTA line that runs from Lindbergh to AS, and then down through West Midtown. To be truthful, if that were to ever happen, it would be best not to extend that line any further south than 10th street – at least in the initial phase.

    I think it kind of sucks that you’re going to have an owner that appears to want to lay down an iron fist on nightclubs, as a good/reputable nightclub can be a decent attraction that brings in at night for something other than just a meal. I’d love to see AS succeed, or at least become mildly popular, but I’m cynical, simply because master planned communities rarely turn into urban success stories.

  9. The changes to come sound great for the most part. I am a little worried about theme four that AS may become to niche specific. Some corporate stores and/or restaurants are good like an apple store or California pizza kitchen which are not available in Atlanta at every turn. Some smaller corporate retailers would be a good fit in AS.

  10. “…a good/reputable nightclub can be a decent attraction that brings in at night for something other than just a meal.”

    Having lived in Atlanta for quite a while, I know what clubs bring and it isn’t worth the trouble to put them in at Atlantic Station. Have you ever driven down Cheshire Bridge road on a weekend night? Clubb Rain is off the hook with BBQ grillz smoking, a mile long line to get up in the club and cars driving all crazy through the parking lots. The next morning you’re greeted with trashed parking lots and smashed streetlights where the Impala jumped the curb…it is just great for the neighborhood.

  11. I’m impressed. I think this whole effort to use comment threads and Facebook as a way to get input from AS patrons has been a great idea. I’ve enjoyed reading the comments and I’m looking forward to seeing some positive changes.

    My family considered AS as a home during our last condo move a few months ago but we decided to go elsewhere intown. We enjoy visiting here and do so often — we had a nice time there this last Friday evening for dinner and shopping — but it isn’t quite right for us yet as a home. Maybe someday.

    One more request: I know there are people who would prefer to keep families with kids out of AS, but that just isn’t realistic given the changing demographics of Midtown. I say go with the flow and encourage the development of a public park that has a playground. Lots of intown neighborhoods (ViHi, Poncey Highland, Inman Park) successfully straddle the line between providing kid-friendly spaces and adult night spots. Having that duality is pretty much a key element of any intown area now.

  12. I agree with the “less chains” comments. If I need to get something from The Gap or Victoria’s Secret, there are MANY other locations in town to visit. The reasons I DO go to Atlantic Station: The movie theater is great and I like West Elm (Yes, it’s a chain, but there this is the only one in Atlanta). I also agree with the free parking sentiments. Having to pay to park to go shopping is a deal-breaker for me. I’d also LOVE to see more trees and plant life incorporated into the design. Don’t forget, that’s why L.A.’s shopping districts are so pretty.

  13. Yes, to whoever said we need to make that bridge more appealing. No shade in the summer makes it feel like you have to walk over a dune in the dessert to get to Atlantic Station. Can we get some trees? Pretty, pretty please?
    Thinks lots of green. Like the 5th street bridge at GA Tech(http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecosdesign/2950305164/) Just make sure we still get to walk up to the edges for the really great views 🙂

  14. Brenda,

    I’m not familiar with Club Rain. I am familiar with Aurum, as well as Halo, both of which are right in the middle of Midtown proper, and are positive contributions to the neighborhood. Not every nightclub is a problem, and Atlanta could use more upscale, unique nightlife options. Having another Sweetwater, Hudson Grill, Taco Mac, or Gordon Biersch would be miserable…Hasn’t this city reached its saturation point for chicken wings and beer?

  15. Hasn’t this city reached its saturation point for chicken wings and beer?
    Considering all that seems to open up in Atlanta are Taquerias, Hamburger stands and frozen yogurt emporiums…I’d say not quite yet.

  16. “Having another Sweetwater, Hudson Grill, Taco Mac, or Gordon Biersch would be miserable…Hasn’t this city reached its saturation point for chicken wings and beer?”

    Heck no. ATL eats this $hit up. Sometimes literally. An adventurous menu will not be supported in AS nor anywhere else in ATL.

    The problem with AS is that it is branded already, no make over can change the demographics coming here from out of town. No one who lives intown comes here. Raze it like Buckhead and start over in a year or two.

  17. While I can appreciate the clamor for AS being filled with local boutiques, restaurants, etc., do any of you actually read the postings on this and other sites? How often is the lead story about a boutique closing down due lack of customers, when was the last time a truly unique restaurant opened here and thrived? In general Atlanta likes the tried and true; which could also be read as tired and true.
    In addition without larger stores taking up some substantial square footage rents would be well beyond what an independent shop could bear.
    Sadly I’m thinking the most likely outcome for the project is as a lesson in what not to do with the former GM plant.

  18. RE: Scott’s “when was the last time a truly unique restaurant opened here and thrived? In general Atlanta likes the tried and true; which could also be read as tired and true.”

    I get your frustration and I’ve felt that way about Atlanta from time to time. But I think you’re selling Atlantans a little short. Some unique places do work here. Some of my favorite unique & thriving Atlanta restaurants:

    Social Resto
    Victory Sandwich Bar
    Sound Table
    Holman & Finch
    Leon’s Full Service
    Taqueria Del Sol

    Also, I’ll put in my vote for the idea of shade on the 17th street bridge. I’d like to have a more pleasant experience walking that route.

  19. The key is connectivity. I live right at 17th and Peachtree which is what, three blocks from AS? And I don’t feel even remotely safe walking it, half of that is because the bridge is so uninviting, look to the new 14th street bridge as an example of what it should be. If I have to get in my car and drive anyway I might as well keep going to Lenox the NUMBER ONE INCENTIVE to get midtowners into AS is feeling connected and walkable to the rest of Midtown. Also, a Dean and Deluca would be AMAZING or even a Whole Foods, that Publix will never compete with Plaza Midtown and Ansley for most Midtown residents business. Rumors are swirling about a new upscale grocer entering the Atlanta market, don’t know who it is but AS should be all over it. Also, what about a 16th street pedestrian bridge to increase connectivity to Midtown? I’m sure the DOT red tape would be daunting though.

  20. Yes, some shade on the 17th Street bridge, please. It’s hot about six months a year down here. I often don’t feel like being bothered with the crowds and waiting the shuttle involves, so I just walk back to Arts Center after I go to the AS Target. It would be nice to have a little break from the sun on the walk across the bridge.

    Some seating would be good too, too. That’s actually a really nice spot to look at the skyline. Surely there’s a type and configuration of seating that would be comfortable for people to just sit on for a little while, but which would make it uninviting to sleep on.

    By the way, what are those things overhead on the bridge supposed to be? They’re obviously not for shade…Are they?

  21. Tres, Atlanta has an entirely different demographic than DFW. DFW has a very upscale side of people who like Dallas and are a part of the city. Here, the upscale go out of the way to avoid Atlanta, and for good reason. Indeed, even the middle class also want to avoid the city aka Dunwoody and Sandy Springs. That leaves us with a couple of small groups of people who could frequent the location. The new owners say they want the intown Atlantan, but I’m afraid there aren’t enough of them who have disposable money to support AS. Even in the “coolest” town in Earth (Austin) the upscale development is not in downtown Austin, which is far nicer than Atlanta.

  22. Old South I’m going to guess you live in the mentioned Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or some other sterile, boring, cookie cutter suburb because you could not be more wrong about the demographics of Midtown. 155,000 people within three miles of Atlantic Station, 355,232 within five miles,$92,500 average household income, average age, 35. 30309 the zip code directly across from AS which includes much if not all of Ansley Park is one of the most affluent in Metro Atlanta, i’m sure they have enough disposable income to handle a little shopping. Have you been intown since the 80’s? The area around Atlantic Station is one of the most affluent and educated in the state of Georgia.

  23. Randy,
    let’s just agree that there are reasons why there are no new restaurants and shops at West End and in College Park and East Point. I’ll leave it to you to decide what those reasons are.

  24. I agree with JT: There is a TON of money intown — think of these neighborhoods: Druid Hills, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ansley Park, Va-Hi, Midtown. Find me a three bedroom home that goes for less than $400,000 in any of those neighborhoods. Even after the recession, I BET YOU CAN’T! Where do those folks shop for clothes, furniture, etc? That’s right. Both major chains and Atlanta’s unique places like Kudzu Antiques, the Westside, etc. It always flummoxes me whenever people say there’s no money intown. Then why can’t I afford a home in Va-Hi? Even after the recession, bungalows and McMansions in Va-Hi are going for way more money than ranch homes in Sandy Springs. Don’t forget people moving into condos in Midtown, on the Westside, Collier Hills and other nearby neighborhoods. I think their money is just as green as Buckhead Betty’s or Dunwoody Debbie’s. One example of why the area may have more money than it gets credit for: Target is a chain famous for rarely closing a store because it does so much research on its target market before opening in a new store. The chain opened two stores intown in the last few years: one at Atlantic Station; the other in the Edgewood Shopping Center on Moreland (by the way, that center seems to be fine and is in a very diverse area). So far, both Target stores seem to be fine. So who is spending money there if not the locals?

  25. “Have you been intown since the 80′s?”

    I have. Nevertheless, I am asking is it really feasible for something as large as AS to not need to draw in residents from outside the city limits of Atlanta? I don’t think it is. In Dallas, as the poster I was talking about made a reference, there aren’t many malls unitl you get away from the city. Galleria and Northpark are it. Here you have Lenox, and Phipps, and whatever becomes of the streets in Buckead. Then you will also have Atlantic Station, which is not a small place. That’s a lot of stuff even by Texas standards.

  26. “Having another Sweetwater, Hudson Grill, Taco Mac, or Gordon Biersch would be miserable…Hasn’t this city reached its saturation point for chicken wings and beer?”

    I think a Flying Saucer would be a great addition. For all the restaurants there really aren’t any where you can enjoy anything more exotic than a Sam Adams. At least Wild Wing Cafe and Taco Mac are family friendly. I’m hoping if Fox Sports and that awful Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro don’t make it, something with a decent atmosphere and menu can replace them.

    As it stands, we live across the street and dont shop or dine there often. With the frequent muggings along 16th, 17th, Mecaslin and between Atlantic Station and Ga. Tech it isn’t safe to walk in the area. Once we are in our car and driving, it’s just as easy to continue on to Six Feet Under, Ormsby’s, Taco Mac or Steamhouse. Once we’re in the car, they’ve lost us.

    There are tons of students and young professionals nearby, we’d love to walk there and enjoy it. It’s just too dangerous. It isn’t all AS, the condos, apartments and nearby neighborhoods need to step up on-site security patrols and APD presence. If the muggers aren’t in AS, they’re nearby waiting for people to leave or make the walk (death march) between Ga. Tech and neighborhoods bordering Atlantic Station.

    Family friendly shouldn’t be exclusive to OTP. Many young couples start their families here. Many opted to move intown and avoid the long commutes in favor of a more pedestrian and green lifestyle. It was good in theory but the crime is forcing many of us to reconsider.

  27. The 355,000 people within 5 miles will support Atlantic Station. Lenox and Phipps are at least 6 miles from Midtown so all those people would go to AS over Buckhead. It’s also widely known that the Buckhead malls pull mainly from the north, nearly all the way to Perimeter malls doorstep, they have little to no bearing on Midtown which is widely considered to be vastly underserved by retail even with AS. The ideal scenario for me would be AS realizing it’s local vision and some of the nicer chains like Banana Republic, maybe even Gap, Guess and H&M if they leave as well relocate to the Midtown Mile because they still have a market in Midtown.

  28. JT- I think there is a lot of wishful thinking in your post. There is an intown market for sure, mainly the east side down Ponce, but AS is a huge place. I’ve outstayed my welcome, but it will be interesting to see what happens over the next few years.

  29. Randy A.

    Atlanta is a big city but it is still in Georgia. Unfortunately there are very few issues in which race is not just under the surface.

    Are there problems with loitering on weekend nights? ABSOLUTELY! But to read the level vitriol about this place is clearly rooted in the racial polarization that characterizes this big southern town. One would think that weekend problem is the standard from sun up to sun down, all week long.

  30. I think Atlantic Station has great potential. My wife and I are seriously considering moving out of suburbia and into a nice condo in midtown. The Atlantic Residences is a strong contender for us. Exiting the revolving door of the building out on to 17th street and crossing over into Atlantic Station on a Saturday night seems super cool at first. We made the rounds and walked the entire perimeter of the area. We ended up sitting out on the patio at Cafe Nineteen. We’re liking the vibe but our conversation turns to the question “would buying a condo here be a good investment?” We look around. Some folks want to say the demographic is skewed a particular way. What they’re probably scared to say is that there are a lot of black folks around. You see, I’m cool with that. If it were a majority of Korean folks around I’d be cool with that too. What we notice more than anything is not necessarily the ethnicity of folks around us as much as the AGE of folks around us. I’m not trying to be all old fuddy duddy or anything but people know that more likely than not kids aren’t out spending a whole lot of money on anything. In order for businesses to thrive they need people to not only be attracted to the area but have the cash ready to spend. If the businesses are solid then people like us will be more inclined to see it as a good investment opportunity. Don’t get me wrong though- we’re not in it for just the investment. We’re looking to submerse ourselves into the midtown lifestyle. The biggest thing lacking in Atlantic Station for us is flavor. For example, if you leave the 1010 Midtown building on peachtree and walk one short block east on 12th street you hit Einsteins. That place is cool. That’s the flavor we’re talking about. So there is a formidable contingent of gay folks around. So be it. Hell that’s probably exactly what Atlantic Station needs. That restaurant had awesome food and a cool vibe. The music was way too loud at first but we started to get our groove on eventually. Anyway, I think Atlantic Station has a good start with places like that Kilwin’s chocolate joint, Dolce, Cafe Nineteen and a few others.

    What’s the general consensus on what is bringing the kids to the area? Is it the bowling alley or that Geisha place? Or is it that Atlantic Station just happened to fill another void of places to see and be seen?

    At the end of the day if the current owners and powers that be can make this more of a boutique type shopping destination with multiple local restaurants serving up seriously good food this place can not only survive but do very well.

    I hope those of us who wholeheartedly wants Atlantic Station to thrive and succeed continue to provide feedback like the above so that the decision makers have something to work with. For those folks thinking Atlantic Station is doomed I hope you’re wrong.

  31. I have and still live In AS. I love it and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Been here for 3 years, walk up and down the streets all the time. Most of the crime that I have seen is In the home park area not in Atlantic station. Common sense is what’s lacking that contributes to this crimes. This is city living and it does not make sense to take a stroll down the block at 3 in the morning. Nothing good happens after dark. I’m anxious to see some of the changes.

  32. @Lee, “formidable contingent of gay folks around”? Seriously? If you’re going to live in town, please don’t call the folks that made Midtown what it is today “formidable.” That’s a very suburban description indeed.

  33. @Jonathan – sorry for the offense. I suppose a different adjective could have been used because I certainly didn’t mean to imply we were afraid or full of dread. I only meant to convey that there is an obvious and impressive representation of gay people in the area. It’s all love baby.

  34. formidable (comparative more formidable, superlative most formidable)
    causing fear, dread, awe or admiration as a result of size, strength, or some other impressive quality; commanding respect

    You obviously intended the more positive elements of the definition 🙂

  35. A common comment about AS I hear is “overpriced”. It’s not that people don’t mind spending money, they want value for their money. Rosa Mexicano is expensive but the food is no better than El Azteca (and I love El Azteca and prefer their prices!). I think something like Eclipse di Luna would be more fun and successful there because it’s expensive but still a good value. Strip has the same issue. I would love to see something like Bone’s there.

  36. It is exciting to see the Intown community come together and share ideas in this forum and we are truly grateful for the feedback.

    We have, and will continue to, incorporate many of the ideas posted by our neighbors into the evolution of Atlantic Station. For example, valet parking was reinstated Feb 15, the first nightclub was closed Mar 6 and we will bring property-wide WiFi to you on Mar 15. Food trucks and street performers have already changed the “street life” at Atlantic Station and we’ve begun to study different shuttle routes, completed the redesign of our parking signage and we are working to retool the outdoor market and event schedule this summer.

    Local flavor is on our radar screen, whether it is in restaurant and retail offerings, or performers and events.

    We have addressed the public safety perception issue, installing the Midtown Blue model, and you will see changes In coming weeks.

    Whereas there is still much to do to help Atlantic Station reach it’s potential, we are exceedingly appreciative of how engaged the community has been, thus far.

    Keep those great ideas coming !!!

  37. Myself and a couple other members of the Twelve Resident Advisory Committee, after being inspired by Mark Toro words and energy, decided it was time to eat in our neighborhood and contribute to “the change” of Atlantic Station; but what a joke. Absolutely no diversity. We felt more uncomfortable than ever and left Atlantic Station and went to Yeah Burger! But, there was a line 50 feet out the door, so we went to Ormsby’s and had a great time as usual.

    Do you think that Kilwin’s franchisee instructions include blasting house music? Enough said.

    Mr. Toro, do you want to know where the 25,000 Ga Tech students are spending their money? Go to Yeah burger and Ormsby’s Saturday night.

  38. Well, I hate to see a thread get stalled on a negative note, when such positive potential exists. So I figured I’d add my .02 and say to the previous poster… Seriously?
    Let’s review the time-line. Toro et al took possession in January 2011 (3 months ago), took a month or so to ramp up and get his team and affairs in order, made his very first announcements in late February about the long term intent for the community (which includes a 4 year plan, not to be confused with a 4 day, 4 minute or even 4 month plan) and here it is a mere couple of weeks later (literally) and you’re bitching about not seeing a massive change of demographic? Really? What were you expecting? A team of stormtroopers with cattle-prods escorting only the people You don’t like off of the property so you can feel better about yourself? Let’s rein it in and have some sense about this. I’ve tracked Mark’s posts and announcements. He said the major changes will occur over a 4-5 year time-line. Again, it’s been a couple of Weeks. When he’s made definitive statements that pertained to specific dates in the near-term, those items have been accomplished. Ergo, What he’s promised, he’s delivered, to date. So, I’m still listening to what’s being said, and looking forward to more changes as they come around.
    As they say, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’. I believe that the resurrection/conversion/balancing (demographically speaking) of AtStat will take some time and I still have faith that Toro and his people are working towards developing a place where we can all find what we need.

    It’s a bit sad that you would blast John, the venerable owner of the AtStat Kilwin’s. He’s made that corner of AtStat truly the ‘Happiest Place in Midtown’. Kids love it, it’s packed with smiling people, I’ve seen him jump out from behind the counter and sing and dance Karaoke with the kids. Energetic music, smiles, and happy children? I think AtStat needs MORE of that.

    On the note of Tech students, I’ve spoken with a few of them. They are, first and foremost, students. Not high-rollers (So I highly doubt that they are buying $13 burgers and $120 bar tabs at the places you mentioned). They currently only come to AtStat to go to the movies, grab an ice-cream, and bail before their validated free parking runs out. The ones who like to drink and be social said that the only place that is welcoming to them is Atlantic Grill, which is about as big as my living room. They also complain about the lack of technology and Wi-fi et al, which I hear is being addressed. So. You want tech students here? Boot the ever-useless Fox Sports Grill and put in a real live large Pub with Great Food, Classic Games (Ormsby’s seems to have a good handle on what people like with Billiards, Darts, Bocce) where more than 6 people can get to the bar at once and there’s room for everyone. Have an extensive libations list to meet Our needs, but have a draught-pitcher price for the students. Offer $1 AtStat parking with a current college ID. Get an Apple store and a cyber-cafe (Place for people to use computers and drink coffee). Let a college ID get you significant discounts at AtStat, a la the A card etc. That’s how you get students.

    Well at this point my .02 seems to have run long into .05, so I’ll give up the soapbox to the next person. 😉

  39. To a couple of folks who posted above: No, We have Not reached a saturation point for Good Wings(Bar Food), and Good Beer(to Beer Snob standards). In fairness to the ladies, a decent wine or cocktail list as well. A place where we could sit inside or outside (think BierGarten), and mix and mingle, listen to fun cheery music, challenge friends to games? I heard mentioned a large Pub in a previous post; if you can get us that, Sign me up…

  40. Make it FREE PARKING in Atlantic Station! It’s the biggest turn off!! People who spend money have cars.

  41. Parking situation is the biggest turnoff. The time it takes to park, the cost and the total question mark of where you are when you park in relation to the stores. It also needs to be easier to reach by bike (which is out of your (Toro) control and in the hands of our city).

    If you are going to create a local, live music, street vendor, bohemian type vibe (which would be amazing), encourage public transit, biking and scooting. The bike lanes in atlantic station are great, but there are no bike lanes once you leave 17th…they need to have safe paths to piedmont park (which will connect to decatur shortly) and on the west side on howell mill, huff and chatahoochee. Lobby our local government.

    There needs to be some cheaper food options. Fox Sports Grill is tuhrable as Charles Barkley would say and probably has said.

  42. As an employee at a retailer of Atlantic Station, I feel that something needs to be done about the speeding that occurs on the streets within the facility. Too many times I have seen cars speed through like they are on I-75 without any regards that the area is full of pedestrians. It’s sad to think that the only way this matter will be addressed is when someone is hit by a vehicle, then and only then will something be done to correct the issue.

  43. Please sync the stoplights along 17th Street. It takes forever to drive from IKEA to West Peachtree when you have to stop at each light for what feels like 5 minutes.

    Add places to have breakfast and brunch.

  44. We own a condo at the Twelve Building, and my daughter lives in it. She is very concerned about reports that the two hour free parking will be taken away. If this happens, it will be a blow to the retail & restaurant businesses. Lenox Square is only a few miles down Peachtree with free parking.

    Another concern is the guest parking. She says that the guest coupons do not work because the person must go to the central parking attendant which is hard to find plus time consuming and is not open after midnight. I tried to find it once myself, drove around for a while, then gave up, which speaks to others’ comments about the need for better signage. Her suggestion is to expand the owners’ parking to allow for guest spaces and have a separate entrance to that area.

  45. Yes, it’s confirmed that it has been taken away, and yes the current voucher system is inconvenient. The whole parking system has been in the toilet the last few days and the new passback rules are wreaking havoc with all residents. It’s a huge issue. They can expect this issue raised to the highest level.

  46. Having palm trees in Atlantic station would really be nice. They are very pleasing to the eyes and would make Atlantic station look even more beautiful. They would give the place a more exotic and upscale look. They could go where most of the current trees are. I think everyone would love that. They just look nice…

  47. Wow, great idea Mike. Having palm trees in Atlantic station would be beautiful. The 2 most appealing types are the canary island date palm trees and the California fan palm trees. They would make everything look so much nicer in Atlantic station. Yes we would love those. So to the owners and management of Atlantic station. Can we please get the palm trees here? 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Search