315 W. Ponce (aka Decatur Court) Plans and Studies Now Online

Lain points out that the city has just posted a ton of documentation on the 315 W. Ponce development on its website. We’re talking application letters, site plans, design studies, traffic studies, parking studies and working group minutes [all pdfs] It’s like Christmas in July!

For those who haven’t seen these before (like myself), its going to take some time to go through it all. I took a cursory glance at everything and the traffic study especially is quite detailed and therefore very long (38 pages).

I don’t have many observations thus far, except that the buildings look like they will have a nice upscale appearance if the design plans are any indication (Mongomery/W.Ponce) and the site does look kind of cramped. But I guess that can’t be helped with a 10 story pre-existing office tower. Also, from first glance, I’d almost say that Fairview residents might endure greater adverse effect than those on Montgomery that we’re always discussing. A 3-story brownstone across the street seems like a much nicer alternative than a (5 story?) parking deck behind the backyard. But that’s always the hazard of buying next to C-2, I guess.

Lain also reports that at the DDA meeting this morning “the board passed a resolution to approve the project and noted their desire for a parking and traffic contingency plan (in case the shared parking doesn’t work out), research on performance bonds, and approval of the building materials and landscaping designs.” So Scott, at a minimum you were on the same track as the DDA with the parking contingency idea, or perhaps they just flat out took your advice! Either way…great suggestion.

Alright everyone…take a look and lets hear some observations. I’ll certainly be chiming in once I finish the 38 page traffic study.

Mudfire Presents: Clay-TL

Luba over at Mudfire Gallery alerts us to this really cool-sounding exhibit of local pottery at their Laredo Drive location next month, cleverly titled Clay-TL.

Here’s the gist straight from the release…

“CLAY-TL”, an exhibit honoring a dozen top-notch ceramic artists from the Atlanta metro area, opens at MudFire Gallery in Decatur on August 9, 2008. The show continues through September 6, 2008. CLAY-TL is a showcase of the diversely fine functional and decorative things that a skilled artist can make from clay.

All of the work in the CLAY-TL exhibit is created locally in Decatur and Atlanta. As environmental concerns rise to the forefront of our culture, locally-made, consciously-produced, and aesthetically-considered articles for daily use and decoration become an essential part of life. The deliberate act of supporting local art is rewarding on multiple levels. All the more so when such a profusion of captivating work is available right at your doorstep.

CLAY-TL will include a broad range of functional pottery in all sizes and flavors, with a bit of sculpture thrown in for good measure. Luscious swirling cups with rich atmospheric surfaces, tiny rattle heads with wild colors, sublime salt-fired teapots, intensely textured and carved surfaces, and so much more.

The work of Barry Gregg, Michele Smith, John Roberts, Marissa Hudson, Brian Gialloreto, Adrina Richard, Yoshimi Hosoda, Stacey Pearson, Luba Sharapan, Chase Folsom, Carol Brull, and Vernon Smith will be on display.

Details about the exhibit, artist information and representative images are available at http://www.mudfire.com/clay-tl.htm.

The studio is open Weekdays from Noon to 10pm, and Saturday-Sunday from Noon to 8pm, but closed Wednesdays. The gallery is open Thursday - Sunday from Noon to 8pm and by appointment.

Sounds really awesome. Clay pottery is not only a beautiful medium, but Atlanta/North Georgia heritage at its finest! A must see! (in my not-so humble opinion)

[photo of Chase Folsom pottery courtesy of Mudfire]

10 Metro ATL Starbucks to Close; Decatur Safe

Oh Starbucks…world domination was just around the corner.

Too bad the housing bubble had to pop and gas prices made the jump, making people think twice about spending $4.50 for a venti espresso drink ( It always irks me when news anchors or uncaffeinated people say “$5 coffee”. OK, SBUX is expensive…but a Grande coffee is $2, not $5.)

Now you’re being forced to close 600 stores across the U.S., and come up with slightly embarrassing new drinks like the Vivanno smoothie (here’s your Jamba Juice substitute decaturmom )

But, for now, the Decatur locale is safe. Not really surprising…based purely on the fact that its got a great location in a haven of coffee-drinking Dems. The full list of Atlanta Starbucks closings can be found on the AJC. Or if you just don’t like relying on the AJC, just do what they did…go to the Starbucks website and click the pdf for “store closings”. (The second Mall of GA location is closing?! NO!!)

Slight aside…but my favorite Starbucks location in all of metro Atlanta is out 78 on the way to Snellville (you know…car dealership row?). On the northern side of the road about a half-mile past Park Place Dr., there’s an old house right on Lake Lucerne that’s been converted (rather sympathetically) into a Starbucks. From inside there are great views of the lake…plus there’s a nice little walkway down to the water. Just a tip in case you ever find yourself driving 78 and need a reprieve from all the sprawl.

[photo courtesy Greenville Daily]

Decatur Pride!

Brent recently wrote in regarding the ever-popular City of Decatur-themed merchandise. You know, the ol’ primary-colored house (with chimney), school (with bell) and non-denominational place of worship?

While I’m sure we’re all quite aware of the auto tags, mugs and t-shirts, Brent’s curious to know if anyone at city hall has ever considered creating a City of Decatur house flag, much like the ones found down in Oakhurst or over in Inman Park (The Inman Park ones are for noting historic rehab). If not, he’d like to contact someone at the city to promote his idea. I’m at a loss for who specifically to contact, so I’m throwing it out there for comment/discussion.

Has the city ever considered a flag with the city logo? What other items would you purchase if they had a CoD logo on them? Carrot peeler? Tennis shoe? Cupcake?

For a list of the 4 merchants that currently carry existing City of Decatur merchandise, click the continuation. [Also see Carl's comment]

Rec Center: Renovated and Revisited

InDecatur notes that the city is now seeking proposals for improvements to the Rec Center, which is another bond fund project.

According to the city’s website, here’s the gist of what will be done…

1. Develop a master plan to upgrade the Decatur Recreation Center, fund design documents and construct improvements. $2.05 million
The Decatur Recreation Center was designed and constructed in the late 1950s. Recreational programming has changed dramatically in the past 50 years. A master plan will identify changes needed in the building to meet current and future recreational program needs.

Renovation of the building will provide for expanded programming rooms, upgraded mechanical systems, an air conditioned gym and more efficient office space. The master planning process will allow input from a variety of stakeholders in the community to assure that we develop an efficient space that meets a wide variety of recreational needs in the community.

David also notes in his post that he took ballroom dancing at an old building that once functioned as the Rec Center for the city. I’m not sure if this is what he refering to, but here’s a 1940 pic of the Murphy Scott Cooper House, which was torn down to make room for the lovely Rec Center back in the 50’s.

Looks a bit like its High House neighbor, huh? What an absolute tragedy. Thanks a whole heck of a lot urban renewal!

“Laughing Pizza” To Perform at Decatur Book Festival

From a Decatur Book Festival Press Release…

July 17, 2008 (Decatur) - Laughing Pizza, an Atlanta-based family band,
will perform at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival
Presented by DeKalb Medical (DBF). The festival will be held Labor Day
weekend, August 29-31, in downtown Decatur.

The renowned children’s band has been featured on the Today Show,
performs daily on PBS TV stations across the nation, and has won six
Parents’ Choice Awards. The trio, composed of a mother, father, and
daughter, sing pop-rock songs about family, food, and life. The band has
released three audio CDs as well as two DVDs featuring music videos of
the group’s original songs.

Laughing Pizza will perform Saturday, August 30, at 12:00 p.m. on the
Target Children’s Stage.

“We’ve been after Laughing Pizza since we started the festival, and
we’re excited to have them join our exceptional lineup of children’s
activities,” said Daren Wang, DBF Executive Director.

Fleet Feet Opens Tomorrow

Kim at Fleet Feet wants Decaturites to know…

“that Fleet Feet Sports is opening in downtown Decatur this Thursday [July 17th].  Owned and operated by residents of Decatur, Fleet Feet Sports is a specialty retailer offering footwear, apparel and accessories for runners, walkers, fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking for a comfortable pair of shoes. Fleet Feet follows a specific FIT process to analyze customers’ feet and biomechanics to determine the gear that’s best for them.”

And thus the troika of running shoe shops in the city is complete.  Let’s hope that residents’ knees can handle the additional running required to keep all these shops successful!

[photo ripped from FleetFeetDecatur.com]

Full release in the continuation…

New Yorkers Love Moving to Atlanta, But Can’t Stop Whining

If you love/hate hearing transplants complain about living in Atlanta, do yourself a favor and read this great find from Fresh Loaf: a New York Sun article about New Yorkers that move here in record numbers and then morn the loss of bagels and pizza.

I submit Rosa’s on Broad Street for a good NY slice (not to mention the atmosphere).  But when it comes to bagels, I too, am at a loss.

Dunwoody, MARTA, and Other Election Results

From the oldest DeKalb city to the youngest, congrats to John over at Dunwoody North and all those North DeKalb peeps on their brand spankin’ new city of Dunwoody! I guess DeKalb County’s strategy of poorly constructed lawsuit threats and saying “It could be even worse than it already is!” didn’t really sway or inspire many people to vote “no” (only 19%). Who woulda thunk it?

In other news to the north, Gwinnett narrowly failed to give a majority backing to the non-binding MARTA question, split along party lines. Bet you can’t guess which party opposed it? But as the AJC points out, a near 50/50 split [UPDATE: Peach Pundit has the YES vote at 37% for Republicans] is a big improvement on the 3-to-1 defeat MARTA was repeatedly handed back in the ol’ 20th century.

And finally, in regards to all those important DeKalb County votes where actual people were concerned…we’re looking at run-offs. Jones vs. Martin. Ellis vs. Watson.

Bag It and Save 10% at Decatur Shops

Jeff at Whit’s End points out that the city now has posted the list of stores participating in the “Decatur Shops Green” program. (I first reported the program back in June) All you need to do is pick up a bag for $15 at any of the participating locations and then automatically save 10% all future purchases when you use the bag. (Question: How long does this promotion last? Indefinitely?)

Beyond not using disposable bags, this really is a deal! Whole Foods gives you only 10 cents off a purchase when you use a reusable bag. For a mere $15, you can save a bundle if you frequent any of these Decatur shops!

• Boogaloos - 246 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-474-3237

• Dresscodes - 201 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Unit 117, 404-343-2894

• Eviva - 335-C W. Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-370-7606

• Heliotrope - 248 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-371-0100

• Kaleidoscope - 252 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-378-1214

• Mingei - 427 Church St., 404-371-0101

• Peggy’s Boutique - 308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-370-9888

• Rockit - 145-B Sycamore St., 404-373-5099

• Sawicki’s - 250 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-377-0992

• Squash Blossom - 113 E. Court Sq., 404-373-1864

• Taste - 416 Church St., 404-370-1863

• Whit’s End - 431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. #2, 404-377-3310

• Wiggle - 305 E. College Ave., 404-373-2522