Latest news with #DowntownConnector
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Every Atlanta Itinerary Should Include A Meal In This Historic Neighborhood
Atlanta can be an overwhelming place to visit, especially the first time you go. You likely know that Ponce City Market is a must-see spot, walking the Beltline is another thing to check off, and that the international cuisine on Buford Highway can transport you around the world from a single stretch of road. But as a city made up of smaller, interconnected neighborhoods, one of the best ways to explore Atlanta is through a single pocket. And one of the most exciting corners of the city, particularly for food lovers, is Summerhill, an area rich in history undergoing a renaissance that visitors would be remiss to overlook. Located just south of downtown, Summerhill, established in 1865, is one of the oldest parts of the city. The earliest residents of the neighborhood were freed slaves and Jewish immigrants, and it was once the most prosperous African American neighborhood in Atlanta. Georgia Avenue, which runs through the heart of the area, was a commerce center, filled with stores and restaurants from the 1920s through 1950s, but the development of the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) emptied out the neighborhood. Atlanta Intown reported that, "The construction of the Downtown Connector... had caused a mass exodus from Summerhill and surrounding neighborhoods as wrecking balls and bulldozers cleared what was once a prosperous and lively part of the Southside." The publication noted that only a few thousand residents remained in Summerhill before the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The city then built the Centennial Olympic Stadium in the neighborhood, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as track and field events. This development promised growth, which unfortunately never materialized. The stadium became Turner Field, home of Atlanta Braves baseball for almost two decades before the team relocated to the suburbs, and made Cobb County their new home. The stadium was then acquired by Georgia State University for its football team. For a while, the neighborhood was mostly parking lots, and considered a food desert up until 2023, when a Publix finally opened in the area. This, coupled with up-and-coming chefs opening new restaurants and local retailers moving into the area, once again mostly concentrated on Georgia Avenue, has contributed to the incredible rebirth of Summerhill as one of the most vibrant parts of the city. Anywhere along Georgia Avenue is a great bet, but we've also included favorites located beyond this one busy street. When Anthony Bourdain pronounces that a croissant is "very good," you know the baker's onto something. Owner Sarah O'Brien proudly displays his endorsement (and iconic photo) from the Summerhill outpost of her Atlanta bakery. Bourdain actually visited the original location in nearby Grant Park, but you're in good hands at any of her locations. The benne seed-studded cookies make a great afternoon pick-me-up, but if you swing by early in the day, when the case is at its fullest, you'll have the best selection of pastries. The menu rotates regularly but staples, like a buttery croissant, are always available. There's also sugar-dusted morning buns, quiche, and seasonal fruit galettes with ultra-tender crusts. 68 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 Bonus: Next door is O'Brien's sister concept, Big Sofie, which swirls soft serve in both classic and off-beat flavors, including dairy-free options. The ice cream shop also has custom hard shells, such as the bright orange passionfruit dip, and a litany of crunchy toppings like cornflake streusel, honeycomb, and of course, sprinkles. How Crispy Express may sound like a restaurant name generated by AI, but we promise this place is not only real, but real delicious. It specializes in crispy fried chicken, emphasis on the crispy part. Your choice of white or dark meat is freshly fried to order and then sauced in a variety of tasty combinations. You can opt for wings or nuggets, but the sandwich section of the menu is where you should set your focus. The Lemon Pepper Wet sandwich comes dripping in buffalo sauce and lemon pepper seasoning—an ode to the famous Atlanta wing flavor, but the Honey Boi, which smothers the chicken in a garlic-honey butter, and pairs it with a sesame slaw, sweet pickles, and a lime mayo on a "good bun," (their words, and very accurate) is a standout. The pro move is to order it spicy, for a hot honey meets Nashville-fried chicken effect. 71 Georgia Ave SE Unit B, Atlanta, GA 30312Traveling with a pup? Outdoor seating on Georgia Avenue, between Wood's Chapel Barbecue and How Crispy Express, is perfect for dining al fresco with a dog. Little Tart Bakery also has a few tables outside, making it easy to string your pet along. Press Shop (see below) also welcomes furry friends walk-in only spot specializes in Thai cooking. Leave the car on Georgia Avenue and take a 10 minute stroll through the neighborhood to the restaurant, passing historic homes on the way. Offerings change daily (check their Instagram for menu updates), but generally you'll find gorgeous salads bursting with bright Thai flavors and seasonal Georgia produce, vibrant noodle dishes, and fresh seafood. If the crispy rice salad is available, don't hesitate to order it. For those wondering, 'Talat' means market in Thai, which cheekily means the business translates to 'market market'. It's a humor that permeates through to the food, and the casual but fun dining room that's decked out in eclectic art and a colorful wall-spanning mural. The chefs, Rod Lassiter and Parnass Savang, received a nomination for Best Chef Southeast by the James Beard Awards last year, and one bite in, you'll know it was well-deserved. 112 Ormond Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315There's too much good food in Summerhill to limit ourselves to just one dinner suggestion. If you aren't up for the walk to Talat Market, stay on Georgia Avenue, and grab a seat at Southern National. Chef Duane Nutter brings his own signature style to Southern staples. Start with the pimento cheese plate, then follow it up with any of his excellent entrees (like the Lamb Burger Helper). Just don't forget to order a side of his 72 Georgia Avenue SE Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30312This casual brewery offers a variety of German and Czech-style beers on draft, as well as cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic options. There's a full menu of German and Belgium-inspired bites, like pork schnitzel sliders, brats, and pretzels. Dogs are welcome on the rooftop and biergarten, and there's a regular slate of events , from trivia to live music, to enjoy. 60 Georgia Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 Bonus: Redacted Basement Drink Parlor is the newest addition to the neighborhood, and the first proper bar. Located under Georgia Avenue, you'll find the entrance around the side of the building on Reed Street. The menu is a mix of classics, like a daiquiri or paper plane, but also creative originals like the Froot Loop Milk Punch, complete with a cereal garnish. As for food, they only offer a charcuterie board, but allow guests to bring in outside food. Grab something on Georgia Avenue to-go, then pop down to the basement for something to wash it down. 63 Georgia Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 Go beyond food and explore all of the neighborhood has to offer. Self-described as a 'no crap' space, this shop is filled with a thoughtful selection of products, from Spicewalla spices and the latest fiction releases, to speciality wines and high-quality yarns. There's a pet section too, and sometimes a shop dog to greet you—regulars' pups are also a fixture, like Luna, who visits every day. The business offers custom letterpress stationery (hence the name), and you'll see a gorgeous antique press right as you enter the shop. 72 Georgia Avenue SE Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30312 If you have some downtime, stop in for a facial at this local salon. The Alchemist, a service for all skin types, was named the best facial in the city by Atlanta magazine, but there's many great options tailored to specific skin needs. You can also get a great blowout, perhaps before heading to dinner at Talat Market or Southern National. 72 Georgia Avenue SE Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30312 If you're looking for a family-friendly activity, fuel up on food on Georgia Avenue, then take a walk east to Grant Park, the oldest surviving city park in Atlanta, and home to Zoo Atlanta, known for its giant pandas. It's best to buy tickets and plan an itinerary in advance (for example, to book one of the giraffe feedings). If you're traveling during the holidays, there are animal-themed light displays that kids and adults both love. 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 You have a few options on how to travel to Summerhill. The area is just a short drive from your downtown or midtown hotel. Once you arrive, you can easily abandon your car for the afternoon or evening, and explore Summerhill on foot. Part of visiting (or living in) Atlanta is dealing with parking, however. There is some street parking along Georgia Avenue (be sure to check time limits), which will put you near most of the recommendations below. There's also a convenient lot on the corner of Georgia Avenue and Fraser Street marked with a "Feeling Good in Summerhill" sign, if you find yourself circling the block. MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) runs public transit for the city of Atlanta. You can use the service a few different ways to get to Summerhill, but first, download the MARTA 'On the Go' app for schedules and real-time service updates. To purchase fares directly on your phone and use contactless readers on the bus or at stations, download the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app. By bus: Catch the 55 bus from the Five Points Station, or use the 832 bus from the West End Station. (A new MARTA Rapid Summerhill Line is also expected to debut this summer.) By rail: Get off at the Georgia State Station. Exit on Capitol Avenue/Hank Aaron Drive and walk one mile south. This is a 20 minute walk, but you will stroll past The Georgia Capitol and the Atlanta Olympic Cauldron Tower on the way. You can use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft from the station too, or rent an e-scooter to quickly zip down Capitol Avenue from companies like Lime, Bird, or Spin (see here for more details on e-scooter rentals), they don't come with helmets, however. Read the original article on Southern Living
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Atlanta City Council approves funding, plans for the ‘Stitch'
At Monday's Atlanta City Council meeting, three ordinances passed to approve the Interstate 75/85 'Stitch' project to move forward. The three ordinances create an ad valorem tax on properties in the Stitch Special Services District, approve financing from partners of the City of Atlanta and formally create the district and set its boundaries, according to officials. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The project, first proposed in 2019, is intended to reconnect communities in downtown Atlanta that were separated by the creation of the Downtown Connector. As proposed, the project would build an urban park above the connector as a physical cap. TRENDING STORIES: Rep. Williams announces more federal funding to connect Atlanta downtown neighborhoods The Stitch: New rendering released of park to reconnect communities split by downtown connector Atlanta Regional Commission approves $265 million for transport projects across metro area Over $150 million promised to reconnect Atlanta communities with 'The Stitch,' Ga. lawmakers say Atlanta councilman fighting to reconnect communities lost to I-75/85 connector 70 years after downtown connector split Atlanta, there's a new effort to 'stitch' it back together $400 million project would put park, buildings over Downtown Connector Channel 2 Action News previously covered when Atlanta-area U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams secured additional federal funding for the project, saying it would help transform the community. Other supporters of the project previously told Channel 2's Tyisha Fernandes that the Stitch will correct what some call an intentional effort to 'tear neighborhoods apart' to make traffic better. Mike Green, the developer, told Fernandes that the Stitch is meant to both provide affordable housing and reconnect Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s neighborhood to the city. 'Really the idea is to bring those two histories together through this development and do something that not only serves what we need now, but also can serve that place for the future of our city,' Green said previously. Now approved by the Atlanta City Council, the 14-acre project will be able to take the next steps toward construction. Details of the Stitch master plan are available online here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Axios
21-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Front Porch brings affordable housing units to Sweet Auburn
The first phase of a redevelopment project that produced Auburn Avenue's first new build in nearly two decades is sparking hope that one of Atlanta's most famed thoroughfares will see a rebirth. Why it matters: Once considered the " richest Negro street" in the world, Auburn Avenue — dubbed Sweet Auburn by its boosters — had one of the largest concentrations of Black-owned businesses in the country. It was home to Atlanta's first Black-owned radio station, daily newspaper and office building, and was a business, political and cultural hub. In the last few decades, however, commercial investment into Sweet Auburn has not kept up with money poured into neighboring streets and communities. Driving the news: The Historic District Development Corporation on Wednesday cut the ribbon on Front Porch, a mixed-use development that includes 33 fully furnished residential units. HDDC said 78% of the units, which start at $1,400 a month, are designated as affordable. Utilities are also included in the rent. Front Porch also has a rooftop garden, and event and retail space. What they're saying: Michael Hatcher, president of Sovereign Construction and Development, which was part of the construction team, said the project is the first new build on Auburn Avenue since 2007. Hatcher told Axios he hopes this development will spur "more activity and a lot more attention and investment" into Auburn Avenue. Friction point: The path to last week's ribbon cutting wasn't easy, HDDC president and CEO Cheneé Joseph told Axios. They faced several roadblocks when an appraiser "redlined" the property and undervalued it by $7 million, she said. Knowing that valuation could jeopardize their ability to get financing, HDDC sought the services of another appraiser who Joseph said understood the significance of the neighborhood. They eventually got the financing needed to move ahead with Front Porch. "We knew that if we were not going to be able to finish this project, there was never going to be a product of this caliber in Sweet Auburn," she said. The big picture: Along with Front Porch, other redevelopment projects are also underway in the neighborhood — such as Sweet Auburn Grande, a multi-phase mixed-use project that would transform much of Auburn Avenue between Jesse Hill Jr. Drive and Bell Street into a large mixed-use development. The restoration of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, which has housed many influential Black organizations since it was built in 1940, is also underway. Big Bethel AME, the oldest Black church in Atlanta, is teaming up with the Benoit Group to build residential units and to renovate its administrative offices. The bottom line: Joseph said she hopes Atlanta will see Front Porch as a catalyst to re-invest in a once-thriving community torn apart by the construction of the Downtown Connector. "I think that now that we've got the proof of concept that we can do it, Atlanta has to decide are they going to stand behind their words as far as what is truly the Atlanta Way," she said. "You cannot have a project like Sweet Auburn and the city — our people — not support it and ensure that it's successful."
Axios
04-04-2025
- Axios
What we love — and hate — about Atlanta
From the lush tree canopy to the countless neighborhoods to call home, there's lots to love about living in Atlanta. But it's not perfect, and not a day goes by where we're not complaining about something (looking at you, Downtown Connector). Driving the news: On this 404 Day, please indulge us as we dive into our love/hate relationship with Atlanta via this non-exhaustive list. Love We are forever changing: Metro Atlanta's population rose from 3.5 million people in 2000 to over 5.2 million in 2024, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission, making us the sixth largest and third fastest-growing region in the country. It's also a transient town, and the churn of interesting people moving in and out make for an interesting and diverse place. (That also makes for great international food — but is it too much to ask for a good sandwich?) Hate Can't keep up: We have underinvested in mass transit and affordable housing, fueling sprawl, which keeps us confined to cars on wide roads choked with gridlock. Elected officials and planners have prioritized building roads — the infrastructure of least resistance — to serve the economy first and people second. Love You can get anywhere from here: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — a love/hate story in itself — can connect you with more than 150 destinations. You could fly to some later this afternoon if you wanted (and could afford). Hate Identity crisis: A city reborn, the Black Mecca, the City Too Busy to Hate? Atlanta is eternally rising from the ashes, swinging for the fences. In the process, we never really figured out who we are. Love Black history and present: The city isn't just the hometown of famous civil rights figures. It's been a springboard for Black excellence in the arts, music, business, science and just plain life and a beacon for people across the country. Hate Income inequality and social inequity: Decades of red-hot growth have failed to bridge the wide gap between the haves and have nots in the metro area and Atlanta in particular. Love
