If you’ve been wondering why there are workers tearing up the interior of One West Courthouse Square (the big glassy building just west of the courthouse/think Quizno’s), this press release should answer the question.

The Art Institute of Atlanta announces the opening of its first satellite location. The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur opens its doors for classes on January 7 at One West Court Square in Decatur, GA.. Applications are now being accepted.

The announcement goes on to detail programs available at the new satellite location…

Initially, The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur will offer bachelor’s degree programs in advertising, fashion & retail management, graphic design, interior design, media arts & animation, and Web design & interactive media. Associate degree programs will be offered in graphic design, and Web design & interactive media. Diplomas will be awarded in advertising design, digital design, residential interiors, and Web design.

The location’s website is already up and running. Check out all you need to know here.

I’d call this a great “get” for the city. I’m glad to see Decatur knows how to play off its defining characteristics and strengths. Unlike a certain mega-opolis to the west.

Momentum for Atlanta’s Beltline project continues to build.

The almighty Robert W. Woodruff foundation has announced an $8 million gift towards the proposed North Avenue park along the Beltline. According to maps on the Beltline website, this particular park stretches from North Ave across the street from City Hall East thru Old Fourth Ward to Freedom Parkway.

According to the AJC, “The North Avenue Park, which will be located south of City Hall East along the Beltline, will be between 13 and 16 acres initially. Plans are for the park to expand to 35 acres. It will include a 4.7 acre water feature that will have ponds with fountains, wetlands and walkways.”

An AJC article highlights an expensive Belgian beer called Deus Brut des Flandres that’s bottled like champagne and sold for $55 at Tap in Midtown’s 1180 building. But upstairs at the Belgian Bar in Decatur’s Brick Store Pub, this beer only costs a cool 36 clams.

Reasonable prices and good food keep the Brick Store’s lines long on the weekend. Expect to wait more than an hour on Friday and Saturday nights.

I love this time of year at the Brick Store because as the air gets cooler, the medium to darker ales begin to migrate to the taps. If you share this obsession, I recommend the Dogfish Head I.BA., the Highland Gaelic Ale, or the Sierra Nevada Harvest Ale currently on tap downstairs.

A note of caution for those that like to sample hard cider amongst a table of beer swilling reprobates: the new Etiene Dupont Cidre Bouche is served in a tea cup, so be prepared for all the evening’s jokes to be made at your expense if you decide to order it.

Hattip: InDecatur