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.

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]

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]