Month: February 2011

Strategic Plan To-Do List: Sustainability of All Kinds

Did someone say “electric car charging stations”?  Onto goal 12 of the 2010 Decatur Strategic Plan…

Goal 12: Foster environmental, social, and economic sustainability in all aspects of city life and government practice

Task 12A: Develop a citywide sustainability plan with the assistance of the environmental sustainability board to address issues such as the creation of a climate action plan, initiatives such as an ordinance to limit motor vehicle idling, and roof color standards to reduce the heat island effect.

Task 12B: Encourage the construction of sustainable buildings in commercial districts.

Task 12C: Support the expansion of urban gardening opportunities.

Urban gardening benefits the community by promoting physical activity, bringing neighbors together, improving food quality, and keeping dollars local. In addition, it begins to change society’s relationship to food in a positive, sustainable way. Efforts to expand urban gardening could include increased community garden sites, creation of a neighborhood tool bank,

information sharing, removing regulatory barriers, material support, or expanded farmer’s markets.

Task 12D: When building public facilities, design them to achieve LEED or equivalent certification and to assure quality construction that will serve the community for 50 years.

Continue reading “Strategic Plan To-Do List: Sustainability of All Kinds”

New Ford Fry Restaurant To Be Called “no. 246”

Atlanta Magazine’s restaurant/food critic Bill Addison just wrote in and reported that Ford Fry’s publicist just confirmed to him that the name of his new restaurant being built-out in the old Eurasia space (see the previous post) will be called “no. 246”, taken from the property’s lot number.  Guess a numbers name isn’t a huge surprise, since Fry has previously said they’re taking inspiration from San Fran’s A16.

On Twitter, Addison says that they’re currently projecting an April open.

Photo courtesy of Andisheh

Eurasia Space Stripped Down to the Studs

Andisheh sends in this pic of the old Eurasia space currently under renovation to become Ford Fry’s new “Local Sourced, Italian Inspired” restaurant.  Looks like they’re well on their way!

Beltline’s Old Fourth Ward Park Now Open

Last week, urban communicator extraordinator, Thomas Wheatley, whispered to the world that the Old Fourth Ward Park along the Beltline had unofficially opened to the public.  (“Unofficially” means the fences were taken down, but there hasn’t been a “Grand Opening” ceremony yet).

And this past weekend one of our favorite local photogs, Josh D. Weiss visited the park and put up a few great shots on his website.

Not only is Old Fourth Ward Park already getting rave reviews from residents, but the storm-water retention pond at the park’s center also helps Atlanta meet the federal mandate to upgrade its aging sewer system.  According to Wheatley, additional green-space and an adjoining skate-park will soon complement the park.

Josh’s photo used with permission.

Oakhurst Realty Calls Old ReMax Location “Best Available Restaurant Space” in Decatur

My wife and I noticed about a month ago that it looked like ReMax was vacating its location in the old Bowen Press building on Church Street.  And I actually took a pic of the empty space last week, meaning to post it and reiterate its awesomeness and ask everyone what they thought it should become.

Well, Oakhurst Realty – who has been tasked with leasing the space – believes it’s the “best available restaurant space in downtown Decatur”.  Here’s their description of the property on their website…

The Bowen Loft is a one-of-a-kind loft building located in the heart of downtown Decatur. It is a perfect location for a high-end restaurant or for other retail or create office users. It has an exposed wood barrel roof with ceiling heights of 22 feet in the center and includes exposed brick walls. The building also shares 57 parking spaces that it can use at no cost.

That piece of Church Street could really use a bit more life.  A popular restaurant or retail spot could be just the thing.  And the amazing interior space, combined with a good amount of parking has the potential to attract a very interesting tenant!

Photo courtesy of Oakhurst Realty

Decatur Stadium to Host NCAA Lacrosse Game

Don writes in…

On Sunday, March 6 at 3:00 pm Decatur Stadium will host a men’s NCAA Division 3 college lacrosse game featuring Roanoke College, ranked #5 nationally, and Birmingham-Southern College. Tickets are $5 in advance (see the Decatur Laxdog in your neighborhood) or $7 at the gate. Proceeds benefit the boy’s lacrosse program at Decatur High. Roanoke is a highly respected program and plays an up-tempo, exciting and fun-to-watch brand of lacrosse. BSC features a large number of Atlantans on their roster, including DHS class of 2008 graduate Chris Clarke.