MM: Manual’s Renovation, Las Brasas Building’s Former Life, and the Beer Jobs Bill Hangs in Balance
Decatur Metro | February 27, 2015 | 9:27 am
- Green Street Properties to remake Manual’s Tavern [ABC]
- Before and after of Las Brasas building at 310 E. Howard [Next Stop…Decatur]
- Seats still available for charter bus to Decatur’s first Final Four game in 43 years [Decaturish]
- Georgia Walk and Roll to School – March 4th [Be Active Decatur]
- Photo: 1970s MARTA bus [ATLUrbanist]
- Beer jobs bill hangs in balance, fingers point at Lt. Governor [CL]
Photo courtesy of Next Stop…Decatur
In between its life as a cab stand and a chicken stand, it was one of Decatur’s best oddities. A ridiculously friendly, cosmically curious guy had a sort of garden shop there, from which he did what I can only classify as pre-hipster, spiritual garden consulting. He’d built a funky fountain garden out front and, from what I heard , was also living there illegally.
Had him over to “experience” our yard once. Had a few drinks while he touched the dirt and gazed around mysteriously. Probably around 98.
At some point, early-mid 90’s I think, that building was a quirky gallery/framing shop. Run by a woman named Rita. She did custom framing,and sold art prints and her own original artwork . I think she lived there (illegally?) as well.
I remember the frame shop but must say I don’t remember the hippie gardener. And I lived near that place in the late 80s early 90s. I think I thought it was a junkyard!
Wow, what a great story Scott. I feel vindicated because I was telling a co-worker about Las Brasas and I said, “I don’t know what that building could have been before, maybe a taxi company?” I sure hope the owner finds a new sit-down venue. There is a portrait of the building behind the counter that was painted from a photo by a portrait painter in Peru, I believe.
I prefer to do my drinking at Automatic’s.
They ain’t thinking of getting rid of the dank, are they? Oh, but Manuel’s: the dank! The dank!
Over on the Manuel’s Tavern Facebook page, there is a detailed explanation of the refurbishing/renovation plans.
I can’t help wondering how much cash the family is walking away with. I bet it’s a buttload.
First Las Brasas & now Manuel’s?
iQuit.