From Decatur Police…
On April 30, 2015, Decatur Police obtained arrest warrants for first degree vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle and reckless driving for 19-year-old [suspect] of Tucker for the fatality accident that occurred on April 25, 2015 on Scott Boulevard at Ridley Circle involving Leah O’Brien and her 8-year-old daughter. [The suspect] was taken into custody at his residence without incident.
Having just leased out three, brand-new retail spaces at The Place on Ponce in Downtown Decatur, Redstone Properties President, Lyle Fogarty, may currently have one of the best vantage points to report on the state of the city’s retail real estate market.
In a recent press release, Mr. Fogarty noted that “The demand for retail space in Decatur was greater than we projected,” He continued, “It is clear that restaurant owners and retailers recognize the uniqueness of the area and its value.”
I was curious for find out a bit more detail as to what this demand looked like, so I followed up. His response should be quite interesting to many of you who like to follow and offer predictions on Decatur commercial real estate trends.
We simply had demand from many more tenants than the 10,000 sf of space could accommodate. By far, the most demand came from restaurants. We could have filled up 30,000 sf with restaurants if we had the space (and parking).
There was some demand for soft goods and apparel, but many of those retailers like to congregate together and need more critical mass to help them be successful. If a location could be identified in Downtown where a developer could build 50,000 or more square feet of modern retail space, there’s sufficient demand from shop tenants to make a vibrant retail district in Downtown in addition to the renowned restaurant scene.
So basically, even though the restaurant market may already seem pretty saturated in Decatur, it sounds like we shouldn’t expect it to ease up anytime soon. Also, for those expecting a greater variety of clothing stores in the city, you may need to wait for a very large project to come in and provide the necessary space to allow a “critical mass”.
I guess we’ll have to wait and see if any of the current projects in development (Arlo, Alexan Decatur residential only!) or planned (Calloway, Avondale MARTA Station) will make a move in this direction.
The Woodlands Garden was cancelled last Saturday due to that torrential morning rain storm. But this Saturday is looking mighty nice for a weather-perspective.
Here’s the official announcement from Nancy…
Woodlands Garden, located at 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur, GA 30030, has rescheduled its Second Annual Youth Artist Market for Saturday May 2nd from 11am-3pm. Artists in grades 2-12 will be showcasing the following: jewelry ,dream boxes, embroidered pillows, whimsical sculpture, flower crowns, drawings, photography of Decatur, chalk painted wood pieces, and much more. This event offers a great opportunity for Mother’s Day shopping and will include free gift wrapping for Mother’s day purchases. For more information contact Nancy Martin at 404-373-8165.
Former Parmalat-Atlanta Dairies site on Memorial Drive rendering courtesy of Atlanta Business Chronicle
Here’s some restaurant news that I wasn’t able to share yesterday due to the overwhelming side traffic from Water Slide-aggedon.
Kale Me Crazy opened its doors yesterday along West Ponce de Leon Ave, next to Decatur CD. The 4p-8p Grand Opening attracted a line out the door, as the shop offered free smoothies to the masses with a coupon in-hand. (We received a hardcopy version early in the week while dining on a nearby sidewalk.)
While I wasn’t able to make the grand opening, I did stop in this morning and try it out. (Anything and everything within walking distance of your home must be tried and evaluated. I’m pretty sure that’s a Decatur ordinance.)
I tired a “Refresh” smoothie – seen above – and I was impressed how they somehow made something that is both sweet and includes kale and celery, quite delicious. Now that the free smoothie offer has ended, you do need to be willing and able to drop $8 on the beverage. But as of 10am, its sufficed as a filling breakfast for me, so I’m not complaining.
There has long been a call for a bakery that sells breads, in addition to pastries, to set up shop in Decatur. With the opening of Highland Bakery at 315 West Ponce this summer, it looks like folks will finally be able to regularly buy loaves of fresh-baked bread in downtown Decatur.
Highland Bakery sent out this announcement this morning, which details the plans for its new Decatur location…
Nationally recognized eatery Highland Bakery announces the addition of several new locations in 2015, beginning with the restaurant’s first Decatur location. Highland Bakery Decatur is slated to open mid summer on the first floor of the Place on Ponce building at 315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue and will be open seven days a week. Their sixth location will boast 3000 square feet of main level seating as well as a 500 square foot mezzanine. A full breakfast and lunch menu will be served, including signature dishes such as Fried Chicken Benedict, Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, Peanut Butter French Toast as well as gourmet coffee. The new space will also include a full service bakery offering the whole grain, all-natural, freshly baked breads and delectable pastries that have made Highland Bakery a local favorite. Catering and custom cakes are also available.
Since 2003, Highland Bakery has brought its unique brand of baked goods and updated comfort foods to the Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead, Midtown, Emory and Georgia Tech and has plans to open a new concept in Virginia Highlands as well as two additional coffee kiosks and cafes. “We are honored to bring Highland Bakery to the vibrant and diverse community of Decatur and are thrilled to be part of the next phase of development in this growing community. I have called Decatur home for the past few years and look forward to serving my neighbors!” says Highland Bakery founder Stacey Eames. In addition to several new locations, Highland Bakery is now offering franchising opportunities starting early summer.
Hi all, we’re getting a little overwhelmed by the traffic here from Facebook regarding the 1000-Foot Water Slide post. Hundreds upon hundreds of people are simultaneously trying to view details of that event and its taking its toll on our server.
It may take us a little while to get things back up and running normally, but know that we’re actively working to resolve the issues.
