News Archives

Dekalb County Sheriff’s Fundraiser – November 18, 2011 – Tin Roof Cantina

November 16, 2011 by Thom Abbott

I don’t know about you, but I certainly have very high admiration for someone who is willing to get up every day and put their life in danger so that I may NOT be in danger. That takes some serious @*#*@! I know I could not do it.

So, to know there is some small part I can do to make that job easier is a cool thing to me. Sadly, if we did not have so much government waste, we could probably pay for equipment like this.

But so be it. This Friday, drop by the Tin Roof Cantina (just off of Druid Hills Road at 2591 Briarcliff Road) and join in this event to raise money and purchase additional bullet-proof vests for officers.

Starts at 5pm. Hey, you know how bad Friday rush hour can be!!! Just swing in here and hang out for a while. Of course, be responsible when you drink and drive!

Midtown Atlanta’s Outwrite Bookstore to Close

November 14, 2011 by Thom Abbott

An Atlanta institution and core of the Atlanta gay and lesbian community, Outwrite Bookstore announced today it will be closing.

According to an e-mail sent out to its customers, “As you may know, we have been challenged by changes in the book industry and the downturn in the economy,” according to the email. “At this time, we regret to share with you that the lease at our current location will soon be coming to an end.”

The e-mail further stated that Outwrite Bookstore will relocate.

“The good news is that we’re looking for a new location that will allow Outwrite to continue serving you as Atlanta’s LGBT bookstore and coffeehouse.”

The corner of 10th and Piedmont, where the store is currently located has often been called the center of gay life in Atlanta. Blake’s on The Park (a gay bar) and Gilbert’s Restaurant (next door) have long been favorite spots for local and visiting gays and lesbians to Atlanta. It will be strange not to see Outwrite Bookstore there.

With the rental rates for commercial space what they are in Midtown Atlanta, let’s hope Outwrite Bookstore can find a new home that is not to far away and not to expensive.

5th Annual Race To Recycle – November 19 by Keep Atlanta Beautiful

October 22, 2011 by Thom Abbott

Running is good for you. Or so I’m told. I’m not a runner. But, how about running for fun, some prizes, a t-shirt and helping Keep Atlanta Beautiful! Well then the 5th Annual Race To Recycle is just for you.

Keep Atlanta Beautiful and presenting sponsors IKEA Atlanta and WSB-TV are “setting the pace for zero waste” on America Recycles Day with the 5th Annual Race 2 Recycle in Piedmont Park on November 19. KAtlB will be joined by WSB-TV’s Jovita Moore, who will be making her 5th appearance as master of ceremonies. The Race 2 Recycle supports recycling efforts by Keep Atlanta Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, and proceeds from the race will go towards purchasing supplies for neighborhood cleanups and beautification projects, graffiti removal and more.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. under the Pavilion at Piedmont Park. The 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony with prizes from IKEA, Phidippides and Zoo Atlanta. IKEA will provide food, water and coffee for all runners including their famous cinnamon rolls. This event is kid, stroller and dog-friendly. The Race 2 Recycle is sponsored by IKEA Atlanta, WSB-TV, Republic Services, Inc., Liberty Tire, and Zoo Atlanta.

Have a group from your office that wants to enter a team? Have your company sponsor you! Find out more about sponsorships at Keep Atlanta Beautiful.

TO REGISTER
$20.00 pre-registration for adults; $15 for children under 13; $25.00 race day. Register online at active.com or in person at Phidippides. For race information, contact Ed Williams at 404-327-7738 or roadraceservices@comcast.net. For all other inquiries including how to sponsor a team, contact Peggy Denby, 404-249-5853, peggydenby@keepatlantabeautiful.org.

Race To Recycle Piedmont Park November 19

Zombie Apocalypse? Atlanta Says Bring It On

October 20, 2011 by Thom Abbott

Zombie Apocalypse Atlanta As a blogger, I’m NEVER, repeat, NEVER at a loss for topics. Sure, I’m a real estate broker and you want real estate information and or listings, right? But, it’s important to KNOW about where you want to live, not just about WHAT you want to live in.

One of my long list of topics is the exploding “Hollywood Goes Atlanta and Georgia” topic. Movies are happening everywhere here. Why? Well, a number of reasons, but let’s just say that we have some cheap labor. (I’ll write about that in a later post.)

But, the country is taking note of Atlanta….Zombie’s and all! The Walking Dead is filmed South of Atlanta and just started its second season. (The first season was filmed more in Atlanta proper and used the old Bell Quarry just west of Downtown as a main scene.)

Atlanta’s zombies have even made it to the New York Times, so I’ll let you read even more about it.

Documentary on Atlanta Architect, Developer John Portman

October 19, 2011 by Thom Abbott

I think pretty much every major city in the U.S. can find at least one individual that made a remarkable difference on their city. It might be for taking the city from the brink of nothing to a cultural center, or from a sleepy cow town to a metropolis.

In Atlanta, one of the most notable people that had a profound impact on the development of Downtown Atlanta, and on architecture world wide, was John Portman.

Now, people will have an opportunity to learn more about this legendary architect and developer in a new documentary by two-time Emmy winning producer Ben Loeterman, titled, “John Portman: A Life of Building”. The film made its international film festival debut at Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam (The Netherlands) October 8, followed by a repeat showing on October 9.

The documentary will make its United States film festival debut at the Architecture and Design Film Festival in New York October 21, with a second showing October 22. Additionally, the film has been selected for screenings at A Design Film Festival in Singapore in November 2011 and at the Architecture and Design Film Festival in Chicago in 2012. After that, I’m not sure where you may be able to see the film, but this trailer is certainly a GREAT teaser for what the film is like.

To give you an example of his “mark” on Downtown Atlanta, the picture has red dots on some of the buildings he designed and built.

Atlanta Georgia John Portman Buildings

Home Depot Founder Arthur Blank Sells Buckhead Mansion

October 8, 2011 by Thom Abbott

Arthur Blank Buckhead Mansion She was a beauty! But I guess she has some pretty proud new owners!

As reported in the AJC, and according the the FMLS Sold Report, the home sold for about $3.8 million. The listing showed an original list price of $4.9 million. And as the AJC story says, Blank paid about that for the home when he purchased it in 1993 for $3.3 million.

I’m going to guess the original description on the listing service was scaled back…as it is pretty lackluster for a multi-million dollar home.

I might add that Mr. Blank is building an impressive home (we don’t call them mansions in Montana) south of Livingston, Montana in Paradise Valley. Mr. Blank also purchased a neighborhood drive-in restaurant, called The Pop Stand, because he liked the food. (Be sure to click on the link…that is one amazing website for a little drive-in restaurant in Montana!)

This picture is courtesy of Dorsey Alston REALTORS that had the home listed.

HomeSmart