Lenox Square Mall is amidst a multi-phase renovation project

---

 From: whatnowatlanta.com

Buckhead mall updating its look in anticipation of new retailers in 2013.

Lenox Square Mall is amidst a multi-phase renovation project to its interior and exterior. Simon Property Group, the mall’s developer, submitted a building permit application Tuesday to City of Atlanta to renovate the Buckhead mall’s “north facade.”
Once complete, the north facade will feature a two-story glass storefront with a redesigned porte-cochere and enhanced valet services, costing an estimated $10,265,395.
In December 2011, Simon spent more than $600,000 to demolish Lenox’s existing north facade.
“This renovation will be attractive to both current and prospective tenants and we’re already working on lease commitments with new specialty stores and restaurants in conjunction with the renovation plans,” John Phipps, Senior Vice President of Development for Simon Property Group, said in a press release.
“Our objective is to maintain Lenox Square and nearby Phipps Plaza as the epicenter of the best retail in the southeastern United States.”
The mall’s second phase of renovations will include a number of new enhancements and amenities to Lenox’s interior, including a fully-renovated Dining Pavilion with new dining options, new ceiling treatments to increase natural light and expanded seating including an outdoor patio.
The mall’s Atrium Court will also receive a new look.

Clear History Now on HBO

BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival is Saturday 8-17-13

 From http://decaturbbqfestival.com/
FAQ
Q: Are dogs allowed at the festival?
A: Absolutely, as long as they’re on a leash!
Q: What does the $10 entry fee include?
A: Six hours of music! Remember this is a fundraiser and all proceeds from food and beer go back to the community, so there are extra costs associated with food and beverages.
Q: How much is beer and bbq?
A: It all depends on what you want! Beer is typically $3-$4 each, and BBQ is $5-$10 depending on what you want. It’s affordable for everyone!
Q: Are chairs allowed?
A: Sure they are! But, if you want to bring a chair, you’re going to need to get there early to find a spot for it.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Unfortunately, we do not. So, stock up on cash, and come have a day of fun in the sun!

Ponce City Market adds tech company

From: ajc.com/

 By J. Scott Trubey

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The team behind the redevelopment of the former City Hall East complex has landed another fast-growing technology company as a key office tenant.

Cardlytics, an Atlanta-based digital marketing company, plans to relocate to Ponce City Market, the reimagining of the massive warehouse complex on Ponce de Leon Avenue, developer Jamestown Properties said Monday in a news release. Cardlytics plans to take about 74,000 square feet, or roughly 17 percent of the office space in the building, Jamestown said.
more

Roy Orbison Oh, Pretty Woman from Black & White Night

Slow-paced montage in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"

Good Growth DeKalb: Court Denies Motion to Intervene in Walmart Suit

From: northdruidhillspatch

A DeKalb County judge denied on Tuesday Selig Enterprises' motion to intervene in a lawsuit seeking to prevent construction of a Walmart Supercenter in North Decatur, Good Growth DeKalb said.

"This means that Suburban Plaza, owned by Selig, cannot make arguments at the hearing on Friday, August 9, and means Selig’s Motion to Dismiss the case is moot," the group wrote on its Facebook page. "But we still have to contend with the county’s Motion to Dismiss so please come out to the rally and hearing on Friday."
more

SHAKE SHACK Coming to Buckhead

from: ajc

--

 By Christopher Seward

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Shake Shack, a New York restaurant known for its burgers, flat-top dogs, craft beer and wine, will open a restaurant in Buckhead in mid-2014, the company announced Friday.

N.Y. restaurateur Danny Meyer and his Union Square Hospitality Group will open the eatery at 3035 Peachtree Road, according to Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti. In a statement, Garutti said an Atlanta location “has been on our radar for some time.”

Spokesman Greg Waters said the restaurant likely will employ around 70 staffers.

In addition to New York, Shake Shack has locations in Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida and Massachusetts, and in London, Istanbul and Dubai.

Other New York restaurants under the Union Square Hospitality umbrella include Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art, Maialino, Jazz Standard and Untitled at the Whitney on Madison Avenue.

NY’s Shake Shack plans Buckhead eatery

---
Photo from shakeshack.com is DC location.

Inside Look at The Plaza Theatre

--

The new seats are great looking.If you have not been to The Plaza in a while, you need to visit and check out the new look.
 The Plaza Theatre
 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE  Atlanta, GA 30306

(404) 873-1939

Decatur's Kitchen Garden' Dinner Party

from : the decatur minute

Fridays Dekalb Ave Fire Left Hundreds without Power

5K run/walk to benefit DeKalb County residents

From ajc

By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Registration is underway for a 5K run/walk to benefit DeKalb County residents with developmental disabilities, substance addiction and mental illness.
The Walk of Heroes will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 in Kirkwood. All proceeds benefit the DeKalb Community Service Board.
An informational meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the CBS offices, 445 Winn Way, Room 421, Decatur.
More information/race registration: www.walkofheroes5k.com.

Maroon 5 - Love Somebody (Toyota Concert Series 2013 on Today Show)

"MEAN GIRLS" at The Plaza Wed. July 24

The Plaza Theatre 
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave
Atlanta, GA
 404.873.1939

Atlanta's newest production brewery, Three Taverns Craft Brewery

 FROM: http://clatl.com

Decatur's TACO-MAC is one of many to offer the new beer.
Photo credit: Next Stop...Decatur

 Atlanta's newest production brewery, Three Taverns Craft Brewery, will be debut its beer at Brick Store Pub - and other locations in Decatur - this Friday.

CL recently caught up with Belgian-born brewer Joran Van Ginderachter, who will join brewery president and CEO, Brian Purcell, as Three Taverns' head brewer. According to the brewery, Three Taverns will be the only traditional Belgian-style beer brewery in the Southeast, and Van Ginderachter will be one of only three classically trained Belgian brewers in the United States.

Their motto? Transcendo Mediocris- "to unlock and inspire the pursuit of a fuller and more transcendent experience of life, inviting our friends and neighbors to join us at the table of discovery and raise a glass in gratitude and merry celebration."

During the market launch on Fri., July 19, Three Taverns' will release two beers from its New Monastic series: Single Intent, a Belgian-style single, and A Night In Brussels IPA, a Belgian-style American I.P.A.

"Our beers will represent the very best in authentic Belgian-style brewing, but with a more open minded American brewing spirit," Purcell said in a release. "Single Intent is styled after the classic, lighter bodied blonde ale crafted by monks for their own consumption - a beer just too good to keep cloistered. A Night In Brussels IPA represents a fusion between old world Belgian and newer American brewing technique. More simply explained, Belgian inspiration, American creativity."

Following the Friday launch, Three Taverns' brews will be available on draft at select locations, while bottled beers will arrive mid-August.

FROM: http://clatl.com/omnivore/archives/2013/07/18/decaturs-three-taverns-craft-brewery-launches-friday

3 Taverns Brewery Opens in Decatur

Marco's Pita Damaged by Fire

 From: Rollingout.com
Marco’s Pita, located at 752 Ponce de Leon in Atlanta’s Virginia Highland community, suffered a damaging fire on Friday, July 12, 2013. It’s reportedly a total loss.

Decorated with work from local artists, this eclectic restaurant founded by Blue is famous for its Mediterranean fusion fare. They sell healthy food in a small-town restaurant type atmosphere, including pita dishes, gyros, falafels, lasagna, pita burritos and a variety of burgers. Meats include grilled chicken, tuna, salmon, seafood mix and veggie burgers.

Comments:

jolomo said...

Hope they are able to re-open! They had awesome fries and a solid gyro.

DeKalb Commissioner Lee May was sworn in as acting CEO.

From Decatur's  The Champion Newspaper
Approximately an hour after Gov. Nathan Deal announced the suspension of DeKalb CEO Burrell, DeKalb Commissioner Lee May was sworn in as acting CEO.
The appointment is “something that I take seriously and I’m humbled by the opportunity to act in this position,” May said.
“[I’m] excited about the opportunity to work with my colleagues on the Board of Commissioners in unison and harmony to really move this county forward,” May said. “That’s our No. 1 focus.”
May said he understands clearly that this is a temporary position for him.
“We’re in this together. We’re going to move this county forward together. The best days are yet to come,” May said.

Skyview Ferris Wheel to Open This Week- Maybe

 From midtownpatch
The Skyview Ferris Wheel in downtown Atlanta is scheduled to open next week.

Skyview Atlanta posted on its Facebook page: "Great news Atlanta, the official opening day for SkyView Atlanta is this coming Tuesday, July 16. The ribbon cutting is set for Noon. We hope to see you there!"
The 20-story high Ferris Wheel with 42 gondolas is in the south end of Centennial Olympic Park. "With a view like this, everyone will be wanting a ride," Skyview writes on its website

Coca-Cola Making Bottles Entirely Out of Ice Just in Time for Summer

 From adweek.com
First, Coca-Cola tried to thaw relations between India and Pakistan. Now, the brand has created bottles that are guaranteed to melt in your hands. Foodbeast gives a chilly reception to Coke's bottles made of ice, pointing to potential hygiene issues. But I can see folks warming to the offbeat promotional items, introduced in sunny Colombia just in time for beach season. There's no denying that the containers are … cool. Usually you have to go to a restaurant to get watered-down soda. Now you can enjoy it straight from the bottle. A red Coke-logo band lets you hold the frozen flask without chilling your hand too much, and doubles as a keepsake bracelet, because who wouldn't want one of those? Seriously, though, the brand's latest foray into innovative packaging (following the split-can idea) carries a certain ironic symbolism—with one of consumer culture's most famous icons, the Coca-Cola bottle, drip-drip-dripping away through customers' fingers, leaving only an advertisement (that band with the logo) behind. Now that's what I call pop art! Agency: Ogilvy Colombia.
---

Proposed Development Near Suburban Plaza would level 58-year-old church for mixed-use complex

From clatl.com
Fuqua Development, the company behind a controversial retail center near Glenwood Park and a proposed Walmart near Lindbergh Center, has another new project in the works: Decatur Crossing.

The nearly 7-acre mixed-used development located near the busy intersection of Scott Boulevard and North Decatur Road is technically just outside Decatur. Early plans, which were presented to surrounding neighborhoods on Monday, include a 5-story, 200-unit apartment complex and an "organic" food store that would serve as the development's anchor tenant. Retail shops would line the street and wrap two levels of parking - one of which would potentially be underground. At the 6-way intersection, the developer says, pedestrians and passersby will be able to convene in a "public gathering space."

To build the shopping center, Fuqua would have to raze the current properties. Historic 58-year-old Scott Boulevard Baptist Church, which has tried to sell the property to more than a dozen potential buyers, would be demolished under the firm's plan. As would 10 homes on Barton Way that the developer currently has under contract.
read full story

Zaxby's on Ponce Grand Opening July 15

---The new Zaxby's on Ponce will have their Grand Opening July 15

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" Buffalo Exchange

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur. Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.

Buffalo Exchange
 1057 Ponce De Leon Ave NE  Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 817-0921
To learn more about Buffalo Exchange click here

Ongoing Police Investigation Alert for Decatur

--

From The City of Decatur

Ongoing Police Investigation  

 

We sent out a news release on Wednesday, July 3 around 6 p.m. updating the media on the ongoing police investigation of the recent burglaries and robberies.  I am sending the same release to all of our e-news lists to keep you updated as well.  

In addition to the release we sent Wednesday, we had a report of an armed robbery on Sycamore Drive near Grove Street at 3:30 a.m. July 5.  The Community Alert is posted on the website with the details.  Based on a number of key differences, the police believe that this incident is not related to the other incidents that occured earlier this week.

Please know that the police are working diligently to resolve these incidents and please keep your eyes and ears open if you see any suspicious activity.  In addition, Police Chief Mike Booker and his staff are available if you would like for them to come talk to your neighborhood association or community group.  Call 404-373-6551 to report suspicious activity or to schedule a meeting with your group.

 

Ongoing Police Investigation

The City of Decatur Police Department is in the process of investigating a series of 13 day time burglaries that occurred from May 30 - June 26 that appear to be related. The majority of the burglaries occurred in and around S. Candler Street including parts of the Oakhurst and Winnona Park neighborhoods. The burglaries seem to be related to a significantly higher number of similar incidents in DeKalb County and the City of Atlanta. All three jurisdictions are working on a coordinated approach and together have made one arrest, detained five juvenile perpetrators, recovered a stolen vehicle, and recovered stolen property.

The Decatur Police Department is also in the process of investigating an attempted robbery and two robberies that occurred in Oakhurst on July 1 & 2 and a car theft that occurred on Swanton Way in downtown Decatur on July 3 that resulted in the vehicle crashing at Kirk Rd. and South Candler Street. A 15-year-old suspect is currently in custody.

According to information obtained from the witnesses and the victims, both the burglaries and the robberies are being committed by juveniles. Decatur Police Chief Mike Booker said that there is no indication that the juveniles are Decatur residents. He added that these appear to be crimes of opportunity with no regular pattern but that they do share common characteristics in terms of items stolen and the number and age of the suspects involved.

Chief Booker stated that "We are meeting and comparing information on a daily basis with both DeKalb County and City of Atlanta officers working the cases." He added "that in addition to the regular patrol shifts of five officers, the City has called in additional off-duty police officers and re-directed the four special unit officers to assignments related to addressing the current situation." Officers are using marked and unmarked cars and implementing periodic roadblocks throughout the city. Additional uniformed city staff, including firefighters, are assisting in the patrol of city parks, neighborhoods, and the business districts. In addition to responding to all burglaries and processing all latent prints, the police are using the GBI sketch artist and anticipate the release of at least one sketch very soon.

Decatur Mayor Jim Baskett said, "We want to assure the community that resolving these incidents are a top priority for the City Commission, the Police Department and all City staff. We are confident that they are utilizing every available resource to catch the perpetrators."

Mayor Baskett continued, "The police regularly issue community advisories and update them as more information is available for release. We encourage the community to read those advisories and follow the suggested safety precautions." Advisories are also posted on the City of Decatur website at www.decaturga.com.

Chief Booker and other police staff members will attend the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association Meeting on Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m. at The Solarium, 321W. Hill Street and the Winnona Park Neighbors Meeting on Tuesday, July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street. They are also available to attend other neighborhood association meetings. Call 404-373-6551 if you would like to request they attend your meeting.

The Decatur Police encourage the community to call if they see any suspicious activity. The non-emergency number is 404-373-6551. If you believe you are witnessing a crime, or have an emergency, dial 911.

Linda Harris

Chief, Civic Engagement, Education & Communication

linda.harris@decaturga.com

678-553-6512

Zaxby's on Ponce to Open Soon

Bond, James Bond at The Plaza Theatre this Month

-- Buy Tickets here

Before and After of the old Lewis Seed Store Building

--

Several years ago when they were remodeling this building they found this store front sign painted on the bricks. The painted brick sign looks to be circa 1940's/50's Top photo from google maps shows how it looks today.

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur"

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur. Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.

Decatur's Pied Piper Parade is July 4th

From The Decatur Minute

Help us celebrate Independence Day in Decatur by joining our
Pied Piper Parade. Decorate your bike, wagon, or scooter-dress up in a silly costume, or go big and create a patriotic float to be a part of our annual community parade.
Have a kazoo band? Come join us!  Play the tuba? Come join us! The more the merrier.  Line-up is at 5:30pm on Thursday, July 4^th at the Decatur First Baptist Church.  Pedestrians gather on the lawn and vehicles will be lined up by volunteers in the parking lot.
Concert on the square features Callanwolde Concert Band. Parade 6 p.m.; Concert 7 p.m.; Fireworks at dark.
Click here to download the parade guidelines. We want to see your silliest and most creative decorations!

Eye on Decatur - Calle Latina and Decatur Station Food Mart

Saturday Events in and around Decatur

From accessatlanta.com
SATURDAY
Festival, music: Rev your engines at the V-103 Car & Bike Show from noon-9 p.m. June 22 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Check out classic cars and bikes plus performances from Ludacris, Ne-Yo and Wale.
Festival, music: Enjoy music from 14 bands, food, a beer garden and children's activities at Surf Fest from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. June 22 at O'Neal Plaza in Douglasville. 
Film, culture: Check out screenings of the 1929 film "Hallelujah" and the 1940 classic "Broken Strings" plus a performance from local gospel group Anointed Voices, at the Black Vintage Movie Series 2 p.m.-7 p.m. June 22 at Balzer Theater at Herren's (Home of Theatrical Outfit) in Atlanta.
Beer, festival: Enjoy 150+ beers, food, music and games at the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest from 4-9 p.m. June 22 at the Masquerade Music Park in Atlanta.
Beer, festival: Individuals and teams will compete to get their beer made at Red Hare Brewery during the Homebrew Battle from noon-5 p.m. at The Beer Growler in Avondale Estates. Sample homebrews and enjoy food, live music and games.
Food, music, festival: Enjoy food from food trucks, music from Marc Broussard and Sonia Leigh, cooking demonstrations and more at the People's Fest from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Atlantic Station in Atlanta.
Festival: Combine the "get out and get active" attitude and “going green” lifestyle at the GREEN Fun Fest at noon in Grant Park in Atlanta. Enjoy games, food, a farmer's and artist's market and more.

Welcome Summer

Ponce City Market Fly Through

From : read more about it at clatl.com

Theatre for the Very Young - New Season

The Alliance Theatre is pleased to announce its 2013/14 season of performances for Theatre for the Very Young. The new season includes one encore production and two new productions developed for children ages 18 months to 5 years old.

Theatre for the Very Young is an artistic experience for children that overcomes age and developmental barriers, expanding the consciousness of the very young audience members. Each production nurtures creative thinking, allowing the very young to experience art and culture on their terms. See press release below with all the details, including information on our season packages which include tickets to all three productions.
 Please let me know if you have any questions.
 Tickets are available now. ---

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" - The Best Pulled Pork in Midtown

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur. Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.

Decatur Beach Party this Friday June 14 - 5-11 PM

 Over at The Decatur Minute they remind us of the
Decatur Beach Party this Friday .
and after it's over you can take some of the sand home for FREE.

----
 From: http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/22931.aspx BUY TICKETS HERE
  Head to downtown Decatur on Friday, June 14 from 5-11 pm for the annual Beach Party, brought to you by the Decatur Business Association. Celebrate the start of summer at the famous Ponce de Leon Beach with 60 tons of sand, a kids board walk with all kinds of fun games, live music, dancing on the plaza, a food court, cold beverages and guaranteed great times for all ages!

Stan's Sandwich Shop - circa 1960's

Do you believe in UFO's ?

Click here for some  MORE UFO pictures ------------------ Also see this related video Very strange. ???

Burt Bacharach's South American Getaway from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Soundtrack

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur"

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur. Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.
Click image to visit Paris on Ponce.com

Bowling and Beer = FUN

From East Cobb Patch
Brunswick’s, a new upscale bowling and entertainment center with the full-service Tavern ’45 restaurant, will open its first two locations this summer in the East Cobb area and Norcross.

Brunswick’s will cater to adults. The Marietta/East Cobb location will open in mid-June at 2749 Delk Road. It currently is the site of a Brunswick Zone facility that is being renovated for the expanded facility.

“We designed a place where guests will want to socialize and connect with family and friends through group activities while enjoying great food, craft beer and exceptional service,” Brunswick Bowling Retail president Jim Fox said.

The 40,000-square-foot location on Delk Road will feature remodeled interiors, plush furnishings and mood lighting as well as upgraded bowling equipment. The location will feature 40 lanes.
Read full story

Studio Movie Grill Big Hit for Duluth

WELCOME TO STUDIO MOVIE GRILL

Studio Movie Grill is the pioneer of the in-theater dining concept offering up first-run movies and alternate programming alongside an American Grill menu and full service bar. Visit any one of their locations for unmatched food and beverage service and the very best viewing experience available. Reserve your seats now with  QuickTickets system or browse all content using the Browse By Movie feature.
From http://www.studiomoviegrill.com/

Dekalb Schools Refuse to pay Millions

ET Intern Interviews "INTERNSHIP" Stars

DECATUR Beach Party Friday June 14

 From http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/22931.aspx---BUY TICKETS HERE
Head to downtown Decatur on Friday, June 14 from 5-11 pm for the annual Beach Party, brought to you by the Decatur Business Association. Celebrate the start of summer at the famous Ponce de Leon Beach with 60 tons of sand, a kids board walk with all kinds of fun games, live music, dancing on the plaza, a food court, cold beverages and guaranteed great times for all ages!

The Beach Party welcomes headliner A1A, “the original and official Jimmy Buffet tribute band,” dancing and relaxing on the plaza. And for the younger set, Douglas Brake and the Sizzle, Hiss, Pop Band return for a special kid’s concert.

*Friday June 14th, 5-11pm*

General Admission: $7
Children (3-12): $5
Children under 3 are admitted without charge

Read more at The Decatur Minute

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur"

"Ponce - Gateway to Decatur" is a new feature for Next Stop..Decatur. Images of Ponce de Leon Ave. You never know what you will see or find.

Virginia-Highland 2013 Summerfest June 1-2

From http://vahi.org/summerfest/

Saturday June 1, 2013	10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Artist Market closes at 6:30 p.m.)
Sunday, June 2, 2013	10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday Events Are Open to General Public.
Free Admission, Donations Greatly Appreciated. Here is a video from Summerfest 2010

Eye on Decatur - The Decatur Arts Festival

-- -- --

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

--