Atlantic Station (Atlanta, Macon, Doraville: lofts, condos, townhomes)

[B to the T]

That looks like an area I could really enjoy... what do you locals think about it?

Thanks...

[atlantagreg30127]

Enjoy in what context? Live there? Entertainment?

My opinion: It's certainly better than what was there (and old factory/mill area), but personally I don't go there often and don't have much of a reason to.

It's very generic. The architecture isn't varied enough to catch my interest visually, and many of the shops there are pretty much what you could find in any suburban mall in the metro area. The condos and townhomes are somewhat overpriced for what you get (I've been in a couple - the quality of construction is "ok" at best in some). There are a couple of decent restaurants there, and IKEA is a neat place to take tourists that are visiting. There is a free shuttle that takes you to the Arts Center MARTA station, but it's not easily walkable directly from MARTA rail for most.

So the verdict (for me): Again, better than what was there for sure. Surprised they pulled it off, actually. But after a couple of visits or so it draws more of a yawn than anything.

What to watch for: In Doraville the old Ford Plant is closing and developers from around the world are trying to get that property, which is larger than the Atlantic Station property as well. The claim is that many have watched what has worked, and what has NOT, in Atlantic Station, and that they are going to build a similar but larger and improved version of it in Doraville on that property. The advantage supposedly being that they will "fix" the flaws they see in Atlantic Station in their designs, and, that it's right next to the Doraville MARTA station so will be easier for folks to access.

[B to the T]

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

Enjoy in what context? Live there? Entertainment?

My opinion: It's certainly better than what was there (and old factory/mill area), but personally I don't go there often and don't have much of a reason to.

It's very generic. The architecture isn't varied enough to catch my interest visually, and many of the shops there are pretty much what you could find in any suburban mall in the metro area. The condos and townhomes are somewhat overpriced for what you get (I've been in a couple - the quality of construction is "ok" at best in some). There are a couple of decent restaurants there, and IKEA is a neat place to take tourists that are visiting. There is a free shuttle that takes you to the Arts Center MARTA station, but it's not easily walkable directly from MARTA rail for most.

So the verdict (for me): Again, better than what was there for sure. Surprised they pulled it off, actually. But after a couple of visits or so it draws more of a yawn than anything.

What to watch for: In Doraville the old Ford Plant is closing and developers from around the world are trying to get that property, which is larger than the Atlantic Station property as well. The claim is that many have watched what has worked, and what has NOT, in Atlantic Station, and that they are going to build a similar but larger and improved version of it in Doraville on that property. The advantage supposedly being that they will "fix" the flaws they see in Atlantic Station in their designs, and, that it's right next to the Doraville MARTA station so will be easier for folks to access.

I would be living there... I like the look of the lofts... and having so many shops, restaurants and bars

...and the fact it's close to the interstate since I would have to travel to Augusta and Macon...

[George Chong]

My sister has a floral shop there - Atlantic Station is trying to court more "mom and pop" shops there rather than all the big named stores. There is a plethora of shops and restaurants. Here is a link to the businesses: Atlantic Station® - Life Happens here.

What I like best about Atlantic Station is the Atlantic Station Shuttle. It is free and can zip residents and guests around the development and to the Arts Center MARTA Station free of cost. ASAP-Plus + - TRANSIT (http://www.asap-plus.com/getting-around/transit/ - broken link)

Just know that if you chose the high rise at Twelve - that they are building a sister building named The Atlantic Across the street and some views will be blocked because of the new building.

When Cirque du Soleil pitched their tent there for performances a couple years back - it was perfect. I could attend the show and the dine out and not have to drive to another destination for dinner.

[B to the T]

Thanks George... I am still evaluating if Atlanta is for me... if I get the job it would be in the middle of my territory so as far as that is concerned it would be perfect.

Cali to Georgia... not sure if I can make that transition