Will Atlanta ever become an Urban Jungle? (Boston, Buckhead: transplants, how much)

[Psykomonkee]

Is it possible to engineer an urban jungle out of Atlanta given it's pre-established suburban structure? Atlanta's streets are not planned in a grid fassion and the buildings are often spread out. Even many smaller cities around the nation have a more urban feeling city center than Atlanta. Is it possible to ever create that urban jungle feel that you get in Philly, DC and other cities like them? What would have to happen. I realize that this may not be what every citizen of Atlanta wants, but it IS what the OTHER half does want for the future of their city. So, what does anyone think?

[gaflsc]

Other half = you?

Nah, we'll pass.

[Psykomonkee]

Not just me. Others. Honestly, probably mostly transplants from other urban cities. But I'm no transplant. I'd love to have an urban city center. If you want suburban space, go to the suburbs...

[Sandy Springs Rep.]

I mean, it's fairly urban. The street grid issue is noticeable in Buckhead, but Midtown and parts of Downtown have good street grids.

But you're right; a lot of metro Atlanta wasn't planned to be anything more than farmland, so the streets don't facilitate that "urban" feel.

But I still think midtown and downtown do have that feel.

[DeaconJ]

Originally Posted by Psykomonkee

Is it possible to engineer an urban jungle out of Atlanta given it's pre-established suburban structure? Atlanta's streets are not planned in a grid fassion and the buildings are often spread out. Even many smaller cities around the nation have a more urban feeling city center than Atlanta. Is it possible to ever create that urban jungle feel that you get in Philly, DC and other cities like them? What would have to happen. I realize that this may not be what every citizen of Atlanta wants, but it IS what the OTHER half does want for the future of their city. So, what does anyone think?

What is it about Downtown and Midtown Atlanta that isn't urban? How much time do you spend in these two areas? I certainly don't get a suburban vibe in either area. The buildings are densley packed, there several rail stations spaced throughout each area, there are lots of walkable restaurants/bars/stores/parks/entertainment options...I think you may need to actually spend some time walking around those two sections of Atlanta before you try to lead a discussion on their disadvantages.

There are other cities besides Atlanta that weren't planned on a grid system - Boston for one. Atlanta is what it is...improvements have been made and there are lots more coming, but the basic bones of the city are not going to be magically altered.

Even without a comprehensive grid pattern, Atlanta isn't totally void of gridded streets:

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by DeaconJ

What is it about Downtown and Midtown Atlanta that isn't urban? How much time do you spend in these two areas? I certainly don't get a suburban vibe in either area. The buildings are densley packed, there several rail stations spaced throughout each area, there are lots of walkable restaurants/bars/stores/parks/entertainment options...I think you may need to actually spend some time walking around those two sections of Atlanta before you try to lead a discussion on their disadvantages.

There are other cities besides Atlanta that weren't planned on a grid system - Boston for one. Atlanta is what it is...improvements have been made and there are lots more coming, but the basic bones of the city are not going to be magically altered.

Even without a comprehensive grid pattern, Atlanta isn't totally void of gridded streets:

Good post, Deacon J...

And may I add--Let Atlanta be Atlanta. Atlanta is and has even more potential to be an original urban world city. Let the Capital of the American South be itself...

Tired of this...

[wxjay]

The "several" metro stations is nowhere near enough for the distance they span. As is much of Atlanta, they are too spread out and not enough connection between areas to make them useful to grow and densify this city.

Secondly, the walkability of Midtown is decent but just doesn't cut it. The only area that is walkable is Peachtree St. and Piedmont area. And with a desolate downtown (and I do mean that - it's a ghost town), I cannot in any way consider Atlanta pedestrian friendly. It is car friendly and very friendly to drive into and drive out of. But it doesn't match to any other city of its magnitude like Chicago, San Francsico, Boston, New York, or even smaller cities like Providence (where I grew up). And this is not my impression alone. Friends that come to visit from Boston metro and Chicago are SHOCKED at the lack of pedestrian-friendly streets and activities, even on Peachtree St.

[wxjay]

Originally Posted by aries4118

Good post, Deacon J...
And may I add--Let Atlanta be Atlanta. Atlanta is and has even more potential to be an original urban world city. Let the Capital of the American South be itself...
Tired of this...

The problem is sustainability. Is Atlanta sustainable as a place that is spread out all over the place with 16 lanes of traffic leading in and out? I don't think so, and I think we are seeing that, recession aside.

[KeyserSoze]

Originally Posted by gaflsc

Other half = you?

Nah, we'll pass.

Lol.

Why does everyone have to stop what they're doing, and bend to the will of some transplants? Why can't the transplants adapt to the area for a change?

[blondandfun]

I've seen those "urban jungles" and all it is is rows of dilapidated thrift shops and other undesirables.

I've been to Chicago that ain't no urban jungle that the Michigan mile or whatever is dead at night.