Opinions on The Prado? (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: crime, Home Depot, neighborhood)

[dannynell5001]

I was just wondering how everyone else feels about the redevelopment of The Prado. Do you welcome these new mixed-use concrete meccas - or do you dread them? And, do you really think that it will help deter crime from the Northwoods area? Personally, I prefer the charm of locally owned businesses in unique settings (like a renovated historic home) to dime-by-the-dozen corporate chains.

[nrgpill]

That would depend on the tenants. I would hate to see a dollar store, a generic nail salon, dry cleaners, and any of the top 100 QSR's (fast food chains). Also, keep out the big box retailers and typical mall tenants. I would like to see something like Henri Bendel or Scoop, or even a Zara on the low end and an outdoorsy cafe or two.

Having said all that, I think the developers will sell out and bring in tenants more akin to what we see at Atlantic Station. If they turn Prado into a unique shopping destination, I think the entire Northwood corridor will develop at a much faster rate. Otherwise, we will see just another "mall".

[dannynell5001]

I totally agree with you. It is so mind-numbing for me to see the same big box, as you say, retailers over and over again. Ew.

Do we need another atlantic station? I don't even think its that hot right now.

[nrgpill]

Originally Posted by dannynell5001

I totally agree with you. It is so mind-numbing for me to see the same big box, as you say, retailers over and over again. Ew.

Do we need another atlantic station? I don't even think its that hot right now.

Atlantic Station was never hot in my mind since I was hoping for an architecturally inspiring design and a destination shopping center. But people in general tend to be accepting of the fact that there is another Gap and Dillard's nearby for Midtown residents.

I also thought the Forum in Norcross was a good idea until I saw the tenants there. Come on, Belk as an anchor store?!?!?! Why not add JCPenny and Sears to the mix?

[skandrewj62j]

My problem with any of the proposed developments is not the stores that are in the shopping centers. Although I appreciate your opinion and also enjoy a local merchant or restaurant, I believe that Atlanta needs to put more thought into the logistics of these developments. I like the live, work, play concept as opposed to building a new mall that is surrounded by other shops. Housing is nearby but at a distance that more often than not requires a car. My biggest gripe with Atlantic Station is the lack of MARTA. Yes I realize there are buses but a rail station through Atlantic Station and in between Vinings and Downtown would make the idea more successful. I liked the Prado idea more before the economy took a nosedive. It had originally included housing.

Still I think it looks better than it did before, and I am pleased that there will be a traffic signal to allow people to make a left on Roswell Road and head North.

We as a city are starting to catch on but we seriously need to improve MARTA. It needs more stations, more key destinations, more stops per hour and longer hours of operations. Atlanta already has horrible traffic and this recent gas shortage should further motivate every Atlantan to push for mass transit.

[Go Blue 99]

I think it's unfortunate that Prado developers are trying to push out 5 Seasons Brewery. That is a fun place and not a cheesy national chain.

I do like what Sembler's Town:Brookhaven is doing (at least for dining). Instead of finding national chain restaurants, they are focusing on Atlanta restaurants that want to expand locally (e.g. Figo, Atkins Park, Nuevo Laredo, Chow Baby, etc).

[pinetreelover]

There was nothing wrong with the Target at Sandy Springs Circle - it isn't even a Super Target. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Super Target fan at all, but it isn't like they were upgrading our Target - just moving it a mile down the street). We now have a Publix that is within two miles of a Publix going north and two miles of a Publix going south on Roswell Rd. Ridiculous!

[Branko92]

I wonder if the redevelopment is cursed somewhat. With circuit city leaving the Atlanta metro now, the store will never be built at Prado. Home Depot doesn't look like its even gotten started either. Iwonder if that will affect them getting in the little ma and paw retails or smaller chain stores in their smaller shops. As for the Publix, it looks like a pretty small one compared to the bigger ones up the road and out in the burbs. I wonder if its a new concept for them more like a neighborhood market like thing or if its just aiming at the immediate area.

[sonya123]

Where will the main entrance for Publix be?

What is that window-less cement block and brick building?

My husband thinks it's either Circuit City or a movie theater.