Reynolds vs. Spire.. 2br (Atlanta, Crawford: lofts, condo, landscaping)

[ethat001]

Hi, we're deciding on a 2br 2bath condo in the next few days.. Reynolds is a new construction that is 60% sold right across Emory Crawford hospital..

We liked both Spire and Reynolds, and wanted to see if you guys knew anything positive or negative about these places.. We weren't so sure about the area around Reynolds too..

We'd love any other good suggestions around Midtown too on high rises.

[noah]

We are considering buying a unit in the Windsor which is in the same area as the Reynolds - in fact you can see the Reynolds from the unit and would also love any comments on the area.

[xxman777]

These two buildings are completely different. My understanding is the Reynolds was originally designed and marketed as a place for empty nesters. The units are a little larger, and classier. The amenities are targeted at an older crowd. The website doesn't look like they are still doing this but that is what the building was supposed to be for. I know they were having problems selling the units at first because the condo market for empty nesters isn't very established in Atlanta yet.

If this is true you are going to find an older, more laid back crowd at Reynolds and a younger crowd much more into partying at Spire. Spire is sort of a part central. Lots of young gay men and other young professionals. Spire is also in a much better part of town then Reynolds. Spire is in a very happening part of Midtown, the area Reynolds is in is transitioning and will be great in 10 years but it isn't there yet (it is much better then it was a year ago). The Windsor is kind of in between the two as far as area, nicer then the Reynolds area but not as nice of an area as Spire.

[ethat001]

Thanks! We just signed the contract on Reynolds..

xxman - I think you're completely right about Reynolds -- it seems classier, but not as party-central as Spire. It's located on the south end of Peachtree which is not as developed yet, but only 5 blocks from the restaurants/etc. Anyway, we liked it over Spire because it was much bigger and had ceilings (Spire & Metropolis were mostly lofts w/cement ceilings and exposed heating pipes).

Since it was a different style than the generic huge 400 room towers we thought it might hold its value/be easier to sell in the future..? Spire & Metropolis seemed to have a ton of units left on the market.. We're also hoping the visions of the "Midtown Mile" & new trolley service may extend developments to the south & help the value go up when we try to sell in 4-6 years..

Midtown Mile: http://www.midtownmile.com/Docs/abc_07_01_05.pdf
Map: http://www.midtownmile.com/location3.htm [we're at the left (south) edge]
New trolley service: http://www.midtownmile.com/Docs/ajc_07_02_14.pdf

"The mayor outlined a plan to begin work toward transforming the Peachtree into a world-class corridor with a streetcar line and a vibrant street life fueled by new wider sidewalks and bicycle lanes, improved lighting and landscaping, and a string of parks and plazas.... If a funding plan is cobbled together, streetcars could be rolling downtown and in Midtown within two to three years.." -March 2006
http://www.atlantastreetcar.com/inde...m.More&OID=116

Moderator cut: sales website removed

[sweettea1]

Congrats! Go celebrate with some dessert at Chocolate Pink on 5th and Juniper!

[xxman777]

Unfortunately I think it would be really unlikely that the trolley would be up and running within 4-6 years. However, changes are already happening in that area south of north which are going to make it a great area in just a few years. Just last year the homeless shelter on Pine street overflowed on to the streets at all times of the day. The parking lots around the shelter were more of a 24 hour party then a parking lot. Now those lots are used to park cars. A few new restaurants opened up on Peachtree and the whole area seems nicer. Other things to watch out for, the Civic Center should get redeveloped within a few years. CAP and local businesses are pushing for a park over freeway at Peachtree and I've heard rumors that the Midtown Alliance and CAP are starting to push for Piedmont and Juniper to be turned from one way streets into two way streets. This would make them less of thoroughfares and more into neighborhood streets.