Potential New Retail Services at MARTA Stations (Atlanta, Hamilton: apartments, condos)

[LynnHarris]

A friend of mine wanted my opinion on potential new retail services currently being considered for several MARTA stations. Overall, I think adding the new services would be positive.

I would like to get other opinions on this topic, so I attached the link to the MARTA spreadsheet that highlights the stations that are being considered for these new services. This spreadsheet also provides a "demographic profile" of each station:

http://itsmarta.com/uploadedFiles/News_And_Events/System_Alerts/Top5_SegmentsIndustry1I%208-16-2012.pdf

[MattCW]

This sounds great to me. Should help to offset system costs, and hopefully attract more riders. The only caveat I can see is with the food shops. I believe MARTA currently disallows consumption (but not carriage) of food on its trains. If they want to welcome retail food and beverage shops, then they'll probably need to change this.

[arjay57]

There's an interesting article in today's paper about MARTA's plans to develop land around the train stations.

MARTA has identified at least 10 of its train stations as potential magnets for new mixed-use developments that could generate millions in additional revenue for the financially-strapped transit authority.

MARTA’s initial plan includes the possibility of developing the following stations: Avondale, Brookhaven, Edgewood/Candler Park, Hamilton E. Holmes, King Memorial, Kensington, Lakewood/Ft. McPherson, Lindbergh Center, Medical Center and Oakland City.

The idea comes as MARTA officials say they are receiving more interest from developers that are considering projects near existing train stations.

More... MARTA eyes new development at train stations - Atlanta Business Chronicle

[UrbanConquistador]

Originally Posted by LynnHarris

This spreadsheet also provides a "demographic profile" of each station:

http://itsmarta.com/uploadedFiles/News_And_Events/System_Alerts/Top5_SegmentsIndustry1I%208-16-2012.pdf

Why is Midtown station and North Ave not included on this list? I would think these two stations would provide a great opportunity for this.

[westau]

Originally Posted by Frankster87

Why is Midtown station and North Ave not included on this list? I would think these two stations would provide a great opportunity for this.

Might be too small.




Stuff like newstands I think makes sense, but sandwich shops and electronics? No.

[flyonpa]

I could see grab&go sandwich/breakfast type places.

(They would have to change the no eating rule).

And grab&go dinners at 'end' stations to take home.

Electronics.. No way. Even the Electronics stores are shutting down, as the internet direct ship takes over. Can't see getting a 64" flat screen tv at a Marta stataion.

[MathmanMathman]

As long as they don't price gouge. I never...ever...buy anything from the station snack machines.

[cqholt]

I know Columbia Properties has a plan to convert the south parking lot at Edgewood/Candler Park Station to mixed-use and mixed-income housing. A new garage would be built for residents and commuters. Retail would be small shops.
I have always envisioned new office towers or condos/apartments built on the Midtown, Arts Center, and North Ave station footprints. Have the station entrance be the ground floor with bus bays. Example now would be the North Ave station entrance in the ATT Midtown Center and Peachtree Center.