Is the Beltline squeezing out culture? (Atlanta, Millen: 2013, apartment, city hall)

[arjay57]

An interesting question.

The most unsettling thing about many of the developments springing up around the Beltline is that the 22-mile loop was supposed to be an agent of vibrancy. It has rallied citizens and grass-roots organizations, and brought attention to forgotten neighborhoods. But it has also laid the groundwork for a pricey monoculture.

Dad's Garage, a stronghold for improv comedy and theater performances that brought life to the corner of Lake and Elizabeth streets in Inman Park for almost 20 years, was forced to relocate last year to make way for yet another mid-rise apartment building. And as construction on the mixed-use megalith that is Ponce City Market continues, developers are reportedly itching to plant a five-story, multifamily building atop the Masquerade Music Park, the venue's outdoor space. The Masquerade is designated as a historic landmark by the city so it can be demolished only under limited circumstances. Even Murder Kroger is attempting to rebrand itself "Beltline Kroger."

As soon as an institution like Thunderbox develops a sense of history, along comes a wrecking ball. It's a problem that we see over and over again in Atlanta. In many cases the buzz around the Beltline is accelerating that process. Rather than displace them, developers should make an effort to incorporate these institutions into their plans. Why not retain part of what made a location so special in the first place?

Developers have been rightly praised for repurposing City Hall East as Ponce City Market rather than demolishing it, for instance. But at $1,335 for a 575-square-foot apartment, its residences are well beyond the means of most working folks and reflect the skyward direction rents in this city are headed.

More change is coming, and the more the city chips away at the creative surface area with high-priced condos and disposable storage units, the less square footage there is for artists, musicians, and creators. With each new wave of gentrification, Atlanta risks losing a bit of its soul and identity. But it doesn't have to be this way.

Every city undergoes the same pattern: Moneyed classes seek to associate themselves with the cultural vitality of the creative classes, but in so doing, the former force out the latter, who helped make the neighborhood desirable.

More...Development wants, development gets - Is the Beltline paving the way for monoculture?

[toll_booth]

[Mutiny77]

"Every city undergoes the same pattern: Moneyed classes seek to associate themselves with the cultural vitality of the creative classes, but in so doing, the former force out the latter, who helped make the neighborhood desirable."

Yup. Unfortunately, it's inevitable.

[Iconographer]

Demand. Supply. Market forces. Economics 101. I remember high school.

[jero23]

This sounds like typical gentrification. Atlanta might need to figure out measures to require some rent controls so that things remain affordable for the working class...

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by jero23

This sounds like typical gentrification. Atlanta might need to figure out measures to require some rent controls so that things remain affordable for the working class...

That's a great way to actually drive up rental rates and disincentivize new apartment construction.

[J2rescue]

A better question. Does culture in Atlanta only exist in a few former industrial buildings along the Beltline?

[atl parent]

A few points: 1) there is more room for certain kinds of creators in these spaces (e.g. chefs). 2) The Beltline created much more public space for serendipitous encounters in our city. Who knows what effects, cultural and otherwise, that might have? 3) The culture is still local--it's not awash with national chains like Applebees. This is a distinctive series of public and retail spaces. The idea that Atlanta is losing its "soul and identity" because it is less rundown and inexpensive presupposes a far too simple conception of the sources of a city's "soul and identity". And, all things considered, it's still an inexpensive city with plenty of affordable spots for artists who want to be here. 4) I'm prone to declinist attitudes (e.g. about technology), but anyone who's attacking the Beltline on these grounds is perverse. Dad's Garage found a new space; there are plenty of venues for music. Things are more expensive around the Beltline because, gasp!, it's made things much more pleasant and vibrant.

[arjay57]

I can see the Millennials settling along the Beltline for a few years while they are still millennials, and the artistic crowd moving to the close-in suburbs. If you are a struggling artist it's not likely you're going to be able to plunk down $1800 a month for a one bedroom.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

"Every city undergoes the same pattern: Moneyed classes seek to associate themselves with the cultural vitality of the creative classes, but in so doing, the former force out the latter, who helped make the neighborhood desirable."

Yup. Unfortunately, it's inevitable.

Agreed.

It's the law of the jungle. Winners win, losers move.