‘Murder Kroger’ to be reborn as $140 million ‘725 Ponce’ (leasing, construction)

[Atlwarrior]

Ugh! Totally does not fit the character of the area and belongs somewhere else. The area need building designs that compliment the Beltline area.

[JPD]

Originally Posted by koko339

What's with the big wall in the parking lot? And why can't they at least include liner retail along Ponce?

That would leave less room for murder.

[JPD]

There are parking decks in Downtown Atlanta that have better architectural design than this project.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

Retailers generally dislike their frontage being obscured from the street.

Exactly.

I think that is a huge thing with Kroger. They want people to be able to see them from the street and know that they can just pull in without hunting for a parking place.

[GeorgiaPeanuts]

Originally Posted by Atlwarrior

Ugh! Totally does not fit the character of the area and belongs somewhere else. The area need building designs that compliment the Beltline area.

How does that building not complement the beltline?

[Atlwarrior]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaPeanuts

How does that building not complement the beltline?

The focal point of the area with PCM being the centerpiece is the grit, art, and authenticity. This office park looking building goes against all the local area is striving toward.

[GeorgiaPeanuts]

Originally Posted by Atlwarrior

The focal point of the area with PCM being the centerpiece is the grit, art, and authenticity. This office park looking building goes against all the local area is striving toward.

Lol I don't get your angle at all, this is exactly the type of developments the beltline needs lining it for it to be successful as a transportation corridor:

More specifically, the office space will be delivered in a similar fashion as Ponce City Market, in that it "will cater to the intown worker and (will include) open floor plates with exposed 13-foot ceilings, divided light windows and a refined industrial aesthetic," per developers.

And for fans of non-blah architecture, there's this:

"The building will feature multiple stair-stepped outdoor terraces, which will provide office tenants with the opportunity to work and congregate outdoors and enjoy spectacular views of the Atlanta skyline."

The new Kroger will boast an entrance directly onto the Beltline. Expect an expanded selection of natural foods, prepared foods and organic products, according to Kroger.

The 900 new parking spaces below the project will be available Beltline and Ponce City Market patrons on evenings and weekends. What's more, New City is working with the owners of neighboring Ford Factory "to create a new dedicated Beltline entrance to their building, public breezeway, and new Beltline-facing retail space inside the existing structure as part of the overall redevelopment."

Developers expect to break ground this spring.

Here's what officials have to say about the deal:

New City founder Jim Irwin, who spearheaded the redevelopment of Ponce City Market (more than 90 percent leased now) for Jamestown. He will lead the development team:

"Our goal for 725 Ponce is to build on the incredible momentum of Ponce City Market and the Beltline," said Irwin. "It's exciting to be able to partner with Kroger to revitalize the property and have an opportunity to design a new building that fits within the context with the historic structures next door and adds another layer to the urban landscape."

Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall, a cheerleader for smart urban development:

"We've built great relationships both with Kroger and with Jim Irwin during his work on Ponce City Market. I'm excited to work with them both on this new project to provide additional amenities and business opportunities for the residents of our historic neighborhoods."

Paul Morris, Atlanta Beltline CEO:

"This project exemplifies the catalytic role the Atlanta Beltline continues to play in advancing Atlanta's stature as a world-class walkable/bikable city … The confidence New City and their investors are showing at 725 Ponce further solidifies the urban development revolution taking place around the Beltline with robust economic development that affords residents the ability to work, shop and live their lives using the Beltline as their primary means of transportation."

[demonta4]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaPeanuts

Lol I don't get your angle at all, this is exactly the type of developments the beltline needs lining it for it to be successful as a transportation corridor:

The architecture could be better. This looks like it belongs in Perimeter, not in the middle of a world class urban city.

[Pemgin]

Originally Posted by Atlwarrior

The focal point of the area with PCM being the centerpiece is the grit, art, and authenticity. This office park looking building goes against all the local area is striving toward.

This building looks like it does a good job of embracing the Beltline. Isn't that the spirit of the project: to provide spaces that encourage walkability, biking, and transit and fostering density? Seems pretty authentic in that regard.

[GeorgiaPeanuts]

Meh, I think it is fitting with current modern architecture trends combined with the industrial aesthetic: