Buckhead Reporter - May 2023

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COLLIN KELLEY

Thank you for picking up this print edition of the Reporter. By doing so, you’re helping to support communitybased journalism as well as the local businesses that advertise in our pages. We strive each month to bring you a recap of news that is important to you along with a range of feature stories that we hope will inspire you to try a new restaurant, attend a local festival, or learn more about local sustainability efforts.

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BUCKHEAD Sustainability at forefront of new Novelis HQ

COUNTY WEEKLY NEWS

By Dyana Bagby

The massive tree sculpture that greets visitors to the new Novelis headquarters at One Phipps Plaza in Buckhead is striking. The trunk and its branches adorned with leaves and birds are all made from aluminum.

The design was purposeful for the company that is a global leader in both the production and recycling of aluminum. The tree is also a nod to Atlanta’s tree canopy and a symbol of Novelis’ mission to promote sustainability.

“We’re the largest recycler of aluminum in the world (including 82 billion aluminum cans a year) and so we wanted our office to reflect our focus on sustainability,” said Julie Groover, senior director of corporate communications.

Novelis announced in 2021 it was relocating its global and North American headquarters from its office at Two Alliance Center in Buckhead to the new 13-story One Phipps Tower, overlooking the upscale mall. The company is leasing the top three floors, totaling 90,000 square feet, where about 600 people work.

“We’re on floors 11, 12 and 13, and for most people having a 13th floor would be pretty unacceptable,” Groover said. “However, aluminum is the 13th element on the periodic chart and since we make aluminum it works out perfectly.”

The company designed its office during the pandemic and knew it would need to create a space where people would want to come and work. That led to the “hoteling” concept, which requires employees to reserve a space rather than assigning permanent office spaces to anyone, including those in the C-suite.

The office is LEED Gold certified, which means it was designed to consume the least amount of energy possible.

The design elements include motionsensory lighting and floors made from cork, a regenerative material. The carpet is all also sustainably made from 100% wind power and recycled materials. Live plants are located throughout the three floors.

The entire office and its 600 employees also have access to only two printers. That helps cut down on paper use, Groover said, and adds to the company’s own sustainability efforts.

The company also offers composting for employees eating lunch in its dining area where recyclable napkins and cutlery are available. There are also bins for people to recycle plastic bags, batteries, electronics, and, of course, aluminum cans.

Atlanta-based Coca-Cola is one of Novelis’ largest beverage can customers worldwide. Novelis also produces aluminum for the body of the popular Ford F-150 pick-up truck. The company is now building an automotive recycling center to recycle aluminum from cars and trucks at the end of their lifecycle, Groover said.

Novelis also partners with MercedesBenz Stadium for their Recycle for Good program. For every three million bottles and cans collected and recycled at the stadium, Novelis donates $80,000. The $80,000 is the value of three million recycled aluminum cans and bottles, Groover said.

Photos courtesy of Novelis

HUD grant to address living conditions

By Logan C. Ritchie

Brookhaven is planning to use a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to address living conditions, infrastructure, safety, and childcare.

The five-year grant awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) tackles issues in low to moderate-income areas.

Brookhaven expects to receive $1.5 million over the span of the grant from 2021-2025, based on a HUD formula and congressional allocations. This year’s allocation is $324,527.

Patty Hansen, director of strategic partnerships, said 19 organizations have been identified for outreach. City council members asked to add Jewish Kids Groups, Grady Healthcare, and Brookhaven Farmers Market.

The city is proposing to spend:

• $210,988 for neighborhood and public facility improvements including sidewalk repairs, suitable living improvements in a target area, ADA improvements, and stormwater infrastructure.

• $5,000 for outreach neighborhood safety programs.

• $43,679 for family stability to develop or improve access to childcare through new or existing providers.

• $64,905 for administration of the grant.

“Family stability has always been the highest priority for city council,” said Hansen.

The city council is expected to vote on the matter in June.

By Logan C. Ritchie

Brookhaven City Council approved spending $4.3 million to repave Johnson Ferry Road from the Sandy Springs city limits to Chamblee.

The last repaving of the road was “botched,” according to council member Linley Jones, when DeKalb County approved the redevelopment of a corner of Ashford Dunwoody and Johnson Ferry Road.

“They didn’t do it right, and ever since then, it has been producing potholes. It is the worst, most complained about road in

all of District 1,” she said at the April 11 city council meeting.

The stretch of road will get a full-depth reclamation and repaving – hence the big price tag. Jones called it a big price tag for a big fix. One bid for the job came in at $18 million in 2022, three times the budget, causing the city to postpone the work to 2023 in hopes costs would drop.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Jones.

The council unanimously approved a contract with CW Matthews in the amount of $3.9 million plus a contingency for $389,000.

Laura K. Schilling, J.D., CPA, CFP®

Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst addresses Latino community partners at El Potro on Buford Highway.

City council delays approval of master trail plan

Cathy Cobbs

After a protracted discussion about a proposed comprehensive trail plan, the Dunwoody City Council agreed on one thing: it’s going to be a while until a final plan is approved, and even longer until it’s funded.

After hearing from members of the PATH Foundation, which the city contracted to develop a master trail plan, and from speakers opposed to certain elements of the proposal, city council members agreed that its original deadline to approve the plan at its May 8 meeting would not be feasible.

“This meeting is a good start, but there needs to be more research,” Councilman

John Heneghan said at its April 24 meeting. “I hope we slow down this process because it’s not ready for prime time.”

Councilman Tom Lambert said the intention of the master plan is to be a visionary document.

“It’s not a shovel-ready plan and it was never meant to be,” Lambert said. “This is a vision for the next 20 years.”

The council also took issue with the “model project” proposed by the PATH Foundation, called the North Nancy Creek Greenway, which would run from the new Two Bridges Park in Perimeter Center to Ashford- Dunwoody Road, and cost about $10.9 million to build.

Several council members, along with Mayor Lynn Deutsch, said the connectivity

May

is valuable, but they believe an east-to-west trail from Dunwoody Village would be a better, more visible choice.

Sassafras Park, Talon Park, and Uwohali Park (Cherokee for “eagle” pronounced ah-wo-ha-lee).

“Peter

“It’s not that we don’t like the trail, it’s just that we don’t like it as a model project,” Deutsch said after the meeting. “Personally, I really want the model project to be in the Dunwoody Village area.”

Council also heard from people opposed to certain elements of the plan, including a trail that would link the Waterford subdivision to another neighborhood, Brooke Farm, and others who said that some proposed paths would be too close to their back or front yards.

Implementing part or all the plan is another roadblock for the council. The city has not allocated funds in its 2023 budget, but there have been discussions about funding parts of it with a bond referendum. The council is slated to discuss the possibility of taking it to the voters and may discuss it at the May 8 meeting.

In other news, the council, after reviewing community input concerning the names of two future parks – one on Vermack Road and the other on Roberts Drive – decided to do more research before narrowing down the choices.

Proposed names for the Vermack Road park were Deer Bed Park, Fallen Pine Park, Hawk Park, Plow Handle Park, Poetry Park, Unalii Park (Cherokee for “friend” and pronounced ooo-naw-lee-ee), Verde Park, and Vermack Park.

The Roberts Drive park suggestions included Arrowwood Park, Cherokee Park, Crossvine Park, Hawkeye Park, Juniper Park, Light Horse Park, Poplar Park,

Deutsch remarked that she favored simplicity and directional cues after hearing that many people had no idea about the location of the newly opened Two Bridges Park, which is located in Perimeter Center. “There’s value in simplicity, and I would think that people would know the area of town for a park called Vermack Park or Roberts Park,” she said.

Heneghan put in a plug for Old Buck Park, named after a train that used to run through Dunwoody, and council members agreed to research the history behind all the suggested names before narrowing down the choices.

In other action, the council

■ Heard about the sale of two buildings on North Shallowford Road, which netted the city about $7.2 million. Some of those funds will be used to install turf at Peachtree Middle School and other capital improvement projects;

■ Approved the appointment of several people to Dunwoody boards, including LaRee Holloway to the audit board, and Larry Heiman and Gayatri Chandra to the sustainability commission;

■ Announced the 2023 Sustainability Hero Award to Michael Cowen, a former member of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee and former Dunwoody Nature Center executive director. Blooms of Dunwoody was chosen as the business Sustainability Hero because of their sound environmental practices.

Courtesy of PATH Foundation

Rezoning approved for North River Village

On THE TOWN Movies

Free movies

Thursdays,

By Bob Pepalis

Sandy Springs approved its first North End mixed-use rezoning for the North River Village Shopping Center on Roswell Road.

The new zoning classification was created to spur redevelopment at three North End shopping centers. This rezoning was approved for the northernmost shopping center at 8765 Roswell Road.

Property owner Stream Realty wasn’t required to submit a development proposal, but it submitted a plan to develop approximately 241 multi-unit residences and 81 townhomes. The plan would keep 35,000 square feet of existing retail and create 17,000 square feet of new retail space.

Jessica Hill, who represented the property owner, said Stream Realty bought the shopping center in 2015 and it has remained as commercial use since then.

“It’s had about 40 to 50 percent occupancy over Stream’s ownership of it. Obviously, it has struggled from a commercial perspective,” she said.

The new zoning classification does not

require concrete and steel construction for the buildings. It does require the project to have at least 25 percent of the residential as single-unit homes.

It will include retail-ready space at the sidewalk level in the multi-unit development.

Councilmember Melody Kelley, who made the motion for approval, said this rezoning application is the next step of a lengthy process aimed at stimulating economic development in the North End of the city.

“This creation of a North End mixed-use supplemental zoning district sort of signaled to the development community not only the aspirations of our community but the fact that we were as a city willing to put a little bit of skin in the game by offering stick built or the deregulation in this particular district of our steel and concrete requirement,” she said.

Planning and Zoning Manager Michelle McIntosh-Ross confirmed that the developer must complete the 25 percent singlefamily housing units before a certificate of completion can be issued for the project.

Colonial Pipeline work won’t disrupt recreation

By Bob Pepalis

Colonial Pipeline will spend up to a year performing maintenance on a pipeline that runs under the Chattahoochee River from National Park Service (NPS) land in East Cobb to Sandy Springs.

The pipeline from Houston to New York City transports diesel fuel, jet fuel and some home heating oil on Colonial’s system, according to Chip Little, the company’s government affairs manager.

Little told the Sandy Springs City Council at its April 4 meeting that Colonial will inspect a portion of the pipeline and install a sleeve, which will protect the original pipe from external damage and may extend its life.

To access the pipe, a temporary bridge will be built across the river approximately 1.6 miles downstream of the Georgia Power hydro-dam at Morgan Falls and just upstream from the Johnson Ferry bridge. A coffer dam, a watertight enclosure from which water is pumped to expose

the riverbed to permit the work, will be installed to access the pipe, according to Terry Mock, a right-of-way consultant for Colonial.

Two residential properties in Sandy Springs will be impacted by right-of-way clearing, water discharge from the coffer dam and noise, he said. Approximately 20 to 30 homes will be able to see or hear the work.

Only one section of the trail is closed on the Cobb County side of the Chattahoochee, Allyson Read, NPS Natural Resource Specialist, said.

“They’re going to have a lot of safety features in place including buoys, notifying visitors both upstream and downstream,” she said.

Signs will be erected to warn recreational users of the river about the pipeline work.

Some height markings will be made on the bridge piers to let people on the river know much clearance they’ll have from the bridge down to the river, Read said.

Festival season brings art, music, parades, and more

Momocon

The “all-ages geek culture convention” is back May 25-28 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Downtown. There will be plenty of cosplay, vendors, panels, and special guests including legendary Disney director/animator Don Bluth (“Sleeping Beauty,” ‘Pete’s Dragon,” “Robin Hood” and “The Rescuers”). Get all the details at momocon.com.

Chastain Park Arts Festival

The 13th annual festival will feature 175 artists and artisans, a children’s area, food, and acoustic music. Find out more at chastainparkartsfestival.com.

Decatur Arts Festival

By Collin Kelley

Festival season is in full swing around metro Atlanta, offering everything from arts & crafts and music to home tours and lantern parades.

We’ve rounded up a guide of some must-see events in May, plus we have many more at the How Do You Atlanta? event calendar (howdoyouatlanta.com).

Sandy Springs Concerts

City Green Live and Concerts by the Spring series return this spring and summer with an eclectic mix of music. Coming up the Geek Squad Band (May 7), The Black Jacket Symphony (May 26), Carpool (June 4), Anderson East (June 16), and Dave Koz & Friends (July 14). See the full lineup and get more details at citysprings.com.

Pedal the Parks

Pedal the Parks is back as a one-day, 6-mile, family-friendly ride through 6 Brookhaven parks. This year’s ride features perks in each park. Meet at Skyland Park for a 2 p.m. kickoff. More details at explorebrookhaven.com.

Thousands are expected to flock to the Westside Trail on Saturday, May 20, starting at 8:45 p.m. Lin-up will begin at 7:45 p.m. at Adair Park 1 for those who want to build a lantern and take part in the parade. A number of lantern-making workshops are planned leading up to the parade. Get more details at art.beltline. org or weirdgonepro.com.

Shaky Knees Festival

For those who still need a little rock ‘n roll in their lives, the Shaky Knees Fest returns to Atlanta’s Central Park on May 5-7 with headliners The Killers, Muse, and The Lumineers along with Great Van Fleet, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tenacious D, The Mars Volta, Hozier, The Flaming Lips and many more. Tickets are sold out, but there’s a wait list at shakykneesfestival.com.

Downtown Decatur will be buzzing with artists, music, food and more on May 5-8 for the annual arts festival. The weekend kicks off with the Art Walk on Friday, May 5 with music on the square and local galleries and businesses showcasing work by local artists. The weekend artist market will feature more than 120 artists exhibiting and selling their creations. A kid’s area and full slate of music is also on the menu. Visit decaturartsfestival.com for the full schedule.

Kirkwood Spring

Fling & Tour of Homes

The 20th annual festival will feature an artist market, a kids’ area, 5K race, and a tour of homes. The Wing Fling invites challengers to compete for the title of best chicken wings. The event is one-day only, May 13, at Bessie Branham Park. Find out more at historickirkwood.org.

Sweet Auburn Spring Fest

Jazz, food, vendors, and more will be on hand for the 37th annual festival taking place May 13-14 in Downtown Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn District. See the lineup at sweetauburn.com.

Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade

City Green Live in Sandy Springs (Courtesy Splash Festivals)

Dunwoody Arts Festival

(Courtesy Discover Dunwoody)

Atlanta Jazz Festival to heat up Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to Piedmont Park May 27-29 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day featuring headliners Wynton Marsalis with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Stanley Clarke, and Ledisi.

“We have an incredible roster of musicians performing at the 46th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival this Memorial Day Weekend,” says Camille Russell Love, Executive Director of the City of Atlanta - Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “Whether you like sultry vocalists, contemporary, traditional, swing, fusion, or Latin Jazz, we have something for every jazz lover.”

Also on the bill are Tony Hightower, David Sanchez, Samara Joy, Brandee Younger, Brenda Nicole Moorer and many more. The weekend performances in the park are free to attend.

A Late-Night Jazz Concert featuring singer/songwriter Cecily will take place at Park Tavern at 10 p.m. on Saturday.

The festival will kick off May 25 at Symphony Hall with “The Blues and Its People” performed by Russell Gunn with special guests.

Tickets for the Late-Night event and “The Blues and Its People” are available along with the full festival schedule at atljazzfest.com.

Virginia Highland Porchfest

The third-annual Porchfest is drumming up to present a record-breaking lineup of 85 bands on 55 porches across the neighborhood on Saturday, May 20. See the lineup and details at virginiahighlanddistrict. com/porchfest.

Dunwoody Arts Festival

The festival returns May 13-14 with artisans, vendors, a kid’s zone, food, and more at the Dunwoody Village Shopping Center. See more details at splashfestivals.com.

Stanley Clarke

Vectralux performs at the 2022 Porchfest. (Photo by by Sarah Carpenter)

Lego ‘Art of the Brick’ exhibition wows in D’ville

By Cathy Cobbs

The “Art of the Brick Immersive Experience” made its debut at Exhibition Hub Art Center in Doraville at an invitation-only reception April 18 and those in attendance said they were “wowed” by the creations of Lego master Nathan Sawaya.

The exhibition is now open to the public, with more than 10,000 advanced tickets already sold.

“Atlanta has spoken, and ‘Art of the Brick Immersive Experience’ is the hit show of the summer. Everyone I’ve

spoken with has told me this is a must-see that combines the finest in art and family entertainment,” executive producer John Zaller said. “This weekend is approaching sold out, but we are opening additional slots so that our guests can experience the playful magic of Nathan Sawaya.”

The show, which features 70 installations using more than 1 million Legos, has among it “Yellow,” Sawaya’s most famous creation, as well as a room entitled “Perniciem” (which is Latin for ruin, disaster and death). It features endangered species in their natural environments, including a 10-foot-

tall giraffe, an arctic fox, a humpback whale and other larger-than-life pieces. The room includes beanbag chairs, benches and other seats so that viewers can relax and experience the immersive presentation.

Another installation features 250 floating skulls in a mirrored room that brought gasps to those entering the room. One visitor said he was so overwhelmed with his first tour through the exhibit that he had to go back two more times to absorb the experience.

“Just wow,” he said. “It’s hard to grasp that all this was made from a simple Lego. It just blows your mind.”

Sawaya said he was pleased with both the turnout and the feedback from the crowd in attendance at Tuesday’s event. “I’m just so excited and glad about the way this came together,” he said. “This was a lot of work that involved a great team of people.”

Exhibition Hub Arts Center is located at 5660 Buford Hwy. NE, in Doraville. Tickets can be purchased by visiting theartcenters.com. The Claude Monet immersive experience is also housed in the 50,000-square-foot facility.

Photos courtesy Exhibition Hub

Fox’s ‘Revival’ concert to benefit other historic theatres

By Collin Kelley

The Fox Theatre is set to host a historic night on Saturday, May 13, as the theatre celebrates 15 years of preservation efforts through its outreach program the Fox Theatre Institute (FTI).

Hosted again by Atlanta native and famed musician Kevn Kinney, the organization’s “Revival” benefit concert will raise money to preserve and restore Georgia’s historic theaters and expand its education arm through an auction.

With performances by Collective Soul, Mother’s Finest, Drivin N Cryin, Jet Black Roses and other special guests, this unique musical event is inspired by the power of storytelling and the role theaters play in bringing communities together. Tickets for “Revival” are on sale now at foxtheatre.org.

FTI director Leigh Burns said marking 15 years is significant for the organization. “For us, it’s a time to reflect on the impact we’ve made across Georgia and the southeast.”

Burns noted that the last “Revival” –held pre-pandemic in 2019 – raised more

than $120,000. She said FTI’s mission to help save their historic theatres has its origins in the “Save the Fox” campaign from the 1970s that saved the venue from demolition.

“We've assisted more than 70 theatres and provided $2.7 million in funding,” Burns noted, including helping the City of Eatonton purchase the historic Pex Theatre.

From the smell of the popcorn to sitting in the same seat his grandparents once did, Kinney recollects how strong the memories created in a theater can be. “There is no substitute for a theater full of people from every walk of life laughing, thinking and crying together,” he said.

“Art is the backbone of our society”, said Collective Soul’s Ed Roland. “From the beginning, historic theatres allowed those arts to be portrayed through plays, movies and music. It is so important that we do everything we can to preserve these meaningful buildings, so we can continue to spread joy and creativity that we will never forget.”

All concert attendees will be invited to participate in a live “Fund-A-Mission”

auction driven by Atlanta’s Your Rocktioneer from the Fox’s stage. This live component will help raise money for FTI’s educational arm, “Fox in a Box,” a program that directly benefits students throughout Georgia.

The auction includes notable items and experiences such as a private behind-the-scenes tour and dining experience at the Fox Theatre’s famed Marquee Club presented by Lexus, signed artist memorabilia like Joe Bonamassa’s guitar, and more.

“Revival’s” Fund-A-Mission sponsor and Official Bank of the Fox Theatre, Regions Bank, will generously match what the audience is able to raise in this

interactive five-minute fundraiser. More details on how to participate in each of the auction activities are coming soon and fans are encouraged to check the event’s web page at foxtheatre.org for more information.

Pex Theatre in Eatonton, Ga

Electric vehicles are in my future – and yours

their noisy (and gas-guzzling) acceleration when they pass me.

Once a speedy driver myself, a slower life in retirement and a desire to reduce my fossil fuel (carbon) footprint have led to new driving habits. When I bought my RAV-4 in 2021, I knew it would be my last hybrid. An all-electric vehicle (EV) will be my next purchase.

Cars and Carbon

has been on successfully attracting new facilities and jobs, less effort has been made to provide consumer incentives. The generous tax credit once offered to EV purchasers in Georgia ended in 2015.

ABOVE THE WATER LINE

Two years ago, I bought my third hybrid car in the past 16 years, all Toyotas. I have loved every one of the gas and electric batterypowered vehicles: a Highlander, then a Prius, and now a

RAV-4, which is my favorite.

Considered a compact SUV, my RAV-4 is currently getting an impressive 42.5 miles per gallon, thanks to its electric battery and what I call my “soft” driving techniques. I’ve learned how to maximize the car’s fuel efficiency with a steady speed, minimal sudden braking or acceleration, and coasting to red lights and traffic slowdowns. Other motorists don’t seem to be as thrilled with my driving as I am—given

The transportation sector is Georgia’s largest source of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions causing global heating and extreme weather events. According to the nonprofit Drawdown Georgia (drawdownga.org), a whopping 41% of the state’s emissions are released from cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes every year. Nationwide, the percentage is lower, but transportation remains the number one producer of the carbon pollution fueling the planet’s climate crisis.

Human activities are responsible for almost all the increase in GHG in the atmosphere over the past 150 years. Human actions can also slow (and possibly reverse) the catastrophic trend if we move quickly with new policies and major investments in the most effective solutions, one of which is a rapid transition to zeroemission electric vehicles.

EVs are more efficient than internal combustion engines – and easier and less expensive to maintain. The average fuel efficiency in the U.S. today for gaspowered cars is 25.7 miles per gallon; however, the efficiency for most electricpowered is at least 100 miles per gallon of gas-equivalent. In other words, you can drive four times as far using electric power instead of gas and at lower fuel costs. Drawdown Georgia calculates it will cost just $31 to drive 1,000 miles on electric power versus $165 on gasoline.

Electric cars can be charged overnight at home using a traditional 110V outlet and a cord plugged into the vehicle, or more quickly at fast-charging public stations. In Georgia, there are already more than 30,000 EVs and 1,600 public recharging stations, primarily in metro areas, with thousands more on the way.

Thanks to new federal funding, Georgia will receive $135 million in grants to significantly expand its charging infrastructure. The focus will be on key road corridors in rural and underserved communities with the goal of creating a network of recharging stations every fifty miles. The Inflation Reduction Act passed last year offers another incentive with tax credits: $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs assembled in North America.

Leading the Deep South battery belt

Georgia is positioned to become “the electric mobility capital of America,” according to Gov. Brian Kemp. Since 2018, dozens of EV-related projects have contributed more than $20 billion in investments. While the state’s focus

“Our state is leading in manufacturing,” says Jennette Gayer, director of Environment Georgia (environmentamerica.org/georgia), “but not leading in policies to encourage people to drive EVs made in Georgia.” Recent legislation at the State Capitol proves her point, even while also revealing the increasing interest of elected officials in electric transportation.

Motorists in gasoline-powered cars and trucks pay a gas excise tax that funds the construction and maintenance of state roads and bridges. Since EVs do not use gas, they pay no taxes. Their owners do pay a high annual registration fee of over $200, the second highest in the country. During Georgia’s recent legislative session, a bill to overhaul the way payments are made at EV charging stations was debated, amended, and then passed. Similar to the tax levied on gasoline, the EV charging tax will be calculated based on electricity used: a kilowatt-hour fee.

Because Georgia already imposes a high annual fee on EVs to help replace lost gas tax revenue, electric transportation advocates view the additional charging tax as punitive. As originally written, the tax would have been the highest in the country, a fact that Gov. Kemp and other EV boosters rejected. The tax was lowered closer to the middle of the current national range in the final version of the bill. A pilot study will evaluate whether or not the flat tax rate should be replaced with a system based on all vehicle EV miles driven.

New tailpipe emission limits

In mid-April, the Biden administration announced proposals for stringent new tailpipe pollution limits intended to ensure that EVs make up two-thirds of new cars sold in the U.S. by 2032. Described as a “quantum leap,” this action – undoubtedly to be heavily debated, challenged, and amended – would be the most aggressive climate regulation enacted in the U.S.

To meet federal goals, automakers may have to cut emissions for 2032 vehicles by more than half. Hurdles to the success of this initiative are many, but not impossible to overcome: supply chain issues, adding new recharging stations, vehicle price, and, of course, the usual politics, meaning opposition from climate deniers, fossil fuel producers, and those who simply hate change.

Fossil fuels face a diminishing future in transportation. Electric vehicles are one of many solutions that will help us contend with climate change. Time is of the essence – as we make this transition easy, fair, and fast.

Sally Bethea

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Message from the NARI Atlanta President

The past few years have been nothing short of a roller coaster ride for most of us, personally and professionally, and the remodeling industry in Atlanta has seen unprecedented growth. In spite of the ups and downs of life and the economy, when you are in need of any remodeling services, we hope you’ll make the right choice and put your trust in a professional organization such as NARI (the National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and give yourself the peace of mind that you are working with an exceptional partner.

Our members perform at a higher level. They shape the future of residential remodeling through continuing education and the use of innovative techniques and building solutions that homeowners demand. In addition to our Remodeling Contractor Members, we also have Supplier Members ranging from flooring experts and countertops fabricators, to plumbing retailers and roofing contractors.

Beginning this year, NARI Atlanta is proud to partner with the TeamWorks Technical Committee at the SkillsUSA® National Competition (being held at the GA World Congress Center for the next 5 years). The TeamWorks competition recognizes outstanding high school and college students for excellence in a variety of residential construction related skills. By partnering with TeamWorks, NARI Atlanta is promoting workforce development by supporting future skilled tradesmen and women.

The NARI Atlanta Foundation, Inc. (known as NARI Cares) is the charitable arm of our organization and exists to provide NARI Atlanta Members with opportunities to serve the Atlanta community utilizing their professional skills and resources. We are currently renovating the interior of an Airstream trailer for the charity Children Helping Children, who will use the trailer to collect and transport donations and for art therapy and wellness initiatives for kids and teens in need.

Remodeling is a physical embodiment of rebirth and growth, and Spring is a time for fresh ideas, new beginnings, and home remodeling. The season also marks the time when Atlanta homeowners seek out contractors who can turn their dream homes into reality. To commemorate May as National Home Improvement Month, NARI Atlanta would like to offer you a few words of advice for planning your remodel.

With homeowners spending more time at home than ever before, demand for home improvements has skyrocketed, leaving quality contractors booked far in advance. If you are thinking about a remodel project, we recommend the following steps to help kick-start the process:

■ Think your project through from start to finish. Careful planning of your home improvement project will enable you to update your home, increase the value of your investment and customize your living space-all for a lot less than the cost of a new home.

■ Look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and determine your future needs. Professional remodeling contractors can help you in your planning by outlining options and discussing the improvements you can make within your budget.

■ Be sure to review your homeowner’s insurance policy and make adjustments for the added value of the work being done.

If you are considering a small-scale remodeling project or are ready to invest in a full-scale home renovation, you have found the best resource to get started. On behalf of all NARI Atlanta members, we appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to make your dreams reality.

NARI Atlanta is a non-profit, professional membership association for remodeling contractors, product manufacturers and retailers, designers, and related service providers. Its members voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and have access to cutting edge education, the industry’s most rigorous certification courses, as well as business development and marketing opportunities. A list of NARI Atlanta member companies can be found in the following pages.

JD Crill, CR Owner, Crill Construction + Contracting President, NARI Atlanta Chapter

A little taste for inspiration, follow online for more

Ready to get outside this spring?!

Looking for some inspiration for your backyard renovation? Visit our website for ideas on how to make the most of your outdoor space. From landscaping and garden upgrades to outdoor kitchen essentials, you’ll find everything you need to transform your backyard into a paradise. Whether you’re looking to add some curb appeal or create a backyard oasis, you’ll find plenty of ideas here.

Creating a Positive Working Relationship With Your Contractor

When remodeling a home or restoring a house after damage, it can be a stressful time for many homeowners; NARI Atlanta would like to give some guidance to homeowners to help them make things go as smoothly as possible.

Here are some steps you can take to be a dream client for any contractor: Keep the Lines of Communication Open - Communication is the key to success in any relationship, which also applies to the homeowner and contractor relationship. Remodeling a home can be confusing, and customers must ask questions about what they don’t understand. Doing so will ensure that everyone is on the same page and has the exact expectations of the project. The last thing you want is an

unpleasant surprise.

Have A Clear Vision of Your Project -

When hiring your remodeling expert, you must have a clearly defined project; this means you and your spouse have already agreed on the project parameters and the budget. There may need to be some give and take with the contractor in order to bring the project in on time and within budget, so have a list of priorities and be prepared to make compromises on some items if necessary.

Allow the Experts to Run the ShowMake time in your schedule to meet when your remodeler asks for a meeting. Listen to what your expert says and be proactive during the exchange. Don’t be afraid to ask

for alternatives if a given product or course of action proves to be too expensive or overly ambitious.

Timely Payment - This is a courtesy that can go a long way towards having a good relationship with your remodeler. Many remodelers have multiple projects going on at the same time, and your timely payment makes it easier for them to finish your job on time. Keep in mind, many home remodelers are small companies and depend on your payment to pay their workers and suppliers.

Please and Thank You - Everyone wants to be appreciated and saying please when requesting service and thank you for a job well done seems like common sense. Take

this a step further and thank your expert by writing a great review or sending them a personal thank you card after your project is complete.

Remodeling and home renovation can be stressful; it takes effort from both parties to keep things running smoothly. Do your homework and remember to have patience. Being open and honest about your goals and budget helps your remodeling expert to manage your expectations and to bring your project to life.

Kathryn Stempler NARI Atlanta Executive Director

Award Winning Project

A. Basement Under $100,000 Oneida Builders, Inc.

B. Basement $100,000 to $250,000 Ranney Blair

C. Basement Over $250,000 db Atlanta

D. Entire House Under $250,000 Artisans of Atlanta Inc.

E. Entire House $250,000 to $500,000 Harbour Towne Construction with Team Member Dove Studio Kitchen & Bath

F. Entire House $500,001 to $750,000 The Hamlin Group, LLC

G. Entire House Over $1,000,000 Phillips | Collins Construction Group, Inc.

H. Green - Entire House Phillips | Collins Construction Group, Inc.

I. Residential Addition Under $100,000 Oneida Builders, Inc.

Here are your 2022 Contractor of the Year Award winners

The Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards are given each year by the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to members who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling projects. In November 2022 , winners in each category were honored for projects ranging from kitchen and bath remodels to whole-house renovations and additions.

A. Residential Addition $100,000 to $250,000 Alair Homes Marietta

B. Residential Addition Over $250,000 Weidmann & Associates, Inc.

C. Residential Bath Under $50,000 Professional Home Improvement, Inc.

D. Residential Bath $50,000 to $100,000 Small Carpenters At Large, Inc.

E. Residential Bath Over $100,000 Weidmann & Associates, Inc.

F. Universal Design - Bath Creative Living LLC

G. Residential Detached Structure Alair Homes Decatur

H. Residential Exterior Under $100,000 Phillips | Collins Construction Group, Inc.

I. Residential Exterior $100,000 to $200,000 Boyce Design & Contracting

J. Residential Exterior Over $200,000 Decks and More, Inc.

K. Green - Residential Exterior Decks and More, Inc.

A. Residential Interior Under $100,000 Artisans of Atlanta Inc.

B. Residential Interior $100,000 to $250,000

Innovative Design Build

C. Residential Interior Over $500,000 JOMA Construction Services

D. Residential Interior Element Ranney Blair

E. Residential Kitchen Under $60,000 Professional Home Improvement, Inc.

F. Residential Kitchen Under $60,000 Taylor Construction + Design

G. Residential Kitchen $60,000 to $100,000 Phillips | Collins Construction Group, Inc.

H. Residential Kitchen $100,001 to $150,000 Creative Living LLC

I. Residential Kitchen Over $150,000 Weidmann & Associates, Inc.

J. Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living $100,000 to $250,000

Small Carpenters At Large, Inc.

Member Directory

APPLIANCES

Builder Specialties, Inc.

John Schwaemmle | (770)255-1400 jschwaemmle@builderspecialties.net

Garage Doors

ChefPro Appliances

George Brown | (770)490-8113 sales@chefproappliances.com

Howard Payne Co., Inc. Jeff Payne | (770)451-0136 info@howardpayne.com

Pinnacle Sales Group

Manny Gardo | (863)353-4313 mgardo@pinnaclesalesgroup.com Plumbing Contractors/Suppliers

Sewell Appliance

Eddien Robinson | (404)255-0640 info@sewellappliance.com

Cabinetry

Sub-Zero Group Southeast, Inc. Debbie Killeen | (404)661-5183 Debbie.Killeen@subzero.com

CABINETRY

Bell Cabinetry & Design (770)751-7861

Cabinet Wholesalers, Inc. Spencer Ripley | (770)737-4696 spencer@barrwoodcabinets.com

Guido Jessen LLC

Guido Jessen | (404)291-4567 guido@guidojessen.com

Muses Cabinets

Chance Yan | (800)806-0708 info@musescabinets.com

ROC Cabinetry

Vivian Jin | (770)847-8222 info@roccabinetry.com

Timberland Cabinets

David DiCristina | (706)253-1026 david@timberlandcabinets.net

Wellborn Cabinet (256)354-7151

Wilsonart, LLC

Patty Goffe | (770)593-2424 goffep@wilsonart.com

CHARITIES

Lifecycle Building Center

Shannon Goodman | (678)592-0417 shannon@lifecyclebuildingcenter.org

Environmental/Repurposing

Rebuilding Together Atlanta

Michael Hicks | (404)505-5599 mhicks@rebuildingtogether-atlanta.org

Sunshine on a Ranney Day Joe Lane | (770)990-2434 info@soardcharity.com

CLOSET SYSTEMS

Creative Closets and More Peggy Houghton | (770)365-5630 peggy@404closets.com

SpaceMakers of Atlanta, LLC

Matt Prewett | (770)422-6464 matt.prewett@spacemakersclosets.com

CONCRETE PUMPING / REPAIR

Mini Mix Concrete (470)880-8544 office@miniconcretemix.com

COUNTERTOPS Against The Grain

Jeff Hanlon | (470)223-2284 jeff@atgtops.com Cabinetry

Cambria Scott McColloch | (770)814-3073 scott.mccolloch@cambriausa.com

Classic Stoneworks, Inc. Pamela Andersen | (770)865-8029 pam@cswatlanta.com

Cosentino Atlanta Jason Peters | (770)409-9621 jpeters@cosentino.com

Granite and Marble Solutions Don Benton | (678)319-0498 don@graniteandmarblesolutions.com

Levantina USA (678)436-5439 atlantasales@levantina.com

Top Shop Stone

Becky Costa | (404)946-9338 becky@topshopstone.com

Toro Granite Soo Cho | (770)455-8810 soo@torogranite.com

DUMPSTERS

Arrow Waste Justin Vetsch | (770)441-3037 arrow.waste@yahoo.com

Bin There Dump That Dumpster Rental Kevin Stearns | (770)932-2838 EastATL@bintheredumpthat.com

Bin There Dump That Dumpsters Kurt Anderson | (404)692-2838 atl@BinThereDumpThat.com

VaVia Atlanta Michael Mendoza michael.mendoza@govavia.com

EDUCATION / CONSULTANTS

AB Works, LLC

Allison Bible | (404)556-0767 abworks40@gmail.com

Renovation Coach; Interior Design

Chattahoochee Technical College

Ginger Burton | (770)509-6332 gburton@chattahoocheetech.edu

Gwinnett Technical College

Dennis Bowers | (678)226-6649 dbowers@gwinnetttech.edu

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 77 Cameron Michelson | (678)705-5668 cmichelson@iupatdc77.org

Remodelers Advantage

Doug Howard | (301)490-5620 doug@remodelersadvantage.com

Southface

Pam Henman | (404)604-3614 info@southface.org

EQUIPMENT / TOOLS

Milwaukee Tool

Kyle Buis | (678)492-4208 kyle.buis@milwaukeetool.com

EXTERIORS / SIDING / PAINTING / ROOFING

Chastain Roofing

Kristina Chastain | (770)486-0820 info@chastainroofing.com

First Rate Siding and Window Experts

David Damon | (770)504-5660 firstratesiding@comcast.net

Ironclad Roofing

Joey Olson | (706)714-7663 ironcladjoey@gmail.com

Superior Pro LLC

Irwin Weitz | (770)642-7170 Bhutton@superiorpro.com

FLOORING

Authentic Hardwood Flooring

Buddy Wofford | (678)985-0110 buddy@authentichardwoodflooring. com

Floor & Decor

Evan Mogley evan@engineshopagency.com

Great American Floors

Jason Seltzer | (404)254-2964 jason@greatamericanfloors.com

Heavenly Heated Floors Paul Davis | (770)560-9301 pdavis.heavenlyheated@gmail.com

Mill & Woods

Athena Johnson athena@millandwoods.com

Moda Floors & Interiors

Dean Howell | (404)477-3744 dean@modafloorsandinteriors.com

Southeast Flooring Markets

Lori Kisner | (770)559-0293 x2 sammie@flooringmarkets.com

FOUNDATIONS

AquaGuard Foundation Solutions

Tom DiGregorio | (770)419-9111 tomd@aquaguard.net

Everdry Waterproofing of North Georgia John Fahmy | (678)741-2900 tpeverdry@hotmail.com

FULL-SERVICE SHOWROOMS

Atlanta Flooring Design Centers Inc

Jeannie Homer | (770)476-8306 info@atlantaflooringdesign.com

Construction Resources Mitch Hires | (404)378-3132 contact@crhomeusa.com

Custom Building Partners Chloe Lowery | (678)719-8598 chloe@custombuildingpartners.com

Dove Studio Kitchen & Bath Jenny Lyons | (404)405-5219 jenny@dovestudio.com

European Kitchen & Bath Works Christopher Brennan | (404)518-6823 chrisb@eurokbw.com

Founders Kitchen & Bath, Inc. (770)569-4499 info@fkbga.com

GLASS / SHOWER DOORS / MIRRORS

Drexler Shower Door Company David Drexler | (404)351-4141 david@drexlershowerdoor.com

Glass Doctor of Atlanta David Nash | (770)766-9309 paulag@glassdoctoratlanta.com

The Shower Door Guy Brad Leamon | (678)477-1389 brad.leamon@gmail.com

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL REMEDIATION

Clean and Green Environmental John Coleman | (678)807-7900 info@cleanandgreenenv.com

HVAC / VENTILATION

Broan Dave Jones | (262)673-8613 dave.jones@broan.com

Shumate Heating and Air Sandy Shumate | (678)584-0880 sshumate@shumateheatingandair.com

INSURANCE PROVIDERS

Globe Life-Liberty National Division Serge Clouatre | (770)536-3451 br049@libnat.com

Little and Smith Jackson Bentley | (770)428-3308 jbentley@littleandsmith.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Bridgette Boylan Interiors Bridgette Boylan | (770)616-9142 bb@boylaninteriors.com

Creative Living, LLC Jessica Flores | (678)719-8598 jess@creativelivingllc.com

Designs by BSB BeckySue Becker | (404)456-8799 beckysue@designsbybsb.com

Renee Jones Interiors, Inc. Renee Jones | (404)314-3045 renee@reneejonesinteriors.com

Stoneunlimited Kitchen & Bath, LLC Pranit Shah | (678)381-2703 pshah@stoneunlimited.net

Taylor Construction + Design Truitt Taylor | (770)833-0628 info@taylorconstructiondesign.co

LICENSED CONTRACTORS

5th Generation Contracting, Inc. Bob Stutrud | (770)509-2525 5thgen@5thgen.us

Interior Design

Ace and Hammer Construction Christopher Branscum | (404)500-7689 INFO@ACEANDHAMMER.COM

Alair Homes Decatur Heather Shuster | (404)378-6962 heather.shuster@alairhomes.com

Historic Renovation/Restoration

Alair Homes Marietta Dale Contant | (770)565-8999 AHMoffice@alairhomes.com

Ameritech Facility Services, LLC Kathy Houston | (770)721-8933 kathy.houston@ameritechfs.com

Artech Roofing and Construction LLC Patricia Higuita | (404)783-4949 ph@artechroofing.com Roofing

Artisans of Atlanta, Inc. Matthew Johnson | (404)377-3350 renovations@artisansofatlanta.com

Askla Construction Abi Nadoff | (470)733-1632 abinadoff@gmail.com

Structural Work

Benjamin Andrew Construction Benjamin Kitchen | (678)794-0543 hannah.hhomes@gmail.com

Bickley Design Build Services, Inc. Randy Bickley | (478)750-7434 jennifer@bickleydesignbuild.com

Structural Work

Big Bear Construction, Inc. Bearin Santos | (770)435-5440 info@bigbear-construction.com

Bires Remodeling, Inc.

Dean Bires | (404)226-1841 dean@biresremodeling.com

Blue Juniper Construction LLC

Richard Williams | (917)696-3344 richard@bluejuniperhomes.com

Real Estate

Boyce Design & Contracting

Thomas Boyce | (770)237-0284 thomas@boycedesign.com

Outdoor Living

Bradford Custom Homes & Remodeling

Brad Robinson | (404)450-1410 brad@bradfordremodels.com

Outdoor Living

Brownlow and Sons Company, Inc.

Chuck Brownlow | (770)977-8404 karen@brownlowandsons.com

Painting

Builders America, Inc.

Stan Garnet | (770)587-3325 stan@deckbuildersusa.com

Built Tough Construction of North Georgia

Steven Giampietro | (770)687-6303 stgarchitect@gmail.com

Architectural Design

Castlehaven Construction Adam Pollock | (770)855-9812 castlehaven1@bellsouth.net

Champion Design & Renovations, LLC

Stacy Champion | (678)736-9932 admin@cdandr.net

Fire & Water Restoration

Construction Ahead, Inc.

Austin Foster | (770)234-0911 austin@constructionahead.net

Construction Max Group, Inc. Ramunas Jonikas | (404)578-6666 rjonikas@constructionmax.com

Copernicus Home Creations

Robert Wieczynski | (678)467-3590 info@copernicushomecreations.com

Copper Sky Renovations

Jim Walker | (404)931-7419 jim.walker@copperskyrenovations.com

Cornerstone Builders

David Hutchison | (404)580-7443 hutch@cornerstone-atlanta.com

Craftworks Construction

Brett Winchester | (678)695-3338 office@craftworks-construction.com

Creating Space, Inc. Todd DiFiore | (770)547-7488 todddifiore@gmail.com

Crill Construction + Contracting, LLC

JD Crill | (770)710-5870 jd@crillconstruction.com

Cruickshank Remodeling (404)235-0988 info@cruickshankremodeling.com

CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio Steen Clausen | (770)729-1999 mclausen@csikitchenandbath.com

Dave Roberts Inc

David Roberts | (404)597-9235 dave@daverobertsinc.com

db Atlanta

Robert Hames | (770)642-1002 robert.hames@dbatlanta.com

Decks and More, Inc.

Frank Pologruto | (770)235-6929 frank1@decksandmore.biz

Outdoor Living

Distinctive Remodeling Solutions, Inc.

Mark D. Buelow | (770)668-9393 nariatlanta@distinctiveremodeling.net

Excel Remodeling

Amjad Taufique | (470)359-4192 amjad@erm-us.com

Roofing

Exodus Design Build

Garrett Erath | (770)656-5569 garrett@e36creations.com

Exovations

Candice Skinner | (770)205-2995 runger@exovations.com

Exteriors

FireSign Design Build

Kimberly Lacy-Lightford (404)400-1993 | info@firesigndb.com

Outdoor Living

Furin Construction, Inc. Brandt Furin | (404)474-7293 brandtfurin@bellsouth.net

Georgia Contractor Group

Ron Lester | (770)549-5291 ron@georgiacontractorgroup.com

Glazer Design & Construction Randy Glazer | (404)683-9848 randy@glazerconstruction.com

GreatHouse Remodeling Timothy Piendel | (678)352-1035 info@greathouseatlanta.com

Hall Construction and Real Estate Services, LLC Bradley Hall | (678)283-7530 bhall@halldesignbuild.com

HammerSmith, Inc. Warner McConaughey | (404)377-1021 renovate@hammersmith.net

Handcrafted Homes, Inc.

Judy Mozen | (770)642-1010 officers@handcraftedhomes-inc.com

Harbour Towne Construction, Inc. Tom Dwyer | (770)455-1930 info@harbourtowne.net

Harry’s Home Renovations Harry Kirchhoff | (770)231-6896 harrykirchhoff@gmail.com

Hodge Design & Remodeling, Inc. Larry Hodge | (706)769-1600 larry@hodgedr.com

Home Forge Remodeling, LLC

Bruce Meller | (404)273-1137 bmeller@homeforgeremodeling.com

HomeStar Renovations

Bob Hodge | (404)879-5396 bob@homestarreno.com

HwRenewal Thomas Hayes | (770)498-4663 services@gohw.net

Interior Design

Ilex Inc.

Kara Lytton | (404)597-5258 ilexincorporated@gmail.com

Aging In Place

Innovative Design Build

Clark Harris | (404)400-2406 info@innovateatlanta.com

Integrity Home Improvements

Gordon Bill | (770)617-5619 gordon@ihiatlanta.com

Iroko Properties LLC

Gert Van Rooyen | (770)861-3488 gvanrooyen@irokoproperties.com Exteriors; Roofing

J. Werho Construction Company

Jeff Werho | (770)477-8983 jwerho@gmail.com

JD Kitchens Bath & More L.L.C

Vicki D’Amico | (770)516-1602 JD.KITCHENS@yahoo.com

John Rogers Renovations

Chris Rogers | (770)327-1299 Renovations@jrrenovations.com

JOMA Construction Services

Jeff Squier | (706)372-1052 john@jomaconstruction.com Aging In Place

Kade Homes & Renovations

Daniel Cipriani | (404)433-2949 info@kademade.com

Karen Aberra Construction Karen Aberra | (678)621-6874 karenbuilds@gmail.com

Historic Renovation/Restoration

Kayler Construction Services, Inc. Thomas Kayler | (678)414-3043 kcsi@bellsouth.net

Kind Sir Construction

Ben Leak | (404)406-7357 ben.leak@kindsir.com

Legacy Renovations

Justin Sims | (470)545-0170 Info@LegacyRenovations.net

Structural Work

Level One Construction Co., LLC

Brian Spix | (770)552-0103 wtpbks@leveloneconstruction.com

Limitless Renovations Statewide, LLC

Lance Smith | (404)369-0098 brian.hames@lrenovations.com

Live Oak Construction Group, LLC

Matt Skubic | (404)512-9513 matt@liveoakgroupllc.com

Historic Renovation/Restoration

Lombardi Works

Thomas Lombardi | (404)821-8063 tom@lombardiworks.com

MacBuilt Homes, LLC.

James MacDowell | (678)688-4960 info@macbuilthomes.com

Roofing

Macvel International, LLC

Marty D. Norvel Sr. | (404)934-4949 INFO@MACVELINTERNATIONAL.COM

Malone Construction Company

Mike Ewalt | (404)351-3991 mewalt@maloneconstruction.com

Marcus Corporation (The) Marcus Hoge | (770)446-1080 marcus@themarcuscorp.com

Master Home Remodelers, Inc. Mark Galey | (770)696-0623 mark@MHRatlanta.com

Aging In Place; Outdoor Living

Michael James Remodeling Michael James | (770)599-2575 admin@michaeljamesremodeling.com

Modify Atlanta Jack Mattern | (678)431-7539 jack@modifyatl.com

Moon Brothers, Inc. Tiffany Barcik | (404)377-6006 gina@moonbros.com

Mosaic Group Architects and Remodelers Rick Goldstein | (770)670-6022 rick@mosaicdesignbuild.com

Architectural Design

Neighbors Home Remodeling Walter Lewis | (678)525-5996 wlewis@neighborshome.com

North Georgia Design Build, LLC Jesse Battaglia | (770)560-1840 info@northgeorgiadesignbuild.com

Historic Renovation/Restoration

Northside Construction Services, Inc. Bob Swisher | (404)392-5858 Bob@northsideconstructionservices. com

Painting

Oneida Builders, Inc. Rocco Sinisgalli | (770)396-1002 admin@oneidabuilders.net

Paul Davis Restoration of North Atlanta Wilson Tomala | (770)985-1727 gcga@pauldavis.com

Insurance Restoration

Phillips | Collins Construction Group, Inc.

Patricia L. Brown | (404)949-8115 Whitney@phillipscollinsconstruction.com

Phoenix Renovations Lee Fiata | (404)812-9349 cfiata@phoenixrenovations.net

Pine Hill Remodeling Aaron Garner | (404)918-7606 aaron@pinehillremodeling.com

Prestige Construction & Remodeling, LLC Kris Griffin | (770)714-4930 kris@pcratlanta.com

Professional Home Improvement, Inc. Dennis Delashmit | (770)256-1618 dennis.delashmit@phicompanies.com Aging In Place

Professional Interiors, Inc. Cayenne Barnes | (404)379-9660 cayennebarnes@pro-interiors.com

Property Masters, Inc Kelly Brooks (678)384-6864 kelly.brooks@propertymasters.com

Quality Craftsmen, LLC

Zett Quinn | (404)483-7446 info@quality-craftsmen.com

Interior Design

R&R Build and Design Robert McMillan | (770)834-0592 frontdesk@rrbuilddesign.com

Ranney Blair Peter Ranney | (404)308-3305 info@ranneyblair.com Structural Work

Revival Construction, Inc. Wright Marshall | (404)888-9886 info@revivalconstruction.com

Schuon Kitchens & Baths, Inc. Hans Schuon | (770)643-9000 hansschuon@skbi.com

Silver Oak Remodel Wes Busby | (770)892-6688 info@silveroakremodel.com

Sims Remodeling Co. Timothy Pratt | (770)953-5959 sales@simsremodeling.com

Small Carpenters at Large, Inc. Theresa Same | (404)688-7665 info@smallcarpenters.com

Southern Dreambuilders Donald Fletcher | (770)241-1691 fletcher@southerndreambuilders.com Outdoor Living

Southland Development Services Eric Koehler eric@southlanddevelopmentservices. com

Stephenson Construction, LLC Rob Stephenson | (404)348-0108 info.stephenson.llc@gmail.com

Basements

Struby Construction LLC Neil Struby | (404)373-3900 neil@strubyconstruction.com

Structures Inc. David Moore | (770)403-6300 david@mystructures.com

Structural Work

Studio D + C Inc. Juan Ramirez | (404)377-7346 jramirez@studiod-c.com

Summers & Sons Development Co. Fred Summers | (770)934-2700 fred@summers-sons.com

Historic Renovation/Restoration

Summit Renovations Brian Meadors | (678)551-9276 brian@summitga.com

Sylvan Construction Services, LLC Brian Champion | (770)367-7551 bchampion@sylvanroad.com Painting

TCW Homes Molly Wilkes | (770)286-4034 stacy@tcwhomes.com

The Design Gallery Kristy Steele | (478)929-0915 rbump@designgallery.biz

The Hamlin Group, LLC Chad Hamlin | (770)674-1556 whitney@hamlingroup.com

Architectural Design

The Trusted Toolbox Chris Lalomia | (770)623-3097 chris@thetrustedtoolbox.com

Handyman Services

Tom Williams Residential, Inc. Tom Williams | (404)869-0333 tom@tomwilliamsresidential.com

Totally Dependable Contracting Services, LLC

Donald Hagemeister | (770)509-7498 donh@totallydependable.com

Exteriors

Wallace H. Clark, Inc. Wallace Clark | (770)795-1280 wallace@wallaceclark.com

Warden Contracting Company, Inc. Darren P. Warden | (404)558-3749 Darren@WardenContracting.com

Interior Design

Waterproof Decking Inc. Royce Hayes | (770)667-1518 office@rlhayesinc.com

Weidmann & Associates, Inc. Daniel Weidmann | (770)552-8396 contact@weidmannremodeling.com

LIGHTING

MasterPiece Lighting Phil Sherer | (404)897-9977 PhilSherer@masterpiecelighting.com

LUMBER / BUILDING MATERIALS

Carolina Lumber and Supply Co. Allen Hanahan | (404)873-2676 drobinson@carolinalumber.com

Dixie Plywood and Lumber Company

Tonya Longo | (678)957-4500 sgprice@dixieply.com

ECMD, Inc (336)667-5976

Fiberon LLC

David Price | (800)573-8841 david.price@fiberondecking.com

Randall Brothers, LLC

Gregg Mizerak | (404)892-6666 gregg.mizerak@randallbrothers.com

The Home Depot

Patrick Weiss

Patrick_Weiss@homedepot.com

TimberTown Atlanta Cody Jones | (404)476-3747 salesATL@timbertown.com

Weyerhaeuser

Kenneth Brune | (678)407-6931 rutger.colt@weyerhaeuser.com

MOVING / STORAGE

Classic Design Services, Inc. Kaiyanna Price | (404)835-5413 kprice@classicdesignservices.com

OUTDOOR LIVING

Outback Deck Bryan Miller | (678)990-6921 bmiller@virtusfamily.com

Outdoor Makeover & Construction, LLC Navid Derakhshan | (404)587-5656 design@outdoormakeover.net

Piedmont Precast

Clinton Watkins | (404)691-9414 cwatkins@piedmontprecast.com

Screens of Georgia

Derek Melnychuk | (404)624-0202 derek@screensofgeorgia.com

Retractable Screens & Screen Doors

Southeastern Underdeck Systems, LLC Heath Bowman | (678)765-7686 hknox@southeasternunderdeck.com

Deck Drain/Underdeck Systems

PLUMBING SUPPLIERS & ACCESSORIES

Cowan Supply

John Busby | (404)351-6351 info258@cowansupply.com

DeVore & Johnson

Donna Raye | (678)458-6603 donna.raye@reece.com

Kohler Company

Shannon Hartley | (404)276-4270 shannon.hartley@kohler.com

Moen Inc.

Rachel Dymecki | (470)503-3780 rachel.dymecki@moen.com

Noland Company

Zach Rollins | (770)458-2111 zach.atlnoland@gmail.com

Plumbing Distributors, Inc.

Anita Ballard | (770)963-9231 info@relyonpdi.com

SERVICES

Ameris Bank

Matt Upchurch | (404)819-6573 will.mcneeley@amerisbank.com

Financing

Bungalo Homes

Jeff Kushner | (855)255-2800 contact@bungalohomes.com

Real Estate

Capital One - Business Cards & Payments

Henry Mills | (571)369-7804 henry.mills@capitalone.com

Cox Media Group - TV & Digital Roselyn Mircio | (404)897-7000 roselyn.mircio@wsbtv.com

Marketing

Douglas Park Law Douglas Park | (404)919-1957 dpark@douglasparklaw.com

Attorneys

Downs Law, LLC William Downs | (404)842-6500 will@downslawllc.com

Attorneys

Innovative Financial Group

Rick Walters | (678)338-4400 infoATL@askIFG.com

My Home Improvement Magazine

Patti Stephens | (404)303-9333 x17 pstephens@atlantabestmedia.com

Pro Video Talent

Donna Davis-Ballard | (678)939-7894 donna@provideotalent.com Marketing

Sourced.

Gabrielle Mills | (678)744-8877 Gabrielle@getsourced.com

Accounting; HR; Marketing

Sparks Law, LLC

Jonathan Sparks | (470)268-5234 office@sparkslawpractice.com

Attorneys

Synergy Benefits & Wellness

Michelle Hodgson | (404)931-0266 mhodgson@synergybenefits.com

TheHomeMag

Alyson Horn | (770)910-9115 alysonhorn@thehomemag.com Marketing

STAIRS / RAILINGS

Stair Solution, LLC

Michael Keenan | (770)813-9070 ironmike@stairsolution.com

TILE Florida Tile

Montserrat Ordono | (770)769-1760 montse.ordono@floridatile.com

Specialty Tile Products

Anne Demers | (404)264-0727 buckhead@specialtytile.com

Flooring

Topcu Tile & Stone

Debra Karschnik | (877)814-9393 debra.karschnik@topcutile.com

Flooring

Traditions in Tile and Stone

Bill Beisel | (770)343-9104 bill.beisel@traditionsintile.com

WINDOWS / DOORS

Architectural Visions, Inc.

Mark Cantrall | (678)297-1111 mcantrall@aviwindowsanddoors.com

Davis Window & Door

Mauricio Jaimes | (770)279-0905 Mauricio.jaimes@daviswin.com

North Georgia Replacement Windows, Inc.

Ted Kirk | (770)888-1604 info@ngwindows.com

Pella Window and Door of Georgia

Brian Robbins | (404)952-5134 bervin@pellasoutheast.com

Velux

Brant Hurdelbrink | (800)888-3589 brant.hurdelbrink@velux.com

Window Traditions of Georgia, LLC

Dan Shaunnessy | (678)672-1963 dshaunnessy@windowtraditions.com

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5 Steps to Make Your Home Office Succeed in a Small Space

is on the small side. Fortunately, you don’t need a mansion to give yourself the perfect workspace.

Have a Layout

design to help you visualize your options. The right plan can be the foundation of your office, so invest in it.

Budget for Everything

Having a home office can be the ideal solution to separate work from the rest of our daily lives. Yet, it can seem like a pipe dream if your property

Before you start making any changes, however, you have to plan out what type of home office your space can accommodate. With that in mind, ask yourself what your work will involve and what you need to fulfill your goals. For instance, you might only need a computer and desk, but you may require more than that if you expect to meet clients in your home. To get the most out of your space, measure the dimensions of where you want to set up your office and make a layout for it. If you want, you could sketch out your

Once you have a plan, you can budget around it and make adjustments where necessary. Thankfully, making an effective budget can be as basic as tracking your monthly earnings and expenses and recording them over the long-term. Your budget must factor in the big and small investments your office will need, such as supplies, furniture, a quality internet connection, and even potentially increased energy bills. Still, you don’t have to buy new items to furnish your office, so shop around and look for deals. In the end, you may find that the perfect computer or desk for you are pre-loved items that your office just as well as premium options (you can often find pre-owned laptops on sites like Amazon).

Consider Help

An important step to designing your home office is developing the space you have. That could involve decluttering and reorganizing your

environment to reclaim unused real estate. Of course, if there is a lot of clutter, dealing with it can become overwhelming and take your mind off your goals. Fortunately, you can bring in some professional help, as a home organizing consultant in Atlanta usually ranges from $220 to $671. They can support your efforts to declutter and tidy up, and their experience can give you insights to use in the future.

Adapt Your Storage

A tight space will need creative solutions for storage. In fact, storage can be used as attractive décor or even integrated into furniture. This could, for example, allow you to spread the burden across your home by using bed or coffee table storage for extra office supplies. Likewise, you could go vertical by putting in a hidden door bookshelf for added storage while giving your office a decorative flair. Your filing system needn’t rely on traditional cabinets, either, as they could be turned into an attractive ottoman or vertical wall rack. Your strategy can be as creative as you want, allowing you to take advantage of the smallest of spaces.

Improvise, Improvise

Regardless of your home’s size, you can put together a functional office. It may simply be a space in a corner, but the right fixtures and furniture can ensure it serves its purpose. After all, the basis of any successful office is a desk, and they come in all shapes and sizes. For instance, if you cannot fit a traditional model into your home, you could put in a hanging desk custom-designed to your dimensions. If your space is even tighter, you might transform a small nook, such as a closet, into an alcove workspace. Similarly, lighting doesn’t have to take up valuable space, as track and recessed lighting can offer useful illumination. This can alleviate the pressure of needing large lamps for your place of work. A home office can restore balance to your house and give you peace of mind. With plenty of preparation, a well-planned budget, and creative storage, you can have a place perfect for productivity. Your office no longer needs to be held back because of limited space.

Alice Robertson tidyhome.info

2023 NARI Atlanta Board of Directors & Committee Chairs

OFFICERS

President

JD Crill, CR

Crill Construction + Contracting, LLC

Vice President (President Elect)

Chris Lalomia

The Trusted Toolbox

Treasurer

Kris Griffin

Prestige Construction & Remodeling, LLC

Secretary

Peter Ranney, CR

Ranney Blair Home Renovations

Board Chair (Immediate Past President)

David Michelson

Alair Homes Decatur

DIRECTORS

BeckySue Becker, CMKBD, CLIPP, CAPS

Designs by BSB

Antonette Copeland

Construction Resources

Jessica Flores Creative Living, LLC & Custom Building Partners

Amanda Griffey

Construction Resources

Jeff Hanlon Against The Grain

Gabrielle Mills

Sourced.

Tene Tucker-Hester

The Hamlin Group, LLC

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Education

Patricia Higuita, CKBR

Artech Roofing and Construction, LLC

Cutting Edge: Remodeling Education Expo

Kris Griffin

Prestige Construction & Remodeling, LLC

Bylaws & Ethics

Mark Buelow, CGR, CR Distinctive Remodeling Solutions, Inc.

Finance

Garrett Erath

Exodus Design Build

Government Affairs

JD Crill, CR

Crill Construction + Contracting, LLC

Programs

Becky Costa

Top Shop Stone

Brew Bash

Tene Tucker-Hester

The Hamlin Group, LLC

CotY Awards

BeckySue Becker, CMKBD, CLIPP, CAPS

Designs by BSB

Golf Tournament

Steven Roberts, CR

Weidmann & Associates, Inc.

Marketing

Gabrielle Mills

Sourced.

Membership & The Emerging Professionals Group

Amanda Griffey

Construction Resources

SkillsUSA

David Michelson

Alair Homes Decatur

NARI Atlanta Foundation, Inc. (NARI Cares)

Kim Hollis

Mosaic Group Architects and Remodelers

High Street tops out

Fun 2023 of Summer TKR

By Cathy Cobbs

The long-awaited first phase of High Street topped out today, according to a release from real estate developer, owner and operator GID Development Group.

The first phase of the High Street development, a mixed-use community in Atlanta’s Central Perimeter, encompasses 150,000 square feet of retail, 90,000 square feet of new loft office, 598 apartments and a variety of community gathering spaces, including a seasonal ice skating rink.

“The topping out of High Street’s first phase represents years of hard work by a team united by a vision to deliver a world-class mixed-use destination,” said James Linsley, president of GID Development Group. “With its dynamic design and vibrant, walkable public spaces, High Street will emerge as a new town center for the region, bringing the community together to shop, dine and spend time together in a shared urban environment.”

Phase one features a mix of entertainment concepts and chef-driven restaurants, including Puttshack, The Hampton Social, Agave Bandido and Cuddlefish, with more brands expected to be announced soon.

“We are ecstatic about the response from innovative retailers and restaurateurs interested in being part of this game-changing development,” said Molly Morgan, EVP of retail leasing for JLL’s 10twelve. “This is going to be a retail and entertainment district unlike anything in the Southeast, and we look forward to announcing more exciting additions to our tenant mix in the coming months.”

MAY MEETINGS & EVENTS

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at Tucker City Hall, 1975 Lakeside Pkwy., Ste 350B, Tucker, GA 30084

MAY 4, 6:30 P.M. Community Meeting: Comprehensive Plan 5-Year Update

MAY 5, 7 P.M

First Friday Concert Sugar Lime Blue

Church Street Greenspace 4316 Church Street

MAY 6, 9 A.M.

Tucker Day Main Street, Tucker

MAY 8, 7 P.M.

City Council Meeting

MAY 13, 10 A.M.-2 P.M.

Tucker Cruise-In Main Street, Tucker

MAY 13, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.

ARTucker Show & Sale Church Street Greenspace 4316 Church Street

MAY 18, 7 P.M. Planning Commission

MAY 18, 7 P.M.

Third Thursday Movie on the Green

MOANA Church Street Greenspace 4316 Church Street

MAY 22, 7 P.M.

City Council Meeting

MAY 29

City Hall Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

tuckerga.gov

Courtesy of GID Development Group

DUNWOODY

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Theme: 50 Years of Wildcat Pride

Celebrating Dunwoody High School’s Past, Present, and Future

Grand Marshals: Principal “Coach”

Tom Bass and Steve Fortenberry

Presented By

Finding balance as a business owner and mom

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Katie here! When thinking about this month’s article I considered that May is significant because of Mother’s Day. When thinking about what it means to be a mom – especially as a wine professional and also a business owner – I thought of the conversations about these challenges I’ve had with Carson Demmond, founder of Rive Gauche Wine Co., a purveyor of mindfully made wines based in Atlanta.

Carson came into wine the same way that most of us have – the restaurant business. Born in Atlanta to “restaurant parents,” Carson says she was “trained to carry no less than three plates at a time as a child.” After graduating from Skidmore College and moving to NYC, she landed a

job at the Modern, and under the tutelage of Belinda Chang, a James Beard Awardwinning sommelier, she became immersed in the wine scene. Carson credits this time and her ability to speak French as the natural progression into her next foray as a sommelier in tasting panels.

A little wine nerd sidebar: Tasting panels are groups of wine professionals who come together to taste through a series of wine flights, blindly and sometimes up to 40 wines a day. Tasting without any preconceived notions allows a truly unbiased opinion. They rank them by quality, flavor, and if they are an overall correct representation of the wine. Tasters are not told the producers or price of the wines, but simply the theme: Chenin Blanc, 2019 vintage for example. The group ranks and reviews them and Carson says that in almost every tasting, a benchmark producer is knocked out and a value wine is strongly rated.

These sessions led to Carson’s appointment as tasting director for Wine & Spirits Magazine and eventually the

atlanta

WOMEN + WINE

Katie Rice & Sarah Pierre

Carson Demmond

lead critic for South African and Alsatian wines. After several years writing for the publication, she moved into a role with Duclot, a Bordeaux wine importer. Through this role, she learned firsthand the logistics of wine importing and how to navigate compliance with the government. Next, she was fortunate to work a harvest in Arbois, France, furthering her education with an immersion into production. She then moved back to NYC and continued writing freelance for multiple publications, and then on to Food & Wine Magazine as assistant wine writer.

In 2017, after becoming pregnant with her first child, Carson moved back to Atlanta and began the process of building her own company, Rive Gauche – which translates to ‘Left Bank.’ With her bevy of contacts from her previous career and “friends met along the way,” Carson built a distributor with the intent of working with small companies and small wines. The ethos of RG focuses on “mindfully farmed wines” that naturally are small production. Carson explained that if “wines are made with low intervention it is difficult and labor intensive. When wines are hard to make, there isn’t a lot of wine made.”

Carson’s challenges that come with building a company, especially when importing alcohol, were many – everything from leasing warehouse space to licensing to navigating Georgia’s law, all while caring for a newborn. Then came COVID. The logistics of every aspect of the supply chain were affected, from the labor shortages at ports to the fact that wineries could not get supplies; it took months to just get bottles. The delivery cycle that normally takes four to six weeks after an order was placed was now taking four to six months. And on top of it all, new tariffs on international wines increased pricing and import costs. These obstacles still exist. There are still labor shortages, transit times have increased, fluctuating dollar values and lack of supplies have yet to be regulated.

As Carson and I spoke, we came back to the original conversation about motherhood and business ownership –“trying to juggle lots of balls and being ok with dropping one when you have

to.” Keeping up with payroll and logistics but putting a healthy meal on the table while continuing to have a positive, “do it all” mentality is impossible. There is a need to be decisive but also prioritize when it comes to being a busy mom.

“There is less freedom to dwell on your decisions – like sending an email, you aren’t able to spend 10 minutes going over it before hitting send,” Carson says. “You just have to let go, not overthink and forget about perfectionism and it has honestly made me more proactive and quick!”

A second point that Carson points out and I strongly agree with: “Our particular industry is a very social one, and many customer-facing events happen in the evenings when it’s also the most important time to be spending with the kids. I rarely get the occasion to participate.”

Trying to prioritize family over work is a challenge in any regard. Being a mom is hard. What I took away from our conversation is that I am not alone. We all must remember to slow down, give ourselves grace and cherish our time with family. After all, our business revolves around a beverage: one that comes from deep family ties.

Carson Demmond with her family.

Elevate your OUTLOOK

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Call 404.381.1743 today to schedule a personal tour.

Quick Bites

▲The co-owner and executive chef at Atlanta’s Miller Union has released a second cookbook. Steven Satterfield, along with co-author Andrea Slonecker, has published “Vegetable Revelations: Inspiration for Produce-Forward Cooking.” Follow him on Instagram @millerunionchef for more information.

Halidom Eatery, a full-service food hall, is slated to open at 1341 Moreland Ave. in East Atlanta in early 2024. The food hall will be located in a 13,000-square-foot space and is expected to have 11 stalls featuring cuisine from local chefs. Those attending the Ormewood Park Makers Festival on May 20 can get a sneak preview of some of the food that will be on offer.

▼Historic Hotel Row in the South Downtown redevelopment has its first tenant: TydeTate Kitchen, a Thai restaurant from brother and sister Sai Untachantr and Bank Bhamaraniyama. The eatery is at 229 Mitchell Street with a menu that includes sweet chili crispy tofu, Kee Mao, basil chicken, chicken curry puffs, Panang curry beef, and more. Find out more at tydetatekitchen.com.

AlcoHall, a hall that will offer patrons a slew of different beverages to try, plans to open at Pullman Yards in Kirkwood this spring. The stalls will offer everything from tequila tastings to tap rooms, along with places for live music, billiards, and even mechanical bulls. The first round of beverage stalls has been announced, including Wicked Weed, an Asheville brewery known for Freak of Nature; Shortbarrel Bourbon, an Atlanta-based liquor company; Three Chord Bourbon, a company founded by guitarist Neil Giraldo, husband of musician Pat Benatar; House of Suntory, a Japanese spirits outfit; Desert Door, a Texas distillery that specializes in a spirit called sotol; and Babylonstoren, a South African winery. Check pullmanyards. com for updates.

Boxcar Betty’s is now open at Westside Paper at 950 West Marietta Street serving up gourmet chicken sandwiches. The Atlanta location will be the first in the area, but the fifth location overall. Get more details at boxcarbettys.com.

Nowak’s has opened a second restaurant in Sandy Springs. The steakhouse, located at 6690 Roswell Road, is open for dinner Monday through Saturday. Nowak’s currently has a location in the Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta. Get more information and make reservations at nowaksrestaurant.com.

▲“The Menu” – a satirical, Black horror/ comedy about the restaurant industry and the artifice of the foodie – might not seem like a great source of inspiration for a good cause. But NFA Burger’s Billy Kramer was inspired to create The Burger Benefit which will be held on May 7 at NFA Burger in Dunwoody. The event will

feature a multitude of chefs and burger experts offering their own takes on a classic burger, with all proceeds going to nonprofit The Giving Kitchen. Get details at burgerbenefit.com.

Dave Green, the owner of The Select in Sandy Springs, is bringing a new restaurant to The Works on the Upper Westside Damsel, a new 10,000-squarefoot restaurant, will offer a collection of globally inspired small plates and entrees when it opens this fall.

Chef Hugh Acheson confirmed on social media in April that he has permanently closed Empire State South in Midtown. Acheson said on Instagram that the acclaimed Southern restaurant shuttered in February due to ongoing financial issues post-pandemic and inflation. He continues to operate Five and Ten in Athens.

▼D’Juan’s New Orleans Bistro has opened in Vinings at 3300 Cobb Parkway. The restaurant offers up typical New Orleans fare such as gumbo, crawfish mac and cheese, bread pudding, and more.

Lud modeling a dress by Alix (Madame Grès) for Vogue. Courtesy of the Horst P. Horst Estate and @TheArtDesignProjectGallery.

Aging in place options scarce in metro Atlanta

By Cathy Cobbs

The concept of aging in place is a hot-button topic, however, the path to finding viable options for healthy and active Atlantans who are over 55 is elusive.

According to a report by the Office of Policy Development and Research entitled “Aging in Place: Facilitating Choice and Independence,” a combination of demographics and economic shifts is “creating a large and growing need for affordable and ageappropriate housing opportunities.”

“The coming decades, increasing life expectancy, a declining birth rate, and the aging of the baby boom generation will dramatically increase the number and proportion of the U.S. population over the age of 65,” the report said. “This aging of the population

presents a number of challenges and unanswered questions, including where people will live and how they will obtain the support and care they will need as they age while retaining as much independence as possible.”

Demographers, according to the report, estimate that by 2040, the U.S. population of those age 65 and older will double to 80 million, and their share of the total population will rise from 13 to 20%, partly because of greater life expectancy along with the trend in reduced birth rates across the nation.

The change is reflected in census numbers is Atlanta and its outlying communities. The 2022 U.S. Census figures show that 17.7% of all Georgians are over the age of 65, while in Atlanta, that figure hovers around 12 percent. DeKalb County's over-65 residents comprise almost 14 percent of its 762,000 citizens, while Fulton County’s older population is around 12 percent. Most of those statistics reflect three-to-four percent increases over 2010 figures, according to the bureau.

The Aging in Place report also discussed the concept of “compression of morbidity,” meaning that people are increasingly able to live actively and largely free of disease until shortly before death.

The report said that most older adults prefer to age in place, either in their own homes or in nearby housing that can be adapted to their changing needs. The report discussed “lifelong neighborhoods that can accommodate residents of all ages by incorporating connectivity, pedestrian access, and transit, neighborhood retail and services, and public spaces for social interaction.”

Options like the report discussed for healthy older citizens in the Atlanta area, however, appear to be few and far between. While it seems that senior living facilities for those with medical needs are on every corner in Atlanta and its outlying suburbs, few communities tout themselves as viable for having “aging-in-place” amenities for adults with no immediate medical needs.

Building community

Many communities, like Belmont Buckhead Village and Mount Vernon Towers in Sandy Springs, focus on options and amenities for seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living, including those suffering from dementia or memory loss, , as well as those needing an escalating level of care.

Ty White of Peachland Homes said the demand for what he terms “lifestyle-targeted” communities for active, older buyers is “tremendous,” but the supply is extremely limited.

White is building a 13-home community in Dunwoody on Roberts Drive called Swancy that is targeted for empty nesters “looking for as much living space on the main floor as possible in the same geographic area where they have been living.”

“Our buyers want open concept, sophisticated but casual, and as little outside maintenance as possible because they travel and have other interests,” White said. “The outside living space is as important as a great kitchen and the master on the main.”

White said his company has received more than 100 inquiries about Swancy, with about 50 percent of them seriously interested in the community. The pandemic, however, and the resultant economic uncertainties, like supply chain issues and labor shortages, have put a serious wrench in the process.

“I’ve been doing this for 32 years, and the last two or three years are the most complicated I’ve ever experienced,” he said. “COVID has caused a lot of stress and uncertainty.”

One development that appears to be successfully serving the demand for over-55 active lifestyle clients is Signal House near Ponce City Market in downtown Atlanta, a 21-story, 162-unit multifamily apartment community that is currently under construction.

According to a press release from developer Jamestown, Signal House is “designed for active adults and the 55+ community with a focus on health and wellness.”

“Signal House will provide a digitally integrated and socially

Signal House (photo by Cathy Cobbs)

A rendering of the 84 Perimeter development.

supporting living experience for a non-digitally native demographic,” the release said. “Signal House will cater to a 55+ community that wants the convenience of technology-enabled living without the friction points.”

Dunwoody dilemma

THE DUST Y COIN

According to Jamestown officials, pre-leasing has begun with one, two and three-bedroom apartments expected to be available for tenants by late this year. Amenities will include access to a property app that will allow residents to book a suite of services, including housekeeping, plant watering, dry cleaning, food delivery and dining reservations and massage and personal trainer appointments,

The high-rise community will include a pool terrace with a shaded grotto lounge and outdoor shower, a multipurpose fitness room with connected outdoor fitness areas, co-working space, wellness rooms for personal treatments, a clubhouse lounge, an onsite lifestyle director and a dining room with a full commercial chef’s kitchen and connected outdoor seating.

Jamestown representatives did not return calls regarding rental rates for the units, referring all inquiries to the company’s press release regarding the development, which does not list any financial information.

Canterbury Court is also nearing completion on a 105-unit independent living expansion at its Peachtree Road location, with a projected opening date this fall.

Touted as a “Life Plan Community,” the new units include studios, onebedroom, 831-square feet options starting at $312,000, as well as other floor plans, most under 1,000 square feet.

While Signal House and Canterbury Court appear to be headed for successful conclusions, a similar concept in Dunwoody seems to be unable to get off the ground.

In March 2021, the Dunwoody City Council, in a split vote, approved a zoning change at 84 Perimeter Center East from C-1 Conditional (Commercial) to PC-2 (Perimeter Center District) that would allow for the construction of a mixed-use development that would contain 40,000 square feet of retail and 225 over-55 apartments on the 2.9 acre-site.

The property was formerly slated for a 13,746-square-foot, 160-room hotel, but those plans were scrapped in 2019, when developer JSJ Perimeter LLC ditched the idea, citing the pandemic’s effect on the hospitality industry.

At the March 2021 meeting, the council spent a considerable amount of time passing amendments and special conditions that would ensure that over-55 age restrictions could not be circumvented, including possibly rescinding a $7 million “inducement resolution” passed by the Dunwoody Development Authority earlier that year.

The council also put into place a condition that JSJ Perimeter LLC had to apply for a land disturbance permit within two years of the change in zoning or the land would revert to its original use.

As that deadline approaches, there is no sign that the project is moving forward. On the property, the site of a former bank, a sign says, “Coming soon – 84 Perimeter,” but there is no clear indication that construction is imminent. The bank building, while empty, is still standing.

The website listed on the sign contains information about the nowabandoned hotel project, and nothing about the over-55 housing community.

City of Dunwoody officials said there has been no movement in the project since the rezoning approval, but that JSJ has not withdrawn its application either. A call from Silver Streak to John DiGiovanni with JSJ was not returned.

We’re Hiring a Design Engineer

Americold Logistics, LLC, Atlanta, GA & any unanticipated locations T/O the U.S. has an opening for a Design Engineer (Job Code SV0410). Resp. for providing eng., project mgt, & analytical support to Design Eng. Dept. Reqs. MS in ISE, IE, or related field of study and one year of experience (can be combined) in the job offered or related occupations in lean manufacturing & automation. Pos. req. approx. 40% travel to warehouse sites, poss. of working remotely W/occ. Business travel. $76,731 to $90,085.

Mail resume to Barbara Bishop 10 Glenlake Pkwy NE, South Tower, Ste. 600, Atlanta, GA 30328.