Sammie
Rewind & Relax: A Nostalgic Summer Vacation at Lake Oconee
There’s something magical about summer, especially through the eyes of a child—think cannonballs into the lake, windows-down road trips, and chasing fireflies after dark.
In Georgia’s Greene County, just 75 miles from Atlanta, those timeless summer moments are still alive. From berry-picking to dock jumping, Lake Oconee is the perfect place to relive the good old days—and share them with the next generation.
Get Out On The Water
No classic summer is complete without a little time on the lake.
Rent a boat for the day and go wakeboarding, or explore peaceful coves on a stand-up paddleboard. For a touch of old-school charm, turn up a nostalgic playlist, and set out for a sunset pontoon cruise with your crew.
For a truly timeless experience, book a ride on the lake’s only vintage wooden HackerCraft boat—a beauty that looks like it cruised straight out of a 1950s summer postcard. With its polished woodwork, buttery leather seating, and the gentle hum of its classic engine, this boat isn’t just a ride—it’s a step back in time.
Jump Into Summer
For many, the thrill of a summer day isn’t complete without a leap into cool water from a favorite rock. Jumping Rock at Lake Oconee is just that place—a timeless spot where kids (and adults) can channel their inner daredevil and jump from the iconic rock ledge into the lake below. It’s an exhilarating throwback to simpler days when fun was measured by how high you could leap and how much laughter echoed across the lake.
Soak In Live Music By The Lake
Resort guests at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee are invited to unwind lakeside in The Backyard for the return of the beloved Summer Concert Series. From May through Labor Day, enjoy an exciting lineup of live musical performances spanning a variety of genres, all set against the serene backdrop of Lake Oconee.
Select holiday weekends will shine even brighter with dazzling firework displays lighting up the night sky—an unforgettable way to end a perfect evening.
Camp Under The Stars
If your idea of the perfect summer includes grilled hot dogs and nights under the stars, Greene County’s campgrounds deliver all the throwback charm. They offer peaceful lakeside settings where you can swim, cast a fishing line off the dock, and spread out a blanket for a picnic beneath the pines.
These spots are ideal for unplugged, oldfashioned fun—think skipping rocks, spotting turtles, and ending the day with sticky fingers and s’mores around the fire. As dusk settles in, kids can chase fireflies with mason jars while the grownups lean back in camp chairs, enjoying the sound of crickets and the lapping of water on the shore.
Go Berry Pickin’
Few summer memories are sweeter than picking sun-ripened berries straight from the bush—
September 13. This open-air market is packed with seasonal produce, farm-fresh eggs, homemade jams, baked goods, and people that make the whole scene buzz with energy.
Cast a Line
Fishing at Lake Oconee is more than just a pastime—it’s a timeless tradition.
Accessible fishing areas include the Highway 44 Fishing Pier and the Wallace Dam Pier. For those looking to enhance their fishing experience, Reel Time Guide Service, led by Captain Smith, offers expert-guided trips on Lake Oconee. With over 30 years of experience, Captain Smith specializes in targeting species like striped bass, hybrid bass, and crappie. He provides tailored trips that cater to all skill levels.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources requires licenses to fish in all public lakes in
and at Hemi Blueberry Farm, that tradition is alive and thriving. Nestled just outside Greensboro, this charming, family-owned farm invites visitors to wander the rows, bucket in hand, and gather plump, juicy blueberries.
Whether you’re stocking up for homemade pies, freezing some for later, or just savoring the moment, a morning at Hemi is the kind of experience that feels like summer in its purest form.
Shop Local Markets
Open year-round, Scratchers Creek City Market is a cozy indoor market featuring lunch, handmade goods, and fresh vegetables. It’s a great stop for everyday staples and discovering something new.
Come May, the Lake Oconee Farmers Market brings the heart of summer to life each Saturday morning through
Georgia so, make sure you have your license before you get on the water.
Slow Down And Soak It In
Sometimes the best summer moments are the quiet ones—rock on a porch swing, listening to the water lap against the dock, or feeling the warmth of the sun on your face with nowhere to be. At Lake Oconee, relaxation isn’t just encouraged—it’s part of the lifestyle.
Find your reason to linger longer this summer
Our cover story, which features veteran real estate professionals offering their expert opinions about Atlanta’s residential real estate market, most of the interviewees said while economic uncertainty has had a ripple effect on buyers’ confidence, the market has remained stable, with homes retaining or growing steadily in value.
It brought to mind the four properties that I have bought and sold in my lifetime, some that looked like genius moves, and others that brought to mind the phrase, “What were you thinking?”
The first house, perched on a steep hill in Nashville, was purchased in 1990 for the grand sum of $134,000 and was sold five years later for $129,900. From what I remember, it was a down market, and
being on that hill was not exactly a draw.
The next house, located in Dunwoody, was purchased with some trepidation in 1997, as it was the highest priced home in the subdivision – for about three days. In 2008, it sold for $560,000, which was a proud moment. However, the purchase closed on the same day that the market had its fateful crash that marked the beginning of the Great Recession.
Getting out of the market that day might seem like a genius move, except that the day after that crash, we closed on a home in Columbia, SC for what was considered to be a premium price. Tragedy struck in 2015, when a historic 1,000-year storm flooded the house with six feet of water, rendering it uninhabitable.
Not to be defeated, the house was torn down, rebuilt, and sold in 2019 for a good profit. My final purchase (so far) was during the pandemic in 2022, when interest rates fell to historic lows.
That’s the short view. Thanks to the somewhat reliable Zillow estimates, every single home described above has gained substantial value. The humble Nashville home is now worth $688,000. The house in Dunwoody is valued at $849,000, and the Columbia post-flood home is (gasp) hovering around the $1 million mark. Even my unassuming condo, bought for $205,000 has been conservatively valued at $265,000.
What the experts say is true. Homes are good investments, despite interest rate fluctuations in an uncertain economy. I encourage you to read our story on page 8 and find comfort in knowing that buying a home, which may not be your dream home, could lead you to that goal.
Thanks for reading and supporting our writers and advertisers, including our real estate professionals listed in this issue.
CATHY COBBS
While economic uncertainty lingers, buyers find comfort in real estate stability
By Cathy Cobbs
While residential real estate professionals are seeing a shift in the Atlanta area market with the type of buyers and their lifestyle priorities, they remain optimistic about the forecast for the remainder of 2025.
Lindsay Levin, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties, said she has seen steady volume
so far in 2025, but the makeup of her clients has shifted.
“In the past, I worked more with move-up buyers — families wanting more space or newer homes,” Levin said. “This spring, I’m seeing a noticeable increase in downsizers and empty nesters, as well as
families managing estate sales.”
Levin’s mantra that real estate is “driven by diamonds, diapers, divorce, debt, downsize, and death,” is seeing more business in the categories of downsizing and death.
the new normal.”
“With housing prices continuing to trend upward, many are choosing to move forward with their purchases,” she said.
Cross said where she is seeing some out-of-state buyers, the numbers aren’t as high as in previous years, with the most activity coming from local buyers looking to upgrade from their current living situations.
Real Estate Advisor Ashley Battleson with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty said she has seen “a real shift in Atlanta’s real estate market during the first half of 2025.”
Blass cautioned, however, that individual neighborhoods may tell a different story.
“For example, in Dunwoody, inventory is up 24.4 percent, but pending sales have dropped 28.7 percent, and closed sales are down nearly 32 percent for the year so far,” Blass said. “However, there are signs of momentum returning. When we compare April to May, Dunwoody shows a 30-percent increase in sold homes, suggesting that buyer activity may be picking up again.”
All the responding real estate professionals said that economic uncertainty and concern about interest rates, while certainly causing some hesitation in certain segments of buyers, is not drastically affecting the housing market thus far.
“It’s a reminder that real estate is deeply tied to life transitions, and as a senior and luxury real estate specialist, I feel grateful to be able to guide people through those moments with care and expertise,” she said.
Jane Cross, an associate broker with Ansley Real Estate Christie’s International, said she feels that buyers who have been hesitant to enter the market because of higher interest rates are coming to terms with current levels, “recognizing them as
“Inventory has grown sharply up –nearly 50 percent year-over-year in some months, so buyers have many more options than they did last year,” Battleson said. “At the same time, home sales have dipped about five percent, and homes are taking a bit longer to sell.”
Prices, however, are holding steady, with the median home price around $425,000, up a little more than one percent from last year, she said.
One shift Battleson said she is seeing is regarding negotiations.
“More than 60 percent of sellers are now offering concessions, such as help with closing costs or repairs to get deals done,” she said. “That’s a big contrast and a welcome change for buyers from the pandemic years, when concessions were almost unheard of and sellers had all the leverage.”
Realtor Robin Blass with Harry Norman Realtors said she is also seeing a “notable shift in the Atlanta real estate market during the first half of the year.”
While more homes are coming on the market, fewer are going under contract compared to this time last year, Blass said. “In fact, there are approximately 20 percent fewer homes under contract, which is a significant decline – especially for a traditionally active spring market.”
“Interest rates are the main factor behind the slowdown. Buyers are focused on value right now,” Levin said. “They are hesitant because they don’t know when rates will drop or if they’ll have a good opportunity to refinance in the near future.
“On the bright side, lenders are creative with rate buy-downs and other incentive programs to help ease the monthly payment burden and keep buyers engaged,” she continued.
Cross said that in times of economic uncertainty, many buyers and investors gravitate toward more stable, tangible assets, but they realize that real estate investment is very different compared to putting money into the stock market.
“Real estate offers a sense of security,” Cross said. “It’s a physical asset –something people can improve, live in, rent out, or hold onto for long-term appreciation.”
Blass agrees that real estate has historically proven to be a solid and resilient investment.
“Even in times of uncertainty, it offers tangible value and the potential for long-
Scott Alexander has listed this Tucker-area home on Smithsonia Court (Courtesy of Scotty Realty)
Lindsay Levin
Jane Cross
Ashley Battleson
Robin Blass
term growth—making it one of the most reliable ways to build and protect wealth,” Blass said.
The real estate professionals offered a measured optimism regarding the remainder of 2025.
“The Atlanta market is stabilizing with the average days to sell a home being 40+, more in line with pre-2020 norms,” Levin said. “In a balanced market, it’s more important than ever for sellers to maximize their home’s exposure by listing on the MLS. Without full market exposure, it’s hard to generate strong competition, and sellers could be leaving money on the table by not tapping into buyers who may be willing to pay more for the right home.”
Battleson said she anticipates a stronger and more active market for the remainder of 2025, especially if mortgage rates stabilize.
“Forecasts suggest rates could fall closer to 6 percent by year-end, which would likely spur renewed buyer activity and encourage more homeowners to list their properties,” she said. “Atlanta’s economic fundamentals remain robust, with projected job growth of two percent and over 56,000 new jobs this year, supporting continued housing demand.”
Cross said homes that are competitively priced and presented in excellent condition will continue to perform well during 2025.
“Today’s buyers are drawn to turnkey properties – homes that are professionally staged, beautifully photographed, and
move-in ready,” Cross said. “When a home looks polished and thoughtfully prepared, buyers can easily envision themselves stepping into a seamless, comfortable lifestyle, which makes a strong impression and drives interest.”
While, as expected, homes in Buckhead continue to attract the attention of potential buyers, other neighborhoods that offer walkability and lifestyle considerations are becoming popular options.
“Westside Atlanta has become especially popular, particularly among younger buyers,” Blass said. “This area is seeing a wave of new residential developments with more attainable price points compared to other intown neighborhoods. What makes it even more attractive is the rapid growth of supporting retail, dining, and shopping options that create a vibrant, urban lifestyle.”
back to in-person work,” Cross said. “These lifestyle considerations are standing out as major influences in buyers’ final decisions.”
Cross said buyers are increasingly prioritizing a strong sense of community and access to top-rated school districts, factors that have historically played a key role in home-buying decisions.
“We’re also seeing a renewed focus on commute times, as more people transition
Buckhead remains a perennial favorite, especially for luxury buyers and investors, thanks to its blend of upscale amenities, top schools, and proximity to business districts, Battleson said.
“I sold out a neighborhood of 32 new construction cluster homes called Chastain East of Roswell Road between 2017 and
2020, with prices hovering around the $1.1 million mark,” she said. “In the past two years, I’ve resold many of those same homes for hundreds of thousands more – typically $500,000 to $700,000 above their original prices.”
Battleson said while there’s a bit more caution out there, real estate’s stability and hands-on nature “are keeping buyers engaged and optimistic about Atlanta’s future.”
This Brookhaven home at 1141 Ragley Hall Road on Silver Lake has 119 feet of waterfront. (Courtesy of Ansley Real Estate)
Atlanta City Council urges Georgia State Patrol to reform pursuit policies
By Katie Burkholder
The Atlanta City Council has adopted a resolution urging reforms to the Georgia State Patrol’s vehicular pursuit policies and the Atlanta Police Department’s protocols for requesting GSP backup.
The resolution, sponsored by Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari and adopted by the council on Monday, May 5, urges the State of Georgia to implement reforms, including the restriction of highspeed pursuits to violent felonies, the requirement of supervisory approval before initiating or continuing a pursuit, and the prohibition of PIT maneuvers in densely populated areas.
The resolution was adopted following the death of 19-year-old Cooper Schoenke, who was killed in April during a police chase in Little Five Points. GSP chased 23-year-old Faduma Mohamed after she refused to stop. Mohamed ran a red light at the intersection of Moreland and McLendon Avenues and struck Schoenke’s car.
In the days following the accident, community members, including Bakhtiari and Devin Barrington-Ward with the
National Police Accountability Project, advocated for the reforms.
“Our system of policing has been very aggressive in our area,” Councilmember Antonio Lewis said at Monday’s meeting, “and [what happened to Schoenke] never should happen… Every condolence in the world to [Schoenke’s] family, every prayer I can [send] to your family, but we have to stop this.”
The resolution further encourages Mayor Andre Dickens to advocate for these reforms and Police Chief Darin Schierbaum to conduct a review of APD’s current protocols for requesting support from GSP, especially for non-violent traffic stops or infractions.
According to national data cited in the resolution, more than one person per day dies as a result of high-speed police pursuits. Twenty-seven to 33 percent of those fatalities involve innocent bystanders.
Other items approved by the council include ordinances providing continued athletic programming at Chastain Park and accepting $2.8 million in federal funding for the development of South Downtown pedestrian enhancements.
Real estate firm owner sentenced in $62 million fraud scheme
By Dave Williams | Capitol Beat
The head of a commercial real estate investment firm has been sentenced to 87 months in prison and ordered to pay $45 million in restitution in a fraud scheme involving the Atlanta Financial Center in Buckhead.
Elchonon (Elie) Schwartz, 46, of New York City, pleaded guilty in February to one count of wire fraud. Schwartz convinced more than 800 investors to send him $62.8 million, including $54 million earmarked for the huge office building on Peachtree Road. Instead of using the money for legitimate purposes, he diverted it into buying luxury items for his own use.
“Schwartz’s greed was boundless,” said Theodore S. Hertzberg, interim U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. “He callously abused the trust of hundreds of investors to line his own bank accounts. … Schwartz’s sentence reflects our office’s commitment to hold fraudsters accountable for exploiting investors who innocently rely on their false representations.”
According to court records, Schwartz set up a crowdfunding website – CrowdStreet Marketplace – that raised nearly $63 million, including $54 million for the Atlanta Financial Center and $9 million for a mixed-use building in Miami Beach.
He represented to investors that he would safeguard their funds within segregated bank accounts, would not commingle the investors’ money, and would use the funds only for investment in each property.
Schwartz then directed the money into his personal bank account as well as unrelated commercial real estate investments he controlled, using it to buy luxury watches, invest in stocks and options in a personal brokerage account, and cover payroll expenses for unrelated commercial real estate businesses.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Security and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement.
Along with the jail time and restitution order, Schwartz was sentenced to three years of supervised release after he completes his prison term.
Elchonon Schwartz (file photo)
BROOKHAVEN
State of DeKalb Animals meeting highlights eviction impact on pets
By Logan C. Ritchie
DeKalb County elected officials, volunteers, and animal lovers met on Friday, May 16 for the second State of DeKalbAnimals address at Emory Conference Center.
Hosted by District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, speakers delivered statistics, personal stories, and the realities
of people and their pets in DeKalb.
“Caring for our companion animals is not just a matter of kindness, it’s a matter of public health, of safety, of equity and of compassion. It affects the lives of our residents and the soul of our neighborhoods,” said Long Spears.
Keynote speaker Cole Thaler, program manager for the Pets In Crisis Support Program at the Atlanta Humane Society,
delivered a sobering look at how evictions displace pets.
Pets who arrive at shelters had a person or family who loved them “but then something happened – or a bunch of things happened – and that bond was severed,” Thaler said.
Based upon Thaler’s research and experience, eviction filings in Georgia are “cheap and easy.” To start the eviction process, a landlord pays a $54 fee to DeKalb County magistrate court and files a one-page form. In turn, tenants have three business days to catch up on rent before being served with a dispossessory warrant, and seven days to file a response in court.
“Poverty is not a defense to an eviction,” Thaler said about Georgia law.
Displaced tenants may find a new housing situation, double up with family or friends, move into extended stay motel rooms, homeless shelters, their car, an abandoned house, a rented storage unit, or sleep on MARTA.
“If those are your options, where does your pet go?” Thaler asked.
Rebecca Guinn, LifeLine Animal Project CEO, echoed Thaler’s observations. A record 9,000 animals entered the DeKalb County Animal Shelter in 2024, she said.
“Every one of these 8,954 animals came into our care because of some sort of human struggle or human failure, and we need holistic solutions that support the community, support pets as family
members, and support families,” Guinn said.
Lifeline has made investments to support their operations by hiring a director of shelter medicine, a specialized medical trainer, IT staff, a special projects manager, and a chief people officer, among others. The organization is focused on training, increasing free veterinary care, the launch of a pet food bank, and continuing spay and neutering programs.
DeKalb County has focused its efforts on funding innovative shelter spaces, limiting pets per household, creating an animal litter registry, and supporting the passage of Georgia laws HB 331 and HB 177.
Long Spears summarized the meeting by reflecting on her constituents.
“When I first took office, I heard from so many of you that I see here today: advocates, rescues, shelter staff, veterinarians, department heads, volunteers and the list goes on. You all shared your deep concerns about the state of animal welfare in DeKalb. What I heard moved me. What I saw I could not ignore. Out of that urgency, we launched the Save Our DeKalb Animals initiative,” she said.
“Today is a moment to reflect, to recognize, and to recommit for our county’s animals … to ensure that every companion animal in DeKalb County is treated with the care, dignity, love and protection they deserve,” Long Spears said.
Funny announces reelection bid for Brookhaven council
By Logan C. Ritchie
Brookhaven District 4 council member
John J. Funny is the first to announce his run for reelection in the municipal election this November.
A Brookhaven resident since 2010, Funny was elected to city council in November 2021. Born and raised in Georgetown, S.C., Funny earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from South Carolina State University. He holds a masters degree in public policy/urban planning from the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. He is the president and CEO of Grice Consulting Group.
Prior to being elected to Brookhaven City Council, Funny served on the Planning Commission from 2013 to 2021 and as the chair of the Social Justice, Race, and Equity Commission from 2020 to 2022.
While in office, Funny held a summit on the future of Buford Highway, coordinated a major transportation project with Georgia Department of Transportation at North Druid Hills
Road, urged DeKalb to reduce ambulance response times, and helped to open a new soccer field on the Peachtree Creek Greenway.
Funny has advocated for Buford Pointe, an affordable housing development on Buford Highway being planned by Brookhaven and DeKalb County.
District 4 has seen residential and commercial growth since Funny has been
bring 1,400 apartments, senior housing, for-sale townhomes, a hotel, medical office, retail, and pedestrian access to the Peachtree Creek Greenway.
Funny is launching a District 4 citizen advisory council and District 4 youth advisory council to empower and engage residents.
“These achievements reflect not just my priorities, but our shared values: transparency, open communication, inclusive development, safety, livability, and progress for every family in Brookhaven,” Funny said.
The city council District 2 seat is also on the November ballot. Council member Jennifer Owens has not made a statement about running for reelection.
(Courtesy of DeKalb County)
in office. The redevelopment of Corporate Square by Third & Urban will
Ambassador Andrew Young and Brookhaven City Council member John Funny spoke at the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce meeting on Feb. 8. (Photo by Logan C. Ritchie)
City Council member John Funny
Developer to convert office park into ‘jewel project of the Greenway’
By Logan C. Ritchie
The City of Brookhaven has landed a major southeastern developer to convert an old office park into the largest mixeduse project the city has seen since Town Brookhaven was built in 2010.
Corporate Square is set to be developed by real estate developer Third & Urban, the company responsible for Bankhead MARTA, adjacent to the 90-acre Microsoft campus, and Westside Paper, the mixed-use property that connects to the Beltline on the West side.
A block off Buford Highway, Corporate Square hugs the Peachtree Creek Greenway and runs right up to the I-85 Frontage Road.
Brookhaven City Council member John Funny said the development at Corporate Square is the “jewel project of the Greenway.”
“We can create a destination for people to engage with the Greenway,” he said. “Not just hang out on the Greenway, but have ice cream, or coffee or have dinner. And walk the Greenway.”
Town Brookhaven is a self-described “pedestrian-friendly urban village” boasting 460,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, 950 residential apartments, and a central greenspace, with Corporate Square adding 32 acres of residential, retail, restaurants, and recreation. It has not yet been renamed for this project’s purpose.
Funny told Rough Draft Atlanta how a project of this size is drafted.
In January 2023, Tellus Partners presented a plan to the Brookhaven Planning Commission to redevelop a seven-story office building at 3 Corporate Square into 165 residential units. Plans included a dog park, swimming pool, volleyball court, and public art.
Funny said he doesn’t know why the 2023 plan with Tellus failed. When a developer converts an office building into residences, known as adaptive reuse, it’s an intrusive process, he said. For example, if the elevator bank is in a poor location, the whole project can fall apart.
One year later, in January 2024, with no plans on deck for Corporate Square, Funny hosted the Buford Highway Summit. It was a sold-out event: a hotel ballroom packed with developers, builders, bankers, community organizations, and housing experts who talked for hours about re-envisioning the Buford Highway corridor.
Nationally, conversations in real estate development have been increasing over office space conversion, connectivity between neighborhoods, increasing greenspace, and encouraging residents to walk and bike to school and errands.
Combined with employees pushing to continue post-pandemic work from home, office parks are on the decline.
At the summit, Sheba Ross, cities and communities partner at HKS, Inc., suggested reconfiguring buildings, housing, and recreational areas around the area’s biggest asset, Peachtree Creek. The Buford Highway corridor is deficient in parks and gardens because of the number of large parking lots, Ross said.
This message matches the Buford Highway Activity Nodes Master Plan, published in July 2023. It includes feedback from residents and planners who encouraged the city to “flip the script.” Instead of focusing on Buford Highway, Funny said, the city was challenged to focus on the area’s natural resource, Peachtree Creek.
“I’ve heard from constituents in Vista Park and Pine Hills that we need to reposition Buford Highway to be an attractive corridor with mixed-use development,” Funny said. “My job as district representative is to make it happen, because I agree: Buford Highway needs some attention.”
Funny is adamant that “attention” does not mean detracting from the culture of Buford Highway. It means “retaining the international brothers and sisters” while “enhancing the quality of the community.”
Enter Third & Urban, approved to rezone Corporate Square by the Brookhaven City Council in April when they presented a vision for townhomes, multi-family housing, age-restricted housing, hotels, workforce housing, corporate housing, commercial space and medical offices.
The firm purchased the buildings from multiple owners for an undisclosed amount. It held community meetings and worked with the city of Brookhaven, Georgia Department of Transportation, MARTA, Atlanta Regional Commission, and state-level officials.
With an entrance to the property from the Peachtree Creek Greenway, Third & Urban has conducted environmental impact studies and site analysis. A large oak canopy will be preserved, and paths and sidewalks will run throughout the property.
“It adds a level of quality to the community, providing amenities and services for the city as a whole. So although it’s District 4, although it’s along the Greenway, we want that to be an attractive quality area for anyone throughout the entire city,” Funny said. “We want to draw people just like the Atlanta Beltline.”
The project is expected to kick off in 2026.
Mixed-use Corporate Square rendering (Courtesy of Third and Urban)
Envision Perimeter touts growth, future as entertainment hub
By Cathy Cobbs
Speakers at the Perimeter Chamber’s first-ever Envision Perimeter on May 20 touted the elements that make the area desirable for young professionals and corporate headquarters.
The summit, themed “Every Piece in Place,” was a collaboration by the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts with the Greater Perimeter Chamber and Leadership Perimeter. The initiative is designed to bring regional leaders, business, civic and community stakeholders to chart a shared vision
for Perimeter’s continued growth and transformation.
According to a release about the summit, “the long-awaited completion of the $800 million Transform 285/400 project from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has unlocked new mobility and access across the district.”
The meeting, held at the iconic King Building in Sandy Springs, featured a mixture of speakers and panelists who discussed the evolution of the Perimeter area from an office-heavy development to one that features retail, restaurants, and
pedestrian connectivity.
“The thought that we could put a [pedestrian] trail through the middle of I-285 – we said, ‘heck, no’ – and the word we used wasn’t ‘heck,’” said GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry. “But here it is.”
A panel featuring Josh Scofield of Newell Brands, Brooke MacLean of Marketwake, and Cathy Manginelli of TriNet, which was moderated by Ken Ashley of Cushman & Wakefield, focused on the reasons for their relocation to, or in the case of Newell, decision to stay in the Perimeter area.
“We were looking at our needs for the next 15 years, and frankly, Perimeter was not on our agenda,” MacLean said. “But when we visited, we saw the energy that we were looking for.”
Scofield said Newell reinvented its business model by designing its headquarters to be a hybrid workplace with access to walkable amenities like coffee shops, day-care facilities, and restaurants. After searching the metro area, the company decided to stick with the Perimeter area.
Manginelli, whose company TriNet will be locating to High Street, a recently opened mixed-used development, said the community “has a vibe that I can’t quite put my finger on.”
All three cited that the “partner-like” attention that the city and affiliated agencies brought to the table sealed their ultimate decisions. TriNet will reportedly bring about 750 jobs to the area. Newell
Brands leased 180,000 square feet in the Queen building in 2024. Marketwake moved into a 17,000-square-foot space at Perimeter’s Campus 244 in April.
Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch said the city and its partners are “focused on connection.” The session also included remarks from Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul, Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch, and Brookhaven Mayor John Park, as well as the keynote speaker, Dr. Tristan Cleveland of Happy Cities, an internationally recognized community design firm.
Cleveland shared research on what it takes to build places that support happiness, belonging and vitality, and complimented city leaders and partners on their work to bring those elements to the Perimeter area.
“I’m extremely bullish about what you are doing here,” Cleveland said. “This is a political winner.”
Gold sponsors of the event included AS3 Strategic Storytelling Services, The City of Dunwoody, the City of Sandy Springs, Cushman & Wakefield, Discover Dunwoody, Georgia Power, RoughDraft Atlanta, and Atlanta Visualhouse.
Silver sponsors were Atlanta Business Chronicle, Dunwoody Police Foundation, Renasant Bank, Troutman Pepper Locke, and True North 400.
The City of Brookhaven, Fulton Education Foundation, The RMR Group, and Willmer Engineering participated as bronze sponsors.
A panel discusses the future of the Perimeter area. (Photo by Cathy Cobbs)
DeKalb Schools recognized for stellar academic performance
By Cathy Cobbs
Dunwoody’s Austin Elementary
School, along with Kittredge Magnet School and DeKalb County Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers have been awarded the 2024 Single Statewide Accountability System Platinum Award in the Highest Performing category by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA).
Three other schools – Vanderlyn, Dunwoody Elementary, and DeKalb Early College Academy – achieved gold status. The recognition places the three platinum status schools among the top one percent of schools in the state for academic achievement.
Out of thousands of public schools across Georgia, 120 schools were recognized in the highest performing category in 2024.
According to GOSA, the criteria for highest performing schools is based on a set of academic criteria, including:
■ Ranking in the 99th percentile or higher statewide in the average CCRPI [College and Career Ready Performance Index] Content Mastery Score over the last three years;
■ Ranking in the 75th percentile
or higher in the average CCRPI Closing Gaps Score over the last two years;
■ Maintaining a CCRPI Single Score of 90.0 or above for the last three years;
■ Ensuring the 2024 CCRPI score is within 10 points of the 2019 score;
■ And not being listed on the 2024 Georgia Promise Scholarship Public School List, or the CSI/TSI support lists from the Georgia Department of Education.
“This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our students, teachers, and families. We are honored to be recognized among the topperforming schools in Georgia and will continue to strive for academic excellence in all that we do,” said Avis Mooneyham, Austin’s school principal.
DeKalb schools tagged in 2024 with The Greatest Gains designation include Brockett Elementary School, DeKalb Early College Academy, Kelley Lake Elementary School and Kittredge Magnet School.
The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement presents the SSAS Awards annually to highlight schools that consistently demonstrate exceptional performance and progress.
Austin Elementary School (Photo by Cathy Cobbs)
SANDY SPRINGS
Council repeals buffer zone ordinance after ACLU protest
By Bob Pepalis
The Sandy Springs City Council repealed an amendment that set buffer zones for free speech after representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called it unconstitutional.
The city’s attorney Dan Lee asked the city council to repeal the Buffer Zone: Campuses and Places of Worship ordinance at its May 20 meeting. Lee said he had made additional changes to the proposed ordinance the day before it was approved on April 1 and that it was based on a model ordinance from the ACLU that had support from the AntiDefamation League (ADL) Southeast. However, the ACLU said it still had issues with it.
In a release shared after the repeal, the ACLU of Georgia said the ordinance had made it unlawful for people in Sandy Springs to protest, hold signs, or engage in other forms of expression without permission from passersby. The ACLU said the repealed ordinance had effectively chilled speech across the city.
“Taking away the constitutional right to speak freely puts us all at risk, especially vulnerable communities,” said Cory Isaacson, ACLU of Georgia legal
director, in the release.
“We applaud the Sandy Springs City Council for recognizing that, and for repealing this ordinance.”
Isaacson said the ACLU had seen it as a blatantly unconstitutional violation of First Amendment rights. She said they applauded the council for recognizing that and for its repeal.
The Anti-Defamation League and Lee took the issue seriously when the ACLU brought it to their attention, Isaacson said.
The ordinance as written shuts down speech and expression across the whole city, Isaacson said. She said any restriction on speech has to be narrowly tailored and allow ample alternative methods of communication. She said the ordinance did neither, instead restricting expression and free speech across the entire city.
was “exceptionally egregious in its unconstitutionality, having no parameters at all,” Isaacson said.
A power outage struck City Springs and 1,085 Georgia Power customers during Isaacson’s comments, sending the Studio Theatre into darkness and shutting down most of the computers before emergency generators kicked in. After a brief recess, the meeting resumed, and the power was restored.
Eytan Davidson, the regional director for ADL Southeast, said the other two ordinances passed on April 1 will provide the protection Sandy Springs needs. He said repealing this buffer zone ordinance, which was not reflective of the model language developed by the ACLU and ADL, was prudent.
asked Lee if the other two ordinances would hold up if challenged in court.
Lee said he felt they would.
Council member Andy Bauman said the repeal of the ordinance was the result of a flawed process he blamed on Mayor Rusty Paul and the city’s legal counsel, claiming that the ordinance’s language was not fully vetted and though they were told it met constitutional standards, yet a few weeks later, they were told the opposite.
“This ordinance was unprecedented in our state, and instead of taking the time to get it right, this council and our residents were put through a process that proved divisive, costly, and ultimately unnecessary,” Bauman said.
When the city council adopted Georgia’s first municipal hate crime ordinance in 2019, Bauman said they followed a collaborative, transparent process that built consensus with the ADL’s leadership assisting them. He said that process stood in contrast to what happened with the April 1 ordinance.
The vote to repeal the ordinance was unanimous.
Even before the changes were made, she said the ordinance proposal
Council member Jody Reichel agreed with repealing the ordinance. Reichel
Dan Lee (Courtesy of City of Sandy Springs)
More candidates declare for Sandy Springs races, one shifts focus
By Bob Pepalis
John Paulson and Melissa Mular announced plans to run for reelection in their respective districts, with Tara Overzat challenging Mular for her seat.
Paulson is seeking his fifth term in District 1, winning his first election to the seat in 2009. Mular, who has served one term, announced for the District 3 seat.
“We’ve had a couple of great successes in the last few years, including the new fire station in District One, which we opened up last year, and two years ago we opened up a Veterans Park across the street from City Hall, a great facility,” Paulson said in his announcement made via his Facebook page.
A registered professional engineer, Paulson has lived in Sandy Springs for more
than 25 years, according to his bio on the city’s website. He supported the city’s bid for incorporation as part of the Committee for Sandy Springs. He served on the RFP committee which supervised the bid process for the City’s general government services.
Paulson serves as president of Dison Contracting and Supply, a consulting firm specializing in geosynthetics and reinforced soil structure design and construction.
According to his bio, he has had an active career in geosynthetics and the geotextiles fields, working for Exxon Chemical, Nicolon, and working as an engineering consultant within the civil engineering community worldwide.
Paulson, a Chicago native, earned his degree in engineering from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He is a Vietnam veteran and served as a U.S. Marine rifleman. He and his wife Mary have two children.
Paulson can be reached via email at jnptut@aol.com.
“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Sandy Springs,” said Mular in her candidacy announcement. “I’m excited to build on the progress we’ve made and continue working to ensure our city remains a vibrant, safe, and thriving community for years to come.”
Mular said she wants to continue her proven leadership and results-driven approach to guide the city as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Mular said it is crucial that Sandy Springs is guided by experienced leadership. She said her background in executivelevel corporate management, large HOA leadership, and her first term on the council enables her to bring a unique perspective and proven ability to build consensus and get things done.
Mular, who has lived in Sandy Springs for 25 years, retired in 2022 as an IBM technology executive to focus on serving the community. She said her extensive professional experience and deep connections to local neighborhoods make her uniquely qualified to represent and advocate for Sandy Springs residents.
More information about Mular’s campaign can be found by visiting her website or emailing her at votemelissaforcouncil@gmail.com.
Overzat, a licensed professional counselor, announced her candidacy on May 10.
“I’m running for Sandy Springs City Council District 3 to champion sustainability, promote responsible growth, and ensure our city remains a vibrant, welcoming place for all generations to live, work, and play,” Overzat told Rough Draft Atlanta.
Her platform focuses on protecting green spaces, improving walkability and transit access, supporting thoughtful development, and expanding programs for youth, families, and seniors. She wants to bring transparent, compassionate leadership to the council.
Overzat has been a Citizens’ Climate Lobby liaison, advocating for bipartisan legislative climate change solutions. She’s a Licensed Professional Counselors
Association of Georgia member.
She runs a virtual private practice, Getting Overzat LLC, teaches in Mercer University’s graduate counseling program, and has taught hundreds of graduate students and therapists.
Overzat earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida, and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and a doctorate in counselor education and supervision from Mercer University.
Overzat has lived in Sandy Springs with her husband, Sean, and their cats since 2019.
For more information, visit her campaign website or contact the campaign at overzat4sandysprings@gmail.com.
In other news, Alex Somer, who formerly declared his candidacy for Sandy
Springs mayor, has suspended his campaign for mayor and will instead enter the Sandy Springs City Council District 4 race. Somer also endorsed Dontaye Carter for mayor in a joint announcement on May 19. The official qualification period will be Monday, Aug. 18, through Thursday, Aug. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at Sandy Springs City Hall.
For information about the city’s municipal election, scan the QR code to visit Rough Draft Atlanta’s 2025 Sandy Springs Election Guide.
Melissa Mular
Tara Overzat
John Paulson
TUCKER
Another twist: pickleball complex contract will not be considered with existing bids
By Cathy Cobbs
Even as residents lined up at the May 12 Tucker City Council meeting to either protest or support the construction of a controversial pickleball complex at Tucker Recreation Center, the Tucker city manager released a statement that said the city will reject all current bids.
A statement released at 7:04 p.m., minutes after the council meeting began, its city manager John McHenry said, after conducting due diligence, “decided that the City of Tucker will reject all proposals and not award a contract in response to solicitation ITB 2024-017, titled TRC Pickleball Courts Construction at this time.”
The statement said the original bids for the project “are now over six months old and questions remain concerning the proposed contractor’s license. Should the City decide to move forward, the project will be rebid,” the statement said.
JUNE HAPPENINGS
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at Tucker City Hall, 1975 Lakeside Pkwy., Ste. 350B, Tucker, GA 30084
• JUNE 2, 6:30 PM Downtown Development Authority
• JUNE 3, 7 P.M. Zoning Board of Appeals
• JUNE 6, 7 P.M. FIRST FRIDAY CONCERT CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD Church Street Greenspace
• JUNE 9, 7 P.M. City Council Meeting
• JUNE 23, 7 P.M. City Council Meeting
• JUNE 26, 7 P.M. MOVIES ON THE GREEN WILD ROBOT Church Street Greenspace
On the city’s procurement website, a new undated document called “Cancellation” was added to the pickleball bid activity schedule, stating only that “The City of Tucker hereby cancels ITB 2024-017 pursuant to the authority granted by O.C.G.A Section 32-4-118.” It does not appear, from the website, that a new schedule has been established yet for bids.
The agenda item originally scheduled to be considered at the meeting was abruptly pulled on Friday, May 9 around 5 p.m. after a citizen made allegations that Complete Site LLC, the low bidder, did not have the proper qualifications.
A Facebook post on May 9 from the City of Tucker said the decision “follows a resident’s inquiry, prompting the City to undertake additional due diligence regarding the qualifications of the proposed contractor for court construction.”
“Additionally, this allows for further exploration of alternative sound mitigation solutions and funding strategies to ensure successful project completion within the Fiscal Year 26 budget,” the post said.
According to a staff memo, published in advance of the May 12 meeting prior to it being pulled, the revised $3 million plan would be built on a multi-purpose field at the Tucker Recreation Center, and calls for six pickleball courts, six other multi-use courts, additional parking, and other amenities. It had recommended the contract be awarded to Complete Site, which was the low bidder when the council was considering the construction last year.
The six-court option plan came as a surprise to pickleball opponents, since McHenry told the council in April that funds for the complex were no longer included in the 2026 capital improvements budget since the council hadn’t made a decision on whether to move forward.
The proposed 2026 budget that was considered on first reading at the May 12 meeting did include a $2.2 million expenditure for the courts, but the council did not address the issue during discussions about the budget.
A city spokesperson confirmed that the monies “previously allocated has not been changed.”
Tucker Farmers Market offers community
By Cathy Cobbs
and connection
What started out as an outlet for vendors to sell fresh produce and locally sourced products in Tucker has now turned into a Thursday community gathering place.
Nancy Qarmout started the market in 2012 with seven vendors in the Bank of America parking lot on Main Street. As the number of offerings and customers grew, the need for a larger space precipitated the move to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on Lavista Road in 2019, where there were shady spaces and ample parking.
Today, 25 to 30 vendors sell their wares at the weekly market running through the end of October, and it has evolved into a
venue where the community congregates and listens to live music while buying fresh produce, farm eggs, baked goods, local meats, flowers, food-truck fare, and freshpressed juices.
“We come every week,” said Jill Austin, who has lived in the Tucker area for 35 years. “We make the rounds and try to buy something from everyone – we like to share the love.”
On the top of her list are Georgia peaches from the Pearson Farm booth, as well as local zucchini and squash.
“Everyone is always so happy to see you, and we love to support local vendors,” Austin said.
Cotina Singleton of Cotina’s Gourmet is in her third year as a vendor at the
market. She sells individual and four-packs of her key lime pies in Tucker, as well as other markets in Smyrna, Alpharetta, and Dunwoody.
“I get attached to all of my markets, but I do love the setup and energy at this market,” Singleton said.
Several new vendors have debuted this season, including Samurai BodegaJapanese Grab & Go, selling fresh-made Onigiri (rice ball), sandwiches, miso soups, vegan kimchi. and gluten-free options.
Another newcomer to the market is Athens-based Andrews Acres, which sells “all things mushrooms,” according to owner Patrick Andrews, including mushroom coffee, tinctures, and powders along with five different varieties of mushrooms.
Qarmout said one little-known fact about the market is that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is
accepted at the market, with an added bonus – the market will double benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables.
“This market has such great energy, with lots of families coming every week,” she said. “And St. Andrews has been so gracious to host us.”
The Tucker Farmers Market, located at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 4882 Lavista Road, operates from 4-7 p.m. each Thursday. Curbside pickup is available.
Tucker Farmers Market offers fresh food and produce and community. (Photos by Cathy Cobbs)
MARTA dining guide: Lindbergh Center Station (Uptown Atlanta)
By Sarra Sedghi
Located at the intersection of Piedmont Road and Lindbergh Drive, the Lindbergh Center MARTA station serves both the Gold and Red lines. While technically considered part of Buckhead, Lindbergh has its own neighborhood feel, thanks to a microcosm of restaurants, bars, and even apartments centered around it.
This dining guide spotlights nine restaurants easily accessible from the Lindbergh Center MARTA station. In fact, some restaurants are part of the adjacent mixed-use development, Uptown Atlanta,
What to eat: Pad see ew, five-hour short ribs
What to drink: Thai iced tea; Thai chili margarita
Bene Korean Steakhouse
555 Main St., Uptown Atlanta
($$)
■ Korean barbecue; Gangnam-inspired atmosphere with a selection of premium meats; charcoal grills
■ Walking: 1 minute
Lisa Kim and Inwoo Jung, the owners behind Miss Gogi in Doraville, opened Bene Korean Steakhouse at Uptown Atlanta
a $70 million revamp of the shopping and dining district. All of the restaurants listed are within short walking distance from the MARTA station.
Connecting buses from Lindbergh Center station include the numbers 5, 6, 30, 39, and 809, which travel to Piedmont Road, Clifton Road, Lavista Road, Buford Highway, and Monroe Drive and Boulevard.
26 Thai Kitchen & Bar ($-$$)
541 Main St., Uptown Atlanta
■ Thai; full-service and bar
■ Walking: 1 minute
Local chain 26 Thai Kitchen & Bar’s original location in Lindbergh paved the way for eight more locations scattered throughout metro Atlanta. Expect Thai favorites, including curry and noodle dishes, a lively atmosphere, and a stocked bar offering rotating cocktail specials.
Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House, opened J’ouvert at Lindbergh Center in 2024. With a coastal, yet cool atmosphere, J’ouvert is a solid addition to Atlanta’s thriving Caribbean restaurant scene. Start by sharing a loaf of jalapeno-cheddar cornbread, which comes with whipped goat cheese and roasted red pepper jam, and the jerk wings. The pina coladas and array of mimosas–bottomless from 12 to 3 p.m. on Fridays–are particularly potent. Reservations encouraged.
What to eat: Jerk wings; jalapeno-cheddar cornbread; oxtail grilled cheese sandwich; passion fruit and mascarpone pancakes
in 2024. Bene’s service and sophisticated atmosphere make it a standout, even in a city and metro area flush with Korean barbecue restaurants. Come for the all-you-can-eat specials, starting at $39.99 for adults and $19.99 for children, and premium meat sets, but stay for the affordable boxed lunches. (A spicy pork boxed lunch costs $14.99.) There’s also a robust selection of vegetarian options here. Reservations encouraged.
What to eat: Marinated galbi; seafood pancake; Korean fried chicken; AYCE Korean barbecue
What to drink: Lychee sojutini
J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen & Bar ($-$$)
558 Main St., Uptown Atlanta
■ Caribbean; all-day brunch with patio and full bar
■ Walking: 1 minute
Tasha Cyril, owner behind Belle &
What to drink: Hibiscus pina colada; buildyour-own mimosa
Madre Selva ($$-$$$)
570 Main St., Uptown Atlanta
■ Latin, coastal Peruvian; Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays
■ Vibey interior and bar; patio seating
■ Walking: 2 minutes
Despite being open for only a few months, Madre Selva has already generated serious buzz. The Peruvian restaurant’s food lives up to the hype, if not surpasses it. With a terra cotta-hued atmosphere, for once, that vibe is not a gimmick. If you order the catch of the day, the staff presents your fish to the table for approval before its cooked. Be sure to layer a piece of fried fish and yuca on your fork for a perfectly salty, crispy, and creamy bite. Reservations encouraged.
What to eat: Inferno roasted chicken; tiradita; fried yuca
What to drink: Pisco sour; Forest Infusion, Echoes of Chavin
Chow a la Carte ($-$$)
2440 Piedmont Road, Uptown Atlanta
■ Pop-up incubator; coffee bar, cafe, and community market adorned with international flags and goods; BYOB
■ Walking: 4 minutes
Located in the Uptown Test Kitchen, Chow a la Carte hosts multiple pop-ups weekly, sometimes even daily, with vendors like Tatso Peri-Peri, Roots & Culture Craft Kitchen, and Rapid Gourmet. The space features a cafe, restaurant, and small community market peddling locally made items such as candles, soaps, and spices as well as Ethiopian coffee beans. Check Instagram for the weekly lineup and menu updates, especially for the occasional weekend brunch here. Closed (most) weekends.
What to eat: Grilled peri-peri chicken; lamb ragu
What to drink: Ethiopian coffee; BYOB
El Gordo ($-$$)
546 Main St., Uptown Atlanta
■ Tacos; a fast-casual atmosphere with some outdoor seating; brunch
■ Walking: 5 minutes
Based in Marietta, Birria El Gordo’s satellite, full-service location at Uptown Atlanta offers Mexican dishes with more finesse, cocktails, and even entertainment in a lively atmosphere. Stop by on weekdays, from 4 to 7 p.m., for happy hour, or on the weekends for brunch. Save room for birria in multiple forms, including egg rolls, a grilled cheese, and a vegetarian-friendly jackfruit version.
What to eat: Jackfruit birria; steak burrito; habanero wings
What to drink: Strawberry cilantro margarita
The
Boiler Seafood ($$$)
2425 Piedmont Road
■ Cajun-style seafood boil restaurant; full bar; weekend brunch
■ Walking: 5 minutes
The trek across Piedmont Road to The Boiler does not simply promise plump bags of steamed, seasoned seafood — those crab legs are coming with a good time and hearty
Continued on page 22
Madre Selva at Uptown Atlanta
(Photo by The Cocktail Shaker)
Photo by J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen & Bar
DUNWO ODY
dose of culture. The Boiler offers a food or drink special every day of the week, ranging from all-you-can-eat seafood on Tuesdays to $25 bottomless mimosas with Sunday brunch. Reservations encouraged. Free valet parking.
What to eat: Lobster bites with fried rice; seafood bowl with noodles; fried snapper
What to drink: Spicy margarita; dragon fruit martini
KR Steakbar ($$$-$$$$)
349 Peachtree Hills Ave., Peachtree Hills
■ Italian steakhouse; modern atmosphere with patio and full bar; covered garden; wine cellar; open kitchen; speakeasy
■ Walking: 13 minutes or .6 miles
A quick walk down tree-lined Peachtree Hills Avenue brings you to KR Steakbar, Chef Kevin Rathbun’s Italian steakhouse. Expect the standards set by Rathbun’s Inman Park location, with the bonus of handmade pasta here. Don’t forget the stellar libations. KR Steakbar boasts both a wine cellar and The Bureau, a speakeasy hidden beyond the kitchen. Reservations encouraged.
What to eat: Wagyu carpaccio; tagliatelle with meatballs; spinalis (ribeye cap)
What to drink: The Manifest; martini Treehouse Restaurant and Pub ($-$$)
7 Kings Cir., Peachtree Hills
■ Neighborhood pub; eclectic, plant-lined interior and pet-friendly covered patio
■ Walking: 20 minutes or .9 mile
■ By bike: 10 minutes or .9 miles
■ Uber or Lyft: 4 minutes
Treehouse Restaurant and Pub feels unlike anywhere else in Peachtree Hills, but that’s part of its charm. The neighborhood pub is also known for its eclectic interior and pet-friendly covered patio. In addition to lunch and dinner, Treehouse serves weekend brunch, which you should absolutely use as an opportunity to eat pizza for breakfast.
What to eat: Farm egg pizza; jumbo chicken wings; California burger
What to drink: Local beer on tap; raspberry lavender margarita Continued
Molino Tortilleria produces heirloom corn tortillas for Atlanta markets and restaurants
By Sarra Sedghi
The humble tortilla is not merely a type of bread, but rather a foundation. And once you’ve eaten a tortilla the way it’s been intended for millennia, you realize not only what you’re getting at the supermarket is a farce, but that people tend to focus on what’s inside the package and not what’s holding the meal together.
These days, an increasing number of Atlanta restaurants, like Beto’s Tacos, Polanco Taqueria, Ford’s BBQ, Rreal Tacos, and Superica, along with food trucks like Vice Tacos and specialty shops like Poco Loco, are serving and selling tortillas made with heirloom ingredients and processes. Many of those tortillas are produced locally, including by Aaron Harris and his team at Molino Tortilleria.
Located near I-85 and the intersection of I-285 in northeast Atlanta, Harris founded Molino in 2019 while living in Michigan. At first, it was simply about making gluten-free tortillas for his wife. He was underwhelmed with the options found at the grocery store.
“That sent me down the path of [learning] what makes a good tortilla,” he said. “A lot of times it’s kind of like an afterthought.”
Back then, Harris was mainly familiar with flour tortillas, a standard where his grandmother grew up in the region of Chihuahua, Mexico. Harris learned
Mesoamerican process that cooks and steeps dried kernels in an alkaline solution to help make corn easier to digest.
Armed with a molino — a traditional Mesoamerican corn mill — and periods of experimentation, Harris said he eventually cracked the code.
Limestone sets masa harina apart from other corn flour. Harris lets his corn soak overnight for 10 to 12 hours. In the morning, he and his team grind the corn into the molino with volcanic stones, creating masa (dough) used to make tortillas.
“While the corn cooks and soaks, it infuses nutrients like calcium, and it releases some trapped nutrients like niacin, and then also adds some B vitamins,” Harris said. “It makes it a more complete food than it would be just corn on its own.”
Nixtamalization, Harris said, is why Mesoamerican cultures were able to thrive off corn, beans, and squash. And it’s how Harris ended up developing his ideal tortilla —one that didn’t break apart when folded, maintained a slightly earthy taste, and complied with his wife’s restrictive diet. He posted his experiments on social media.
“You could tell that people were really engaged by what we were doing and wanted to learn more about it,” he said.
Next, Harris joined the St. Joe Farmers Market in Stevensville, Mich., selling 25 bags of Molino’s hand-pressed tortillas in eight minutes on the first day. Harris locked down a lease on a facility he intended to use to start producing tortillas for local restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020 altered his plans.
Instead, Harris transitioned Molino’s operations, selling pastries, slow-cooker carnitas meal kits, tableware, and kitchen tools, like stoneground molcajetes (a mortar and pestle made with lava rock).
He also struck an heirloom corn partnership with Granor Farm in Twin Oaks, Michigan, to help produce red corn tortillas made with Granor’s red conical and Wapsie Valley corn varieties. Both corn varieties have been used for centuries to make red corn flour for
As time progressed, Molino Tortilleria entered the farmers market circuit, including markets at Wicker Park, Green City, and Logan Square in Chicago, where Harris grew up. A year later, he relocated his family and Molino’s tortilla operation to Chicago.
But when his brother died unexpectedly in 2022, Harris and his family pulled up stakes again, this time moving to Atlanta to be closer to family in Georgia.
Once settled in their new home, Harris set up the tortilleria in a commercial kitchen space at Prep Kitchen, expanding to a larger space in 2023. Despite having no wholesale customers at the time, Harris took a gamble and installed equipment needed for higher-scale tortilla production. The risk, he said, paid off.
“We discovered Molino when they came to town,” said Chef Nick Melvin, owner of Poco Loco in Kirkwood and Communidad Taqueria, opening soon in the Old Fourth Ward. “[Their product has] become our favorite corn tortilla in the city — super smooth, not bitter, and something [that kids and adults both like],” he added.
Molino Tortilleria currently produces between 1,200 and 1,500 pounds of tortillas daily, which are sent to nearly four dozen businesses and restaurants each week.
Harris wants to reconnect local farmers with heirloom and organic corn to help create more demand for these varieties in Georgia, not just for his business, but for other tortillerias and restaurants making hand-pressed tortillas around the state.
Molino currently collaborates with DaySpring Farms in Danielsville to source Wapsie Valley corn. Last year, Harris said they sourced 6,000 pounds of corn from DaySpring Farm, which owner Murray Brett grew independently of the partnership.
“If we can have corn that’s grown in Georgia, processed into tortillas in Georgia, that goes to restaurants in Georgia or the Southeast, then that’s a much smaller supply chain,” Harris said. In addition to local restaurants and the Grant Park and Decatur farmers markets, people can purchase Molino’s tortillas at shops like The Spotted Trotter, Oak Grove Market, Evergreen Butcher & Baker, and La Niña Michoacana (Peachtree Corners), as well as on online delivery service Fresh Harvest. Molino Tortilleria, 3781 Presidential Pkwy., Atlanta.
A molino used to grind corn into masa for tortillas (Provided by Molino Tortilleria.)
Congratulations, graduates! Metro Atlanta families recently gathered to celebrate the graduating class of 2025. Here are the top students honored as valedictorians and salutatorians for local public and private schools in Rough Draft’s coverage area.
Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Classical Academy
Robert Boyd Balsley (V)
Ryan Parker Panessa (S)
Drew Charter School
Thihini Rachel Nagendran (V)
Kaelyn Denise Myers (S)
Benjamin E. Mays High School
Roni Villegas-Hernandez (V)
Ronan Villegas-Hernandez (S)
BEST Academy
Isaiah Brown (V)
Marcus Daniels (S)
Booker T. Washington High School
Elyssa Antonette Simmons (V)
Vivian Makayla Fuller (S)
Carver Early College
John Bullen Yile (V)
Zachariah Isaiah Ardister (S)
Carver STEAM
Brya La’Chaey Pitts (V)
Xente Lamont Harris (S)
Coretta Scott King YWLA
Amya Payne (V)
Summer Clark (S)
D.M. Therrell High School
Madison Herrington (V)
Adepeju Arogundade (S)
Frederick Douglass High School
Adonis Christian McCrary (V)
Rihana Deloris Williams (S)
KIPP Atlanta Collegiate
Warren Attucks Trawick (V) Issata Abena Nkromo (S)
Maynard Jackson High School
Elijah Bernard Berkowitz-Douglas (V)
Ezra Michael Zyskowski (S)
Midtown High School
Benjamin Malcolm Pollet (V)
Lila Elise Duke (S)
North Atlanta High School
Christian Satcher (V) Ana Beatriz Pinho (S)
South Atlanta High School
Diego Fernando Motino Fajardo (V) Aniya Letrice Bent (S)
Fulton County Schools
North Springs High School
Sarah Meiselman (V) Kingsley Amponsah (S)
Riverwood International Charter School
W. Bennett Oyler (V)
Ellie Ryan (S)
DeKalb County Schools
Druid Hills High School
Ellis W. Schroeder (V)
Amanda G. Philpot (S)
Decatur High School
Renato Dell’Osso IV (V)
Emma Fang (S)
Chamblee High School (Magnet)
Yonatan A. Nemenman (V)
Anish R. Konduri (S)
Chamblee High School (Resident)
Jannath Jamal (V)
Garrett C. Moore (S)
Cross Keys High School
Hemani Purkayastha (V)
Adriana Berduo-Roblero (S)
Dunwoody High School
Anna M. Siegel (V)
Wendell D. Rogers (S)
Private Schools
Atlanta Jewish Academy
Oliver Mason (V) Shira Oami and Eliana Flusberg (S)
Greater Atlanta Christian School
Ethan Braswell (V) Jayden Lee (S)
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School
Eliza Ambler (V) Alexis Wolgast (S)
Holy Spirit Preparatory School
Pierce Hughey (V)
Alexander Jozefowicz (S)
The Lovett School
Charles Leone (V) Gisella Brok (S)
Marist School
Marshall Lisenby (V) Jonathan Lee (S)
Mount Vernon School
Herris Fentress (V) Ryley Fuller (S)
Pace Academy
Stephen Yang (V) Olivia Resnick (S)
The Weber School
Daniella Zalik (V) Molly Marcus (S)
The Westminster School
Augie Bunting (V)
Ashley Miller (S)
Woodward Academy
Ritesh Sachdeva (V)
Sophie Thomas (S)
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Adam Guettel talks music and ‘Millions’ at Alliance Theatre
By Sammie Purcell
Adam Guettel always writes the music first.
The composer used to dread writing lyrics, he tells me. They just didn’t come as naturally as the music did, and they always took him so much time. When he was younger, he used to not even notice lyrics at all. As we spoke on the phone, he started humming the melody to “My Cherie Amour.”
“Do you know that song?” he said, pretending to ask me the question before taking it upon himself to deliver the response he would always get in return. “They’re like, ‘Well, what are the lyrics?’ I’m like, ‘I don’t know!’”
Guettel enjoys writing lyrics far more now than he did at the beginning of his career. But music is still always the first thing that comes to mind.
“I think that the resolution of music is infinite,” he said. “You can say ‘I love you’ in music in an infinite number of ways. There’s no limit. Whereas in English, it’s a task to recontextualize those three words so that they are fresh.”
It tracks that Guettel would feel so connected to music in this way. His grandfather was Richard Rodgers of Rodgers and Hammerstein, the composer behind musicals like “Oklahoma!,” “South Pacific,” and “The Sound of Music.” In turn, his mother, Mary Rodgers, was a composer in own her right, writing the music for “Once Upon a Mattress” and “The Mad Show.”
Guettel didn’t learn too much about musical composition directly from his grandfather – except, of course, literally at his knee under the piano while he would play when Guettel was a child. But his mother, he called his first and most important teacher – although she had some unconventional tactics.
“That’s a lazy melody. Those harmonies are boring. I’ve heard that before. You can’t end a song like that. You have to bring us home,” he said, remembering the criticisms she would dole out. “She was unforgiving, and in that way, she was the best teacher ever. The stakes were high, and she knew exactly what she was talking about.”
Looking through Geuttel’s career, his music is anything but lazy or boring. “Floyd Collins” premiered Off-Broadway in 1996 and made its Broadway debut this year, nominated for six Tony Awards. In 2005, he won the Best Original Score Tony for his work on “The Light in the Piazza.” He was Tony-nominated for his score for Aaron Sorkin’s play adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in 2019, as well as for his
music in the musical “Days of Wine and Roses” in 2024.
His newest musical, “Millions,” premiered at the Alliance Theatre on May 9 and will play through June 15. The journey to ‘Millions’
The musical, based on the 2004 comedy-drama film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, follows two young brothers, Damian and Anthony, dealing with the death of their mother. When they find a duffel bag full of cash, Damian thinks it’s a gift from God. But he’ll soon find out it’s something much more dangerous.
“Millions” is not one of Boyle’s more well-known films, and Guettel had never seen it until it was recommended to him by a friend, Amy Van Nostrand. She thought it might make a good musical. Guettel agreed. He thought the movie was great, but saw things that could be improved upon – a key for adaptation.
“It’s a wonderful movie with a huge heart,” Guettel said. “Some of the important characters are a little bit underwritten and underrealized – which is always a good thing for those of us who want to adapt to the stage.”
Guettel was drawn to the movie’s combination of soft and hard elements. This is a story about two boys who are “trying to sew their hearts back together” after the loss of their mother. But at the same time, they find themselves in great physical danger after finding the mysterious duffel bag.
“The story functions very nicely on that split level,” he said. “It is pressed forward and blown forward by a strong emotional wind and a gale force threat to their lives. You have both of those things going on at the same time.”
A personal connection
While he was working on the show, Guettel suddenly found a deeper connection to Damian and Anthony than he initially expected. In 2014, his mother passed away. Considering that “Millions” deals directly with the death of a parent, that couldn’t have been an easy thing to deal with every day.
We didn’t touch on Mary Rodgers’ death in our conversation, but in April of this year Guettel and book writer Bob Martin spoke with the Alliance about how her passing affected the show. In my conversation with Guettel, we focused on how she influenced him, both through her teaching and through her own work and experience.
“She was really undervalued as a composer,” Guettel said. “Most of all by herself.”
Guettel shared a story about his mother’s work on the score for a musical version of the Carson McCullers novel “The Member of the Wedding.” After a number of setbacks, the musical fell through, the rights eventually reverting to McCullers’ estate. The loss hurt Rodgers greatly.
“We loved it too much, which is a mistake,” Rodgers wrote in her memoir, “Shy,” which you can read an excerpt of here. “Because you’ll put up with anything, including things you shouldn’t, when you’re in love.”
Guettel remembered the unpublished score to “The Member of the Wedding” as his mother’s best work. Rodgers went on to have a great career in the world of children’s books, including writing the 1972 book “Freaky Friday.” But, according to Guettel, her work in musicals was never the same.
“It was a great heightening and blooming of her talent, and they lost the rights,” he said. “She was about 40, and she never really wrote again after that – she wrote a couple of little things, but it broke her.”
Guettel experienced a similar heartbreak in the 2000s when working on a musical adaptation of “The Princess Bride.” He had been collaborating with William Goldman, the legendary novelist and screenwriter of “The Princess Bride,” for over a year when everything came to a halt. Things fell through when Goldman reportedly asked for 75% of the authors’ share of the musical.
Guettel said remembering how “The Member of the Wedding” fiasco affected his mom helped him push through. “I’m not going to give up,” he remembered thinking. “I don’t care. I’m just not going to.”
‘Millions’ on stage
Guettel didn’t give up, and – numerous shows and awards later – “Millions” is here. Guettel wrote the music and lyrics for the show while Martin (“The Drowsy Chaperone,” “The Prom”) wrote the book. Bartlett Sherr is directing the production. The show stars young actors Keenan Barrett and Yair Keydar as Damian and Anthony, as well as Steven Pasquale, Ruthie Ann Miles, Shuler Hensley, and more.
Despite the fact that he was a child performer himself – he performed as a boy soprano soloist at the Metropolitan Opera – Guettel had never written for kids before “Millions,” which posed quite a challenge. The role of Damian is written for a child of 8 or 9, while the role of Anthony is written for a child of 12 or 13 – right about when a young boy’s voice might start to change. Guettel kept that in mind. One of his favorite songs in the show, “Childish Things,” is sung by Anthony.
“A little cracking, a little heaviness –that’s how Anthony feels,” Guettel said. “I put him in that lifted place vocally. As opposed to high and suspended, it’s lifted. It’s a bit more athletic.”
Kids play a huge part in “Millions.” According to Guettel, Sherr has managed to incorporate them into the design of the show itself.
“They’re constantly running and careening through the set in transitions between scenes,” he said. “These kids flying through with their scooters, or throwing their backpacks around, screaming and running in big great circles as we need to make transitions – [Sherr] uses them as a design element. I think it’s wonderfully fresh.”
Composer Adam Guettel
(Photo provided by the Alliance Theatre)
Helium Comedy Club attracting heavy hitters
By Sammie Purcell
It’s been roughly seven months since Helium Comedy Club opened its doors in Alpharetta last October. Now with the summer looming, the club has a heavyhitting lineup on the horizon.
Starting May 16, Helium will host comics like Hannibal Buress, Colin Jost, Lisa Ann Walter, and Damon Wayans Jr. Tickets for the summer shows are on sale on Helium’s website.
The metro Atlanta spot joined owner Marc Grossman’s growing roster of comedy clubs, which now includes nine clubs in cities like Philadelphia, St. Louis, Austin, and Raleigh, among others.
Grossman said part of the reason for deciding to expand to Atlanta was the lack of clubs outside of the metro area. The Punchline Comedy Club relocated from Sandy Springs to Buckhead in 2015, and the Funny Farm closed in Roswell in 2008. Marshall Chiles, the owner of Funny Farm, later opened The Laughing Skull in Midtown.
“The comedy scene was definitely missing something,” Grossman said. “Atlanta needed a good, big, A-level club that showed well that comics wanted to go perform at. Especially as you get farther north, everybody knows that the traffic in Atlanta is really rough. People up towards Alpharetta and those areas, they don’t want to drive Downtown or even close, because it just takes forever.”
Helium has a main showroom with a capacity of 375 where bigger comics will play, as well as a smaller room (dubbed “The Other Room”) for smaller events. In addition to the big shows coming up this summer, their schedule online is filled with smaller comics and open mic nights. Comedy classes are also available at Helium for those who want to better hone
their skills.
“It’s deep,” Grossman said about the talent pool in the Atlanta comedy scene. “There are a lot of really good comics. I think that’s a product of a large population, Atlanta being an entertainment capital … and certainly Marshall [Chiles], who owns The Laughing Skull, has done a lot to foster that local scene.”
When it comes to booking acts, Grossman said the “secret sauce” comes in trying to appeal to different audiences and demographics, which means bringing in a wide variety of acts. But there are a few rules he abides by, namely: “who’s funny, who can sell tickets, and who’s easy to work with.”
“We’re trying everything,” he said. “I think the things that work, we’ll do more of. And the things that don’t work, we’ll
Here’s the June schedule at Helium Comedy Club
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do less of. We’ll keep iterating constantly, because we do want a club that appeals to broad audiences.”
David Koechner (The Office, Anchorman) June 13 – 15
Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary) June 20 – 21
Damon Wayans Jr. (New Girl, Happy Endings) June 27 – 29
Damon Wayans Jr. (Photos provided by Helium Comedy Club)
Lisa Ann Walter
Beginning at Dusk
On THE TOWN Movies FREE MOVIES
Thursdays, June 12th – July 24th (no
Month-long Decatur WatchFest will celebrate ‘26 World Cup AROUND ATLANTA
By Katie Burkholder
The City of Decatur has announced Decatur WatchFest ‘26, a month-long festival celebrating the 2026 World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup will come to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium for eight matches next summer during the June 11 to July 19 run, and Decatur will take advantage with a free 34-day soccer and music festival.
Residents and visitors can enjoy every FIFA match at one of Decatur’s more than 40 official WatchFest pubs and restaurants, and select matches will be shown on a large screen in the Decatur Square. The festivities will also include nightly pre- and post-match concerts featuring local talent, games, activities, food, and more.
“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone and showcasing all that Decatur has to offer to the world’s soccer fans,” City of Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said. “The events around soccer’s biggest matches will give our residents and those from surrounding areas and beyond a chance to be a www.townbrookhaven.net Conveniently located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University.
part of the energy and excitement of this once in a lifetime top-level soccer competition.”
Visitors attending one (or more) of Atlanta’s matches are encouraged to join in the celebration and MARTA directly to Mercedes-Benz Stadium from the Decatur station.
The festival will take place on the newly renovated Decatur Square. Construction kicked off on April 17 and is set to be complete by 2026. The renovation will include a permanent stage, an expanded greenspace, a hillside play area, and public restrooms.
“Decatur WatchFest ‘26 will show the world what a great place Decatur is for fans and residents,” Garrett added.
“We are excited about FIFA World Cup 26™ and have our fingers crossed that the Women’s World Cup will come to the U.S. in 2031 and we can celebrate again.”
More details will be announced as plans are finalized; visit decaturwatchfest2026.com to keep up to date.
Decatur WatchFest will be a 34-day festival of soccer, music, and fun. (Courtesy of City of Decatur.)
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