{ March 10th, 2010 }

Edgewood-Auburn Corridor On The Rise

Check out this great article in Creative Loafing about the emerging Edgewood-Auburn Corridor.  As the global economic meltdown reaks havoc on the retailers and restaraunters throughout Atlanta, its nice to see this part of town defy the trends.  No longer just a decaying strip of history linking Inman Park to Downtown, Edgewood Avenue is starting to bloom.

The Relevant Edgewood-Auburn Corridor Linkage

The most underappreciated food in Atlanta.

When you need Karaoke, there’s always Edgewood Avenue.

A dynamic night out should start with a Dynamic Dish.

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Labels: Current Events : Old Fourth Ward

{ March 10th, 2010 }

Tudor Style Homes

This architecture style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s and continues to be a mainstay in suburbs across the United States. The defining characteristics are half-timbering on bay windows and upper floors, and facades that are dominated by one or more steeply pitched cross gables. Patterned brick or stone walls are common, as are rounded doorways, multi-paned casement windows, and large stone chimneys.

The Relevant Linkage

Learn more about the Tudor architectural style

Browse homes for sale in Atlanta built in the Tudor architectural style

Edit Credit: This content comes from FMLS , and is based on research from numerous sources, including but not limited to: Architectural Digest Magazine, REALTOR.org® Architecture Guide, REALTOR.org® Architecture Coach, Traditional Home Magazine, Wikipedia, GreatBuildings.com, PreservationDirectory.com, Architecture.About.com, HomePlans.com, CraftsmanPerspective.com and AntiqueHome.org.

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Labels: Architecture

{ March 9th, 2010 }

Featured Listing: Arizona Lofts #190

Part conversion project, part new construction, Arizona Lofts is one of the most popular intown Atlanta loft communities.  For those looking for the convenience of condo living but the actual square foot-age of a townhouse, Arizona Lofts offers a very happy medium.  And because my most recent top-ten list was met with such positive feedback (if you haven’t read the post, its about the Grant Park Cooperative preschool’s annual fundraiser), I’m going to give you the lowdown on why this particular unit at Arizona Lofts is exactly where you want to be.  Or where your loft-searching co-worker wants to be.  Or your empty-nestor Aunt and Uncle.  Or someone.  You get the picture.

Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Buy Arizona Lofts Unit #190

10.  The best of the loft world (20′ + ceilings, concrete floors, humongous windows, exposed brick walls), but with the quality of new construction.  

9.  The best of the condo world (granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances), without having to share the elevator with a bunch of strangers.

8.  Community amenities that will make you happy (saltwater pool, fitness room), as well as one that will make your puppy-dog very, very happy (fenced dog park).

7. Secured parking, and lots of it.  Plenty of room to park your many whips.

6. Minutes away from Lake Claire, Candler Park, Edgewood Retail, Little Five Points and Decatur.

5. One of those euro-style tub/shower combinations.  It’s like your very own personal hamam.

4. With reasonable HOA fees (in the low $200s per month), you’ll have more to spend at The Arizona Pub.

3. Two spacious bedrooms (one downstairs, one upstairs).

2. Close to Dekalb Avenue (the most underrated east-west cut through to Downtown), but not too close to Dekalb Avenue.

1. The entire Arizona Lofts complex is FHA-approved, meaning that you can put as little as 3.5% down on your purchase. 

The Relevant Linkage

More info on Arizona Lofts #190

More info on FHA financing

More info on the Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit

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Labels: Candler Park : Edgewood : Lake Claire

{ March 8th, 2010 }

Georgia Adopt A Stream

And the turf wars with Geometry Rules continue...

America’s love affair with the automobile is on full display with the “adopt a highway” program.  While these partnerships vary from state to state, the general idea enables community groups or business to pick up  (or pay for someone else to pick up) roadside trash.  The tangible reward for this public service is a roadside sign crediting each group for their work.  It’s probably cheaper than paying for a billboard, public money isn’t tapped, and it lets the community know that the adopter cares about the ten foot stretch of grass that runs between the east and west lanes of a highway.  It’s a win-win-win.

Now, through a program sponsored by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Georgians have the ability to adopt a stream.  While adopters won’t benefit from high-profile signage, they will gain by learning more about water quality issues while creating an impenetrable bond with a local stream.  Whether you’re a water quality worrywort, a family looking for a fun weekend activity or just a recovering highway adopter, this may be the program that you’ve been waiting for.

The Relevant Linkage

Learn more about adopt-a-stream

Learn more about conserving water

Learn more about adopt-a-highway

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Labels: GreenLife : free

{ March 5th, 2010 }

Grant Park Cooperative Preschool Bash

The much loved Grant Park Cooperative Preschoolis throwing their annual Art Show and Silent Auction this Saturday, March 6, at Eyedrum Gallery.  While I usually loathe “Top 10″ lists (When did Letterman start doing them?  Twenty-five years ago? Have we not found a more inventive way to articulate our ideas?  Are we all just that lazy?), I’ve decided to defy my inner-voice and do one anyway:

10. If you’ve never been to Eyedrum Gallery, you’re missing out. It’s one of Atlanta’s great art galleries/performance spaces.

9. The Grant Park Cooperative Preschool serves 120 families at their Grant Park and Cabbagetown campuses.  It’s an invaluable community resource, and you’ll feel great for supporting it!

8. If there’s one area that the ecomomic meltdown has bludgeoned worse than education, it’s the arts.  Show these local artists some love.

7. There will be very cold Sierra Nevada served.

6.  Auction items include a trip to Argentina, a weekend stay at St. Simons Island, hundreds of dollars in gift certificates and tickets to Atlanta-area events.

5. Local band The Wipes will be playing. 

4. Dinner is included- which, if you work it right- is probably all you can eat.

3. As a cooperative, parents are involved in contributing inside the classroom to their children’s education.  Isn’t that what community is all about?

2. You read about it on A Is For Atlanta.  Would I ever lead you astray?

… and the number one reason for attending this weekend’s Grant Park Cooperative Preschool Art Show and Silent Auction…

1. At $20 a head, it’s $10 cheaper than driving about a half-hour north and seeing Eddie Money at Wild Bill’s in Duluth.  

The Relevant Linkage

Buy tickets to the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool Art Show & Silent Auction

Learn more about Grant Park

Browse homes for sale in Grant Park

Edit Credit: Grant Park Cooperative Preschool

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Labels: Arts and Culture : Cabbagetown : Current Events : Education : Grant Park