No good deed goes unpunished in Atlanta
No good deed goes unpunished: I feel like that’s the philosophy of streetscaping and development in Atlanta. One good block, then one bad block. One good building, then one bad one.
You really see it on Peachtree Street — a.k.a., Atlanta’s MAIN STREET — where newer developments that position buildings close to the road and parking in back are still outnumbered by suburban style shopping centers where people just won’t linger. These places don’t help create a lifestyle or an urban vibe. But more on Peachtree later.
So in my wanderings about town yesterday, I stumbled upon this little gem of an apartment building on Piedmont Ave.
Oh so cutesy, with lovely old brick construction and flowers adorning each terrace. Before I could reach for my camera, a tenant was watering his plants. Ah city life!
And as you can see, the building is framed by newer highrises that may be totally different in style and architecture but nonetheless preserve the urban aesthetic every large city should have.
And look at the sidewalk out front: I would walk there. I would vicariously participate in the life of this building by walking by and breathing in its lovely urbanness.
Across the street, you have the requisite cutesy bakery, where you can feast on cupcakes.
The seating outside is pleasant in part because the streetscape is pleasant.
But take a look at what’s next door to the picturesque apartment building.
No good deed goes unpunished in Atlanta. I would love to hear what streetscapes irk/delight you. Let me know!
And on that note, Happy July 4th!
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Comments
2 Comments on No good deed goes unpunished in Atlanta
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Progressive Dem on
Mon, 6th Jul 2009 11:15 pm
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Jeanne Bonner on
Tue, 7th Jul 2009 8:46 am
Yes, there are many opportunties for infill redevelopment along Juniper. And it is more likely to ocurr in empty lots than income producing properties, so hopefully the quaint can survive. The larger crime is not the empty lot next to the building in the photograph, but rather the monstorous parking deck two blocks south and behind Novare’s Viewpoint condo at Peachtree and 6th. The empty lot offers hope, the hideous deck requires resignation.
Thanks for your comment, Progressive Dem.
Infill, infill, infill. If we just concentrated on that, shoot, in a few years we would have ourselves a great city!
I say that half-jokingly, because so much wonderful infill development has already taken place.
In response to the parking comment, I find it interesting that more developers don’t use camouflages when they build parking garages. I believe there is a parking garage on Ellis in downtown that you would never guess was a parking garage. That could be a model.
Why not make the outside a mural and invite artists to share their work there?
Thanks for your two cents.
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and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
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