Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI)’s Arts and Culture Department has published its shortlisted artists vying for a spot in the 13^th Art on the Atlanta BeltLine Exhibition, following an open call in the spring. Now through August 12, we are collecting community feedback to help select the 2022-2023 exhibition finalists.

Art on the Atlanta BeltLine is the largest temporary public art exhibition in the Southeast, featuring sculptures, murals, and performances across over 13 linear miles. Each year, artists from across the country are invited to submit proposals for the outdoor public gallery. Submissions are evaluated by an expert art jury, the BeltLine Public Art Advisory Council, and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s executive leadership team. Since 2021, public input also helps determine the works that appear in the exhibition.

Please take a few moments to review the shortlisted artist proposals and give your feedback. We want your input on what you think may (or may not be) a good fit for our communities around the BeltLine. Community feedback will close at 8 am on August 12, 2022.

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The 2022 – 2023 Art on the Atlanta BeltLine exhibition is presented by Northside Hospital. Additional sponsors include Ponce City Market at the Platinum level; Cox Enterprises and Empire Communities at the Silver level; and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at the Bronze level. This program is supported in part by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. This program is supported in part by Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. Georgia Council for the Arts also receives support from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

The post Call for Public Input for 2022-2023 Exhibition first appeared on Atlanta Beltline.

Below you will find recent updates and photos of each of our Atlanta BeltLine projects in construction or design along with links to get more general information about each project. Additionally, you can explore current design and construction projects via map and list view here. These projects play a pivotal role in furthering the Atlanta BeltLine vision to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. 

All upcoming and past public meetings (still being held virtually) can be found at www.beltline.org/meetings. Click here to catch up on June’s design and construction updates. The third Quarterly Briefing will take place virtually on September 15.

Northeast Trail

• Northeast Trail – Segment 1: A 60% design package is expected next month for this segment, which runs from the northern end of the Eastside Trail to Westminster Drive.
• Northeast Trail – Segment 2: Clearing is well underway around the Piedmont Avenue bridge, with crews at work prepping the easternmost bay under the bridge for the multiuse trail to come through. The trail alignment and location of the future ramp at the northeast corner of the trail / road intersection can be viewed in this Northeast Trail presentation from April 13.
  Work on light poles installation along the paved portion of the trail continues. That section will remain open, although we appreciate your patience in cases where the work may extend onto the trail.
  The short, unpaved section to the north will remain open to trail users until construction commences on that segment. ABI will notify the public of trail closures on other sections as construction advances. Construction activities are expected to continue for the next year.
• Northeast Trail – Segment 3: A 60% design package was received this month from the design team, Heath & Lineback, and is under review by the ABI team.
• Details on each Northeast Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section: Segment 1, Segment 2, Segments 3.
  

  

  

  

  

  

Eastside Trail

• Atlanta Streetcar East extension: ABI submitted comment to the MARTA project team on the 30% design plans for streetcar transit to extend from the existing downtown streetcar to Ponce de Leon Avenue along the Atlanta BeltLine. The 30% plans are expected to be complete this fall.
• Ponce de Leon Avenue Streetscapes: ABI has executed a contract with the contractor for this project, JHC Construction. Once an agreement between Invest Atlanta and GDOT is executed, a notice to proceed will be issued to the contractor to begin work.  A community meeting will be scheduled to introduce the community to the contractor and review the project schedule in the next month.

Southside Trail

• Southside Trail – Segment 1: There are a number of follow-on projects in the works along this segment of the Southside Trail. Permitting work is complete for a connecting sidewalk at Manford Road and construction bidding is in progress. A drainage improvement project was started mid-month to better manage storm water along the Rangewater development. Concrete piping delivery has been delayed and additional drainage work will be completed once the pipe is delivered. Some landscaping materials have been temporarily removed and will be replaced by Trees Atlanta once the work is complete.
• Southside Trail – Segments 2 – 3: ABI’s contractor, Reeves Young, has completed brownfield remediation work in the trail.  Testing work in the next step in the project to confirm that all remediation work is complete. The construction of Segments 2 and 3, which is tied to federal dollars and the federal construction process, is targeting a construction bid date in September of 2023.
  ABI has hired an engineering consultant to design potential solutions where the interim trail is flooding in the McDonough tunnel. ABI will proceed with recommendations which will likely include the installation of drainage piping and additional gravel, which balancing cost since this section of trail will be under construction very soon.
• Southside Trail – Segments 4 – 5: The Southside Trail Segments 4 and 5 have moved into the shovel ready phase of work, where permitting, final real estate transactions, and utility relocation work is completed prior to the bid being let for construction. An Invitation to Bid is currently scheduled for mid-August with a construction start expected in late October or early November. Brownfield work is now complete, and fiber relocation work is underway and scheduled to complete prior to the mobilization of the contractor this fall. The Segment 4 and 5 project scope includes the rebuilding of the bridge of United Avenue.
• Southside Trail – Segment 6:  This fall, ABI will be soliciting an engineering design team to complete design work on a permanent trail solution at Bill Kennedy Way and the trail crossing at I-20.  The project scope of work will be the addition of a separate trail bridge across I-20 and required modifications to adjacent trails north and south for an improved trail experience.
• Details on each Southside Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section: Segments 2, 3, 4, and 5.
  

  

  

Westside Trail

• Westside Trail – Segment 3: Work is advancing to complete the remaining segment of this trail over the railroad corridor at Marietta Boulevard. Concrete placement for the trail across the bridge is in progress. Trees Atlanta’s tree and shrub planting is complete while seeding continues. Benches and trash cans were installed earlier this month. This 1.2-mile segment of mainline trail is still on track to be finished in September.
• Westside Trail – Segment 4: The design team has delivered 90% drawings for this segment of the Westside Trail that will connect from Washington Park to the southern end of Segment 3. The project has moved into the shovel ready phase of work, and the team is working through permitting, real estate transactions, and preparing to bid the project in late 2022 or early 2023.
• Details on each Westside Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section: Segment 3 and Segment 4.
  

  

  

  

  

Northwest Trail

• Northwest Trail – Segment 1: Survey work began this month on this segment, which runs between Peachtree Park Apartments and Kinsey Court.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 2: Community and business engagement continues on this segment with the announcement of a prioritized alignment expected later this summer.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 3: Survey work began this month on this segment, between the Hemphill Waterworks and Tanyard Creek Park.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 4: This segment will move into design and engineering at the same time as Segment 2, after the alignment has been determined.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 5: Survey work began this month on this segment, between Huff Road and English Street.
• Click here to download the Northwest Trail Feasibility Study (15 MB PDF).
• Details can be found in our design and construction updates: Northwest Trail study.

  

Northside Trail

• Information can be found here regarding CSX’s work to replace the wooden railroad trestle that runs between Tanyard Creek Park and Ardmore Park and over the Atlanta BeltLine Northside Trail. The work is expected to last through 2022. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

The post Atlanta BeltLine Design and Construction Updates: July 2022 first appeared on Atlanta Beltline.

BeltLine MarketPlace pilot incubator program will support entrepreneurs in first-of-its-kind storefronts on the BeltLine loop 

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) and The Village Market (TVM) have chosen six local businesses to be a part of the inaugural BeltLine MarketPlace collaboration. The pilot program includes Minority Business Enterprises whose owners include Black men, women, veterans, families and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

From a vegan burger eatery to a Grady Baby brand apparel store, the selection of local businesses represents the heart and soul of Atlanta entrepreneurialism, with some aspiring to a first brick-and-mortar location and others aiming to become national brands. Four are food companies and two are soft-goods companies. 

The local businesses are part of ABI’s pilot small business incubator program, announced in April, as a catalyst to provide new, affordable commercial opportunities along the multi-use trail. The businesses will be located in two commercial nodes on the Eastside and Westside Trails, located in custom-made containers that are being installed for this purpose. 

“One of the many reasons why Atlanta rises above the rest is that this is a city of possibilities—and the BeltLine MarketPlace pilot program encapsulates that reputation,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “Building a small business is hard work, and I am pleased the City and our partners are able to provide this kind of support for the entrepreneurs who are truly the heart of Atlanta’s economy.”

Supported by a $750,000 grant from the Kendeda Fund, in collaboration with the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, this pilot program reinforces ABI’s work around developing and advancing commercial affordability strategies aimed at stabilizing, preserving and creating affordable spaces for legacy, small, local, and Minority Business Enterprises. 

“One of the greatest barriers for new business entrepreneurs is access to commercially affordable space. This is especially true for Minority Business Enterprises and entrepreneurs, who face disproportionate challenges when starting and sustaining businesses,” says Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. “The launch of BeltLine MarketPlace’s custom-made containers are removing that barrier and upholding our commitment to communities while ensuring more equitable access to opportunities along the BeltLine, starting with six Minority Business Enterprises in this first year.”

The program received overwhelming interest from the local community, with 217 applications from local businesses received over two weeks. Ultimately, six were selected for the pilot season, which will run from July through November 2022.

The pilot participants will each have their own artistic, architecturally-designed shipping container developed by Black-owned architectural design firm Atelier 7. The commercial spaces will give the entrepreneurs direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine’s roughly two million annual visitors. They will be joined by a curated collection of food trucks to create a full shopping experience. 

The selected businesses and their locations are below – a media kit with bios and headshots can be found here: 

EASTSIDE TRAIL BELTLINE MARKETPLACE

Located under the Freedom Parkway Bridge at 830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Cococakes by Coco

Kina Morgan wants everyone on the BeltLine to grab one of her custom cake slices, on the go. In business for six years, she will use the BeltLine MarketPlace location to “test our new concept of ‘build a chunk,’ which will allow a customer to select cake and a variety of toppings for a unique dessert experience.” The shop also sells whole cakes and has soft drinks, water, milk and coffee. She currently has one location. 

On social @cococakesbycoco

Good As Burgers

Cornoy Watkins’ goal is to build a national chain like McDonald’s – for vegans. “We create a fun and tasty way to make the vegan lifestyle mainstream, saving the lives of hundreds of animals and reducing damage to our environment, one Good As Burger at a time.” In business for two years, the eatery offers all plant-based burgers plus sides and desserts. 

On social @goodasburgers

Grady Baby Company & Apparel

Online apparel company founder Alexander Albritton says Grady Babies have changed the world, secured civil rights for all and achieved educational success. (“Grady baby” is a term for people born at Atlanta’s Grady Hospital.) From music moguls and superstars to world class athletes – many started as Grady Babies. “It’s our mission to spotlight and celebrate that greatness. The Grady Baby Brand represents the soul of Atlanta, the heartbeat of a culture, and you don’t have to be born at Grady to wear it,” he says. Known for the classic “We Full – Atlanta” t-shirt, the brand sells tees, hoodies, shorts, jogging suit sets and accessories and aims to become a national brand.

On social @gradybabyco 

WESTSIDE TRAIL BELTLINE MARKETPLACE

Located at 1089 Allene Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA. 30310

Dope Coffee Company LLC 

Dope Coffee Company is a four-year old specialty coffee brand with one location that leverages hip-hop music, curated in-house and beyond, as a vehicle to sell products. Says founder Michael Loyd, “We serve coffee but our company is made up of artists, musicians, filmmakers, and producers. We operate at the intersection between content, creativity, and coffee production. Through our creativity, and nuanced understanding within the culture, we’re able to roll out unique and curated content that increases visibility/sales for our products.” The company wants to become the next Starbucks, by pushing boundaries and creating a new vibe for the coffee experience. The shop will sell coffee, brewed beverages and other specialties. 

On social @realdopecoffee 

Not As Famous Cookie Company

Founded by Ashley Carlton seven years ago, the cookie company now has one location and 12 employees. “We’re a gourmet cookie shop that specializes in scratch made cookies, artisan cookie sandwiches, handcrafted shakes and deep dish cookie skillets. We make a better cookie!” He hopes to grow the company into a national brand.

On social @notasfamous

PinkPothos

Lakeisha Jones wants to add visual interest to people’s space, one plant at a time. “I sell custom-made fabric plant pots.” She’s looking to expand into her first retail location selling plants and accessories. Currently only on the web, this will be her first physical location.

On Instagram @pinkpothosatl 

Breaking Down Barriers

Black-owned businesses experience greater barriers to entrepreneurial success than other minority- or white-owned businesses. In the process of applying for the BeltLine MarketPlace program, the BeltLine surveyed the Black small business owners to identify what some of those pain points are. 

According to the applicants, the most common roadblocks are access to capital and resources; access to customers; and rising rental rates on commercial space. 

Of BeltLine MarketPlace’s 217 applicants, 64 percent, or 138, said access to loans or investment capital is a barrier to securing a physical retail location and 55 percent said monthly rent was too expensive for their current revenue and cash flow. Other barriers they cited include lack of available commercial space in the neighborhoods where they would like to rent space and not having enough capital for a rental deposit. 

The program applicants represented a diverse cross section of business owners: 

• 68 percent of applicants’ businesses are helmed by Black women 
• 44 percent are family-owned 
• 11 percent had Black LGBT owners 
• 97 percent have the capacity to operate a business seven days a week for at least five hours a day, given the resources and opportunity.

Nearly half of the applicants are retail or product businesses with 42 percent being food and beverage. Close to half operate their businesses single-handedly. Two-thirds of applicant businesses operate with approximately between $50,000 and $74,000 in annual revenue. 

The survey responses of the applicants reflect trends in the region showing lower revenue and fewer employees at Black-owned businesses, on average, compared to other businesses. According to a Prosperity Now report, the average Black-owned business in Atlanta is valued at $58,085, compared to $658,264 for white-owned businesses. This report cites that only four percent of Black-owned businesses in Atlanta have one or more paid employees. The latest Annual Business Survey data from U.S. Census Bureau shows that Black-owned businesses make up less than seven percent of all employer firms in metro Atlanta. 

It Takes a Village: Collaboration Key for BeltLine MarketPlace Initiative

In addition to providing fully built-out commercial spaces at an affordable rate, ABI is committed to its unique partnership with The Village Market to provide the entrepreneurs full wrap-around services before, during, and after the inaugural season.

For ABI, collaboration with The Village Market was a central component of the program. Through living its signature phrase, “Support is a Verb,” The Village Market connects Black-owned businesses to dedicated community partners, like ABI, as a way to tackle racial wealth gap issues. For both organizations, BeltLine MarketPlace is one strategy targeted towards closing the wealth gap in Atlanta between Black-owned businesses and other minority- and white-owned businesses. Microsoft will be the technical partner supporting the business accelerator programming provided by The Village Market.

“Black business ownership is growing at an exceptional rate since pre-pandemic. However, Black businesses encounter disproportionate barriers to accessing retail or commercial opportunities and resources to scale compared to their counterparts. The goal of this partnership is to create a sustainable solution that connects local Black-owned businesses to Atlanta’s bustling economy and can serve as a cooperative model that can be replicated in growing economies across the country,” says Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, Founder and CEO of The Village Market.  

In addition to the Kendeda Fund, other organizations have pledged support for the program. Fiserv, a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology with a significant presence in the Atlanta area, will provide each business owner with its Clover® point-of-sale and business management system. Clover will enable MarketPlace merchants to securely accept a broad range of payment types, including contactless payments, as well as manage inventory and other back-office tasks. Fiserv will provide Clover installation services, face-to-face training, and on-site support to assist BeltLine MarketPlace merchants with growing their overall business. Google will be providing Wi-Fi for the rail containers, providing a complete suite of Google Nest products (e.g., doorbell, cameras, hub system), Chromebooks that can be checked out for those in need, and free digital skills training to help local, small Minority Business Enterprises reach new customers, thrive online and grow.

The BeltLine MarketPlace businesses will have phased openings starting in July and stay open through November. 

Plan for Pilot to Lead to Long-Term Change

BeltLine MarketPlace anticipates growing in scope to include businesses of all backgrounds and more locations around the Atlanta BeltLine loop, taking into account lessons learned from the pilot. Dedicated funding from the Kendeda Fund will enable scaling as part of the grant. 

As the program is scaled, it will become an opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain immediate access to BeltLine foot traffic to launch a new product; for existing businesses to test new products and services; for southside and westside businesses to gain new markets and awareness on the eastside for their brands; and for residents on the southside and westside to have access to new amenities in their communities. 

The BeltLine MarketPlace is part of ABI’s economic inclusion framework, which consists of four pillars: small business support, commercial district support, workforce development and commercial affordability. Through programs and activities that align with these pillars, ABI will spur inclusive economic growth for small, local, Minority Business Enterprises around the corridor, contribute to wealth building for communities in ABI’s Equity Priority Areas, and drive further job creation through their growth and development. 

Summer 2022 will also mark the launch of Atlanta BeltLine’s Small Business Solutions Office, which will deliver tailored solutions to local and Minority Business Enterprises seeking to expand across the 22-mile BeltLine corridor.

For more information on the Atlanta BeltLine MarketPlace, please visit www.beltline.org/marketplace.

Media Kit with background and pictures for all the BeltLine MarketPlace businesses here. 

About Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. 

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. As one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States, the Atlanta BeltLine is building a more socially and economically resilient Atlanta with our partner organizations and host communities through job creation, inclusive transportation systems, affordable housing, and public spaces for all. For more information on the Atlanta BeltLine, please visit www.BeltLine.org. 

About The Village Market
A community-driven economic vehicle, The Village Market, founded in 2016, steers a direct pipeline for Black-owned businesses’ economic growth and placement. With the opening of Village Retail – sub-company located at Ponce City Market – The Village Market has made a 6.3-million-dollar impact in the city of Atlanta through seasonal marketplaces, retail and campaigns. From theory to practice, The Village Market ensures that Black business owners are positioned for unmatched access and economic equality.  For more information, please visit https://thevillagemarket.com/. 

About BeltLine MarketPlace
BeltLine MarketPlace is a program that provides more equitable access to affordable commercial space for local small businesses, with a focus on Minority Business Enterprises in the pilot year. From July through November 2022, participating businesses lease commercially affordable BeltLine-facing storefronts with direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine’s roughly two million annual visitors while also receiving business service support and coaching. A joint initiative of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and The Village Market, it is organized in alliance with Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and Atelier 7 Architects and made possible with the generous support of the Kendeda Fund. Learn more at beltline.org/marketplace.  

The post Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and The Village Market Launch BeltLine MarketPlace With Focus on Creating More Equitable Access to Affordable Commercial Space first appeared on Atlanta Beltline.

MEDIA ADVISORY – PRESS CONFERENCE

ATLANTA MAYOR, ATLANTA BELTLINE, THE VILLAGE MARKET

Ribbon Cutting for BeltLine MarketPlace with Focus on Creating More Equitable Access to Affordable Commercial Space

July 13, 2022 at 3 p.m.

Join City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s President & CEO Clyde Higgs, The Village Market’s Founder & CEO Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon for Ribbon Cutting and Unveiling of The BeltLine MarketPlace Pilot Incubator Program

WHO:

• Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens
• Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s President & CEO Clyde Higgs
• The Village Market’s Founder & CEO Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon
• Six Minority Business Enterprises, as part of Pilot Incubator Program, whose owners include Black men, women, veterans, families and members of the LGBTQ+ community – this will be the media’s first opportunity to interview the six businesses

WHAT:

• Ribbon Cutting and Unveiling of The BeltLine MarketPlace Pilot Program and Container Business Locations

WHEN:

• 3 p.m. Ribbon Cutting, Unveiling & Press Conference
• Opportunity to meet six selected local, minority-, women- and Black-owned businesses

(Media, please arrive by 2:30-2:45 to get set up)

WHERE:

• Atlanta BeltLine MarketPlace on the Eastside Trail
• Address: 830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • The containers are located under the Freedom Parkway Bridge
  • Easiest parking is at the Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park (see address above)

BACKGROUND:

In April, the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and The Village Market announced a pilot incubator program called Atlanta BeltLine MarketPlace to address commercial affordability and help incubate Minority Business Enterprises. Six businesses were selected from more than 200 applicants.

The businesses are going through an intensive incubator training through The Village Market to help them achieve their business goals throughout the MarketPlace Pilot Program. The businesses will open in phases in custom containers at two locations on the BeltLine from July through November. The locations are under the Freedom Parkway bridge on the Eastside Trail and at 1089 Allene Ave. SW on the Westside Trail. Days and hours of operation will be updated at www.beltline.org/marketplace.

BUSINESSES:

EASTSIDE TRAIL BELTLINE MARKETPLACE

Located under the Freedom Parkway Bridge at 830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Cococakes by Coco

Kina Morgan wants everyone on the BeltLine to grab one of her custom cake slices, on the go. In business for six years, she will use the BeltLine MarketPlace location to “test our new concept of ‘build a chunk,’ which will allow a customer to select cake and a variety of toppings for a unique dessert experience.” The shop also sells whole cakes and has soft drinks, water, milk and coffee. She currently has one location.

On social @cococakesbycoco

Good As Burgers

Cornoy Watkins’ goal is to build a national chain like McDonald’s – for vegans. “We create a fun and tasty way to make the vegan lifestyle mainstream, saving the lives of hundreds of animals and reducing damage to our environment, one Good As Burger at a time.” In business for two years, the eatery offers all plant-based burgers plus sides and desserts.

On social @goodasburgers

Grady Baby Company & Apparel

Online apparel company founder Alexander Albritton says Grady Babies have changed the world, secured civil rights for all and achieved educational success. (“Grady baby” is a term for people born at Atlanta’s Grady Hospital.) From music moguls and superstars to world class athletes – many started as Grady Babies. “It’s our mission to spotlight and celebrate that greatness. The Grady Baby Brand represents the soul of Atlanta, the heartbeat of a culture, and you don’t have to be born at Grady to wear it,” he says. Known for the classic “We Full – Atlanta” t-shirt, the brand sells tees, hoodies, shorts, jogging suit sets and accessories and aims to become a national brand.

On social @gradybabyco

WESTSIDE TRAIL BELTLINE MARKETPLACE

Located at 1089 Allene Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA. 30310

Dope Coffee Company LLC

Dope Coffee Company is a four-year old specialty coffee brand with one location that leverages hip-hop music, curated in-house and beyond, as a vehicle to sell products. Says founder Michael Loyd, “We serve coffee but our company is made up of artists, musicians, filmmakers, and producers. We operate at the intersection between content, creativity, and coffee production. Through our creativity, and nuanced understanding within the culture, we’re able to roll out unique and curated content that increases visibility/sales for our products.” The company wants to become the next Starbucks, by pushing boundaries and creating a new vibe for the coffee experience. The shop will sell coffee, brewed beverages and other specialties.

On social @realdopecoffee

Not As Famous Cookie Company

Founded by Ashley Carlton seven years ago, the cookie company now has one location and 12 employees. “We’re a gourmet cookie shop that specializes in scratch made cookies, artisan cookie sandwiches, handcrafted shakes and deep dish cookie skillets. We make a better cookie!” She hopes to grow the company into a national brand.

On social @notasfamous

PinkPothos

Lakeisha Jones wants to add visual interest to people’s space, one plant at a time. “I sell custom-made fabric plant pots.” She’s looking to expand into her first retail location selling plants and accessories. Currently only on the web, this will be her first physical location.

On Instagram @pinkpothosatl

MEDIA KIT

A media kit with all of the businesses is available here

Find renderings of BeltLine MarketPlace at this link

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About Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. As one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States, the Atlanta BeltLine is building a more socially and economically resilient Atlanta with our partner organizations and host communities through job creation, inclusive transportation systems, affordable housing, and public spaces for all. For more information on the Atlanta BeltLine, please visit www.BeltLine.org.

About The Village Market

A community-driven economic vehicle, The Village Market, founded in 2016, steers a direct pipeline for Black-owned businesses’ economic growth and placement. With the opening of Village Retail – sub-company located at Ponce City Market – The Village Market has made a 6.3-million-dollar impact in the city of Atlanta through seasonal marketplaces, retail and campaigns. From theory to practice, The Village Market ensures that Black business owners are positioned for unmatched access and economic equality.  For more information, please visit https://thevillagemarket.com/.

About BeltLine MarketPlace

BeltLine MarketPlace is a program that provides more equitable access to affordable commercial space for local small businesses, with a focus on Minority Business Enterprises in the pilot year. From July through November 2022, participating businesses lease commercially affordable BeltLine-facing storefronts with direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine’s roughly two million annual visitors while also receiving business service support and coaching. A joint initiative of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and The Village Market, it is organized in alliance with Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and Atelier 7 Architects and made possible with the generous support of the Kendeda Fund. Learn more at beltline.org/marketplace.

The post Press Conference Media Advisory: Ribbon Cutting for BeltLine MarketPlace with Focus on Creating More Equitable Access to Affordable Commercial Space first appeared on Atlanta Beltline.

Below you will find recent updates and photos of each of our Atlanta BeltLine projects in construction or design along with links to get more general information about each project. Additionally, you can explore current design and construction projects via map and list view here. These projects play a pivotal role in furthering the Atlanta BeltLine vision to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. 

All upcoming and past public meetings (still being held virtually) can be found at www.beltline.org/meetings. The second Quarterly Briefing took place virtually on June 16. View the recording and download the presentation. Click here to catch up on May’s design and construction updates.

Northeast Trail

• Northeast Trail – Segment 1: A 60% design package is expected next month for this segment, which runs from the northern end of the Eastside Trail to Westminster Drive.
• Northeast Trail – Segment 2: The existing unpaved trail between the northern end of Piedmont Park and Ansley Mall is now closed for construction and erosion control fencing is being installed. The first week of July, the removal of bushes and trees will begin. While 126 trees will need to be removed (many of which are invasive species) in order to accommodate the permanent trail alignment, 1,255 trees will be replanted.
  Concurrently, crews have begun work on installing light poles along the paved portion of the trail. While lighting work may extend onto the trail at times, the trail should remain open for use north of Ansley Mall.
  The short, unpaved section to the north will remain open to trail users until construction commences on that segment. ABI will notify the public of trail closures on other sections as construction advances. Construction activities are expected to run through summer of 2023, with landscaping continuing through the fall of 2023.
• Northeast Trail – Segment 3: A 60% design package is expected next month.
• Details on each Northeast Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section: Segment 1, Segment 2, Segments 3.
  

  

  

  

  

  

Southside Trail

• Southside Trail – Segment 1: There are a number of follow-on projects in the works along this segment of the Southside Trail. Permitting work is complete for a connecting sidewalk at Manford Road and construction bidding is in progress. A drainage improvement project was started mid-month to better manage storm water along the Rangewater development. Some landscaping materials have been temporarily removed and will be replaced by Trees Atlanta once the work is complete.
• Southside Trail – Segments 2 – 3: ABI’s contractor, Reeves Young, has begun brownfield remediation which requires periodic full or partial closings of the path. Signs have been posted and we will do our best to let the public know in advance of closures. Full trail closures are expected to take a half to full day, depending on the work. This project will run the full length of segments 2-5 and take several months. The construction of Segments 2 and 3, which is tied to federal dollars and the federal construction process, is targeting a construction bid date of summer 2023, with construction mobilization expected by fall 2023.
• Southside Trail – Segments 4 – 5: The Southside Trail Segments 4 and 5 have moved into the shovel ready phase of work, where permitting, final real estate transactions, and utility relocation work is completed prior to the bid being let for construction. An Invitation to Bid for construction will follow the completion of brownfield remediation and two fiber relocation projects. Verizon has started work on relocating their fiber line and is expected to be complete by August. The Segment 4 and 5 project scope includes the rebuilding of the bridge of United Avenue.
• Southside Trail – Segment 6:  This fall, ABI will be soliciting an engineering design team to complete design work on a permanent trail solution at Bill Kennedy Way and the trail crossing at I-20.  The project scope of work will be the addition of a separate trail bridge across I-20 and required modifications to adjacent trails north and south for an improved trail experience.
• Details on each Southside Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section: Segments 2, 3, 4, and 5.
  

  

  

Westside Trail

• Westside Trail – Segment 3: Construction on this 1.2-mile segment is substantially complete, except for the bridge work to extend the trail over the railroad corridor at Marietta Boulevard. Lights, cameras, plantings, and guardrails are installed along the majority of the trail. Now that permits and contracts are finalized with Norfolk Southern, the trail construction over the railroad bridge is ready to begin. Westside Trail – Segment 3 is currently scheduled to complete in early September.
• Westside Trail – Segment 4: The design team has delivered 90% drawings for this segment of the Westside Trail that will connect from Washington Park to the southern end of Segment 3. The project has moved into the shovel ready phase of work, and the team is working through permitting, real estate transactions, and preparing to bid the project in late 2022 or early 2023.
• Details on each Westside Trail segment can be found in our design and construction updates section: Segment 3 and Segment 4.

  

Northwest Trail

• Northwest Trail – Segment 1: Survey work began this month on this segment, which runs between Peachtree Park Apartments and Kinsey Court.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 2: Community and business engagement continues on this segment with the announcement of a prioritized alignment expected later this summer.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 3: Survey work began this month on this segment, between the Hemphill Waterworks and Tanyard Creek Park.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 4: This segment will move into design and engineering at the same time as Segment 2, after the alignment has been determined.
• Northwest Trail – Segment 5: Survey work began this month on this segment, between Huff Road and English Street.
• Click here to download the Northwest Trail Feasibility Study (15 MB PDF).
• Details can be found in our design and construction updates: Northwest Trail study.

  

Northside Trail

• Information can be found here regarding CSX’s work to replace the wooden railroad trestle that runs between Tanyard Creek Park and Ardmore Park and over the Atlanta BeltLine Northside Trail. The work is expected to last through 2022. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

The post Atlanta BeltLine Design and Construction Updates: June 2022 first appeared on Atlanta Beltline.

The Design Review Committee (DRC) is an advisory group of subject-matter experts that provides consultation, review, and recommendations for all Special Administrative Permits within a half-mile of the Atlanta BeltLine corridor to determine its compliance with the BeltLine Overlay District Regulations. DRC Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month and are open to the public. However, there is not a public hearing component in these meetings. If you have comments to share with the DRC regarding a particular application, please submit your written comments to [email protected] by 4pm on the Tuesday prior to the public meeting.

Learn more about the DRC and the review meeting process.

May 18, 2022 Applications

The meeting on May 18 involved four applicants submitting proposals for review by the committee. For a copy of the in-depth meeting recap, please download this PDF.

Applicant:
Matt Gregory – ELECTRIC HOSPITALITY

Project Location:
691 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue (Unit L)

Project Details:
The property is zoned MRC-3-C. The scope of work includes converting Unit-L of the existing building to a 1,840SF restaurant and repurposing the loading dock for patio space. Due to the age of the building, modifications only include reframing existing windows, three new metal frame windows, two new doors and fencing to enclose the patio.

Applicant:
Joey Goodall – WINGATE CAPITAL

Project Location:
640 Boulevard NE

Project Details:
The property is zoned RG-4. The scope of work includes a six-story affordable apartment development with 187 units, and a 2-level interior parking deck with 123 spaces on a 2.16-acre site. 100% of the units will be affordable at 60% of AMI.

Applicant:
Sarah Butler, David Hamilton – PRAXIS3

Project Location:
1066 Murphy Avenue SE

Project Details:

The property is zoned MRC-2-C. The scope of works includes a 5-story 145-unit apartment building with an amenity area, a park space, and an internal parking structure to accommodate 266 spaces on 1.98-acre site. The project will comply with IZ Ordinance by providing 15% of the units at 80% of AMI, and an additional 5% of the units at 60% of AMI.

Applicant:
Knox Rawson – THE MIDDLE HOUSE COMPANY

Project Location:
1124 and 1130 West Marietta Street

Project Details:
The property is zoned C-2. The scope of work includes the construction of four duplexes on two adjoining lots on 0.3-acre site.

June 15, 2022 Applications

The meeting on June 15 involved five applicant submitting proposals for review by the committee. For a copy of the in-depth meeting recap, please download this PDF.

Applicant:
Knox Rawson – THE MIDDLE HOUSE COMPANY

Project Location:
1124 and 1130 West Marietta Street (old business)

Project Details:
The property is zoned C-2. The scope of work has been revised to include the construction of 12 duplexes instead of four on a 0.96-acre site. The additional parcels include 1134, 1140 and 1146 West Marietta Street.

Applicant:
Harsh Goyal – GOYAL CARE, LLC
Project Location:
516 Ponce De Leon Avenue, NE

Project Details:
The property is zoned C-2. The scope of work includes an interior renovation of an existing 9,460SF building into a Kiddie Academy child daycare center with a rear yard playground with nine onsite parking spaces on a 0.79-acre site.

Applicant:
DeMarc Meal – CIVILOGISTIX

Project Location:
901 Chattahoochee Avenue, NW

Project Details:

The property is zoned C-2. The scope of work includes the construction of a new 4,375SF express carwash with 23 vacuum spaces.

Applicant:
Tuan Duong – LONG ENGINEERING

Project Location:
495 North Avenue, NE

Project Details:
The property is zoned MRC-3-C. The scope of work includes the construction of a seven-story, 50-unit multi-family residential development with a roof terrace, 39 parking spaces, and 10 bike spaces on 0.52-acre site. The project will comply with the BeltLine Inclusionary Housing Zoning Ordinance by providing 15% of the units at 80% of AMI.

Applicant:
Mothusi Phometsi – THE SWANK ATLANTA, LLC

Project Location:
997 & 999 Memorial Drive, SE

Project Details:
The property is zoned MRC-3-C. The scope of work includes the construction of eight, four-story townhomes on a 0.35-acre site.

The post Design Review Committee – May & June Meeting Recap first appeared on Atlanta Beltline.

WHAT: Art on the Atlanta BeltLine, an exhibition by Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s Arts & Culture Department, presents artist Drew Borders as she invites community members to celebrate the completion of her mural, The Fates. The stunning mural soars below the Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail and over Ormewood Avenue, encompassing the entire bridge. This Family Art Day will feature an artist talk by Borders followed by a walk up to the top of the bridge. At that time, guests can write the names of women who inspire them on ribbons and tie them to the fence above the mural.

WHEN: Saturday, June 11 from 1 to 3 p.m.

WHERE: The Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail where it crosses over Ormewood Avenue. GPS location: 832 Ormewood Avenue, Atlanta, 30312.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Art on the Atlanta BeltLine events are open to everyone. Anyone interested in seeing the mural up close and hearing from and speaking with the artist, Drew Borders, is encouraged to attend.

ABOUT THE MURAL: The Fates – Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropo – are represented as three Black women. A child, a woman, and an elderly lady. The Fates work with a pre-determined destiny. They decide the length of the life and when it will come to an end. This depiction of the Fates puts Black women, a historically marginalized group, in charge of the destinies of all. For once, they hold the power, their voice is final and cannot be overpowered.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Drew Borders is an African American 2D Animator, Motion Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Muralist. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA working as a Freelancer. Drew’s work is driven by a desire for representation amongst people of color, specifically Black women. She received her formal training at the Savannah College of Art and Design where she graduated with a B.F.A. in Animation. Her work utilizes the combination of paint and graffiti. She continues to use bright colors to bring a sense of vibrancy, excitement, and life to her portraits of Black women.

COMMUNITY CONTACT: For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 404-477-3636.

Stay abreast of Art on the Atlanta BeltLine announcements and events at art.beltline.org, or follow us on social media:

Facebook: ArtontheAtlantaBeltLine
Twitter: @atlantabeltline
Instagram: @AtlantaBeltLine and @AtlantaBeltLineArt

The 2021 – 2022 Art on the Atlanta BeltLine exhibition is presented by Northside Hospital and WarnerMedia. Additional sponsors include Kroger and Ponce City Market at the Gold level; Edward Jones at the Silver level; and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at the Patron level.

The 2022 – 2023 Art on the Atlanta BeltLine exhibition is presented by Northside Hospital. Additional sponsors include Ponce City Market at the Platinum level; Cox Enterprises and Empire Communities at the Silver level; and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at the Bronze level.

This program is supported in part by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. This program is supported in part by Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. Georgia Council for the Arts also receives support from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

Major support for this project is provided by:

The post Art on the Atlanta BeltLine Artist Drew Borders Presents Mural at Family Art Day first appeared on Atlanta Beltline.