Anna Wynne Stephens

Though the media continues to portray the doom and gloom of the real estate market the reality is Atlanta is in a great position to make a quick recovery. Check out this encouraging tid bit from Forbes magazine. They label Atlanta as the "Envy of the Nation."

Forbes Magazine made some good predictions for Atlanta homebuilders and residents last week. While other cities, like Las Vegas and Phoenix are expected to see home prices decrease by up to 50%, Atlanta is predicted to see significant increases as early as 2009. (This reiterates that NOW is the time to buy Atlanta Real Estate. Discounts on current new home inventory are available now. They won't last forever!)

Although Forbes mentions the number of Atlanta foreclosures in early 2008, our continued steady job growth rate promises an end to our housing slump. In fact, next year home prices are expected to jump up by 32.5% for single family homes around the metro Atlanta area. Multi-family home prices are expected to rise by as much as 18.4% and job growth will remain around the steady 2% yearly increase that has kept Atlanta afloat and the envy of the nation.

We are placed at number nine in the group of ten "lucky cities" that are predicted to experience long term recovery that will begin next year. Other cities where home prices are expected to rise include Oklahoma City, Minneapolis, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, Austin, Portland, San Antonio, Charlotte, a nd Albuquerque. So while times may seem tough now, if we can just hold out for a little while longer, things should be looking up for the economy and the Atlanta housing market once again.

COntent taken from Forbes Magazine October 2008

I wanted to let you all know that I have exciting news! I have been offered a position at Dorsey Alston Realtors. This locally-owned, Atlanta-based firm established itself over the past 60 years as a firm focused on servicing its needs of its clients. I believe Dorsey Alston Realtors' views for the future of the firm and for its marketing are the future of real estate here in Atlanta! As always, you can count on me to continue to provide you the upmost in client support for buying and selling property. In addition, you can also rely on two of Atlanta's most experienced brokers to support me and my clients, Spalding White, who also joins Dorsey Alston after 20 years at Harry Norman, and Jody Abstance, the firm's President and Managing Broker.

Please make note of my new email annastephens@dorseyalston.com My cell phone is still the same 404-444-6114.

Please visit www.dorseyalston.com to learn more about the company and see the fabulous website!

A couple of new places to check out in the Atlanta area. Happy Dining.

Buckhead. Atlanta Magazine has honored HOLEMAN and FINCH as 2008 restaurant of the year.

Decatur. What I have to assume is the metro area's first Somali restaurant [unless perhaps you count the taxi holding area at Hartsfield] has opened at 4746 Memorial Drive, DARU SSALAM. Watch for an upcoming review in Creative Loafing.

THE BRICK STORE PUB has begun cellaring many of its "home" bottled brews in the basement of an adjacent bank (old Trust Building?), taking a page from pubs in Belgium. Reportedly, there's talk of hosting small meals down in the vault at some point in the future as well.

Downtown. If the newly erected awnings in the front of the building are to be believed, there's a new MELLOW MUSHROOM coming to the Twelve Bldg at the corner of Spring St and Ivan Allen.

A few more details are emerging as the LEGAL SEAFOODS under construction in the Hilton Gardin Inn at 275 Baker St nears completion. According to Atlanta Business they're building out a 9,000-square-foot restaurant on two floors. The first floor will feature Legal Sea Foods' Oyster/Lobby Bar, while the main restaurant will occupy the second level.

COOPER BLUE JAZZ BAR, a 4,500 square foot multi-purpose facility, with full kitchen scheduled to open in Underground Atlanta late this year.

The Georgia Dome has hired a new executive chef, Frank Abbinanti to overhaul the dining options in the Club and Suite levels. Chef Abbinanti is former executive chef at Disney's Animal Kingdom [zebra burgers?].

If you live or work downtown in zip codes : 30313, 30303, or 30308, STATS is offering 10% off you lunch (food only).

Midtown. And not to be left out... residents of zip codes 30306, 30307, 30308, 30309, 30312 or 30324 will receive 10% off their dinner at ONE MIDTOWN KITCHEN Sunday through Thursday during August. Proof of residency required.

Rumored that the GLOBE is about to undergo a makeover to become more of a casual dining spot.

Northside. Lots of buzz about a new project from the folks who own MUSS & TURNER'S, bringing in Chef Chris Hall (CANOE, SUN DIAL) as a partner. I'm not clear if the location will be on Northside Drive or Northside Parkway.

Old 4^th Ward. In a daring move of urban gentrification, the owners of the STANDARD BAR on Memorial Dr are opening a new pub, BUREAU to be located on Edgewood a couple of doors down from the newly opened NONI'S ITALIAN DELICATESSAN.

JUICEEZ & ETC, a juice bar with a limited menu, plans to open later this summer at 20 Jackson Street.

Toco Hills. MAMA FU'S in Toco Hills Plaza closed abruptly last Monday, according to the sign on their door, a pizza joint is coming in it's place.

Not really Toco Hills, but I couldn't think of a neighborhood to assign in to... Chef Frank Ma has returned to the delight of his cult-like following among Atlanta dining scene, opening FRANK MA SOUTH, 2088 Briarcliff Road [near Whole Foods].

Westside. SLICE on Howell Mill Rd, just up the street from CHOW BABY, has closed and the building is for sale. And finally I cannot fail to note that Metromedia Restaurant Group's national chains BENNIGAN'S and STEAK & ALE closed their doors last Tuesday and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, shuttering more than 150 company operated locations and letting go thousands of employees. Don't worry though, Chief White House economist, Edward Lazear says things could be worse. The Associated Press quoted him discussing recent economic results saying, "the numbers reflect the resilience of the American economy in the face of significant shocks". There now, don't you feel better?


written by
Eric Harvison