Many of us have writer's block when it comes time to do a blog post. Or, it just might take more time than we have to pull the pictures we want to use, get our facts straight, etc. In my case today, it's early am, and the start of a really long day.
So, I just decided to keep it simple, and share a peaceful picture with all of you! I hope it starts YOUR day off great, and reminds you of how simple, yet complicated the world can be!!
As Midtown Atlanta grows with new places to live, such as the recently opened Viewpoint Midtown and soon to open 1010Midtown and Luxe, the need for more shopping and, so it seems, restaurants is obvious. As a resident of Midtown, I'm all for place to eat, but I hope that our developer "friends" at Novare Group and Selig Enterprises realize the need for some "down to earth" retail options for those of us that really LIVE in Midtown. I know that retailers have specifics they look for in a location, but we can only hope they will adjust those requirements (store size being one of them) to look at Midtown and the Midtown Mile as a place to locate a store. Come on Banana Republic, A & F or Old Navy....bring us a store so we don't have to drive to Atlantic Station orLenox Mall.
But, the restaurants do seem to keep on coming! That being said, I will say the latest list of "newcomers" to Midtown announced this past week by 1010Midtown, so have some variety, and should add some spice to the choices of places to go! Here's a quick rundown of what they have lined up so far:
Ri Ra Irish Pub is an authentic styled Irish pub, complete with decor salvaged from original Irish Pubs. From their website, it looks like it could be fun place to hang out. Current locations include: Arlington, VA, Atlantic City, NJ, Bethesda, MD, Burlington, VT, Portland, ME, Charlotte, NC, Evansville, IN, and Providence, RI.
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant's website promises that "there is never a dull moment...the music is pumping, the mood is upbeat..." Now that's what a I call eating....Sushi with a BeaT!!!! This one looks like it will be a fun one!
When you visit the website (if you do) click on "Gallery" and check out the pictures of some of their previous restaurant openings! Looks like fun to me!
Atlanta does have it's share of sushi restaurants, but I think (hope) this one will take it to a whole new level, and be a "place to be seen" in the Midtown neighborhood!
Third on the list is Piola. This picture is from their New York City location. Other USA locations include South Beach, Hallandale Beach, FL and Washington, D.C. The website lists Naples and Miami, Florida as upcoming new stores. (Hey guys, update the website...we want Midtown Atlanta in there!)
Ok, let me make a quick disclaimer...I've not had breakfast or lunch yet....and I could eat everything on this menu....Yum Yum! But then again, who does not like good Italian cooking! Their website says "the most genuine Italian tradition of simple and delicious food combines cleverly with a a particular service and ambiance for the demanding and modern customer, who chooses Piola aware of the fact that feeling comfortable is as important as eating well. People from all walks of life and backgrounds meet and gather at Piola, since they are sure to find their own space in an atmosphere that balances freedom and well being with good taste." When's the Grand Opening!!!!
And rounding out the announcement of Upcoming Midtown Restaurants is Noon Midtown. Not much information at this website, other than it will be sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries and breakfast items with focus on locally-grown produce and sustainably-raised meats. (should I know what that means?) Midtown is certainly lacking on breakfast options, so this will be a welcome addition, and will serve the residents of 1010Midtown, as well as the new Lowes' Hotel, just across Peachtree Street!
As Membership Chairman and a Board Member for the Midtown Neighbors' Association, I see some great future Happy Hour sites with these locations! If any owners/managers of these businesses, read my blog, I'll be calling you!
Mark your calendars for this weekend and some dates in the future, and get out and experience some of the fun things that Atlanta has to offer!
2ND ANNUAL BBQ COOK OFF For those competing, it's a match up to see who makes the best bbq in town! Yum Yum!! Attend and you get to sample and vote for your favorites. Saturday, June 14, Stone Mountain Village, 891 Main Street, Stone Mountain 770/879-4971 stonemountainvillage.com/events.htm
AMERICAN HYDRANGEA SOCIETY GARDEN TOUR The Annual Garden tour will take you to 6 gardens that showcase Atlanta's rare hydrangeas Saturday, June 14 10am $20 404/355-6512
ART IN THE CITY: THURSDAY NIGHTS AT THE HIGH Extended hours on Thursdays, 5-8pm. Includes music, lectures, wine tastings and other events. High Museum of Art-Midtown, 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 404/733-4444 http://www.high.org/
BREWS AND BOOZE: THIRD ANNUAL CREATIVE LOAFING BEERFEST (Now here's a PARTY!)
Creative Loafing hosts its third annual beerfest in Woodruff Park. Music, beer and booze. What more can you ask for??? Saturday, June 14 Tickets: $15-30 Woodruff Park, 51 Peachtree Street, Downtown Atlanta Atlanta.creativeloafing.com
CALLANWOLDE'S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: JAZZ ON THE LAWN Callanwolde's Jazz on The Lawn series presents special outdoors concerts featuring the best local jazz musicians. Acclaimed saxophone artist Nick Longo an dhis 7-piece band will open the concert series. Friday, June 13, 7:30pm $12-15 Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, 404/872-5338 callanwolde.org
COCKTAILS IN THE GARDEN Ok...sounds high class...spend an evening in the garden while learning about different plants. June's theme: Boxwoods and Bloody Mary's (Where DO I sign up!!!) Thursdays, 6-10pm and continues through September 1 Free-$12 (Maybe that means Bloody Marys or Virgin Mary's??) Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Midtown Atlanta, 404/876-5859 atlantabotanicalgarden.org
CONCERT IN THE PARK FEATURING WESLEY COOK Enjoy a cup of Bruster's ice cream after an evening of music. Saturday, June 14, 6-8pm. Free-$5 (Here's that Free to Pay thing again??) Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. 770/394-3322 www.dunwoodynature.org
We'll be looking for you on the streets of Midtown!
Come one! Come All! But don't miss the 25th Anniversary of the Virginia-Highlands Summerfest!
This fun, neighborhood festival is FREE....what more can you ask for....but they do accept donations which goes back to the Virginia-Highlands Civic Association. The neighborhood closes Virginia Avenue to Highland Avenue...there is an artist's market and DaveFM 92.9 has a stage with some great entertainment lined up!
All kinds of fun things to do for everyone in the family....this is not just an "adult" festival.
Be sure to bring some extra water and your sunscreen....Hey, we don't call it HOTLANTA for nothing!!
I've got to show a buyer property today (yippie) but we will be there tomorrow!
For more details, visit the Summerfest Website!
Now Here's some SERIOUS real estate For Sale!
It was announced in 2005 that the GM Plant in Doraville would cease operations in 2008. Well, it official, and it's now on the market. 165+ acres of really, really prime real estate. As you can see in the picture, the site is direclty adjacent to I-285 where some 270,000 cars pass daily! What's so special about this site? It could be the best mixed-use, live-work-play opportunity Atlanta will ever see.....EVER! Why?
All the green roofs you see are the Doraville MARTA Station!!! That's right....a mass transportation system right next to 165 acres of land!!! "Heaven...I'm in Heaven" say all the planners! (You can see the plant in the distance, across the railroad tracks. Yep...even got the railroad here too!
But, seriously, even if you are not interested...check out this website The Doraville Project. It's one of the coolest, best web sites I have seen! Lots of impressive aerial views of the site, info, etc.
Hey, if you know any big time investors, refer them to the Broker handling...or send them to The Thom And Ray Team! I'd LOVE the referral off of this one!
REALLY! Check out the website!
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Midtown Atlanta Real Estate "Real Estate For The Urban Lifestyle"....means Midtown Atlanta Real Estate! We LIVE, WORK and KNOW Midtown Atlanta! A dynamic, ever-changing part of Atlanta! Welcome Home!
"Midtown Atlanta...Manhattan of The South"
Once an area filled with boarded up buildings, vagrants and empty streets, Midtown Atlanta is now the Premiere location in Atlanta! The Midtown Alliance is guiding The Midtown BluePrint...and now Peachtree Street (also know as the Midtown Mile) is lined with luxury condominiums, office towers and retail shops. New construction continues, and in the next few years, Midtown will offer almost 1 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL SPACE....the size of Phipps Plaza in Buckhead! Cultural activities abound, from the Fox Theatre, High Museum, Alliance Theatre, and the Center for Puppetry Arts are just a few! New restaurants offer you dining options galore...and more open almost monthly! See the brick building on the left of the picture...that's OUR office....right in the Heart of the Mile!
Like to travel? The Midtown MARTA station is just across the street from Plaza Midtown...making those weekend getaways easy!
Midtown Atlanta...Manhattan of The South!!
The "A" on the Map is our office! Right in the Heart of Midtown Atlanta!
There is a very strong neighborhood association, Midtown Neighbors' Association, which works to improve the community through various community services, land use planning, review of liquor licenses for local businesses and safety. MNA also hosts two signature events each year, the Midtown Tour of Homes, and the Midtown Atlanta Shop And Dine Week! Both are ones you don't want to miss! And maybe, even become involved with!
Midtown Atlanta........Where YOU want to Be!
Want to see the FUTURE of Midtown Atlanta?
Just Click on the Picture Below for a Special Tour!
I've been a Resident of Atlanta for 16 years (the second longest place I've lived since growing up in Montana!) and to say it's changing...well! But, it's all exciting! Of course, we have growing pains, just like any big city does, but it's a great place.....Come on down....I'll give you a personal tour in my special real estate touring car....
In my time in real estate, I've learned "you cannot be everything to everyone." That being said, if I have a Buyer or Seller who want to buy a home, or list a home in an area of Atlanta I'm not familiar with, I won't do it. Call me crazy...think I am turning away business....NOT! I feel I will do a client/customer a BETTER service be referring them to an agent who knows the area they want to look in. On the flipside of that, I see agents work in my marketplace who have no idea what building is coming up next, or what's going on in the neighborhood.
I specialize in Midtown Atlanta! While most of this area is condominiums, I do keep abreast of single-family home neighborhoods close to Midtown, so that if my clients want to move from a condo to a home, I know of areas that would fit their needs. Again, I stay Inside The Perimeter (ITP) so I can focus on areas and know more about them.
Midtown is a dynamic, ever-changing neighborhood. Knowing my market, knowing my product, and knowing the area, are what I consider key factors that any home Buyer or Seller should be looking for when they select a REALTOR.
I bring my extensive Marketing and Sales background full circle from the hospitality industry to Real Estate. I previously held Sales positions with Hilton Hotels Corporation, Nikko Hotels North America, and most recently as President and CEO of Benott Hospitality Group, a consulting firm specializing in small hotels and motels. My marketing experience helps clients market and stage their homes for maximum exposure and maximum dollars!
While helping my clients market their homes, I also enjoy helping buyers find the "PERFECT" home. By listening and understanding what they are looking for, I use the latest technology to help them find their new home. My experience in Customer Focused Service training in the Hospitality industry for 20 plus years gives me a unique advantage when working with both Buyers and Sellers. I determine the needs of my Buyers, find the homes that have those features and benefits they are looking for, and then help them every step of the way, from contract to closing, and all the details in between. For Sellers, I identify the features and benefits of their home so we can market it more effectively.
Thom,
Kimberly and I wanted to thank you and Ray for all your help in our recent Atlanta real estate ventures.
We were impressed from day one with your excellent organization and professionalism. The booklet you prepared for us with the property photos and summaries was especially helpful when viewing multiple properties, more so since we were out of town and would not have the opportunity to visit frequently.
Kimberly and I were also very happy with your assistance beyond closing. It is obvious that your commitment did not end there, and we are grateful for the follow up you provided with our property even after we closed.
We would highly recommend you and Ray to any of our friends who would be interested in Atlanta real estate.
Thanks again,
Brad
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Bradley G. Goldberg, M.D.
www.coffeewomenscenter.com
Thom and Ray:
Thank you both so much for all you did to help me with the purchase of my condo at Spire Midtown. I cannot adequately express how much I appreciate your patience, expertise and counsel throughout the entire process.
Everything you did, from educating me on the basics of home buying to referring me to a superb mortgage broker, worked toward making me feel more comfortable and more confident about the pending purchase. I never felt like I was "just another client", since you were guiding me every step of the way.
And the result? I am the proud owner of an amazing condo in the heart of Midtown Atlanta! I have an incredible place to call home and entertain guests. Thank you again, and rest assured that I will refer you to friends and associates. I look forward to working with you again in the future.
Winston W. Chapman
My husband, Don Jones, and I are extremely happy to say that we sold our townhouse at The Dakota in Midtown Atlanta in 92 days in one of the most depressed real estate and stock markets in more than six years! Not only did it sell amazingly fast, it sold for 94% of our Listing Price!
One of the major contributing factors to our recent sales success was The Thom And Ray Team. They have an amazing combination of skill sets: Professionalism, Sales, Marketing, Market Savvy and Negotiating. We strongly recommend using The Thom And Ray Team adn would welcome an opportunity to answer any questions you may have.
Thom and Ray also handled the purchase of our new home at Viewpoint Midtown which was complicated by our purchaseof two units to be combined into one. At each step of the process, we received consisitent and professional advice and ended up purchasing at a very favorable price.
Peggy Denby, Executive Director, Keep Atlanta Beautiful
Note: Peggy (in Pink) and Don (white shirt) cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening Party for Viewpoint!
When my fiancée and I decided to move to California, we began to shop around for agents to help sell our condo. We were referred to Thom Abbott by a friend of my fiancées family and decided to use him as our agent after a brief meeting. Thom is extremely knowledgeable about the Midtown Atlanta market and impressed us with his ideas about how to market our condo. Thom held open houses and also created a flyer that was displayed for potential buyers to take home with them. 
My fiancée and I were selling our condo in a tough market when many homes were being foreclosed upon; however we had a steady flow of showings on a weekly basis. Thom was able to get feedback for us from other agents about what potential buyers liked/disliked about our unit and we were able to sell our unit in a just few short months. Whenever we had a question or concern, Thom was always easily reachable or got back to back to us in a very timely manner. I would highly recommend Thom as an agent and will definitely refer him as an agent to friends and family.
Peter and Kira Morris
To Whom It May Concern:
Thom and Ray were very proactive in helping me sell my condo in Midtown. I previously had my place on the market for a year and I never got a single offer.
The second time around, I hired Thom to list my place because he seemed very knowledgeable of the in-town market. He and Ray pulled out all the stops to get my place exposed to as many people as possible. They sent out promotional flyers, posted the listing on all the major websites, and held numerous open houses.
I was out of town during this time so they kept me informed of progress through email and phone calls. I was surprised, given the staggering slack in home sales, how many people they actually got to come through the doors.
After a few months we had a buyer. Thom negotiated the price and took care of all the contracts and paperwork, making the closing a hassle-free process. I was a first time home owner trying to unload a one bedroom condo in a troubled market; Thom and Ray were great partners to have on my side--I'd recommend these guys to anybody.
Kevin Manley Cornerstone Village Condominiums
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