The Beacon Atlanta is the next significant lifestyle destination along the Atlanta Beltline in Grant Park, nestled into a stretch of the highly anticipated Southside Trail. The project, which saw 13 new and relocating businesses open in July 2016, has quickly become part of daily life for neighbors seeking health, fitness and wellness services, childcare and work. By Summer 2018, the balance of the project will come to life, bringing 38 new businesses to Grant Park. Representing a $20 million investment in the renovation of six industrial warehouses into a walkable, 9-acre district just blocks from Zoo Atlanta. The Beacon Atlanta offers 100,000 Square Feet of unique day and evening activities in “a layered neighborhood experience.”
The first layer provide daily essentials to the neighborhood: OXFit CrossFit, Café of Life, The Nest nursery school, Covered Nail Bar, Heal Thy Self Spa, and Wellspring Integrative Psychiatry, O’Brien Psychotherapy and Shannon Ring, LMT serving area needs for Health and Wellness. Additional daily conveniences and services include over 15,000 SF of office space geared to local, creative firms that serve the business community. Third Street Goods is a neighborhood market that combines the freshness of a farmers market and the convenience of a big name grocery. A one-stop-shop offering seasonal and regional products and as many organically produced foods as possible. Be Well Pilates Studio adds to the health services as will a Pediatric Dentist and Dermatologist.
Adding further depth to the layered experience of daily convenience, The Beacon Atlanta also offers a unique place to work in small, purpose built creative studios for local artists and purveyors of wares that are sustainably produced and offer visitors an alternative to the mall or e-commerce. Artisanal food and beverage production facilities making cold brew coffee and nut milk currently exist with room to add more commercial kitchen space. Eateries and watering holes will offer workers and visitors a variety of food and beverage choices.
In the evening, the experience expands, adding more culinary and cultural opportunities for those who come. Restaurants range from family-oriented eateries (including a new Mexican concept from the proprietors of El Mexicano as well as an entertainment focused bar and grill from Grant Park Public House that will have games to entertain kids and adults) to destinations for the foodie and music crowd with Maggie’s Carribbean Bistro and Buteco, Atlanta’s Premier Brazilian Pub for good music, soccer, food and drinks. In Grant Hall, enjoy a beer from the Bar, a cookie or cupcake from A Haute Cookie or Baker Dude and take a stroll through the Artists’ Walk ~ boasting working and exhibition studios from local artists including Michael Colley, Audrey Morrision, Jena Dost and Oust. Outdoor greenspace will create space to host events ranging from music, to education to movie showings on the bank of the Beltline. 29 leases have been signed, with additional Letters of Intent in place. Construction on Phase 2 began in Spring 2017 with a planned openings slated throughout 2018.
For Leasing Information contact Philippe Pellerin at (404) 921-7203 or [email protected]. For updated project information, please visit www.thebeaconatlanta.com.
Home #1: 245 Georgia Ave
Year: 1905
Style: Folk Victorian
Type: Queen Anne Cottage
Home of: Carlane Passman, dogs Fifine, Daphne, and Ebenezer, and cats Angela and Dave
This tiny cottage on the border of Grant Park and Summerhill is the new home of Carlane and her menagerie of animals. Carlane was working down in the Fayetteville/Peachtree City area for 2 years before deciding to relocate from Los Angeles and make Atlanta her permanent home. She looked around many intown neighborhoods, looking for something urban, diverse, and progressive and found all of that in Grant Park.
Working on the philosophy that she needed not more space but more quality, this 2 bedroom/1 bath fits the bill. Passionate about gardening, one of the first things Carlane did was enlist Hilary Hart of Floraphile Garden Design to create a Japanese inspired landscape to thrive in a fully shaded yard, thanks to several oaks that line the property. Carlane is just starting to work with Stephanie Andrews of Balance Design to create a space that is all hers in this cottage.
The wraparound porch is a great venue for lazy afternoons and watching neighbors stroll by. The entry way takes you in to a home filled with a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings and a fantastic art collection. The living room and dining room have corner fireplaces that hopefully will be working soon. There is a curious curio cabinet in the corner of the dining room that Carlane is trying to solve the mystery of. The bathroom has an old claw foot tub. The first bedroom has another fireplace and a false door that used to lead out to the front porch. The second bedroom, laundry room, and kitchen are across the back side of the house. Through the back door in the kitchen, there is a backyard with a fire pit and lots of trees.
Carlane welcomes you into her home on this tour, which will be a “before” snapshot of what is to come.
Home #2: 406 Milledge Ave
Year: 1913
Style: Craftsman
Type: Front Gable Bungalow
Home of: Margee and Tim Beattie
In 2013 when Tim and Margee Beattie decided to relocate from the suburbs of Lawrenceville to the city they were in search of a neighborhood with great people, walkability, and some space for gardening. When they stumbled upon their home, they were sold! After a six month renovation, which Tim designed and oversaw, their original home had become a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom dream come true. Check out the before and after floor plans on display for the details. The Beatties reconfigured the space to have the livability of a new home without sacrificing the historic home feel. They kept all of the original crown molding and matching window casings, added judges paneling in the dining room, and a case opening which divides the dining and living rooms. For aesthetics they held onto the original heating grates in the dining and living rooms. With the exception of the front door, all 7 ft doors throughout the home were replaced with 8 ft doors which were finished with original knobs. The kitchen was outfitted with custom cabinets and an island made of recycled bowling lanes. In the front bedroom turned study, take a moment to admire the original light fixture and fireplace. Moving along through the living room, a pocket door creates privacy for the guest suite, which includes a bed room and full bath. Don’t miss the unique birdcage chandelier in the guest bath. The master suite boasts an ensuite with heated floors, a curbless shower and an original chandelier. Transom windows here and in the master closet allow for natural light without sacrificing privacy.
Continuing on towards the back of the house, take a peak in the spacious laundry room and be sure not to miss Tim’s favorite feature of the house, the shortcut through the window to the recycling bin. Local art can be seen throughout the home including a self-portrait on display in the living room by daughter Helen and pieces by Margee’s sister Kate. Margee has also discreetly placed days of the week signage throughout the house. See if you can find all seven.
In their downtime, Tim & Margee love relaxing on their front porch, swaying on the comfy bed swing and people watching, especially on Sundays during the Grant Park Farmers Market. In their words, there’s no neighborhood like Grant Park. It just feels like home.
Point of Interest A: Atlanta Preservation Center: 327 St. Paul Ave
Year: 1856
Style: Italianate
Type: Georgian (missing 2nd level & cupola)
Antebellum Grant Mansion: Atlanta Preservation Center (APC)
Lemuel P. Grant, who donated the land for Grant Park, built this family home in 1856 and resided in it until 1881. The three-story home originally featured two-foot-thick walls, 10-foot windows, four porches, nine fireplaces and a ballroom. In 1902, while friends of the Grants, Clara Thomas and "Colonel" Robert Purmedus Jones were staying in the house, Mrs. Jones gave birth to a son - Robert Tyre “Bobby” Jones, who went on to become the legendary golfer and co-founder of The Masters.
The house was spared in 1864 during the burning of Atlanta after Federal soldiers found a Masonic apron in a wardrobe in the master bedroom. General Sherman forbade the burning of buildings with Masonic connections. Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell invested in the preservation of the house and brought a court case fighting for the survival of the house. Beginning in the 1940s, neglect and a fire took their toll. A significant fire in the 1980s destroyed part of the roof, leaving the second floor open to the elements. By 2001, when the APC purchased the house, most of the remaining structure was open to the elements and in severe decay.
As part of its mission, APC has been carefully restoring the structure for the past 16 years. Most recently in 2012, the high-style Italianate Victorian front porch was restored, along with the East and West front parlors which now host an exhibit of photographs depicting antebellum Atlanta and a permanent exhibit the history of the L. P. Grant house. The APC continues to raise funds for the restoration and maintenance of the house.
Point of Interest B: Milledge Fountain – 600 Cherokee Ave
The historic Milledge Fountain – a centerpiece of Atlanta’s Grant Park – has been restored to its original glory. The restoration of the fountain marked the return of flowing water to the original 1927 fountain. The Mileage fountain, located at the Milledge Avenue entrance to Atlanta’s first public and most historic park, was built in 1927. The architectural firm of Edwards & Sayward designed the fountain. The firm is noted for other structures in Atlanta (the Roosevelt, club house at Bobby Jones Golf Course), buildings in Charleston, S.C., and on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville. The fountain hadn't run properly since the 1950s. The fountain had fallen into disrepair and needed some serious love and attention.
In late 2014, the Grant Park Conservancy made the restoration of the fountain a top priority. Thanks to tremendous community support, a significant Park Pride Legacy grant, a generous grant from the Waterfall Foundation, two grants from Georgia Power, and important gifts from both GPNA and the Grant Park Parents Network, the fundraising goals were met and the project undertaken. Using decade’s old photographs, artist Christine Mann reproduced the fish and accompanying bowl, allowing new versions of the lost components to be accurately recreated. The same approach was taken by fountain specialist, Nick Walloch, to restore the surrounding tile mosaic – as much original material as possible was restored and missing elements were carefully selected to match the original pieces. The fountain restoration is the second of a three-phase project called the Milledge Triangle Initiative. The Milledge Fountain area is also the location of the highly popular Grant Park Farmer’s Market. Please visit gpconservancy.org to learn more about the Grant Park Conservancy and our efforts to complete the Milledge Triangle Initiative and care for the entire park.
Home #3: 465 Glenwood Ave
Year: 1903
Style: Folk Victorian
Type: Gable-El Cottage
Home of: Robin Frady, sons Dakota and Mateo, daughter Soledad
The Fradys moved into Grant Park from Summerhill last September. Their home is another one of those hidden gems surprising you with its interior grandiosity with such a quaint, sweet exterior. The little cottage gives way to a wide hallway with columns and arches, reminding you of the stately apartments of the Upper East Side of New York City, Robin’s hometown. Photographs of the Manhattan skyline remind you of her home. The open living space on the right side has a distinctly Caribbean style with light, blues, and plants, an homage to Robin’s Bahamian father.
The females live on this level, with Soledad’s and Robin’s rooms on the left side of the home. You can see Soledad’s love of purple and horses. The master bath features a delicious soaking tub, a real selling point for Robin. She also loves the picture window providing a view of enormous trees. There is an unused room in the front right that will no doubt be put to use soon.
The stairway in the front left takes you downstairs to the boys’ floor, complete with big play/TV room. The 2 bedrooms allow the gents of the house to express their personalities. Dakota loves to travel and Mateo loves to play soccer and is actually on the Atlanta United Academy team. There is a bathroom, as well as a large laundry room. An unfinished room serves as storage until they decide what to make it. A huge fenced in back yard provides the boys with a cycle course until Robin realizes her gardening visions. There is an upper level deck that overlooks the backyard and the beautiful trees of Grant Park.
Robin and her children are excited to welcome you into their home on the tour this year.
Home #4: 505 Glenwood Ave
Year: 1905
Style: Folk Victorian
Type: New South Cottage (with porch modification)
Home of: Gigi and Alan Connor, daughter Fenn, son Dakota, and dog Rosie
Gigi and Alan have been Grant Park fixtures for over 25 years. They have kept Grant Parkers fed and quenched at their restaurant on Cherokee, Dakota Blue, and the neighborhood has helped raise their two children. This is one of those homes where you think you are walking into a quaint little adorable cottage, but instead you find yourself in a spacious enclave full of personality. Recently, it underwent the newest of several renovations which added a lot of square footage to the house, including a new kitchen, great room, Master suite, deck, and upstairs unit which could be a rental or AirBnB.
The gigantic rose bushes that greet you as you enter the gate are only a preview of what is to come inside this whimsical home. The antique Eastlake front door takes you into a hallway adorned with an eclectic art collection. Jewel tones with deep rich hues are used beautifully throughout. Alan’s music room is on the left with his collection of instruments and equipment. Across the hall is the guest room/office. Next, on the left is the all black dramatic dining room with family heirlooms and photographs. Fenn’s room is across the hall with an attached newly renovated bath. What used to be the 2nd bath has been converted to a pass-through room and laundry room.
This is where the original house ended and the add-ons begin. The kitchen, great room and Master suite tie into the outdoor living space in the back. The screened in deck has a large wood burning fireplace and sentimental furnishings, including a Victorian sofa (the first gift Alan gave Gigi) and 2 tooled leather rocking chairs (a souvenir of their Costa Rican honeymoon). An old fort in the backyard for the kids has become Alan’s meditation temple, for an excellent use of recycling.
Gigi and Alan are so thrilled with their “new” old home and welcome you in as their guests on this tour.
Home #5: 382 Woodward Ave
Year: 2001
Style: Folk Victorian/Eclectic
Type: Queen Anne House
Home of: Andy Richard
Andy and his family moved to Grant Park in 2014. After getting married and having a child, they needed more space than the 800 sq. ft. condo in Midtown. But, they wanted to remain close to the city, near public transportation, have good school options, and be in walkable distance to shops and restaurants. They tried looking in Decatur; but, it was just not workable in their budget. And then they found Grant Park and fell in love with the area and now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Andy loves how Grant Park is becoming more walkable with businesses coming in along Memorial and also being close to the park. Not owning a car, this was one of things he missed most about living in Midtown.
The house was built in 2001 on a plot that used to be a community garden. The house was built originally for an executive at Turner, based on a gentleman who claimed to be the builder. And apparently, there was a slight uproar from the neighbors about the house being built. The house is one of the younger ones on the tour this year and Andy has spent most of his energy on the yard due to that fact. Coming from Midtown and the condo life, it was something that he never had, and he is enjoying the projects as it all starts to come together.
Andy’s house was designed to have historic character, while bringing in more modern features. He has recently started his collection of artwork by an artist in the family, Robert Lucy; who also does a lot of paintings of pets and can be found at robertlucy.com.
Andy is a Buddhist and teaches meditation and Buddhism at the Shambhala Meditation Center of Atlanta in Decatur. He warmly welcomes you to his home.
Home #6: 448 Bryan St
Year: 1923
Style: Craftsman
Type: Front Gable Bungalow
Home of: Dana Silberman and Steve Pomberg
Dana Silberman and Steve Pomberg have lived at 448 Bryan Street since 2013 but have called Grant Park home since 2009. They love the quirky, walkable community and welcomed the opportunity to call this 1920’s Craftsman Bungalow home.
Upon first entering Steve and Dana’s light filled home, it is easy to see why the artistic pair love this house. When Dana and Steve first met they were both living in lofts and this house gave them the modern feel of a loft with the charming accents of an older home. The white walls are the perfect canvas for the couple’s skillfully curated art collection, a colorful mix of color field originals by Steve and pieces gifted and traded from other artist friends. In the front room by the stairs stands a desk made from a sewing machine table from Dana’s grandparents. Hanging over the fireplace in the living room is a quilt Dana commissioned as a gift for Steve from quilter Ben Venom. The quilt is made up of pieces of Steve’s skateboarding past in the form of T-shirts.
The original footprint of the house was extended in the back with the addition of a living room with a fireplace and an additional bathroom. A carpenter friend of the couple’s enhanced the addition with a custom built TV cabinet and shelving for Steve’s record collection. The open floorplan gives daughter Minka plenty of room to play and the upstairs Master suite offers a relaxing retreat for Dana and Steve. The downstairs ensuite bathroom was renovated, bringing it out of the 1980’s for Minka. The original Jack and Jill style bath was closed off with a wall in Steve’s office and rearranged to maximize the bathroom space.
Steve, Dana, and Minka hope you enjoy your visit to their warm, eclectic bungalow!
Home #7: 359 Loomis Ave
Year: 1904
Style: Folk Victorian
Type: Modified Georgian Cottage
Home of: Virginia and John Carr, dogs Dexter and Nannie, and cat Zuzu
Virginia and John moved into Grant Park about 2 years ago, abandoning the townhouse life in Inman Park. Driving around in search of a neighborhood and a yard for their pets, they fell in love with the history, new development, and open minded small town feel of Grant Park and its neighbors. Their home gave them all that, and it had also already been renovated by the prior owners, who were both architects. Previously, the house had been a duplex, now it is a single family home. The attic of the house was opened up by the prior owners to give the living room an open feel with cathedral ceilings and skylights. Virginia and John added new lighting and window treatments throughout. The door panels were hand dyed by their friend who is a local artist. The home is full of interesting art, including an original Elliott Erwitt photograph; most of it collected from Virginia’s tenure at Whitespace Gallery. The large kitchen, with 12’ ceilings, is all electric with the plan to have it one day be all solar powered. The counters are butcher block. Check out the Edison lights in the kitchen! Behind the kitchen is the mud room, where all the dog art is showcased.
On the left side of the house is the office/music room which features an original to the home stained glass window. Given the slope of the floors and the window on the wall, one might conjecture that this was originally a porch. Next is the master bedroom, which has a master bath and a barn door leading into a walk in closet that actually leads to the back yard. The lovely backyard has sloping landscaping with lovely flowers and a central fire pit, which they both thoroughly enjoy with their friends throughout the year.
Virginia, John, and the fur family are excited to welcome you into their home during the tour!
Home #8: 383 Park Ave
Year: 1890
Style: Eastlake (“Barber” influenced) Victorian
Type: Queen Anne House
Home of: Kelly and Drew, Dylan and Lucy Jackson, dog Walter
The Jacksons moved in just 7 months ago from Candler Park, but they have already completed a major renovation to this sprawling, gingerbread mansion. Drew is originally from Washington, D.C., while Kelly is an Atlanta native, and they are both thrilled to be in Grant Park. In the course of doing their renovation, they learned a lot of interesting history about the majestic house, including that it was built in 1890 for Thomas Buchanan, a notable citizen who is buried in Oakland Cemetery. Like so many houses in Grant Park, this one had been through many variations. In the 60’s, it was converted into multi-home apartments. Kelly and Drew have worked diligently in restoring its original character. The woodwork throughout the home is breathtaking, from the magnificent tall, narrow front doors, to the rich, incised lines of the stairway, with the juxtaposition of a modern mural by local artist Sam Eckersley surrounding it. The home still has lots of the gingerbread details that got thrown out of so many homes decades ago. Drew himself has carefully stripped the paint off the antique, Eastlake door hinges, revealing their intricate etchings. The rooms inside are all large with enormous ceilings and light spilling in from every corner. Original tile is still on the fireplace in the front room. Downstairs, in addition to the entry way and front room, there is a dining room, a music room, a powder room (which was taken from the wrap around porch), and an open space great room/kitchen. Upstairs, there is an office, master suite, and the 2 children’s rooms.
Kelly, Drew, and family are happy to welcome you into their new home.
Don’t miss out on the Tour of Homes after party here on Sunday at 6. Come drink and munch on appetizers prepared by Chef Julie at Schneider using food and produce from local farmers and vendors from the market. All proceeds will benefit your local Grant Park farmers market and Community Farmers Markets (CFM). Tickets available on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grant-park-tour-of-homes-after-party-fundraiser-tickets-45762309299 and all proceeds go directly to the market.
Home #9: 675 Home Ave
Year: 2008
Style: Neo-Craftsman
Type: American Four Square
Home of: Lynn Young and Patrick Kelly
Lynn Young and Patrick Kelly’s Grant Park roots run deep. Patrick has called Grant park home since 1985, Patrick’s mother Debbie Jones Kelly started the Summer Shade Festival and has long been an icon in the neighborhood. In fact, Lynn and Patrick married in front of the Milledge Fountain in 2009. It is no surprise the couple choose their Grant Park home in 2011 and are making it their own in the neighborhood the love!
Lynn and Patrick have filled their home with local art from their annual visit to the Inman Park Festival and other local art fairs. Pieces by James Palmer, Sarah Flynn, Chris Warner, Leslie Ditto, and more line the walls of the study and dining room. The couple’s collection grows as you follow the stairs up to the bedrooms and Master Suite. Even daughter Sky has begun her own collection with a mermaid piece by Manami Lingerfelt. Lynn and Patrick renovated the Master Bath and included art by Lynn’s friend Laurie Nye.
A big selling point for the couple when looking at the house was the impressive chef’s kitchen which opens to the coffered ceiling living room and a great place to entertain. The living room leads out to the covered porch and manicured yard.
The backyard is a product of Lynn’s imagination and Lynn and Patrick’s hard work. The totem overlooking the back porch is from the Waldorf School. The couple spends many weekends enjoying their outdoor grill and fire pit and vegetables from their garden.
Lynn and Patrick welcome you to their home and hope you are enjoying the tour!
Home #10: 372 Kendrick Ave
Year: 1922
Style: Craftsman
Type: Front Gable Bungalow
Home of: Jessica and Adam Willhite, dogs Sophie, Gabby, and current foster Boxer mix Bowie
Adam and Jessica moved here in early 2015 knowing that they wanted to be in Grant Park and in an historic home. Adam has lived in the city since he was a teenager, while Jessica hails from the small town of Concord GA, where everyone knows everyone, and the community is strong and the bonds are deep. Grant Park helps her recapture that feeling, while giving them all the advantages of urban life-with the added advantages they love of the park, the zoo, the cemetery, and the houses in Grant Park.
This craftsman home has been through several renovations but part of Adam & Jessica’s mission has been to reclaim the glory of the 30’s in the house. Maintaining the renovated open house feel, they are restoring details that bring back the atmosphere of the era in which it was built. Actually, a worker found some of the original wallpaper in the house and they display a framed sample in the living room. Incorporated into this design are Jessica’s modern touches of excellent taste and the eclectic collection of Adam’s interest in the macabre. In fact, Halloween is a much-celebrated holiday at this home and worthy of a second trip at that time of year to see the elaborate decorations!
The slate gray corner gate with a picket fence leads you through a lawn up to the marvelously deep front porch furnished for lounging complete with gliders from the mid-1900’s. The entry way opens up all the way back to the kitchen, centered with a recently added vintage chandelier. The first bedroom on the right serves as a second living room space and an angled added closet gives you an idea of how people have adjusted old homes for modern living. Down the hall, the guest room on the right shares a recently restored and now functional chimney with the next room, Adam’s office. A bathroom is on the left down the long center hallway. Behind the back of the original house lies an addition with a master suite, laundry closet, and screened in deck. Both the master bedroom and deck overlook a large festive backyard that is lit for entertaining. Jessica and Adam welcome all the visitors of the tour into their home!
Point of Interest C- Eventide Brewery – 1015 Grant St
Year: 1960
Style: Warehouse
The word Eventide shares its roots with the old English term meaning “evening” or “twilight”. For the founders, it represents the time of day when all of your hard work is coming to a close, it’s time for you and your closest to gather at the table and enjoy the fruits of your labor and the calm of the evening.
Eventide Brewing is known for their uncomplicated and easy drinking brews. Nathan Cowan, Haley Cowan, and Geoffrey Williams all met at Georgia Southern. As their friendship grew, so did their love of food and shared dinners. They began to experiment with their own homemade pickles, mustard, cheese, and beer. Nathan and Geoffrey's skill soon outgrew the “Mr. Beer” kit they started on, only to graduate to a three kettle brew system that they still use for experimentation. Matthew Sweezy joined the crew shortly thereafter. Through a strong foundation of friendship and a love of good beer, Eventide Brewing was born.
The brewery is proud to be strongly rooted in the community of Atlanta and specifically Grant Park. Calling this neighborhood home for the last four years, has been a pleasure. To Eventide, great doesn't have to be complicated, so creating a craft beer that boasts consistency with a traditional, nuanced flavor is why they continue to create.
They have a diverse set of offerings, including Curiosity Club in partnership with The Homestead Atlanta, special beer releases in support of Trees Atlanta, weekly trivia, food trucks, comedy and ‘give back’ nights, monthly rides lead by the Sorella Cycling ladies, and a strong involvement in the Atlanta cycling scene. We encourage you to stop by their Tasting Room for a visit or check out their website for a list of upcoming events and beer releases.
Eventide Brewing is Thursday through Tuesday evening, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Beer prices and availability vary.
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