Time to Revisit East Atlanta
The East Atlanta Village is running into some problems. There is an awful lot of vacant space. Two years ago, there was far less. Spaces filled up more quickly. What has happened? Are land lords going CBGBs on the businesses that built the area into a desirable community? It seems that it’s not just restaurants or just clubs, but all types of businesses. What’s scary is that it forebodes poorly both for the neighborhood and also for the idea of responsible business enterprise. The neighborhood has been famous for trying to create a community atmosphere and taking a diverse set of residents into consideration. Though there has been some backlash, this part of town is one where progress was made. Hopefully, people will seize the opportunity to put in new cool spaces and keep the neighborhood moving forward.
There are things you can do. There are a lot of cool places there. One, Joe’s Coffee Shop, is displaying some artworks which outline precisely how Atlanta is become less distinct at the hands of the big boxers. It’s both fun and provocative, and the red velvet cake is delicious. Check it out! Additionally, The East Atlanta Village Strut will be September 17th and it will give those who have not been in a while a chance to see what’s new including a book store!
August 19th, 2005 at 6:41 pm
I’ve been wondering about this issue as well. Why business in East Atlanta are having a hard time. I suspect rising rents as well. I feel bad that it’s been so long since I’ve really been out in the neighborhood. I moved out of my Inman Park apartment six or so years ago (the complex has gone condo) and haven’t been there much. I’m glad to hear about Joe’s Coffee Shop, but can anyone tell me what happened to Sacred Grounds?
August 24th, 2005 at 12:41 pm
Isn’t Joe’s Coffee Shop the old Sacred Grounds? Sacred Grounds also tried to expand into downtown & from what I understand that hurt them financially.
But possibly the streetscape is hurting business, any other reason I wouldn’t know - though Larry Johnson might have a clue.
August 25th, 2005 at 7:18 pm
Sacred Ground sorta is Joe’s Coffee. I was told by one of the previous owners that he sold his stake to his partner — a guy who still owns a couple of coffee shops around town. Joe’s is also opening a new shop in Glenwood Park, which is a development between Grant Park and Ormewood Park, right on I-20. It is being funded by one of the founders of Earthlink, who envisioned a community that is inclusive of various economic classes.
September 1st, 2005 at 2:29 pm
Actually, Joe’s is not affliated with Sacred Grounds except for the fact that some of the employees are the same. Sacred Grounds went out of business and Joe’s came in its place. The new owners were never part of SG mgt or ownership, however one of the new Joe’s owner was a former employee of SG. BTW, Joe’s is much better than SG ever was.