Latest News on Suburban Plaza Redevelopment

from Theresa Same, MANA Zoning Chair

Our cross-neighborhood committee met with Selig on June 27th for our first design and redevelopment meeting. As a result, I have some new design concepts to share with you as well as some general updates on the project.

Detail of façade; click to enlarge. Additional renderings appear below.

Design – Selig has hired Associated Space Design (ASD) to design the redevelopment of Suburban Plaza (SP). ASD recently designed the Shops Around Lennox near Lennox Mall. The redevelopment at SP will have some similar design concepts that you see at the Shops Around Lenox and yet will have a unique look as they attempt to blend the many different architectural styles found in the Decatur area.  ASD began this design process by studying the architecture of the surrounding areas (which varies greatly). They identified the following as dominant styles in the area: Modern-retro Industrial, American Traditional, Modern Deco, Urban Chic, and Italianate Classical. ASD then began creating a plan for SP that attempts to incorporate design elements from all of these styles. The attached renderings are preliminary design concepts for the façade renovation at SP.  The design process is always mutable, and changes should be expected as the plans are further refined.

I wanted to point out a few design elements that I find most interesting.  The mixture of building materials will likely include brick, metal, wood, stucco, glass, etc. This adds interest and texture to the buildings. There is an attempt to differentiate the storefronts with variation in the signage and adding facades so that the building will not longer appear flat and one-dimensional. The new design removes the existing canopy over the front of the building, allowing additional greenery and landscaping to be added to the storefronts and parking area.

Walmart is responsible for the design of their building.  Once Selig has selected the final material/color palate for the redevelopment, Walmart will incorporate similar elements to create a cohesive look for the shopping center.

Selig has also hired Bilson and Associates to complete the landscaped design and they will continue to work with Perkins and Will on the site layout and design.

Permitting/Schedule/Process – Walmart submitted plans for their land disturbance permit in early June. They are currently addressing county comments and anticipate submitting revised drawings by the end of this month.

Demolition and renovation of the existing shopping center remains on schedule to begin in the first half of 2013.

After permits are secured and necessary tenant leases are terminated, Selig Enterprises, Inc., as master developer of the project, will be responsible for all building demolition (including the site of the new Walmart) in preparation for new construction. This includes approximately 80,000 sf of building. Selig, owner of over 250 commercial buildings in the metro Atlanta area, has a reputation for following proper protocol and regulated procedures during demolition, material handling and remediation and we expect nothing different on this project.

Leasing – Selig is in continuing talks with several national retailers and local businesses who are interested in locating at the redeveloped Suburban Plaza. They plan to announce the new tenants in the coming weeks.

Please continue to check the website for the most recent information on the Suburban Plaza redevelopment.

Red on yellow, kill a fellow...

If you worry about how to identify poisonous snakes, insects and plants, consider signing up for free classes being offered by DeKalb County.

Registration is free but reservations are required. See the AJC article for details.

Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve work day [July 14]

From Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve acting president Gene Beck:

Event Date and Time:  07/14/2012 - 9:00am - 12:00pm 

Come lend a hand this Saturday 9 to 12 at the nature preserve. Join us for mulching, weeding and general clean-up and see the progress being made on our new kiosk and invasive plant removal through out the preserve. Do you have a wheel barrel? Please bring it as we have to mulch lots of trails! Can't volunteer this Saturday... but can help at other times? Reply to genebbeck@gmail.com and we will get in touch to use your help.
Please reply if you will be attending so we can plan for volunteer numbers.

Zaxby's now open (N. Druid Hills, next to North DeKalb Mall)

... located at 3809 N. Druid Hills Road, next to the North DeKalb Mall. The new 3,400-square-foot location will seat 96 in Zaxby’s unique design — a bright, open interior décor complemented by custom vintage prints and school memorabilia. Zaxby’s also offers drive-thru services to meet the needs of customers on the go.

For those who like supporting local-ish businesses, here's the Zaxby's story: "Childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley hatched the Athens, Ga.-based chain in 1990 to provide a fun, relaxing atmosphere that would keep guests coming back for more."

 For the full write-up, see http://www.restaurantnews.com/zaxbys-opens-third-decatur-restaurant/

Good Growth DeKalb rally [July 13]

Good Growth DeKalb is hosting a rally at the Medlock/Scott Blvd./North Decatur Rd. intersection

July 13, 5-6:30pm

For more information see their website: www.GoodGrowthDekalb.org

Civic Association Network Candidates Fair [July 9]

Civic Association Network (CAN)  Candidates Fair
7-9 pm, Tonight July 9th
Hellenic Community Center / Greek Orthodox Cathedral
2500 Clairmont Rd NE, Atlanta 30329

MANA is a sponsor for this event where candidates are arranged at tables by the office they are seeking and YOU, the voter, circulate among them talking to the ones you want to know more about.  You might have a specific question OR you might just ask them what they plan to do better in that particular office OR what qualifies them to hold that office OR you might just chat to get a feeling for the person.

We hope to see you there!

What the heck is the Higgs boson?

The Economist has a great summary of why this is news.