News Archives

Home Depot Co-Founder Bernie Marcus Atlanta Mansion For Sale

August 14, 2013 by Thom Abbott

Let’s face it. You’ve probably been there once, maybe twice.

A day on the weekend.

As you work on that home improvement project, or that flower bed, or bought your Christmas tree.

You’ve probably been in a Home Depot store.

Home Depot was founded in Atlanta. In fact, the very first store that Bernie and Arthur opened was just a mile from where I live in the Atlanta suburb of Doraville. Humble beginnings that have grown into a world-wide company and those familiar orange-colored stores everywhere. (Except Bozeman, Montana where they HAD to change the store design…or not open.)

Home Depot is still headquartered here in Atlanta (Vinings) and certainly going strong.

So maybe you’d like to send some more money the Home Depot way? Perhaps you’d be interested in Bernie’s cottage in North Atlanta (Sandy Springs)? At a little over 10, 000 sq. ft. I’m sure you could fit your things in, right?

In reality, in the scheme of $1M plus homes, this is not a bad price for the house, and you are not way out yonder in Forsyth County and can actually get to and from Midtown Atlanta (you’d be attending symphony, plays and High Museum openings of course!) without needing hours of commute time.

I would love to take the credit for the listing, but if you happen to be a Buyer that has not found an agent, I’d be happy to help you settle into this stately home!

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 5140468 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

How Much Living Space Do You Need?

July 5, 2013 by Thom Abbott

When showing Midtown Atlanta condos, it can often be an adjustment for the Buyer who may be coming from another city, or a single family home, but looking to experience the urban walk-ability of Midtown Atlanta. A one-bedroom can be as small as 600 sq. ft. and a two-bedroom ranges from just under 1,000 sq. ft. to around 1200 sq. ft. Now the 1200 sq. ft. condominium is certainly a comfortable amount of space to live in.

Your needs might be different. Lots of out-of-town guests plus need for a home office might cramp your style a bit. But how much space do you REALLY need?

Do you think, even if money was no object, you would need a house THIS big?

You can read more about America’s Versailles at Pricey Pads as well as a story about the troubled owners, David and Jackie Siegel.

Midtown Atlanta | You Never Know Who You’ll See!

July 3, 2013 by Thom Abbott

I’ve never been a “star watcher.”

I don’t mean the kind in the sky. I mean the kind you see on your favorite TV show or movie.

I could probably walk right past many of them and never even know it, or I’d have that “I swear that was a movie star, but I can’t remember their name” reaction. I’m pretty sure I did that in the Salt Lake City Airport once.

But if you ARE a star watcher, then Midtown Atlanta is probably a good place to hang out!

Movies and TV are a big business in the Metro Atlanta area…and are only going to get bigger with the addition of studios like Pinewood Studios Atlanta. And when the stars are in Atlanta, many of them stay in Midtown Atlanta. The Renaissance Midtown Atlanta Hotel is a very, very popular place for actors to stay who are here a short time filming. (I know many of the Fast and Furious 5 were here…)

My business associate, Ray Benitez, also an actor here in Atlanta was working on the set of Let’s Be Cops, and had the pleasure of working with and talking to Andy Garcia. Andy was in just for the day to film and wanted to sample something close to where filming was taking place. (I’ll keep that location a secret!) Ray suggested Papi’s Cuban Grill in Midtown, at Myrtle and Ponce de Leon Avenue.

Andy enjoyed their great Cuban food, and took a moment to pose with some of their staff. (Photo compliments of Papi’s Cuban Grill)

Keep your eyes open when you are wining and dining in Midtown Atlanta. You just never know who may be at the table next to you.

AT&T to add 600 Jobs In Georgia

June 7, 2013 by Thom Abbott

The telecommunications company, AT&T has announced plans to create nearly 600 jobs in Georgia.

AT&T is hiring full- and part-time employees in network construction and maintenance, customer support, retail and other positions. The company plans to begin filling these positions immediately.

The announcement did not say WHERE the jobs would be located. AT&T has a large presence in Midtown Atlanta with two office buildings, as noted on the picture! If any of those jobs are in these buildings, potential employees can walk to work from any number of Midtown Atlanta condo buildings!

Certainly saves on your car and your gas bill!

Atlanta to install free WiFi in Piedmont and Grant Parks

May 31, 2013 by Thom Abbott

“For a city this size that’s called itself the most connected city in the Southeast, we want to be the leaders of that,”said Interim Chief Information Officer Michael Dogan. “It’s expected you’ll be able to work, play, and enjoy whenever you are.” Dogan was quoted in an article in Creative Loafing.

Atlanta to install free WiFi in Piedmont and Grant Parks

Piedmont Park’s installation is expected to cost “several hundred thousand dollars” to build the necessary infrastructure. Once in place, there would be additional maintenance costs once the WiFi up and running. While the city hasn’t nailed down a final timeline, Dogan thinks some level of WiFi can be expected within the next six months. And yes, the WiFi will be free, in some capacity.

Additionally, the City of Atlanta is talking with Central Atlanta Progress, Midtown Alliance, and Buckhead Community Improvement District about bringing free WiFi to those business districts. Nothing definite with this proposal…more like it’s under consideration.

I would only say that when using a free network like this, you do open yourself and your computer up to hackers. Considering Midtown Atlanta is home to Georgia Tech….hmmmmm. I might keep my secure wireless connection…but this still is a good thing to offer up. It’s not expected to come on line much before early next year.

SkyView Ferris Wheel Atlanta to Appear on the Downtown Skyline!

May 22, 2013 by Thom Abbott

Skyview Atlanta Ferris Wheel — Rendition Compliments of ABC

Downtown Atlanta is about to get another new attraction…and a pretty cool one at that!

The Atlanta City Council approved plans for the Atlanta Ferris Wheel, called SkyView Atlanta, at its Monday meeting. No city funds are being used to install the ferris wheel, but the City Council did have to approve the project due to neighboring utility lines, and the soon to arrive Atlanta Streetcar.

SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel will have an international connection as it was first in Paris,France! More recently it was in Pensacola, Florida and is currently in Pennsylvania, although it does not mention if it is in storage or in use there. It is expected that Skyview will begin assembly here in Atlanta within just a few weeks, and may even be up and running in June! Stay tuned her and I’ll be sure to capture some photos of the site before, during and after the assembly of the Wheel.

The cost for a ride is expected to be $13 and last about 15 minutes.

Atlanta to install free WiFi in Piedmont and Grant Parks

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