Invest Atlanta launched the Downtown Facade Improvement program in January, awarding business and property owners $2 million in grants to help visually improve downtown Atlanta.
The program’s funds came from the East and West tax allocation districts downtown, which have joined together in efforts to make Atlanta more striking, according to an Invest Atlanta release.
Courtney Knight, manager for redevelopment at Invest Atlanta, said the program is intended to improve the aesthetics along the streetcar route and encourage tourists and natives to come to the area.
She also said students will enjoy the remodeled places of business.
“The student’s frequent use of some of these businesses generally improves the quality of life for students,” Knight said.
Alex Todorova, junior Georgia State business major, said her brother is always comparing the surrounding areas of Georgia Tech and Georgia State and hopes remodeling will create a ‘cool’ vibe to the university and surrounding areas.
“Being in a more attractive setting will make me feel proud,” she said.
Todorova also said the streetcar will prompt her to visit the remodeled businesses on a more frequent basis.
Local business owners
Matt Rupert, owner of Noni’s Bar & Deli was a Facade grant recipient in early 2014, according to Invest Atlanta’s website. The restaurant has been in business since 2008 and is located on Edgewood Avenue.
Rupert said one of the reasons behind Noni’s location is due to its proximity to Georgia State. He believes students will enjoy the new additions to the establishment.
“One of the new additions to Noni’s Bar & Deli will be a rooftop deck. A lot of students will want to take advantage of the unparalleled view of downtown. Students will be able to relax and chill on the rooftop,” he said.
Rupert also said about 200 students come to Noni’s on the weekends and the Facade enhancements will hopefully increase the amount of student customers.
“I predict remodeling will be done by spring of 2015,” he said.
Revitalization
Darryl Holloman, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Georgia State, said he is aware of the downtown revitalization along the Edgewood and Auburn area where he resides.
“It always benefits a college campus when the surrounding area is kept up well and looks attractive. As tourists come and feel more comfortable in those areas, they will be near our campus, leading to opportunities for perspective students, as well as new faculty and staff,” he said.
Holloman also said he believes the revitalization of these businesses will increase foot traffic from students, create vibrant spaces leading to expanded college experiences and will hopefully lead to more businesses that give students discounts.
Noni’s offers a 10 percent discount to students.
Remodeling and safety
Shawnice Hadley, junior pre-nursing major, said Auburn Avenue is scary and remodeling would make her feel safer to walk down the streets at night.
“Right now, nothing draws me to that area, so the new look will definitely be something new for me to look forward to,” she said.
Remodeling has not begun yet because the grants have not been disbursed and the building completion dates vary from project to project, according to Knight.
“There will be an initial meeting on Sept. 18, 2014, with all of the grantees to talk to talk about the next steps,” she said. “We will develop a grant agreement spelling out what they’re obligations are, and what Invest Atlanta’s plans are for disbursing funds to them.”
