Category: News

One of Atlanta’s hottest neighborhoods is set to get a cash infusion to spur development and more.

Bank of America and Chick-fil-A recently announced a pledge of $2 million to Grove Park Foundation to create the Grove Park Performing and Cultural Arts Center by renovating the historic Grove Theatre on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway.

The new Grove Park Performing and Cultural Arts Center, located at 1576 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, will create an accessible marketplace for small businesses and house community and cultural programming. The 10,000-square-foot facility will feature performance and studio space for arts and culture partners, office space, and a café/vending space.

“Our longstanding commitment to the Grove Park Neighborhood and its residents, in partnership with Grove Park Foundation, is part of our approach to driving economic opportunity in Atlanta,” said Bank of America’s Wendy Stewart, president, Global Commercial Banking. “This grant is just one way we are working to remove barriers to economic success and building a more sustainable community.” Stewart will also serve as chair of Grove Park Foundation’s Grove Park Forward capital campaign, of which the theatre is a key component.

Chick-fil-A’s senior director of corporate social responsibility Brent Fielder echoed Stewarts remarks, adding, “Chick-fil-A is a long-time supporter of Grove Park Foundation and their impactful work in this Westside Atlanta community. As part of our commitment to caring for communities, we are honored to make this investment in helping preserve this historic Atlanta neighborhood.”

Grove Park Foundation acquired a historic theatre building in 2017 as part of its early commercial and affordable housing investments. The building previously had multiple uses and increasingly fell into disrepair. With Fox Theatre Institute grants for historic planning and emergency repair, and early funding from the Kendeda Fund, Grove Park Foundation has worked with the community to envision a cultural and performing arts center with flexible space for performance, program, wellness and small business activities.

“The renovation of a historic building in the heart of the Grove Park community is a key to revitalizing the commercial core,” said Grove Park Foundation Executive Director Gavin McGuire. “We are creating affordable and accessible arts and commercial space to serve a neighborhood that has experienced generational disinvestment. The community has asked for this kind of flexible, engaging space, and with support from our partners we will be able to deliver.”

Additional support from SouthFace’s GoodUse Program will improve the building’s efficiency to save on utility costs and improve its environmental impact.

Grove Park Foundation will be raising funds for its Grove Park Forward campaign in 2023, bringing new projects online and expanding existing efforts in affordable housing, affordable commercial, economic mobility, legacy resident retention, and “out of school time” initiatives for youth, while also bolstering its own internal capacity to ensure the organization can continue to serve as a resource to community residents. As the needs across the Grove Park community continue to grow, the foundation is inviting other partners to join efforts to assist residents in the areas of housing, economic mobility, arts and culture, education, and health.

Final Word

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There’s been several news reports connecting the return of the National Hockey League to Atlanta. Although there have been no confirmations on another professional hockey team entering the local market (the Atlanta Gladiators are currently the area’s only pro hockey club), that has not stopped the rampant speculation.

What we do know is that a 100 acre property in South Forsyth is looking to attract retail, entertainment, and yes, an NHL team if they can.

South Forsyth Project: What We Know

The project stems from North Georgia entrepreneur Vernon Krause, known for his Krause Auto Group, among other businesses. Krause has been talking to municipal leaders as he looks to build an entertainment hub in one of the northern metro counties.

What Is The Gathering?

The Gathering is a planned mega-development that serve as a gathering place for North Georgia residents and “the Gateway to South Forsyth County,” as a press release puts it.

Here are some facts to know about the $1 billion The Gathering development:

• 750,000 square foot arena
• 1.6 million square feet of commercial and retail space
•  A 100,000 square foot community center
• A 7,500 square foot fire station
• 450 hotel rooms with meeting spaces and residential units

 Where Will The Gathering Be Located?

The Gathering will be located at the intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill Road along Georgia 400,

“The community of South Forsyth holds great meaning for me. As a global entertainment hub, The Gathering at South Forsyth will provide residents, employers and visitors with the ability to see their favorite musician, experience a family-friendly ice show or eat at a James Beard-awarded restaurant without having to sit in their car for hours,” said Krause. “The development will include the best in advanced technology, sustainability, walkability and connectivity – all within a comfortable and accessible setting,” he added.

Hockey may be coming back to Atlanta, or in this case, suburban Atlanta, according to news reports. A hockey arena called “The Gathering” in south Forsyth County seems to be the location of the National Hockey League team.

The National Hockey League may once again enter the metro Atlanta market, according to ESPN hockey anchor John Buccigross, who tweeted that pro hockey could once again find a home in metro Atlanta. It has now been revealed that the destination will be Alpharetta.

The team would play in a new arena in North Fulton County, according to various reports, including the Twitter account @NHLtoAtlanta. ” Mixed use property & arena is proposed for construction by property owner Vernon Krause on the corner of Union Hill & Reagan. Property is estimated $1B in value and will seat 18,500. Estimated 3 years to build,” the account tweeted.

Rather than adding an expansion team, the NHL reportedly is looking at relocating one of its existing franchises to Georgia. “However, this is likely due to the league awaiting what happens with Arizona and Tempe. Regardless, this is exciting info for the Atlanta Hockey Community,” NHLtoAtlanta tweeted.

‘We think it makes sense here. Private sector will be the ones who make the decision,” Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin told 11Alive. “But we want to be in a position that we know what we’re doing if the opportunity arises.”

Alpharetta has been trying to attract a sports team for some time now, Gilvin told the TV station. ”

“We hired a sports consulting firm a few months ago to look into this because we were getting proposals from different leagues and different sports and things like that and we wanted to know the viability,” Gilvin said. “So, we’re hopeful to get some type of information from that consultant in the next month or two that we can share publicly.”

Not everyone has met the news with excitement. Atlanta Gladiators co-owner Anson Carter, a former NHL player and current hockey commentator, told WSB’s Zach Klein that he was disappointed in the news.

“Shows a lot of disrespect for the hockey community to drop this tonight. The entire hockey world knows what happening tonight. It shows me a total disconnect.,” Carter told Klein. “That’s why hockey has failed in this community twice. I’m focused on the roots, not the fruits. Best of luck to them, I’m excited for them, but it’s disappointing.”

“The Gathering at South Forsyth will be an economic driver like no other,” said Alfred John – Chairman, Forsyth County Commission. “It will enhance what our County currently offers with an added focal point for world-class events, shopping and dining, and it will generate thousands of jobs both during, and after, construction. In addition, for the first time, our students and their families will be able to celebrate milestone achievements like graduations without limitations or being forced to travel outside the County’s boundaries. This best-in-class development will create a halo effect that will raise the County’s visibility and provide added economic growth opportunities,” he added.

Final Word

While there’s no doubt that a huge project is brewing in Forsyth County, it remains to be seen if an NHL team — or any sports franchise — decides to put down roots there. As always, as the project continues to develop, stay with AtlantaFi.com for the latest.

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Atlanta’s largest newspaper recently made history by naming its first black editor-in-chief!

Leroy Chapman Jr. has begun his tenure at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, succeeding longtime Editor Kevin Riley, who announced his retirement Thursday.

AJC Names First Black Editor-In-Chief

As the organization’s top news executive and first Black editor in chief in the newspaper’s 155-year history, Chapman will oversee the newsgathering, programming, features, and opinion teams as well as the editorial teams responsible for video, audio, newsletters and events.  Chapman will report to AJC President and Publisher Andrew Morse.

Riley, one of the longest-tenured editors of a major daily publication, will retire later this year. He will assume the role of editor at large during a transition period. 

THE MOMENT:
On March 23, 2023, for the first time in 155 years, the @ajc hired a Black man – @AJCLeroyChapman – to become Editor-in-Chief. Blessed to have witnessed this moment in history. I've never been prouder to be associated with this fine organization.
Good Luck Leroy pic.twitter.com/ia7xPv3EJi

— Ernie Suggs (@erniesuggs) March 24, 2023

“Leroy Chapman is an outstanding journalist, an inspirational leader, and an innovative thinker,” Morse said. “We are lucky to have him leading our newsroom as we transform the AJC into a modern media company at the center of life in Atlanta. We also want to recognize Kevin’s long, decorated history as editor of the AJC. He has made invaluable contributions to this institution and this city. We’ll miss his sound judgment and good humor and wish him the best in a well-deserved retirement.”

Who Is LeRoy Chapman Jr.?

Chapman is currently managing editor at the AJC, overseeing daily news gathering, breaking news, coverage of key news topics including state, local and federal government, politics, education, public safety, transportation, Georgia’s economy and the environment. Sports was added to Chapman’s responsibilities earlier this year. He joined the AJC in 2011 from The State in Columbia, S.C.

Since joining the AJC, Chapman has shepherded some of the publication’s most high-profile stories, including the efforts to undermine Georgia’s 2020 election results, the court cases of teachers and administrators charged in the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal, and the investigation into Atlanta’s affordable housing crisis during a time of economic uncertainty. Chapman is a U.S. Navy veteran and has been a journalist for 28 years. He lives in Gwinnett County with his wife Dawn and is a father to three adult children. The Chapmans’ oldest child is a relative the couple adopted when he was 13. 

“The significance of this moment isn’t lost on me. This kind of opportunity is why African Americans come to Atlanta,” Chapman said. “Kevin has been excellent at being visible in our communities and hearing from people. I am looking forward to getting out into the community and understanding more about how the AJC can continue to serve audiences and improve our city.”

Riley started his career in 1983 at the Dayton Daily News, which is also owned by Cox Enterprises, and was editor in Dayton for four years before coming to Atlanta in 2011. In his 12-year tenure, he emphasized public service, investigative journalism, and political coverage, as Georgia claimed a leading role in national politics. He oversaw the largest reporting staff covering Georgia’s governor and legislature.

“I have never felt more inspired about the future of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution,” Riley said. “It’s been an honor to lead these incredible journalists and to serve the citizens of this state and city for the past 12 years. I will miss being a part of this storied organization, but I know its finest days are ahead.”

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