MIDTOWN ATLANTA: every day is an opening day!
It’s spring in Midtown, and every day is an opening day
Officially, spring begins on March 20 at 2:55 p.m., but as the Brand Atlanta campaign reminds us, in Atlanta, Every day is an opening day. Visit their website, www.ATLOpen.com, for a look at our city’s grandest openings in this most splendid season.
Here’s a mere glimpse of the many openings in Midtown.
Spring is in the air. Feel it!
TWELVE Atlantic Station: This premier, all-suite, boutique hotel opened its doors in February. Located in the heart of Atlantic Station, TWELVE offers shopping, dining and entertainment right outside its doors. Its chic, contemporary décor and fabulous Midtown setting promise guests a sophisticated urban experience. A new hotel brand from Novare Group, TWELVE is a member of Boutique, Preferred Hotel Group’s prestigious portfolio of more than 50 boutique hotels from around the world.
1180 Peachtree: King & Spalding, one of Atlanta’s leading law firms, is moving in to its new digs at the soaring 41-story office tower at the corner of Peachtree and 14 th Streets. Developed by Hines, the 681,000-square-foot building will neighbor the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s planned Symphony Hall. King & Spalding is a major tenant, leasing 416,000 square feet on a total of 17 floors in the building, including the top 14.
Margaret Mitchell House: The Center for Southern Literature at the Mitchell House and Museum invites visitors to open a book and open their minds to the human experience through the works of contemporary writers and journalists. Atlanta’s Pearl Cleage will discuss Baby Brother’s Blues on March 21. Deborah Davis’ Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote and His Black and White Ball follows on March 28.
High Museum of Art: Two must-see exhibits open on March 25 and run through June 18. The “Quilts of Gee’s Bend” represents a unique body of American art, created by more than 40 quilters from three, and sometimes four, generations raised in a small, isolated African-American community of 1,100 people. “Chuck Close: Self-Portraits 1967-2005” is, literally, an up-close and personal look at this American artist who has reinvented portraiture throughout his career.
Alliance Theater: “Jelly’s Last Jam” opened on the Alliance Stage March 15 and …,”said, Said” premieres on the Hertz April 7. Plus, the 2006-07 season’s been newly announced, blending musical comedies, world premieres, classic dramas and family fun. On the main stage, the season opens with The 25 th
Fox Theatre: From Bombay Dreams to Celtic Women, the Fox Theatre offers something for everyone. With the curtain rising on no less than 11 shows this spring, the Fabulous Fox exemplifies the “opening day” theme. Watch for these spring openings: Issues: We All Got ‘em; Third Day: Wherever You Are Tour; Bob Costas Gala; Bombay Dreams; Celtic Women; Golda’s Balcony; Barney Live: Let’s Go Tour; Hairspray; Benise; Doctor Doolittle; and The Phantom of the Opera.
Center for Puppetry Arts: Open your entertainment options to include a performance at this unique Midtown treasure. Through May 21, the curtain rises on “The Tortoise & the Hare & More,” a fanciful production of “fable-ous” tales told 2,000 years ago by a Greek slave named Aesop. Does slow and steady win the race? Find out in the fun-filled romp of original music and incredible puppetry.
Master Sculptors of Zimbabwe Exhibit: Nearly 150 pieces of “shaped stone” showcasing the artistry of Zimbabwean sculptors is now on view at Atlantic Station through April 15. The show features representational as well as abstract works with a modern look-- although each piece is made solely with hand tools. Location: 265 18 th Street on second level above Jos. A. Banks; entrance is from rear of store.
New American Shakespeare Tavern: Home to the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, the tavern opens its newly renovated “Little Globe on Peachtree” on March 30. Inspired by Shakespeare’s own Globe Theater, the new façade at 499 Peachtree Street represents five months of craftsmanship and the successful completion of a $500,000 Capital Campaign supported by arts patrons and foundations. The transformation from uninspired storefront to beautifully inviting edifice is nothing short of dramatic.
Atlanta Botanical Garden: Opening April 29, “Niki in the Garden” will be the world’s largest exhibition ever presented of internationally-renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s outdoor sculpture. Presented by Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., this fantastic show features Saint Phalle’s imaginative, monumental artwork beautifully displayed throughout the Garden for six months. What’s more, these magnificent sculptures will be on view during evening hours until 9 p.m. with “Niki Nights” every Thursday starting in May.
Green Market at Piedmont Park: May 6 marks the opening day of a new season of savory Saturday mornings at Piedmont Park. Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Atlanta’s most unique outdoor market, located right in the heart of Midtown. Presented by Kaiser Permanente, the Market features Georgia-grown produce, baked goods, fresh flowers, herbs, cheeses, and cooking demonstrations by many of the City’s finest chefs. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 12th Street entrance.
MARTA Breeze Card: MARTA is opening a whole new chapter in transit history with the rollout of Breeze, a new state-of-the-art smart card fare collection system. Soon, the MARTA system, including Midtown’s four rail stations and comprehensive bus routes, will be 100 percent smart card, making it the first transit system in the nation, and among the first in the world, to reach this milestone. Installation began in December 2005 and will continue throughout 2006.
A Sampling of Retail Newcomers: Boneheads made its debut in Atlantic Station on March 13. By late April, DRTC Studio and Chocolate Pink Pastry Cafe in 905 Juniper and Trader Joe’s at the Midtown Promenade on Monroe Drive will be ready for business. The much-anticipated Publix at Plaza Midtown opens its doors on May 11.