A couple weeks ago, I posted a blog entry called “Is Your Condo Missing Something?” I talked about adding a “fire” element to your condo – for those of you without gas in your building. The blog post continues…

I was out shopping and went to a really great outdoor furniture shop in Midtown called Kolo Collection. They actually sell the fireplace I was speaking about, as well as another cool idea. The Tower. 

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You are already thinking about the summer heat in Atlanta, so let’s fast forward to winter. I saw this on one of my favorite blogs today and thought it was a brilliant (but expensive) idea.

Most developers don’t install gas in their building due to the expense, but if you are like most Atlantan’s, you need and desire to sit by a warm fire in the winter. The latest crop of luxury buildings offer gas cooking appliances, but what do you do when you are in a building where gas isn’t an option.

One company called Conmoto has come up with a very creative solution – the Travelmate Portable Fireplace. This amazing smokeless fireplace is made of black powder-coated steel and glass with an adjustable steel fuel-holder which burns on bio-ethanol liquid fuel. The glass pane, which is held on with magnets, is only removed in order to light the fire. Once the glass pane has been replaced, the fuel tank can be opened and closed, using the stainless steel slide at the front of the fireplace, thereby allowing the flames to be regulated from the outside. Now the glass pane once again protects the fire and you can relax and enjoy the warmth it puts out.

You can carry this fireplace throughout your condo to set the mood anywhere you like – by the dining room table, the living room, the library or even on your terrace. This particular fireplace is 20″ h by 28″ w by 8″ d and weighs 55 pounds.

The bio-ethanol fuel burns for about 2.5 – 3.5 hours. What’s the fireplace cost? $3,300 (available from unicahome.com)

Check with your association to make sure they will allow you to use a product like this in your condo.

I went to the 12th & MIdtown presentation last night. They didn’t release any new information, but they did go over the what would be in each phase of development (generally speaking). There were two presentations shown, one of which outlined the target demographics and also a “walk down peachtree” showing what the landscape could like like by 2012. It was really impressive to watch. 

The stores that will be lining Peachtree Street will mostly all be flagship stores. 12th & Midtown wants stores that either do not currently have a presence in Atlanta or companies that want to expand away from suburbia. The idea is to create a Midtown shopping, dining, working and living mecca. Atlanta is sure to become one of the top shopping destinations in the country.

I did manage to talk with quite a few people who attended the event. One person told me Saks Fifth Avenue was considering putting their store into one of the phases and Apple was also thrown into the mix. (I think Apple is leaning toward 999 Peachtree.) Ritz Carlton is planning to build a new hotel at 14th and West Peachtree. We’ll see if they put some luxury condos on top of the hotel. I suspect they will because many luxury chains are following the trend. In addition, another 5 star luxury brand will be setting up shop in a future 12th & Midtown phase. The brand wasn’t disclosed, but it’s going to be unique to Atlanta. Equinox Fitness Club will be entering the Atlanta market somewhere in 12th & Midtown.

Daniel Corp.’s and Selig Enterprises’ $1.1 billion 12th & MIdtown project will add up to 2.5 million-square feet of fabulousness over four city blocks. It will include more than 1,000 premium residences and up to 300,000 square feet of high-end retail. It will also feature two office towers — comprising 725,000 and 500,000 square feet of class A office space — and two boutique hotels.

Below: The Loews Hotel - (Completion in 2010) The building will have 60 luxury residences on top. Loews will be different from any other Loews in the chain. The Atlanta hotel promises to be more luxurious, upscale and  hip than any project they have done before.  

Four new Atlanta restaurants will be opening at 1010 Midtown along Crescent Avenue. I believe some will have outdoor seating (great news when fall weather comes around) and I am certain they will all be unique. This is great news for residents of 1010 Midtown and the surrounding area! 

• Ri Ra Irish Pub (www.rira.com): Ri Ra is constructed of materials salvaged from famous, old pubs. Each pub is unique. Authentic furnishings and appointments are imported directly from Ireland to create a genuine Irish atmosphere where patrons experience the Real Flavour of Ireland. The name Ri Ra is derived from the phrase “Ri Ra agus Ruaile Buaile,” which translates roughly as “celebration and good fun.” Ri Ra was mentioned in my previous blog post

• RA Sushi Bar Restaurant (www.RAsushi.com): The stylishly edgy sushi bar and restaurant currently has 20 locations across the country. An unconventional dining concept, RA blends fresh sushi, hip music and contemporary décor all rolled up into one flavorful experience.

• Piola (www.piola.it): This unique pizzeria from Italy with locations in São Paolo, Buenos Aires, New York and Miami’s South Beach features authentic thin crust, wood‐fired brick oven pizza and Italian cuisine that is simple and healthy. Whether socializing after a night on the town or lounging with friends on a lazy summer day, Piola diners will experience true European ambiance in a fabulously hip and fun atmosphere. I have been to Piola in South Beach and it’s really great. 

• Noon|Midtown (www.noonmidtown.com): Noon|Midtown offers sophisticated sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as pastries and breakfast items, with a focus on locally‐grown produce and sustainably raised meats. Whether rushed for time or looking for a leisurely meal, guests will enjoy exceptional food in a stylish and comfortable setting, making Noon|Midtown the perfect complement to the Midtown lifestyle.

Crescent Avenue is located to the left of this rendering where the red awning is.

I was in the area of 1010 Midtown over the weekend and the progress looks great! I’m taking a client to the sales center for a hardhat tour later this morning. The weather isn’t too great, so we might have to reschedule depending on the developers policies. I’ll try to snap some interior shots, as well as the expected amazing views! I’m particularly excited to see the view down Peachtree looking toward Midtown. Retail announcements coming soon? I believe it will be tomorrow or Friday.

The glass along the retail portion of the building is being added. It’s really beautiful and I love the curved features of the design. If I were to buy a place here, I’d most likely want to live on one of the floors with the extra ceiling height.

According to FMLS (First Multiple Listing Service), there are a number of units in Pending status. 43 to be exact, ranging from $223,900 – $748,900. There are also 99 units listed as Available, ranging from $225,900 – $1,150,000. 

Below: A great rendering of the Lobby. It looks so realistic.

I took a client to 1010 Midtown this afternoon and learned some information about what is going to be going in the retail portion of the project. The official announcement is going to be made in about two to three weeks.

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According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Ben Carter’s Streets of Buckhead development is 50% pre-leased. The project needs to be 65% leased by the end of the year. I think they are well on their way to achieving that goal. Contractors are currently pouring concrete for the foundations and have started working on the parking deck. Fall 2009 will be here before you know it! 

I know there is a lot going on at the construction site, because as I drive down Peachtree Road, traffic comes to a screeching halt. I can’t imagine what rush hour is like – madness! All I can say is avoid that stretch of Peachtree for the time being. There are plenty of back roads to take and I would stick to them, otherwise you’ll be enjoying your satellite radio talk shows for a while!

What’s the next big retail/restaurant announcement? I really hope some additional boutique style retailers set up shop at this project.