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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Concierge Society of Atlanta is Here, and We Like It

Posted by: Amelia // Category: Atlanta, Fame and Fortune, Big Money No Whammies // 5:58 pm

Remember that time you were staying in a hotel in a new city and were like, “Oh hey–I’ll just ask the concierge!”  I remember, and that was very smart of you.

If that scenario took place in Atlanta, chances aren’t shabby that the concierge you spoke with is at the Wren’s Nest right now.

Concierges!

We like this.  We like it a lot.

Naturally, we’re not pleased for some flim-flammy reason like “we enjoy being part of the Atlanta community”.  Oh no.  Instead, it has everything to do with making a good impression on the people who count.  And in our world, that’s the Concierge Society of Atlanta.

We only got our brochures into metro Atlanta hotels this last year, and it’s key that concierges point them out to visitors looking for, say, this nation’s most exciting house museum (patent pending).

In order to up our visibility, we’ve even gone door to (hotel) door to say charming falsehoods like, “Do you have the Wren’s Nest brochure?!  My important and well-traveled chums told me I just had to see it! I hope it’s prominently displayed at your fine hotel!  Cheerio!”

Needless to say, we’re on our best behavior.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go stand guard in front of the historic bathroom and smile pleasantly.

Comments: 5
 
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Midtown’s Crum and Forster Building: Demolition Update

Posted by: lain // Category: Historic Preservation, Atlanta, Really? // 9:07 am

Today’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution has an extensive roundup of the controversy surrounding the proposed demolition of the Crum and Forster building in Midtown Atlanta.

Crum and Foster Building

The bad news is that the demolition permit has not been revoked.

The good news is that the Georgia Tech Foundation, they of the demolition permit and the “interest” in “serving” the “community”, has actually taken a step toward exploring alternatives other than demolishing the Crum and Forster building.

The Foundation has enlisted Surber, Barber, Choate, and Hertlein, a prominent architecture firm with a solid record in historic preservation. I’m no architect, but I can attest that they’ve helped us out plenty here at the Wren’s Nest.

Hopefully the good folks at SBCH can convince the Georgia Tech Foundation that tearing down this building is a stupid idea. No doubt the Foundation mostly cares about the bottom line; the irony is that keeping this building will make their development much more valuable in the long run.

If you’re interested in signing the petition to save the Crum and Forster building, go here. If you’re looking to write a letter to the powers that be (probably the most effective route), go here.

Related:

Comments: 0
 
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Atlanta Cyclorama Is Now Online

Posted by: lain // Category: Historic Preservation, Atlanta, Technological Advances // 8:54 am

Just 122 years after its completion, Atlanta’s Cyclorama now has its very own web site.

Atlanta Cyclorama Finally On the Internet

The Cyclorama is my favorite attraction in Atlanta.  For those of you who haven’t been, it’s an enormous painting / diorama that depicts the Battle of Atlanta.

Now, I know it may not sound too exciting, but it’s like the biggest painting in the world, and it’s totally bizarre.  The combination of history, kitsch, and awesomeness (the Old Testament kind) make it an absolute must-see.  I think the web site does it justice, too.

I still think we should team up with the Cyclorama along with Oakland Cemetery, the Herndon Home, the Margaret Mitchell House and the King Center to create a “Civil War to Civil Rights” trail.  Now we could even make outlandish statements like, “See website for details”!

Comments: 2
 
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Wren’s Nest Publishing Co. Visits the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Posted by: Amelia // Category: Storytelling, Atlanta, High School Hijinx, Decatur Book Festival, Wren's Nest Publishing Co. // 11:14 am

Welp, the title pretty much says it all.

Editors of Vernacular visit the AJC

Let’s do it this way:

  • Who: five of our six student editors from the Wren’s Nest Publishing Co., hangers-on.
  • What: a tour of the AJC, followed by a brief tutorial in inDesign.

Nancy from the AJC

(Nancy, our lovely tour guide.)

  • Where: the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, dummy.
  • When: why, just yesterday.
  • Why: um, because field trips are awesome, obviously.
  • How: We’ve got connections you wouldn’t believe.  Actually, you probably would.  Tom did it.

So all in all, a great day for our little program.

Though we have set a new goal for the Editors as result of our adventures: when asked things like “Where are you all from?”, ideal answers include things like “The Wren’s Nest Publishing Co.” or “A publishing program that’s a partnership between the Decatur Book Festival and The Wren’s Nest House Museum”.

Yesterday’s choice, looking at feet, was only okay.

Reminder: know any writers or artists between the ages of 12 and 18?

Get them to submit their work to submissions@wrensnestonline.com before July 20th!  Man alive, they could be published by summer’s end!

Comments: 3
 
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Foreclosed 30310 Homes on the Auction Block

Posted by: lain // Category: West End, Atlanta // 10:41 am

More often than not, our zip code is in the news for the wrong reasons.

AJC Map of Atlanta and 30310

This time around, we’re featured in the AJC for our unusually high foreclosure rate.  30310 is offering up 26 homes for auction this evening.

Regarding potential buyers, the article quotes West End real estate blogger Nia Knowles–

“My fear is we’re going to have the same issue we had before.  I don’t want to be stuck with houses that aren’t properly managed by some investor who just flew in.”

If you live, say, outside of 30310 and read the papers, I wouldn’t blame you if you thought that the state of affairs in West End was pretty grim.

After all, we’ve been plagued by mortgage fraud, more than most communities.  Last November one dude pleaded guilty to mortgage fraud charges that affected 80 different properties, most of them in West End.

Thing is, I really like working in this neighborhood.  The people here are great, and the houses (that haven’t been foreclosed upon) are beautiful.  I walk from the Marta station most days.

And, significantly, there’s a sense of community here that many neighborhoods will never have.

While it’s a shame that bad press like this can fuel skewed perceptions, at least there’s the potential for new neighbors to purchase an intown house for a steal.

Previously:

Comments: 2
 
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Lain Won an Award from the Atlanta Urban Design Commission

Posted by: Amelia // Category: Historic Preservation, Atlanta, Fame and Fortune, Victorious!, Big Money No Whammies // 10:44 am

On Tuesday night our fearless executive director was awarded the Atlanta Urban Design Commission Award of Excellence.

Specifically, it was the Jenny D. Thurston Memorial Award for an Outstanding Preservation Professional.

Mayor Shirley Frankline, Shakespeares, and Amelia with closed eyes

(Lain, his parents, a fleeing Mayor Shirley Franklin, and my inability to keep my eyes open in pictures)

Lain was honored alongside people and projects like the oft-profiled architects Brian Bell and David Yocum, the renovated old-timey train depot and current restaurant The Depot, and the firm that renovated Rockefeller Hall at Spelman College.  You can find the full list at the end of this article.

But Lain got the biggest award!  We’re super proud, and Lain is super embarrassed when you mention it.  It’s great.

Also great was the reception at the new Hilton Garden Inn, which boasted the sickest views of Atlanta I’ve ever seen.

Skyline Facing South from Hilton Garden Inn top

(Wowee, right?)

Since the architect of the building was in attendance (not sure this makes it legit, but it helps), we got to go up to the helicopter pad and do our best to not fall off.

Helicopter pad at the Hilton Garden Inn and views

However, the absolute highlight of the night (that has nothing do with accomplishments) was courtesy of a woman in the elevator who asked, “Are you the baby who does Uncle Remus?”

When Lain confirmed, she incredulously (and loudly) recounted “I hear this long list of accomplishments, and then this BABY comes up to receive the award.  You’re just a baby!!”

I laughed for about 4 minutes.

Lain Shakespeare and the Atlanta Skyline

(Surprisingly young award recipient, awesome views)

Congratulations, you big baby.

Comments: 14
 
Friday, June 13, 2008
Wren’s Nest Fest is Today

Posted by: lain // Category: Storytelling, West End, Atlanta, Events // 7:20 am

Homemade WNF 2008 poster

So, we’ll be out of the office and in the backyard. Don’t you dare call this office unless you want to hear our new, one-day-only voicemail message.

If you’re feeling limber, and you don’t much want to go to the H&M opening or need something to do before the Wordsmiths Birthday Party, Wren’s Nest Fest might be just what the doctor ordered.

Might I suggest that you take a long lunch break and hang out with us for a picnic? We’ll even grill you a hot dog.

More information here, and as always, directions are here.

Comments: 0
 
Monday, May 19, 2008
Dear Atlanta, Please Don’t Tear Down Four Historic Buildings. Love, The Wren’s Nest

Posted by: Amelia // Category: Historic Preservation, Atlanta, Really? // 12:29 pm

Today’s AJC has an article about the conflict over four historic buildings in Midtown. Most troubling to a person like me is the fact that the buildings will be taken down in favor of… vacant lots.

Crum and Foster Building

Come on.

It can be a tad unnerving to be in the business of preservation when vacant lots are winning out over the institutions that shaped Atlanta (hi, Tech! Thanks!)

Now, to be fair, there are a lot of challenges involved in historic preservation.

Speaking from a Wren’s Nest perspective, lordy does it cost a lot. We’re awfully dependent on the kindness of others (volunteer at Wren’s Nest Fest!). It’s not particularly easy to maintain things that weren’t intended to last, which can be frustrating indeed. And sometimes people try to pee on your antiques.

But the largest and most consistent obstacle is also the most obvious: people like new stuff. New is exciting, and Tech specifically has done great things recently. See: Tech square, their new management building, or Lain’s favorite thing ever, the 5th street bridge.

5th Street Bridge in Midtown, Atlanta

(It goes over the highway! And is pedestrian-friendly! And pretty! Seriously, awesome. We usually drive over it in each direction in appreciation.)

Regardless, taking down these buildings is not one of those great things. Not only does this destroy the character of the area, but it does so permanently. A parking lot may be profitable in the short term, sure, but you can’t buy old buildings back, nor can you bring back charm once you’ve leveled it.

And you know what? Old things work. They’re socially and economically important. Just look at, oh I don’t know, places like Chicago.

Water Tower in Downtown Chicago

My kinda town.

Comments: 8
 
Thursday, May 1, 2008
May Day at the Wren’s Nest and Photo Gallery

Posted by: lain // Category: West End, Atlanta, What Would JCH Do?, High School Hijinx, Historical Quagmires // 12:13 pm

Well, it looks like the Wren’s Nest is bringing back the May Day Festival. I know this because I read it in this morning’s paper.

After 25 Years, a May Day Revival

Also, because we’re helping organize it. Durr.

If you read the article, you’ll note that there was a May Day celebration here at the Wren’s Nest for over 70 years.

Our amphitheater was built in the 1920s for the celebration, and the walkway that leads up to it commemorates each May Queen from 1909 - 1983.

The Wren's Nest Amphitheatre Set Up for a Wedding

It was a very formal affair, and quite a big deal to the organizations in charge of the Wren’s Nest before our current non-profit board took over in 1984.

In fact, the May Day festival ended up eclipsing Joel Chandler Harris and the Brer Rabbit stories in terms of organizational priorities. From what I can gather, it was done under the guise of “what Joel Chandler Harris would have wanted.” I think it was more “what they wanted,” but oh well.

The same sort of excuse was used to justify segregation of the Wren’s Nest, and as we now know, that claim was absolutely false.

That said, the May Day festival was a pretty neat tradition. There would be a parade down Gordon Street (now R.D.A.), and it would culminate in our back yard.

We’ve got a scrapbook of pictures from each year, and I’ve included one from each decade below. Have fun!

May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1909 Mary Colcord

Mary Colcord was the first May Queen of the Flower Festival. Here she is in 1909.

–

May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1915 Christine McEachern

Before Ludacris, I suppose this is how you dropped dem bows in Atlanta. Look at the size of those things!

Christine McEachern was the May Queen in 1915. She’s surrounded by: (standing, left to right) Mary Gresham, Julia Greene, Louise Nichols, Evelyn Jordan, Maude Foster, Dorothy Brogdon, and (seated) Kathryn Stoy and Margaret White.

–

May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1927 Elizabeth Camp

Elizabeth Camp in 1927.

She’s surrounded by (standing, left to right) Sara Harrison, Madeline Wrigley, Beatrice Robinson, and Sara McCormack. Then, seated: Jane Spink, Charlotte Richards, Virginia Dillon, and Celeste Houston.

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May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1932 Betty O'Kelly

Betty O’Kelly was the May Queen in 1932.

Apparently you had to be escorted to the stage by a boy your same age who handed you the “Queen’s Scepter.” I met the guy who did the escorting in 1944, and he said that his lines were, “O Queen! Here is thy scepter!” because the year before the kid said, “Hey lady, here’s ya’ stick.”

–

May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1948 Flower Festival

Probably 1948. These girls look like Rockettes in training or something. As you can see here–this was a pretty big deal, apparently.

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May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1949 Jane Brooke

Jane Brooke was Queen in 1949. I like the color of the flowers.

–

May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1958 Judy Carlson

Some of the ones taken in the 50s and beyond were clearly not taken at the Wren’s Nest. This one is Judy Carlsen from 1958.

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May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1958 Judy Carlson's Commemorative Stone

Here’s Judy’s stone. All of them look like this with a couple changes in size and font, and each is in a different state of repair.

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May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1963 Kathy Wright

Here’s Kathryn LaRose Wright from 1963.

She’s with John Hunsinger, Paul Jenson, Missy Wright, Kitty Gundt, John Chapman, and Julie Hinton.

–

May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1975 Eugenia Marie Conway

Eugenia Marie Conway from 1975. Flower children meet the Flower Festival.

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May Day Flower Festival at the Wren's Nest - 1983 Margaret Lyn Rhodes

Not the best picture quality, but Margaret Lynd Rhodes was the final May Queen, in 1983.

Comments: 8
 
Monday, April 14, 2008
Marriott In West End?

Posted by: lain // Category: Historic Preservation, West End, Atlanta, Ridiculous Demands, Really? // 8:19 am

Suna Om–investor, business owner, and fellow member of the West End Merchants Coalition–wants to build a Marriott right down the street from the Wren’s Nest.

Suna Om, West End Investor, Wants to Build a Marriott in West End

(photo courtesy of the AJC. They’ve got three more in this album.)

Gosh, what is that little dog doing behind her?

Anyway, I had no idea that she has a Marriott in mind. Her property is about three and a half blocks east of us, just across from Hank Aaron’s Krispy Kreme and the Mall West End.

Here’s what I like–this idea is totally out of left field. If you walked by her property today, you’d go, “Really? A Marriott? Ohhhkay, lady.”

west end retail

I really like the prospect of bringing a hotel to West End. What a great kick in the pants that’d be.

Here’s what I’m skeptical about–the location.

Granted, those old buildings are a little grimey. But they’re also neat old urban storefronts that already cater to a lot of street life. I’d hate to see them torn down. It would change the neighborhood irrevocably, and not for the better.

Put a little money into cleaning those buildings up, and they’re no different than what you’d see in more successful shopping districts like Little Five Points or East Atlanta Village.

Little Five Points, Vintage Shop, Vintage Storefront Courtesy of Amber Rhea

(thanks for the picture, Amber!)

Of course, I’m not the one bringing the money to the table. Nor do I have much idea of what property is on the market, but it seems like there are more than a handful of better, nearby locations for a Marriott–

Say, perhaps, the empty parking lots around the corner where people sometimes sleep on discarded mattresses.

Or the newer gated, cookie-cutter apartment complexes that bisect the community with fences and parking lots.

Replace those with a well-executed hotel, and the neighborhood would gain economic steam and retain its historic character. Developers, especially here in Atlanta, tend to overlook the economic importance of authentic vintage flavor (ahem–old streetcars, houses, libraries, etc.).

We’ve got a great, urban neighborhood here in West End. My fear with the Marriott idea is that it will cause the neighborhood will become a victim of its own success before it even has the chance to be really successful (again).

That said, assuming she is sensitive to the historic and urban fabric of the West End neighborhood, more power to Ms. Om.  I’m excited to follow her progress, and I hope she inspires others.

Comments: 8
 
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