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On the Edge: The next shopping district?
By NEDRA RHONE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/30/07
It's hard to determine the next up-and-coming shopping district in Atlanta. Retail stores seem to be popping up everywhere, even when there is no assurance that new stores will make shoppers come.
But on Edgewood Avenue between Boulevard and Daniel streets an undeniable hum of activity has replaced what David Wrenn, a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker, remembers as a junk yard for air conditioners being recycled into copper bits.
The retail revitalization was still a distant dream in 2000 when Thumbs Up Diner, the popular eatery, relocated to the corner of Edgewood Avenue and Bradley Street. Today, the hour-plus wait for a table on the weekends gives a boost to foot traffic in the area. It's a bonus for the retailers in and around Dynamic Metals Lofts, a 2-year-old condo development across the street.
One of the first retailers, Laced Up, attracts a steady set of core customers, including Atlanta heavyweight, singer Usher Raymond. Visitors come seeking new sneaker styles from brands such as Vans, Dekline and Creative Recreation for men and Adidas and Converse for women. A silver leather pair of $70 Converse was recently on display along with a small selection of wood platforms for women and leather loafers for men priced $89 to $120 by Ben Sherman.
Next door, P. Valentine, co-owned by Sherlita Patton (Big Boi's wife) and Tracy Valentine, caters to the boutique crowd. On a recent visit, pretty dresses including a $330 LaROK bubble hem jumper with gold dots, hung on the racks near the large selection of Rock and Republic jeans. Guys can't get enough of the $26 Plain Jane boxers and Aqua Poni vintage hoodies for $135.
Cross the street and keep strolling across Randolph Avenue to find the self-explanatory Lighting Loft. The two-year old store owned by Dale and Kristen Howard caters to a variety of tastes and budgets. Displays reflecting in home set-ups help customers visualize how items will look. Sconces start as low as $59 and chandeliers top out at $2,500. We spotted a pendant chandelier with a fabric and metal drum for $239, a Lalique pendant chandelier for $629 and an aubergine tear lamp with velvet flocked shade for $ 299. Ask about home consultations and monthly moonlight sales.
Next door, Aida Rentas of Grass Roots Institute, a school for children, presides over a small shop that sells work by the artists who teach at the school. Oil paintings, woodwork, pottery and jewelry are included in the modest selection of wares. Brass candle holders cost $15.99 per pair. A blown glass bowl costs $175 and a range of soaps from Pre de Provence cost $7.
Cross Cornelia Street, pass the saloon themed Edge on Edgewood hair salon, and visit Dipt, a new clothing store for men and women. You may not recognize some of the brand names, but the prices, most of which stay in the two-digit range, should offer some solace. Sundresses in white eyelet and breezy prints range from $30 to $70. Capri's by Anoname Jeans cost $55, while smocked flower print tops are $38. Guys will find a selection of Chip and Pepper jeans in the $150 range, along with embroidered linen shirts by Toku for $55. By demand, the store owners have also expanded the stock of plus-size gear.
That's about the extent of this stretch of Edgewood, but retrace the path back to explore the Randolph Street side of Dynamic Metals.
The first stop is Vintage Nú, owned by tailor-extraordinare, James McFarland aka Gentleman Jim, the first black tailor at R.H. Macy's. Though McFarland may soon relocate, for now shoppers can purchase McFarland's newly made 40's style garments such as seersucker dresses with nipped waists for $175 and a cropped cashmere jacket for $450. McFarland also carries a small selection of jewelry ranging from $25 to $175.
Just before you reach J. Miles Salon, which offers full salon services and products from MOP, Barex Italiana and KeraCare, stop at Clay's Gallery next door to invest in work from artists including Calvin Coleman II; Todd White, creator of Sponge Bob; and distorted urban realist Justin Bua. President Aston Thompson says art can be had for as little as $200 and tops out at $10,000. The gallery also offers home assessments to help clients find the perfect piece.
Wrap up the trip with a stop at Thumb's Up, or the newly opened Charlie's Bistro, where New York style deli sandwiches including pastrami and corned beef cost $6.50. For lighter fare, swing by Auburn Avenue at Randolph Street and cool off at LottaFrutta, home of exotic fruit drinks and smoothies such as the LottaFrutta Especial, a mix of mora, bananas, strawberries and milk for $4.75. It, like the ever-growing Edgewood Avenue, holds the promise of something sweet.
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