5 stories · Inside The Perimeter, Atlanta
When the 23rd annual Kirkwood Spring Fling and Tour of Homes takes place May 16-17, one stop won't be a traditional residence but a nature preserve honoring a community champion.
Space Explorers: THE INFINITE lets you explore a life-size replica of the International Space Station through virtual reality. 21 days to build. Over 60 videos. Cameras sent to actual space.
A longtime Kirkwood resident is taking over the wine shop on Hosea L. Williams Drive. Donyal Andrews plans to reopen as Finally Wine in mid-April with a fresh, modern look.
Robert Montwaid, the guy behind New York's famous Gansevoort Market, is bringing his third Atlanta food hall concept to the new Vela Park development near East Lake Golf Club. The multi-concept destination opens mid-April with six different chef-driven concepts, craft cocktails, and roomy outdoor dining.
The trendy Beltline warehouse complex that thrived during COVID is now seeing major vacancy issues. A local resident estimates only 35% of retail space is occupied, a dramatic drop for what was once a weekend hotspot. The Beacon's struggles highlight broader challenges for Beltline developments as the novelty wears off and economic pressures mount.
Kirkwood sits just east of Inman Park and Edgewood, with Decatur to its north and East Atlanta to its south. It's a residential neighborhood with a small but growing commercial strip along Hosea L. Williams Drive. Kirkwood was one of those neighborhoods that was quietly affordable for years while the areas closer to the BeltLine got all the attention. That's changed. Prices have gone up, but Kirkwood still has a family-friendly, community-oriented feel that sets it apart.
The food scene is small but solid. Pullman Yard, the massive historic railcar repair facility on the neighborhood's edge, has been converted into a mixed-use event and entertainment venue that hosts immersive art shows and markets. Le Petit Marche is a beloved French-Southern brunch spot. Taproom Coffee, Arden's Garden, and a handful of other spots line the main drag. The PATH trail system runs through the neighborhood, and the planned BeltLine spur connections will eventually improve cycling access to the rest of the city.
Housing in Kirkwood is a charming mix of Craftsman bungalows, shotgun houses, and some newer construction. The lots are generous by ITP standards, so you actually get a real yard. The community is tight. The Kirkwood Neighbors' Organization is active, the spring tour of homes is a big deal, and the neighborhood Facebook groups are extremely lively (for better or worse). Kirkwood is where you move when you want the ITP lifestyle with a little more space and a little less scene.