Friday, December 18, 2015

Alfredo's Latest Victim of Apartment Assault

Landmark Italian restaurant closing 

Alfredo's Italian Restaurant, which has been in business since 1974, has been informed their lease is not being renewed and that their property has been sold.  The restaurant, located in a freestanding building at 1989 Cheshire Bridge Road, is one of Atlanta's longest running restaurants.  

Owner and manager Perry Alvarez reportedly hopes to relocate to another location but no lease has yet been signed.   
Alvarez joined the restaurant as a partner in 1977, eventually buying out the other owners in the mid-1980s. 

Although the restaurant is claiming to be pursuing a relocation, their facebook page tells a different story.  

A notice on Alfredo's facebook page this past Tuesday lists "NEW GIFT CARD TERMS"

"To All New & Existing Gift Card Holders We Apologize For Any Inconvenience STARTING JANUARY 01, 2016 We Will No Longer Sell Gift Cards STARTING NOW Gift Cards Expire On February 29, 2016"
Enat Ethiopian Restaurant with Ghezai Auto Repair in the rear 
The Alfredo's parcel, along with Enat Ethiopia Restaurant and Ghezai Auto Repair, were all built in 1950 and all were owned by the same man, Herbert Hayes.  The total land area is about 2.6 acres.  

A Georgia Department of Transportation Metro Atlanta Maintenance facility, located just north of Alfredo's, was also sold and will reportedly be joined with the adjacent parcels for the redevelopment. The overall parcel size is about 10 acres. 

Nino's Cucina Italiana, located at 1931 Cheshire Bridge Road, just north of the GDOT property, is reportedly safe for now. Nino's is even older than Alfredo's, having been in business since 1968. 

I found a document from the Campbell administration that referenced the GDOT facility as being a target for redevelopment as long ago as 1999.  I also found a document from 2013 regarding a potential sale and redevelopment of the property and Alfredo's.   

Sources tell me that the current plan is to redevelop the parcels into a mixed use complex that would include apartments, but I have thus far been unable to confirm who the developer will be.  

An employee of Atlanta-based Summit Engineering Consultants filed a "Zoning Verification Letter" with the City of Atlanta on October 8th for 1989 Cheshire Bridge Road: Alfredo's.  While there are no other details publicly available or any other permits on file, Summit has relationships with AMLI Residential, Archstone Communities, Gables Residential, Novare Group, Paces Properties, Walton Communities and Trammell Crow Residential,as well as assorted other commercial and residential developers, according to its website. 

Just north of this development, the Doll House, an adult entertainment establishment, and a few surrounding parcels are also in line for redevelopment into apartments and possibly office space as well. According to one source with knowledge of the plan, the 2.4 acre parcel with Cheshire Bridge frontage, including the Doll House, would become apartments.  

As it stands now, Westplan Investors Partners, LP. would construct a five story building with about 200 apartments with a pool in front and a parking deck in the rear. (Westplan is currently underway with "Aspire Druid Hills," a 310 unit apartment complex on Executive Park Drive, just off North Druid Hills Road.)   A larger parcel, behind the  planned parking deck and with access from Faulkner Road, currently home to two warehouse buildings converted to various gay businesses, could be converted to loft offices.  

South of the Alfredo's property on Piedmont Avenue, Fuqua Development and Mill Creek Residential are putting the final touches on their mixed use project: Morningside Heights. Included in the six-acre parcel are 300 apartments referred to as "Modera Morningside"  and a new Sprouts Farmers Market, slated to open February 3rd. 

At the opposite end of Cheshire Bridge Road, near I-85, Bluerock Residential Growth REIT and Atlanta-based Catalyst Development Partners are underway with another residential project.  The nearly 4-acre site, once home to Fleur de Lis Restaurant, will be redeveloped at a projected cost of $48 million into an 285-unit apartment complex.  

What are your thoughts on the sudden onslaught of apartments along Cheshire Bridge Road?  Are you in favor of the additional residential development or do you fear they will continue to eat away at the character of Atlanta?  What property, if any, would you like to see redeveloped into new commercial or residential use?  

Please share your thoughts below.  

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

The scrub down of Cheshire Bridge road commences! What is one of the most eclectic collection of businesses in Atlanta will be transformed over the next few years. I for one am fine with the adult entertainment businesses going away - they are breeding grounds for drugs and sex trafficking. But some of the other businesses make the area unique and I hope that Cheshire Bridge is able to keep some of its eclecticism.

watergirlwantstoknow said...

No way! My favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I hope they will reopen somewhere else!

Anonymous said...

not that interesting. Looks like some of this land backs up to a creek and nature preserve. Why can't they put some nice townhouses or even free-standing houses on small lots on any of this land?

Wieland and others are building nice developments in urban, walkable areas like this. Too bad there's no such creative thought in action here. No skin off my back, but it's a shame to designate all the land for people that won't be there very long, aren't really vested in the area.

~mindspringyahoo

Unknown said...

Cookie-cutter developments are eating away at all of Atlanta's quirky, historic neighborhoods and robbing them of all their local flavor. First Manuel's, now Alfredos, and probably Little Bankok next in favor of more and more Generica. Way to go Atlanta.

My2cents said...

Traffic... traffic traffic traffic.

The disaster that is almost finished on Piedmont is going to make the intersection of Cheshire Bridge and Piedmont even worse than it already is. They've painted the road with a left turn arrow on a lane that actually doesn't permit a left turn a certain times during the day. They've added a traffic light in a place where the road is often 100% consumed by traffic already.

They've allowed the businesses to use road space to put parking spots ON THE STREET, so now cars using the precious lanes will have to be blocked by people "waiting for the car to pull out" so they can then make what are often feeble attempts to parallel park on the street. WHY are parking spots necessary right next to a parking garage? And on a busy street no less!

WHEN are construction permits going to require that the builders pay for and ADD to the current infrastructure? My 2¢ are that developers should be required (when needed) to give up a portion of their parcel to be added to street space to accommodate the extra traffic. Seriously... you can't keep adding buildings, people, cars and DELIVERY trucks without also adding to the road surface.

It's ridiculous.

Ham said...

Sadly I’ve been expecting this for some time now. Cheshire Bridge is a prime location and no doubt many have just been waiting for the economy to show any signs of life to pull the trigger on these projects. I do wish a little more imagination could be used and that some of the more unique spots could have remained. Maybe they can include Alfredo’s into one of the mixed use projects.

Anonymous said...

Don't. Touch. The Colonnade. (or make it a part of a redevelopment .. .or build around it)

Anonymous said...

Come to Decatur! there is a huge dearth of Italian restaurants there

Anonymous said...

Seriously couldn't care less about traffic as a complaint. The more traffic, the more people will wise up and support transit or will turn to other forms of mobility like car pooling or biking.

My biggest complaint about the Modera/Sprouts development is that they strung the new traffic light up on wires. Really? We can't have a more attractive mast arm signal?

Anonymous said...

Atlanta has never been good with urban (or suburban) planning. Without a clear vision of usage, Cheshire Bridge will be the next Buford Hwy with a mishmash of apartment buildings and the occasional mini strip mall.

Anonymous said...

This is terrible! Alfredo's is my family's favorite Italian restaurant. If they don't find another location it will be a tragedy for the city.

It's sad to see the homogenization of Cheshire Bridge Road. While I'm not sanguine about the demise of the sex shops, the quirky restaurants and shops are one of Atlanta's few remaining distinguishing features. Now we're losing those, too.

Pounce de Leon said...

I love Enat! They are so friendly and the food is good. I hope it can relocate as well.

Melody Moore said...

This is horrible news about the closing of Alfredos, which happens to be the best Italian restaurant in Atlanta! Been going there for 20-25 years, and the staff as in owner, Perry, waiter Tony, and receptionist,and a lots more, Edie are the best! I hate it for you guys, but hopefully you will find a new home! Best wishes for all the staff. Love you guys for a long time!

Anonymous said...

great. pave atlanta with more frat houses. we need more bro culture, for sure.

Anonymous said...

Why must all of this redevelopment happen here? SWATL/Metropolitan Parkway is an area of town that should be considered. Miles of vacant lots are sitting there waiting for someone to come in with mixed use. Maybe one day. . .

Anonymous said...

Tear down whatever makes Atlanta unique? Check. Cram in as many apartments for the wealthy as you can? Check. Put up a new cookie cutter generic retail/residential development? Check. Do it without regarding the traffic impacts it will have and without doing a traffic study? Check. Atlanta repeats the same mistakes over and over and this luxury apartment building boom all over Buckhead is out of control, especially on Piedmont/Lindbergh/Cheshire Bridge but Peachtree as well. Just sickening. Pretty soon, it'll just be a generic playground for the wealthy if we're not there already

Anonymous said...

"Seriously couldn't care less about traffic as a complaint. The more traffic, the more people will wise up and support transit or will turn to other forms of mobility like car pooling or biking."

The Atlanta region missed the mass transit opportunity decades ago. Folks will not give up their personal vehicles nor will share their private comfort zone with others. You be careful on that bike playing in traffic!

Disneypal said...

Really sad to hear this and I hope they do re-open in a new location, but it just won't be the same. They have a great staff and the best Eggplant Parmesan in town!!

I don't have a problem with new apartments - maybe that means they will finally fix all the million potholes on Cheshire Bridge Rd.

Anonymous said...

There goes the neighborhood. Traffic will be an even worse nightmare. Time to move.

Anonymous said...

VERY well said. Intown neighborhoods are beginning to choke on traffic already. Apps like WAZE are now directing traffic from conjested main arteries through residential neighborhoods and peak traffic times are becoming bootlenecks on neighborhood streets. Other cities in the country require traffic studies to evaluate infastructure before development is allowed. Doesn't seem to be the case in Atlanta. Wake up Atlanta. Shame on WAZE as well for not respecting neighborhood streets. Keep it on the thoroughfares so we get the real picture.

Anonymous said...

This is so sad. Alfredo's is one of my all time favorite restaurants. And every city needs a thriving red-light district. This is just awful news for Atlanta on a number of levels.

Unknown said...

Actually, Manuel's near Virginia Highlands isn't moving, it's just being closed for renovation for 3 months. They plan on keeping the interior decorations, pictures, knick knacks, and historical pieces, in the same place. As a matter of fact, there was an article in the AJC on Wednesday about the massive project to document the history of Manuel's Tavern throughout its 60 year tenure. I may not be a regular, but I am seen there often on a Tuesday night after 10pm.

dwoelber said...

yes.. I cannot imagine how Cheshire bridge and piedmont ave in that area can handle anymore traffic.. where are the plans for some public transportation.. Who is planning this city?

mowogo said...

There is a long running plan to add a light rail line through Emory with a stop on Cheshire Bridge where BJ Roosters and Heretic are. Really just a matter of funding at this point for that line

postcub said...

Jungle, Heretic, Xion days are numbered... just saying.. 2 years tops..

jack said...

Rip down all the old moldy buildings and bring new life to Cheshire bridge. When Cheshire farm was replaced there was much to do about that. Let new life begin. Long live progress and agenda 21.

1venni said...

I have eaten there at both...sad tasting food. I think the fans like the familiarity and maybe being served by familiar faces, because the food needs to be just NOT

MarcioWilges said...

I think the removals of the few commercial facilities there do indeed eat away the character of Atlanta as the changes about to take place are so abrupt. Even if they are chasing the tenants away, at least replace them with some new commercial occupants and not just focus on residential properties alone.

Anonymous said...

More ugly, egregious apartments coming your way! Atlanta P&Z and city council should all be kicked out of office. They are destroying Atlanta with these crappy rental developments that bring nothing to the community except high traffic and obnoxious tenants that pay no RE taxes. Meanwhile, property values continue to plummet.

It is shameful, and these developments will look horrible in 2-3 years!

Unknown said...

Re. Alfredo's Restaurant closing
TO PERRY ALVERZ @ ALFREDOS, so sorry that you are having to leave Cheshire Bridge after so many years, I hope when and if you move to a new location , it will be a sucessful enterprise. Cheshire Bridge Road is going through a major change , either for the better or worse.I will miss the confort and homemeness of your restaurant and you and your friendly staff.as much as I miss my own location after my first 60 + years their. I guess the Colonade will be the last on holding the fort . BYE Bye, "HAPPY" Herman Mitchell

Unknown said...

TO PERRY ALVERZ @ ALFREDOS, so sorry that you are having to leave Cheshire Bridge after so many years, I hope when and if you move ta a new location , it will be a sucessful enterprise. Cheshire Bridge Road is going through a major change , either for the better or worse.I will miss the confort and homemeness of your restaurant and you and your friendly staff.as much as I miss my own location after my first 60 + years their. I guess the Colonade will be the last on holding the fort . BYE Bye, "HAPPY" Herman Mitchell

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