Avondale Estates sees new life as downtown attracts restaurants and retail

Avondale Estates has seen new life as its new downtown attracts restaurants, retail and green space.

Mayor Jonathan Elmore told CBS News Atlanta that the development of downtown is part of a larger effort to connect the residential community with the commercial center.

“Our residents wanted stuff,” Elmore said. “They wanted to see buildings occupied. They wanted to see vacant lots built out, you know, they wanted coffee shops and bookstores and all the things.”

Several businesses and restaurants have opened their doors since the revitalization efforts began. Brittany Smith, owner of The Book Bird, said she was excited to open her business early in the development process.

“It’s really neat to kind of have a footprint early on in a development, especially a growing city,” she said.

Her business is a bookstore, coffee shop and wine bar designed to serve as a gathering place for anytime of day. 

“We hope that this feels like a gathering space for people and that they’re comfortable,” Smith said. “They can come in, they can read, they can play with their children. They can meet up with friends.”

City leaders say the goal of revitalization efforts is to create a community where people want to live for multiple generations.