This time of year is all about gratitude and the Buckhead community has so much to be thankful for. We are thankful to live and work in such a vibrant community with a rich history and a bright future ahead. Thank you to all of our readers, neighbors, and community leaders who make Buckhead such a great place to call home.
Here are 9 things we are thankful for today:
Stepping inside of artist Ross Rossin’s workspace is a bit of a head trip. Massive hyper-realistic portraits hang on the walls, the subjects’ steady gazes calmly looking out across the clean and open space. Rossin’s portraits have a uniquely captivating quality that draws viewers closer not only by the impressive detail and nuanced brush strokes but also by the spirit that seems to seep out of each canvas. In fact, Rossin’s work is so realistic that many viewers initially can’t believe that the portraits are paintings and not high-resolution photographs.
“Physical likeness is where I start, the journey begins there,” explained Rossin. When approaching a new subject he typically studies them for only about 5 minutes, snapping photographs to reference later and then, crucially, he stares deep into the person’s eyes. This examination, if you will, is part of what Rossin considers to be a “silent dialogue – a somewhat mystical dialogue” between the artist and the subject that begins when face to face but continues on long after the subject has left and Rossin works alone with a canvas and his brush.
“It is as intimate as you can get,” Rossin said, speaking of the humanity that he seeks to encapsulate with every subject who sits for him, regardless of their position or status. His work bridges the gap between artistry and psychology with just a hint of mysticism. When displaying these works, he facilitates a further conversation between subject, artist, and now, the viewer.
“That’s intimacy shared with the world.”
Inspired by the great masters such as Rembrandt and Leonardo DaVinci, Rossin has been painting since he was only 6 years old. He earned himself a place in prestigious art schools from an early age and as a young man experimented with surrealism and abstraction but found that his true love was realist oil paintings. “Ever since I’ve done absolutely nothing else,” he said.
Originally from Bulgaria in Southeast Europe, Rossin’s mother was a librarian and his father an electrician. While the family supported his passions it was largely up to him to forge his own path in the art world. After graduating from the National Academy of Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria the political climate of the region opened up opportunities for travel, and he spent five years in Japan painting portraits for business leaders and political figures. Rossin’s reach expanded, leading to exhibitions in France, England, Belgium, and Germany, and commissioned portraits of political figures such as the President of the Republic of Cyprus, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, and the Lebanese Patriarch.
Later, five years of study and work in India became the inspiration for an exhibition titled “Ultimately Human” for the United Nations at the UN Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The portraits featured ordinary people he met on his travels alongside influential individuals such as Jimmy Carter, Ted Turner, and Desmond Tutu of South Africa.
Rossin and his wife Ava moved to Buckhead 18 years ago with their newborn son, Michael, and fell in love with the community and the art scene in Atlanta, settling down and later welcoming a daughter, Savannah, in 2015. “That’s how I know Atlanta – through Buckhead.” Locally his portraits of Paul Coverdell, Sonny Perdue, Roberto Goizueta and Douglas Ivester, Mike Bowers, and William Chase have all been received with great acclaim.
You may have also seen Rossin’s work when visiting Suntrust Park, as he was commissioned to create a nine foot sculpture of Hank Aaron swinging a bat, or perhaps you have seen the busts of VIPs on display at the Mercedes Benz Stadium.
That’s right – in addition to being a world-renowned painter, Ross Rossin is also a talented sculptor.
Rossin’s resume is impressive to say the least. He has four works on display in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC depicting Hank Aaron, Andrew Young, Morgan Freeman, and Maya Angelou. The United States Forever Postage Stamp was unveiled in 2015 featuring Rossin’s portrait of Angelou, and the Atlanta Center for Human and Civil Rights opened a museum based around his paintings of 7 key globally-recognized activists.
Political figures have always interested Rossin, and a painting of George H. Bush and George W. Bush was installed in the George H. Bush Presidential Library and Museum as well as a portrait of King George VI that was gifted to Buckingham Palace. Though most gifts are rejected by the Queen, she loved the portrait of her father so much she graciously accepted the gift.
It was when watching the King’s Speech that Rossin was struck by an interest in the portrayal of King George VI and decided he wanted to paint him. “I was just intrigued by his personality and his character,” he explained.
Rossin then contacted his friend, the Counsel General of Britain, and proposed the idea of painting the now deceased monarch as a gift from the people of Georgia to the Queen of England for her Diamond Jubilee, a multinational celebration in 2012 to commemorate 60 years since Queen Elizabeth had ascended to the throne.
“We only have one or two black and white images, so why not bring him to life?” Rossin posed.
A couple of months after offering the portrait to Buckingham Palace, Rossin heard from the Counsel: the Queen accepted the gift, loved the portrait, and wished to hang it somewhere in Georgia. Today, it is on display at the British Consulate General here in Atlanta and remains a part of Her Majesty’s personal collection.
One of Rossin’s portraits of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International, fetched a hefty $170,500 for the Rotary Foundation, and he was named a Paul Harris Fellow and Polio Free World Hero.
Recently, a 13’ x 20’ portrait of United States Presidents of the 20th century was purchased for a “significant amount” by the family of Harry and Brenda Patterson to display in the Presidential Gallery, and later the couple commissioned two additional canvases to include every president of the United States.
The works will be displayed at the Booth Museum and periodically travel as an exhibit through 2020. These days Rossin can be found working on site at the Booth Museum, and those interested in following along can visit the museum in person or watch the livestream online as he develops this large-scale painting over the next 12 months.
Rossin’s portraits start at $16,000 each and typically take around 10 days to complete. Or rather, that’s 10 days plus 48 years corrected Rossin, noting that his artistic confidence is due to not only his talent but also nearly half a century of experience. The fees are established on a case-by-case basis between painter and client and depend on the size, complexity, and detail of the painting. He has always leaned towards large scale works, and he averages around 40 completed pieces a year. Rossin continues to endlessly pursue beauty and connection in his work, achieving deeper and more personal works with every stroke of his brush.
“Paintings and sculptures, they last for centuries, so they had better be good” said Rossin. Indeed, he has not only immortalized notable figures of local and international politics, fame, and prestige, but he has also ensured that less-known individuals have been recorded in not just their image, but also their spirit, for generations to come.
Learn more by visiting Ross Rossin’s website or following him on social media.
UPDATED 02/04/19 – Great news for parishioners and lovers of this quaint house of worship, the Paces Ferry United Methodist Church will no longer be closing its doors. Thanks to tireless efforts by church members and Reverend Theresa Coleman, senior pastor at Collins Memorial located at 2220 Bolton Road who has stepped up to fill the vacancy left by Unti’s retirement, the church has resumed regular service. In order to facilitate multiple sermons at both locations, Coleman will lead service at Paces Ferry United Methodists on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM. In addition, the church has announced a forthcoming campaign website to accept donations for improving the building and grounds, though it has not yet been shared online. Learn more and keep tabs on the church and its progress by visiting their website and Facebook page.
Founded in 1877, the Paces Ferry United Methodist Church (PFUMC) is one of the oldest churches in Buckhead. On October 21, 2018 the church’s lay minister Steve Unti announced his retirement after 18 years leading the congregation. When Unti approached the District Superintendent and informed her that he wanted to step down, bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church opted to close the church altogether on December 30 instead of seeking a new minister.
In an email sent to the congregation announcing the closure, Unti cited the “shifting paradigm of the church and pastoral succession” as factors in the bishop’s decision. Though the church is financially stable, a lack of leadership and declining membership may have contributed to the ruling as decreed by Haupert-Johnson and her cabinet.
The adjoining cemetery, named Pleasant Hill, dates back to 1896. According to the historical marker on site the one acre lot was initially donated by William Brown, a Confederate soldier and local celebrity of sorts, on the 29th of September in 1877 for the purposes of establishing a church. Years later, Brown was interred in the cemetery alongside a number of soldiers from the civil war. FindAGrave reports that there are at least 95 graves on site, though many are unmarked.
“This church is really a snapshot in time,” explained Parishioner Harriet P Adams who has been attending the church for the past two years. In a fast-paced world, Adams cited the church’s humble setting as being quite comforting for reflection and togetherness, akin to her experience growing up in a small town. “It is a nod to a time long ago that brought us to today,” she continued. “A small but mighty experience!”
Marie Macadam, a member for nearly ten years, encouraged her entire 6 person family to join the Paces Ferry United Methodist Church after stopping in for a service on a whim one day. “We love the simple nature of the church,” said Macadam. “Piano music, old hymns, a close-knit congregation, no pomp and circumstance.” Inside, creaky pews and remnants of a wood-burning stove remind visitors of the building’s rich history.
“The church is just a special place and a little gem in the heart of busy Buckhead where one can experience Christ in their own personal way,” said Macadam.
Not only has the church provided a place to worship for more than a century, it also was briefly the home of a Pleasant Hill Private Academy run by teacher Ida Williams who later went on to establish the Buckhead Library. Though members of the community, congregation, and neighborhood have all been voicing their concerns about the fate of this property, the church is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places or otherwise historically protected. However, the plot’s smaller size, cemetery, and zoning for single family residential mean that any future development changes are unlikely.
Members have reported that there were no signs to indicate that the church would close its doors at the end of last year, and Macadam says that there are interested church members who would prefer to step up and lead the church instead of accepting the closure as final. “The members and friends of the church were not given any warning at all about the closing,” said Macadam. “We were very disappointed that we were not given a say in the matter or given the opportunity to step up and take over for those in leadership positions that are retiring.”
While the future is uncertain for the building, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has come forward and stated their support for the church’s revamp in the future. Ideas for uses that celebrate the building’s history and keep it open to the public have been circulating online, such as the possibility that a new minister might begin a new congregation there. As of today, the doors remain locked, lights turned off, and a gate is locked across the modest driveway. In the adjacent Pleasant Hill Cemetery vines have begun to wind around headstones, some of which have been disrupted and lay prostrate on the ground.
While the future for this quaint little church remains uncertain, it is the dedication of community and congregation members such as Adams and Macadam that offers hope that this relic of days gone by will stick around for years to come.
The Ashley, a nine-story high rise located at 530 East Paces Ferry Road, is close to completion and scheduled to begin leasing in December. The 327 units will add to the massive amount of recent and future residential units in the increasingly dense Buckhead Village.
The building boasts amenities such as the largest elevated pool in the market, rooftop dog park, fitness center, gaming courtyard, golf simulator, movie wall, and conference center, an on-site concierge available 24/7 via a custom app, Additionally, the building features a solar photovoltaic canopy over the dog park that generates enough energy to power the sky lounge and rooftop amenities as well as an impressive 88 WalkScore to restaurants and retail.
Renderings courtesy Gables Residential
Units range from studios as small as 476 square feet to multi-story townhomes at 2,602 square feet with floorplans sized to suit everyone, but with prices that begin at $1,356 and reach more than $7,000 per month it is clear that the developer is trying to appeal to a broad market base.
Gables Residential is optimistic about the success of The Ashley, stating that the prime Buckhead Village location is perfect for the development. “We’ve had great success launching this luxury apartment offering in Miami and Denver and we believe that Buckhead is the perfect market for it,” said Joe Wilber, Senior Vice President of Investment for Gables.
The wait is (almost) over! Whole Foods Market 365 has announced the grand opening of both the Paces Ferry Plaza store on the corner of Northside Parkway and West Paces Ferry Road behind Blue Ridge Grill, as well as a Decatur location on Wednesday, December 12 at 9am. In addition to private label brand goods the market will offer hot and cold bars, specialty cheeses, fresh meat, seafood, and produce as seen at traditional Whole Foods markets. Each location will host an outpost of Loteria, an LA-based Mexican restaurant, as part of their Friends of Whole Foods Market Program, which brings in outside chefs and lifestyle brands to enhance the customer’s cuisine selection and shopping experience.
“For the first time in company history, Whole Foods Market is opening two stores in the same market on the same day, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce the Decatur and Northside Buckhead communities to the Whole Foods Market 365 concept, and our curated, high quality and reasonably priced product selection,” said Jeff Turnas, President of Whole Foods Market 365 in a press release.
“In celebration, our Atlanta customers will also be the first to experience our new seasonal and unique 365 Faves program, a selection of our favorite new products available only for a limited time. We can’t wait to open the doors and bring great food to more people at low prices.”
On opening day, the first 100 customers in line at either location will be given a Whole Foods Market 365 gift card ranging in value between $5 and $365 (see what they did there?) and a free reusable tote. There will be coffee, snacks, and music beginning at 9am.
Updated November 6, 2018Construction is steadily progressing at the 81,768 square feet Paces Ferry Plaza that will soon be anchored by the Whole Foods 365 that we announced back in February of 2017.
Ace Hardware has recently relocated and opened in their new location at the north end of the complex, and the row of storefronts is home to a number of retailers such as Woo Cosmetics, Hollywood Feed, Pero’s Pizza, and Baby Braithwaite. Some shops are open now, while others are still being built out and completed.
At the northwest end of the lot Houston’s steakhouse, a neighborhood staple, continues to thrive despite disruptions and construction taking place in the parking lot. Customers bustle to and from their cars in the crowded and dusty lot, navigating around wheelbarrows and construction equipment.
The big news, of course, is 365 by Whole Foods Market, a sprawling building that dominates the southern end of the plaza. As of July 2018 the external structure has been erected and work continues inside while workers make progress in the lot that will become the front entry and rows of parking.
While an official open date is yet to be announced, there are whispers that 365 by Whole Foods will be debuting their Buckhead location around November of this year. (UPDATE 11/06/18: The grand opening has been announced for December 12, 2018, see the update at the top of this post)
The news is certainly exciting for local residents who can take advantage of lower prices than what is offered by traditional Whole Foods stores, and with this 365 concept they are also implementing a rewards program, maintaining an emphasis on technology and how it can improve the shopping experience for tech-savvy shoppers, all while providing the quality produce, hot and cold bars, and 365 house brand that customers know and love.
Aware of the potential problems for parking capacity in the existing lot, the developers have planned a two level parking deck underneath the building that will be accessible from both Northside Parkway and West Paces Ferry Road. The retail portion of the building will clock it at around 29,740 square feet, and the costs for the project are estimated to be around $4,487,000.
The 365 concept aims to be more appealing to millennials who have until this point been unable to afford Whole Foods characteristically high prices, and that will surely be seen in the design choices that the company plans to implement. Other 365 by Whole Foods stores have incorporated retail space for partnerships with local businesses, and only time will tell which of our favorite independent retailers may set up shop within the confines of the new market.
More information about the 365 by Whole Foods concept can be found on their website, and you can learn more about the Paces Ferry Plaza and its progress on their facebook page.
The doors are open once again at Whiskey Blue, the rooftop lounge atop the W Atlanta-Buckhead. Under construction since early September, extensive renovations to the space include a remodeled bar, intricately designed lighting, subway tile, plush leather couches and sectional seating areas. The sleek new look is complimented by a stunning 66’ mural by local artist Chris Veal, adding a bright pop of color to the Buckhead skyline.
Photos by Jason Locklear of RSVP ATL
The design is centered around Whiskey Blue’s legendary views of Buckhead, Lenox Square, and Midtown. “We are truly excited to present a newly renovated Whiskey Blue to the city of Atlanta,” Scott Gerber, Principal and CEO of Gerber Group said in a press release. “Our entire team has been working hard to ensure that every detail is perfect, and we cannot wait for those who have grown to love Whiskey Blue over the past ten years to experience the new design.” Unlike most hotel bars Whiskey Blue attracts both current visitors and locals alike who are drawn to the stunning views and speciality drinks, earning the lounge status as one of Buckhead’s hottest spots to see and be seen.
Guests can enjoy cocktails such as the Buckhead Spritz, Jalapeño Margarita, and the Troublemaker, go for something classic with a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, or choose from a selection of wine and beer. Small plates including pimento cheese with grilled sourdough, artisanal cheese plates, sliders, and crispy duck tacos are available, and you can even order a cigar right from the bar!
The day we have all been waiting for is here – the Bobby Jones Golf Course is now open after months of extensive renovations! During the grand opening on Monday, November 5 golfers and media were invited to test out the new course and driving range, though some of the amenities are not yet open and will be unveiled later on. A maintenance facility is set to open January 1, two practice and instructional facilities will hopefully be completed by mid-2019, and the Murray Golf House – a building that will house the Georgia State Golf Association, the Georgia section of the PGA, the 10th Hole Bar and Grille, pro shop, and Georgia Golf Hall of Fame – is expected to debut in December of 2019.
Updated November 6, 2018
Massive construction continues at the Bobby Jones Golf Course which connects the Haynes Manor and Collier Hills neighborhoods in Buckhead. Bulldozers and backhoes rumble across the sprawling property, kicking up dust and busily moving from one end of the lot to the other. Tall trees dot the now barren grounds, and a tepid lake reflects the hot sun back towards the sky. Beyond, the city gleams with promise.
The Bobby Jones Golf Course is slowly coming back to life. Initially built in 1932 to honor the late Bobby Jones, a golf legend and Atlanta native, over the years some of the features such as the grand clubhouse had fallen into a state of disrepair. It is thanks to the devotion and vision of Marty Elgison, the Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation President and longtime attorney for the Jones family that the site is currently undergoing unprecedented construction.
Recently, we stopped by and got a bird’s eye look at the progress, check it out in this clip below:
Elgison is reluctant to label this change a ‘renovation’ as the end result will be, really, an altogether new golf course. It was when speaking with world-renowned local architect Bob Cupp who volunteered his services for the redesign that Elgison began thinking about a revamp much larger than his initial plans to simply renovate the clubhouse.
The iconic Bobby Jones Golf Course is part of Buckhead’s 128-acre Memorial Park, and is a focal point and meeting place for many residents in the neighborhood. After signing a 50-year lease with the Georgia Building Authority last year, and thanks to a rather unusual decision to trade the course to the state of Georgia in exchange for a state-owned parking garage and plaza at Underground Atlanta, the Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation was able to begin implementing site-wide changes.
The organization has raised over $23 million to redevelop the course and surrounding property which will feature a unique reversible 9-hole course that can be played twice (for 18 holes total) with 7 sets of tees, large double greens with two holes cut in each green daily. Some days the course will play through from one direction, while others it will reverse. The two directions are known as Azalea and Magnolia courses, and this design feature allows for a maximization of available space to accommodate additional elements such as a brand new Murray Golf House Clubhouse, a “wee-links” course called Cupp Links for junior and adaptive golfers, tennis courts, driving range, and a 10th Hole Grill and Pro Shop. The B.J. and Jack Bandy Instructional Center’s three-bay building will be equipped with the ultimate in golf ball tracking software and technology, allowing PGA instructors to provide detailed feedback to the players.
Not content to only improve the golf course for professional golfers, the Foundation has made a point of ensuring that the Cupp Links, instruction center, and driving range will be accessible for adaptive golfers with special tees and paths to make the sport enjoyable for everyone of all skills and abilities. The Foundation is also collaborating with the Georgia State Golf Association and the Georgia Section of the PGA of America to provide permanent homes for each organization in the Murray Golf House alongside a brand new Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. Additionally, the Georgia State Golf Association’s adaptive golf program and a partnership with the Shepherd Center will ensure that kids and those with impairments will be able to enjoy the course as well.
While there have been concerns raised by environmentalists as to the impact of the course’s design when it comes to old growth trees and Tanyard Creek which runs through the property, the Foundation has been working with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper to come to a compromise that will be effective for golfers while also conscientious about the impact of these renovations on local waterways. The Foundation has allotted more than $1.2 million on erosion control measures which include significant landscaping and tree planting throughout the property. For more information about the environmental impact of this project, check out their official statement on their website. The Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation has also been developing a system of trails and paths in cooperation with the City of Atlanta and PATH Foundation connecting and surrounding the course.
The (still) public course will utilize the Longleaf Tee System which is a new approach that offers up to seven gender neutral set of tees and allows the players to design their desired course – and its length – as they are playing. Partnerships with the Metro Atlanta YMCA, the WYCA, Boys & Girls Club, and U.S. Kids Golf aim to keep the course accessible and affordable for players, and the Foundation is aiming to collaborate with City of Refuge and Westside Works to match local residents with employment opportunities. At the time of this article’s publication Elgison says the Foundation is still on track for opening their tennis courts in late summer and the new course sometime after that this fall, but weather and other unforeseen circumstances may alter their official dates which have not yet been announced.
To find out more about the Bobby Jones Golf Course and stay up to date with their progress, visit them online at their website or follow them on social media.
In a surprising turn of events, Buckhead’s esteemed Mandarin Hotel has revealed that the building has sold and will soon be managed by Hilton, rebranding as Waldorf Astoria. We can expect remodeling of the existing hotel, and those familiar with other Waldorf Astorias around the globe can attest that the brand is known for their tastefully designed spaces which only heightens the excitement for this new Buckhead location.
Photos courtesy Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
The Mandarin Hotel located at 3376 Peachtree Road was built between 2006 and 2008, and is the 12th tallest building in Atlanta. It is considered to be one of Buckhead’s premiere luxury hotels, with 127 rooms and suites, a 15,000 square foot spa, indoor lap pool, café and bar, and meeting and event space. Permanent residents of the 48 residential units including those in “The Villas” located in the English Gardens were notified of the rebranding in a confidential letter just a few weeks ago.
Buckhead.com has reached out Hilton for more information and renderings but as of this posting there has been no response. What we do know is that the hotel will no longer be managed by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group as of December 7, 2018, and sources suggest that significant renovations will begin soon.
The spirit of Buckhead heads forward. This is the way it has been, and perhaps this is the way it will always be. The spirit of Buckhead points forward. You see it in the way we work, and you see it in the way we play. The reach is always extending further. The search is for excellence and beauty and grace and vibrancy.
We are a community of individuals. We are diverse, we are dynamic, and we are discerning. We are builders. We are connected to one another with a common bond. A common dream. A common quest. Pointing life in one direction. Forward.
