The section of the Westside BeltLine Connector trail near Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway should be more lively come next spring.
That’s where Echo Street West developer Lincoln Property Company announced today its first roster of retailers will operate, all them expected to open in spring 2024 with jobs and new food options the English Avenue neighborhood has lacked for decades.
El Gordo Taqueria, Fresh Squeezed Mini Bar, and dessert specialists Le Macaron will be the first retailers to open at the 19-acre project, which so far has delivered new offices, an artist community and event space, the Westside Motor Lounge, and the 292-unit Vibe apartments in its first phase.
Lincoln officials noted that each food-and-beverage concept is locally and minority-owned.
“We’re curating a welcoming environment on Atlanta’s Westside by bringing in diverse shop and restaurant owners and unique offerings,” Tony Bartlett, Lincoln’s senior vice president, said in today’s announcement.
How retail slots are expected to meet the Westside BeltLine Connector when fully open. Courtesy of Lincoln Property Company; Dwell Design Studio
BeltLine-fronting retail spaces beneath Echo Street West's Vibe apartments while under construction last spring. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta
El Gordo Taqueria by Fuego Tortilla will be taking the largest retail chunk—a 2,430-square-foot space with an outdoor patio located just off the Westside BeltLine Connector, at the southernmost corner of Echo Street.
That retail slot is across the street from and facing Westside Motor Lounge, the adaptive-reuse food, beverage, and entertainment hub spread across 3 acres that opened last fall along Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway.
Expect a genuinely Mexican, seafood-infused taqueria open for lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends, serving items ranging from fish tacos and fresh ceviche to gourmet street food, plus agave nectar margaritas, mezcal, and Mexican beers. Chef-owner Mario Garcia immigrated to the U.S. from Guanajuato, Mexico in 2004 and has built menus as several restaurants in the south OTP suburbs. Lincoln officials say Garcia is currently finalizing his menu for Echo Street West and sourcing seafood from Georgia port cities.
Fresh Squeezed Juice Bar is a family-owned smoothie and juice concept that will operate in a 1,917-square-foot space with a patio fronting the BeltLine connecting trail between downtown and the Westside Trail. Owners Destiny and Anthony Hampton opened their first concept during the pandemic in 2020 in Cobb County, and another location popped up at Phipps Plaza last year.
Expect smoothie bowls and fresh juices served during the day, with tapas and cold-pressed, agave-infused cocktails (and zero-proof options) on the menu during dinners and weekend brunches. Small-plate menu items will include lobster pasta, jackfruit nachos, tofu curry, sweet potato biscuits, and other dishes.
Planned look of a retail cove at the Vibe apartments off the BeltLine along Echo Street. Courtesy of Lincoln Property Company; Dwell Design Studio
Last but not least, Le Macaron will take an 895-square-foot space at Echo Street West, marking one of six Georgia locations from local franchise owner Kerwin Glasgow.
It will serve authentic French macarons, European-style beverages, gourmet chocolates, French gelato, classic French pastries, and homemade candies, according to Lincoln officials.
...
Follow us on social media:
• English Avenue news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
