Assignment 8: Megan

The Inman Park Grinnell property was built in 2008 as a condominium and townhouse complex on North Highland Avenue near downtown Atlanta. The property has an urban industrial appearance that appeals to contemporary buyers interested in modern, interior upgrades like trendy light fixtures, hardwood floors, high ceilings, granite countertops, and a roof top deck which boasts views of downtown’s skyline. Typical units have two bedrooms and two baths with approximately 2000 square feet. With a list price of 295,000 dollars, the property seems to target middle to upper middle class singles or young couples who want to live in a less traditional urban area. The only sign that marks the building sits over the front entranceway and reads “Grinnell Company, 1850,” which appears to be the original piece of an older building at the same site. Here, the developer has seemingly repurposed part of an older structure and turned it into a modern building that still retains its industrial, company character. The complex is not a traditional high culture project in terms of Gans’ definition; that is to say, the building does not evoke a strong sense of glamorous historicism or appear exclusive except in its price which limits it to a specific group of buyers.

Brick is used on the first floor of the building and offers a warmer feel to pedestrians who walk by. The brick also blends the building into the streetscape which is comprised primarily of other brick apartment complexes and businesses. In contrast, the blue metal horizontal siding used on the rest of Inman Park Grinnell gives a completely different harsh industrial look to the building. Most of the building is visible from the streetscape with the exception of the units’ parking garages which are kept hidden at the back of the property and are accessible only to property owners. The property’s location makes it appealing to young, contemporary couples who want to be within easy walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and services. Thus, the draw of the surrounding community attracts buyers as much as the character of the property itself.