#18... Roswell Provisions

Why We Love It..

The Canton Street section of Historic Roswell has needed a non-restaurant congregation spot for a while and Roswell Provisions has filled the void.  The store itself is charming and well thought out.  You can get a number of different items for your daily needs.  They have a small selection of locally grown organic veggies and fruits.  Their dairy selection is all local (albeit expensive) and they have a fantastic selection of sausage, cheese and wine.  They have cupcakes from Kelly Cakes and fresh artisan breads.  You can sit inside or outside and enjoy the ambiance of the heart of historic Canton Street.  

The owners took an old underused space in the historic district and turned it into one of the most trafficked shops.  It's obviously hit an underserved segment in our neighborhood.

What We Would Change..

Price..  The store is obviously catering to the upscale buyer but man, it's pricey.  You get what you pay for though.  Everything that I've seen there is high quality and tasteful.

#29... Soda Salon

Why We Love It...

This one's for the ladies..  Soda Salon is one of the truly great salons in Roswell. The atmosphere inside and out is excellent.  The staff seems to be rock solid.  Sure there are other great salons in Roswell but none really help contribute to the overall built environment as well.  Located in the original commercial center of Roswell across the street from the historic town square, the building is a great example of what we need more of in Roswell and the rest of the burbs.

The picture says a lot.  The interior is top notch combining the salon atmosphere with a quality art gallery as well.  Then looking out, you see the square across the street.  This pic just happened to be during Christmas so the square had all the lights up.  

What We Don't Love It...

Wow it's expensive! But, I'm a guy and don't understand these things and I do believe that you get what you pay for. Beyond that, there isn't much not to like.

image: Atlanta.CitySearch.com

Roswell Town Center... It Needs to go

This is the seventh post in a series of posts this December that will chronicle the 25 things we would most like to see in Roswell. None of these are actually happening... at least in the way we'd like them to. Please enjoy and have a happy holidays!

 

I do understand that it has had a recent resurgence in leasing with the Aurora Cineplex and a couple other tenants.  However, that doesn't change the fact that the 'Town Center' is an aging strip center based on a 1970's-80's business model of locating big-box retail at the can't-miss intersection.  Additionally across Holcomb Bridge from our Town Center is the aptly named Roswell Village.  Neither of these places even closely resemble a true town center or village.  About the only redeeming quality of that intersection is Stoney River's legendary steaks.  Maybe we should do something about that.

If I had my way, The entire area at the intersection of 9 and Holcomb Bridge/Crossville would be completely re-done with the creation of a neighborhood node.  I would line the two main roads in office/retail that is brought up to the street and radiate a mix of uses including a strong residential piece.  A key would be to make it a regional transit hub that would provide express service to MARTA (or ARTSY, see previous post).  

We might even be able to incorporate a major employer or two in the area and also keep the entertainment businesses that are currently there.  The possibilities are endless for that area but it it's current form, it's a relic of a development pattern that on life support.  The sooner we realize this and start looking at alternatives, the better.