A partially abandoned building stood on a wide block of real estate on historic Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta for decades. It had been through numerous reincarnations. Vandalized and in major disrepair, it stood. I'd pass it several times a day going to work, and then later shopping or riding with my kiddos. I saw it as a hulking behemoth with an Atlanta police station and lots of broken windows next to what was known as the “Murder Kroger” for reasons evident in its name. Only a few not a lot, but I digress. Development came along “Ponce”, and Ponce City Market was born. Even after celebrating my 50th birthday on the rooftop at the market, I still cannot believe it's there born out of the messy place that it was.
Per the Market's site:
‘Located at the nexus of Atlanta’s most established neighborhoods, Ponce City Market is the latest incarnation of a long legacy of community-centered built environments along this iconic stretch of Ponce de Leon Avenue. The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes Ponce City Market as “History in the Making,” and part of a plan “to move Atlanta forward while maintaining and emphasizing the city’s unique history and culture.” From ground-floor retail and restaurants, to the Flats’ amenity-rich residences, to creative office space, to an amusement park on the Roof, Ponce City Market is the culmination of its history. Located in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood along the Atlanta BeltLine, across from Historic Fourth Ward Park, and walking or pedaling distance from Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, and Midtown, PCM is a hub for residents, neighbors, and visitors to gather, work, and play.'
Today you'll find apartments, upscale shopping, dining, bars, and a rooftop 1950's style arcade with an awesome skyline view. A major part of the roof is called “Skyline Park”. A video of the park is below. On the most recent day, we visited we stopped at the shops first to see what was new. Stopping by West Elm as we entered. See more of our photos in our post West Elm at Ponce City Market.
Then, we strolled through the halls to browse other boutiques. The halls remind you of a period train station.
One of the boutiques we walked in was Sustainable Homegoods. They have a beautiful stainglass desgined logo for their place that really stands out. They commissioned it from an Etsy artisan. The boutique's mission is to provide and encourage sustainable goods in all areas of your home. I'm really hoping to do a follow-up interview with the owner.
Next, we decided to try an appetizer at W.H. Stiles Fish Camp since we wanted seafood before we moved on to our planned sushi dinner.
Per their site:
“Dub's Fish Camp by James Beard Award winning chef Anne Quatrano. The casual-style fish shack features a raw shell counter, housemade sandwiches and steamed fish bowls.”
You can order at their counter and take it outside as we did. People watching is a sport at the Market. I am here to tell you their calamari surprised us with its flavors and it's not your typical calamari setup.
Pickled hot peppers and onions with crispy shallots and chickpeas
We will be back for a full meal and definitely ordering this again!
Our last stop, Posman Books, was a fun one. We can spend all day in a bookstore whether it's large or small. Posman falls in between with it being a little big yet having a small store feel with its wonderful items.
Per their site:
“Posman Books is a family-owned independent mini-chain from New York City. They carry adult and children’s books as well as an eclectic selection of toys, games and greeting cards.”
The following is our pictorial essay of the visit. I could find a hundred more things to photograph in there.
Wrapping our post up couldn't be done without giving you images and video of Skyline Park. My 5oth birthday party was fantastic on a cool breezy St. Patrick's evening in Atlanta.
Put Ponce City Market on your travel list and you'll find there's a whole lot there that we didn't even discover yet.
