ironchapman

Nice shots, Garris! The fog adds a nice effect on the city.

According to the GaWOC based in Loughborough Univ. in the UK, which ranks cities' importance, ATL is a gamma/minor world city. The GaWOC is generally considered to be the authority on such matters. The levels on the GaWOC and a few represenatives of each level: Alpha/World "Capital" City (NYC, Tokyo, London, Paris, LA, Chicago, etc.) Beta/Major World City (SanFran, Moscow, Hong Kong, etc.) Gamma/Minor World City (ATL, Boston, Washinton DC, Miami, etc.) Some evidence of becoming a world city (Richmond, Charlotte, etc.) Things that would move ATL higher: -Better transportation system -An event held in a city often and/or landmark known throughout the world (like Indy 500 in Indianapolis or the Statue of Liberty in NYC) -More business headquarters -a livelier nightlife -a livelier downtown -a denser, more definite urban core -better smog management -more parks and other public facilities -more "traveling" events to be held here (like a Super Bowl or a concert) -an international event held here (like the Olympics or a G-8 type of conference) -better sprawl mangement -good infrastructure -a distinct "identity" (like NYC is "The City that never sleeps") Things not list, but I'd like to see, and could probably help its standing: -A denser skyline -Better relations w/ the South -The BeltLine

That's what many people think. I agree, it would become more of a true city with a new ASO hall llike that.

It would be a nice bit of creativity to add to the city. It should be funded. This is the booster in me talking, but it could become famous like the Sydney Opera House.

Just noticed this on another thread: IKEA will open June 29th I believe. When will the 1180 Peachtree Open? What about the new symphony hall itself?

Today's AJC Metro Section news: -The only Kroger store in Downtown Atlanta is closing. -There is an article on a proposed expansion of Piedmont Park. (see my post on it)

Another oddity about the Westin: it is nowhere near the tallest, but is is still considered to be ATL's signature tower. Most cities' signature buildings are the tallest in the city. (Ex: Sear Tower, Chic; BofA HQ, Charlotte; Empire State Building, NYC...etc.) Some places don't have a signature skycraper, but still do have some sort of tall structure as their signature. (Ex: CN Tower, Toronto; Space Needle, Seattle; Eiffel Tower, Paris...etc.)

Two things: 1. To prove the strength of our sewer system and infrastructure, a water main broke on Peachtree Street for the fourth time yesterday. Score one for our infrastruction and sewer system. 2. Isn't it odd that, although Atlanta isn't thought of as a tourist destination like, say Miami is, yet its signature tower is a hotel. Most sites I have been to think that the Westin Peachtree is ATL's signature tower.

Is this thread for random things related to ATL or GA? If so, I found something in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that I'd like to bring up. It's not an article, just an interesting bit of info I found.

The GA Aquarium's supposed to open this fall.

I put something like this on another forum. What if there was a line that went around ATL, like this: Part 1: Buckhead to Fulton County Airport (after an extension of the West line to FC Arpt.) Part 2: FC Arpt. to Lakewood/Ft. McPherson. Part 3: Lakewood to Inman Park The North line covers the rest of that. -Also, extend the Proctor Creek (Bankhead) line to Marietta. -Extend the East line to Stone Mtn. Park -An extension of the North Line to Alpharetta is already in planning. -Extend the South Line to Forest Park and Ft. Gillem. The Streetcar up Peachtree in planning sounds nice, there should be more of them. The Beltline will make a nice addition, too.

That's hopefully what the Beltline will do. At least we have realized what we have done and are trying to fix it. P.S. Yes we do need more light rail.

It would be nice to have those lines to connect GA. It would also be nice for the MARTA train to add some new lines. Ah, what a miracle wishful thinking is.