Jill Savitt, CEO for the National Center of Civil and Human Rights, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the center’s exhibits and the importance of advocating for civil and human rights. Savitt joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Savitt, involved with the museum for the last 10 years, became the CEO of the center two years ago. Before there was a physical building to house the center, Savitt curated the human rights gallery, an exhibit on the top floor that showcases human rights around the globe. “It’s such a delight to be able to come to Atlanta for this role. I love it. It’s a fantastic city,” said Savitt. "Our museum is really a backbone because [Atlanta] is the birthplace of civil rights and the hometown of Dr. King. We bring all of that storytelling to life in our museum.” The center is both a museum and a civil rights institution that centers around three stories. The first is the story of the U.S. civil rights movement titled “Rolls Down Like Water,” highlighting the narratives of those that many know as well as unknown heroes. “Spark of Conviction,” the human rights gallery, links the civil rights movements of the fifties and sixties to the nonviolent human rights movements throughout the world in an immersive and dynamic experience. From large-scale world events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall to Tiananmen Square, the exhibit introduces viewers to the world’s human rights defenders taking up the cause of human dignity within their own societies. Through several dynamic installations, the experience defines human rights, its origins and how they are enforced. There are also exhibits that focus on the greatest champions of human rights as well as some of the biggest perpetrators of human rights abuse, many of whom got away with their crimes. The museum’s third permanent exhibit centers around the papers and artifacts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Named “Voice to the Voiceless,” the gallery is a sacred place to many and offers non-scholars a space to see the papers, handwriting and personal effects of Dr. King. The papers are rotated and showcased based on a particular theme and the current one, “Beloved Community,” allows visitors to see the famed leader’s papers discussing the importance of community. Outside of the facility, the center hosts programs for schools K-12 to teach human rights history as well as a program for law enforcement that focuses on the history of human rights, law enforcement’s role in history and its responsibility to keep democratic societies healthy. There is also a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training Program offered to workforces looking to become more inclusive. There are also smaller programs that focus on LGBTQ+ rights and human trafficking. Savitt said, “Our overarching concern, our mantra, is to help people tap their own power to protect their rights and the world around them.” Equal Dignity at Work consists of seven different modules designed for workplaces to breach crucial topics, including workplace bias, industry trends, diversity and inclusion. The brave conversations allow participants to recognize prejudices and discuss them. The programs do not touch on recruitment, pipelining or nurturing talent but focus on connecting history to the present moment and breaking down barriers. In the United States, the current political atmosphere makes it hard for many to discuss opposing views without leading to a larger argument. These brave conversations promote grace and acknowledge that while people may say unintentionally hurtful things, educating participants on rephrasing questions to keep topics open and calm is beneficial for exposing others to opposing arguments and educating in a healthy and respectful manner. “Workplaces are some of the most integrated places we have and are the perfect places to practice pluralism. It’s the place to talk to people who are different than you,

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights Advocates for Freedom

President of Beacon Management Services Lisa Simmons joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the Atlanta-based management firm as well as her numerous hikes across the world to raise money for BlazeSports. Simmons joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Beacon Management Services, a 10-year-old real estate management firm based in Atlanta, manages property throughout the state in virtually every county. The company primarily focuses on homeowner’s associations (HOAs), community and condominium associations, mixed-use developments and commercial projects. Currently, outreach from apartments and multi-family developments may soon lead to a new, exciting offering from the company by the end of the year. Atlanta is experiencing a boom in apartment development and Beacon Management Services is incredibly interested in the prospect. The market is great for developers and home builders, and with seasoned managers and services, Beacon Management Services has been able to capitalize on the market's current state. With financial astuteness and organic growth, the company has experienced double-digit growth since its founding in 2011 purely by word-of-mouth. “Our customers are our best form of advertising. They are the ones that give us referrals [and leads] and tell us who to contact,” said Simmons. When a community is in development, Beacon can step in at virtually any point, but it is more beneficial to begin the partnership during construction to review documents with the builder, attorney and team members to guide them towards the best practices and policies for that particular development. The community sales team is a critical component of the process and Beacon Management Services makes it a priority to introduce themselves to the sales team as soon as possible. The eyes and ears of a community, the sales team knows what is happening on the ground, which is very beneficial when Beacon cannot be there in person. Simmons shared, “That kind of intelligence gives us the background and information we need to better serve our clients and developers.” Formerly an onsite salesperson herself, Simmons understands the importance and necessity of the role. The sales team is there to sell homes and is not expected to understand every aspect of an HOA. There are many components to understand in an HOA and Beacon offers training to inform the sales team and attend sales meetings for additional clarity. The main focus is for Beacon to partner with them to sell more homes quickly to satisfy the builder and developer’s goals. The relationship between Beacon Management Services and sales teams is an essential partnership. BlazeSports is a legacy organization born out of the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. It serves physically challenged children, youths and veterans by providing them ways to participate and compete in sports. Simmons discovered the exceptional organization three years ago when she was interested in doing a fundraiser in conjunction with her hike across the Grand Canyon. She gravitated towards the organization’s mission and, in turn, formed another meaningful partnership. Due to the pandemic’s complications, Simmons had to cancel a summit she initially intended to hike in Russia and find a fast replacement. After discovering the Inca Trail in Machu Pichu, she signed up immediately and secured the final spot. Tourism in Peru dwindled to virtually nothing during the pandemic and despite opening the country for tourism, Simmons encountered no one apart from her group while hiking the trail. “I was pleasantly surprised, and it surpassed every expectation,” said Simmons. “Machu Pichu is gorgeous. I can’t say enough good things about it.” Depending on the trail's location and altitude, the weather can vary from tropical to freezing temperatures. Another incredible aspect of the hike is the culture and history learned along the way,

Lisa Simmons of Beacon Management Services Summits for Charity

Partner with Level Craft Construction, Virginia Van Lear joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss operating a female-run business, the pandemic’s effects on the construction industry and building inside the perimeter. Van Lear joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Level Craft Construction is a premier custom home builder headed by Van Lear and her business partner, Debbie Hollonbeck, with over 20 years of experience building, designing and renovating homes and commercial spaces inside the perimeter area (ITP). The company works primarily in Brookhaven, Buckhead, Decatur, Midtown, Virginia Highland, Morningside, Kirkwood and Scottdale. “You can come to us with your project, and we will help you every step of the way,” said Van Lear. Level Craft partners with homeowners from building, planning, lot selection and funding while remaining close at hand through every step of the process. As well as residential work, the company works with investors to develop residential properties, expanding and improving the real estate industry in the metro area. When the pandemic began, Van Lear and her team expected all operations to come to a halt, but this has not been the case. Many people working from home have assessed their spaces and found them lacking. Whether there is a lack of beautification, a needed update or the desire for more capacity, many clients feel cramped in homes that were at one time adequate. Level Craft Construction has seen a dramatic increase in additions and outdoor living spaces in the past year and a half. Specializing in large-scale construction projects over $250,000, popular additions like screened-in porches tend to be a part of sizable projects that also includes a master suite and additional rooms. Some homeowners even go as far as starting from scratch. In Atlanta, a current issue is obtaining a building permit earlier than six months before starting a project, which presents problems for homeowners and the Level Craft team, because a lot can happen with pricing during that timeframe. Another issue is the interruption in the flow of products from sources outside of the United States. For example, if roof trusses are needed for a build, there is difficulty obtaining the necessary metal brackets. For HVAC systems, the motherboards to operate the machinery are sourced from China, causing sizable delays. Van Lear said, “What took us five or six months to build now takes us eight or nine months because we’re just waiting for product.” It’s common to see houses start construction and come to an abrupt halt because of disruptions to the supply chain. Level Craft Construction has been keeping communication open and regularly updating clients to ensure the interruptions don’t prevent the homeowner’s dream from becoming a reality. Since all of Level Craft’s projects are larger-scale, 99% of renovations incorporate a kitchen upgrade for a larger and more functional space. Based in the South, it is common for Level Craft Construction clients to also desire screened-in back porches with room for a wet bar and a Big Green Egg. It is also common for homeowners to request a martini pool or larger family pools. Van Lear shared that the current main pillars of renovations are larger kitchens, outdoor living spaces and additional rooms to provide office space for working from home. Just some of the most common home styles that clients ask for include the commonplace southern farmhouse style, Craftsman bungalows, two-story bungalows and recently, modern prairie styles, a personal favorite of Van Lear. She also shared that the company enjoys the challenge of experimenting with different exteriors, such as stacked stone versus stone veneer. “It’s fun for Level Craft to build outside of the box,” shared Van Lear. “It keeps our wheels turning a little bit and keeps us sharp. We always want to learn new things.”

Level Craft Partner on Efficient Operations, Building ITP

Rene Iverson, president of Little Creek Farm Conservancy, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the journey of becoming a 501(c)(3) organization, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Iverson joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Married for 28 years with three college-aged kids, four cats and one dog, Iverson knows a thing or two about busy schedules and never-ending to-do lists. An Atlanta local long enough to be considered a native, she became aware of Little Creek Farm Conservancy in 2007 when her kids began taking riding lessons. Eventually, she took lessons as well and began volunteering. The rest is history! “I love all animals but being around horses is definitely a grounding experience,” said Iverson. Little Creek Farm Conservancy began informally around 2003 by horse owners at the then-private boarding facility. The group approached Dekalb County with the opportunity to purchase the farm giving the county a unique green space and a private boarding facility in the metro area. The county accepted the offer, transitioning the private facility to a county-owned 501(c)(3) organization. The conservancy is a volunteer-run facility that directs all donations and income to park improvement with the help of five board members and countless helpers. The organization’s mission is threefold – fundraising, helping with capital improvements and providing programming for public interaction. Iverson shared that the current challenge is to create and fill Program Director and Executive Director positions and take these tasks off the current board’s responsibilities. “Our volunteers are tireless, our horses are loved and we are grateful for the opportunity to do what we can,” said Iverson. The organization has a formal letter of understanding with the county for permission to fundraise and direct funds to the park, oversee a volunteer program and outreach to introduce kids, seniors and school groups to horses. The unique partnership allows the county and conservancy to work together to create initiatives and lesson programs along with stakeholders. Dekalb County owns the facility, land and provides the operational staff. Little Creek Farm Conservancy also has a great relationship with Park Pride, a nonprofit greenspace advocate group in Dekalb County. With benefits such as borrowing tools from the tool bank or organizing a volunteer workday with the help of the park group, the conservancy continues to learn and grow by achieving successes with grants courtesy of the Home Depot Foundation. The Small Change grant supplied the necessary funds to build a park pavilion, a capital improvement that provides accessible walkways for visitors to view the jump arena. Iverson said, “Park Pride is definitely a partner with us, and we have benefitted greatly.” Little Creek Farm Conservancy is currently executing a 2021 Community Building grant to update signage, security features and a build much-needed welcome center for its up-and-coming docent program for visitors and private tours. The conservancy is launching regular programming and moving out of pandemic operations. As an active barn, the green space is not a safe place to wander without the supervision of a guide, and the upcoming docent program will provide fun and collaborative tours for visitors to explore the space. Visiting hours will be posted on the organization’s website. Soon, Little Creek Farm Conservancy will release the dates for the fall Hands on Horses event for guests to watch riding demonstrations while learning details about equine behavior, fun facts and more. Horse Fest is a highly anticipated fundraising and community outreach that features riding demonstrations, vendors and kid’s activities, including pony rides and a petting zoo. The previous 2019 Horse Fest was the most successful festival yet, but due to pandemic effects in 2020, Little Creek Farm Conservancy hosted an online ...

Little Creek Farm Conservancy’s Unique Public-Private Partnership

Jim Jacobi, President of Parkland Communities Inc. and Parkland Residential, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss new build-to-rent properties and the goal to satisfy the industry’s “missing middle.” Jacobi joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment and hints at exciting 2022 projects. Jacobi runs a number of companies in the new home space including Parkland Communities, a multi-faceted real estate development firm:  Parkland Communities, a build to rent company and Alliance Engineering + Planning that focuses on engineering and surveying. Jacobi is a titan within the Atlanta real estate industry and with his recent expansion into build to rent has become an industry pioneer. This year has already been a bountiful year for both Jacobi and Parkland Communities Inc. with the incredible success of Sweetwater Springs and 1,900 lots currently in the works including almost 1,000 lots in active process and 917 attached to future communities. “We are really looking forward to 2022. It’s going to be a really good year for us,” said Jacobi. A current exciting endeavor for the company is the move towards build-to-rent properties that is essential for consumers searching for affordable accommodation in the ongoing housing inferno. Otherwise known as the “missing middle,” the lack of affordable housing on the market has proved to be an increasing issue as home inventories continue to decrease. Parkland Residential focuses on satisfying the “missing middle” market and Jacobi’s first build-to-rent venture was Sweetwater Springs in Lawrenceville. The unique stacked townhouse product featured at Sweetwater Springs allows the company to build affordable units while increasing the number of entry-level products available on the market. The product features a one-car garage, hard-surfaced cabinets, stone countertops, LED lighting and LVP flooring in all the main rooms. The company mainly focused on providing luxury upgrades in contrast to the current trend of using builder-grade finishes. Another trend in build-to-rent properties is to decrease the square footage of the product to increase the number of units.  Jacobi states, “We’ve gone larger. We have a three-bedroom townhouse that is 1,958 square feet and a two-bedroom townhouse that is 1,630 square feet,” said Jacobi. “I wanted to really give good livability in these units.” The Lawrenceville development proved very successful after all 58 units were fully preleased within 90 days of completing construction on the first building. The unexpected response raised the rent by 10% and set the precedent for Parkland Residential and future build-to-rent properties. By December or January, Jacobi shares that the goal is to complete construction, move residents in and stabilize the rent for the community. Build-to-rent was an unpopular approach to real estate in 2018 when the idea of Sweetwater Springs first came about. Three years later, build-to-rent has gained rapid popularity as the pandemic continues to have drastic effects on the real estate market. Moving forward, Parkland Residential’s goal is to launch build-to-rent products in a much more substantial manner to match market demand. “The response really proves the surplus of demand that exists for missing middle housing. Before we opened, we had a waiting list of 50 people. Today, we are fully leased and have a waiting list of over 200 people,” shared Jacobi. “We’re very encouraged that our product and our pricing to market is spot on.” The current industry trend is seeing is buyers and renters trading in urban environments for suburbia. Jacobi shared that after the initial pandemic lockdown, Sweetwater Springs gained three residents from New York City through virtual tours and leasing. The trend already existed, but the pandemic acted as a force magnifier and caused the trend to escalate, leading to the current strong housing demand.

Parkland Residential’s Pioneering Build-to-Rent Product

Eric Glick, regional sales manager with New American Funding, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show to discuss the new FICO score program, updated FHA regulations and millennial homebuyers. Glick joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. New American Funding is a home loan and mortgage assistance company founded in 2002 that offers a variety of products and services to meet the needs of all clients, serve the community and partner with homebuyers to achieve homeownership. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) recently updated its guidelines regarding student loans, reducing monthly payments by 50 percent. For example, if a potential homebuyer pays a 1% monthly payment on a $100,000 loan, the $1,000 payment is reduced to $500 per month. This change is an enormous benefit to millennial homebuyers because, depending on student loan statuses, by increasing opportunities for homeownership and housing opportunities, the needs of a homebuyer and their families are more easily met, increasing the homeownership rate amongst millennials. A FICO credit score is another crucial factor to consider when purchasing a home or applying for a loan. This credit score is a daily aspect of life and determines if a consumer can invest in a car or apply for a credit card. Whether or not a home buyer receives a higher or lower interest rate also depends on the health of their FICO score. Different algorithms determine whether a FICO score is healthy or not. If a buyer purchases a television on credit, a simple algorithm determines whether the buyer is a good investment. In these situations, the score tends to be higher. If a buyer purchased a higher-ticket item such as a home, the algorithm is more strenuous, and scores tend to be lower. Many believe that there is one universal score, but it the score actually varies depending on what someone attempts to purchase. New American Funding’s new ‘no FICO score’ credit program works with potential homebuyers with zero credit. The program came out of the old-school belief that all debt is bad debt which has led to a lack of credit amongst recent generations. Preaching the downfalls of bad credit and debt leads to zero credit-building opportunities and having credit is typically necessary for a home purchase. “If [they] have no credit score, we will open some opportunities for them to get approved for a home loan where in the past, that may have not been an opportunity,” said Glick. “Now we can help people with no credit score.” A good versus bad FICO score depends on the loan program and what a buyer intends to purchase. A universally approved FICO score is in the upper 700s, but New American Funding has helped clients with scores as low as 600 to become homeowners. The new no FICO score program opens opportunities for folks with zero credit to one day become a homeowner. “Unfortunately, in some situations, not having credit can actually be a hindrance on you and your family,” revealed Glick. “If anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out to your New American Funding loan officer and they can give you some tips about how to improve your situation.” New American funding is a fantastic resource for potential buyers to educate themselves on credit and partner with them on the road to loan approval. The company’s customizable approach ensures every type of homebuyer will find a way to achieve their dream. Glick shared that when he successfully partners with homebuyers to realize their dreams of homeownership, he considers it a significant success. To him, a happy homeowner who previously believed homeownership was impossible is a gratifying accomplishment to witness. To connect with Eric Glick, you can reach him at eric.glick@nafinc.com, by phone at 912-308-5931, or through his website www.theglickteam.com. To learn more about New American Funding’s programs, loans and mortgage assistance, visit their website.

Updates on FICO Scores, FHA Student Loan Guidelines

Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge, Andy Litvak, partner and Abe Kannof, associate with Nelson Mullins, join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the 1300 development. They discuss the importance of affordable housing in metro Atlanta with hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Founded 24 years ago, City of Refuge has serviced the west side of Atlanta for the past 19 years. The organization provides wrap-around services for those who find themselves in difficult situations. A one-stop-shop, services include housing, medical, dental, mental health, vision, parenting classes, financial literacy, vocational training, homeownership and job placement. With workforce training and an innovation hub, the organization provides a rich roster of classes focusing on auto technician training, culinary arts, personal fitness training, hospitality, customer service, security personnel and recently, the cybersecurity and coding academy. The goal is to equip the 500 annual participants in the vocational training programs to find employment in metro Atlanta and secure a livable wage, which is currently at $19 per hour. With nonprofit partners across the city, including high schools, vo-tech schools, churches and police departments, they are able to teach soft skills and critical life skills. Currently, the organization receives referrals from organizations across metro Atlanta, exceeding their capacity. Recently, 300 applicants applied for the 45 spots available in the cybersecurity academy. City of Refuge refocused the process to allow for quicker organization of upcoming classes to assist in the large number of applications. “Everybody that comes to us comes from someplace of brokenness in life,” shared Deel. “Helping them figure out not just how to get a job but how to keep that job and how to move forward in a successful manner.” A crucial aspect of securing employment is finding safe and affordable housing. With a partner like Nelson Mullins providing pro bono legal services, City of Refuge can identify apartments and hotels and transform them into affordable and safe spaces. Affordable housing near the City of Refuge campus provides convenience for program participants to settle while having easy access to organization services. Nelson Mullins is a full-service law firm that provides a full suite of legal services to various businesses and clients. There are 25 offices open on the eastern seaboard, but the company considers the southeastern United States home. Litvak and Kannof work within the commercial real estate practice along with 45 to 50 attorneys, focusing exclusively on commercial real estate transactions. The firm has been working with City of Refuge for the past five years. The 1300 Project is a culmination of efforts and recognition of the acute need for affordable housing in Atlanta, becoming the first foundational housing project on Atlanta’s Westside. The project came out of years of discussion and strategic brainstorming to expand the City of Refuge campus, creating a ripple effect to demonstrate the affordable real estate potential on the Westside. Litvak shared that the multigenerational project of City of Refuge is a consistent effort Nelson Mullins hopes to carry on. “We really view ourselves as a spoke on [the] wheel. We have particular resources and particular areas of expertise on the legal side and the real estate side,” said Litvak. "That’s where you’re really going to start to see inertia and momentum when it comes to moving things forward as it relates to affordable housing on the Westside.” The challenging situation on Atlanta’s Westside makes developing new real estate is not an easy feat to accomplish. There is an elevation in real estate prices, and investments occurring within the neighborhood are more concerned with a return on investment versus focusing on the struggling residents.

City of Refuge Provides Affordable Housing in Atlanta

Rob Halverson, CEO of Portman Architects, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss adaptive reuse as well as changing and restoring the architectural face of Atlanta. Halverson joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Halverson, originally from New York, relocated to Atlanta after working for the largely influential architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. He has been a resident of Atlanta for the past 15 years with wife and daughter. Originally a designer with Portman Architects, Halverson recently celebrated two years as CEO of the company. Portman Architects designs spaces to positively impact and affect the creativity, productivity and well-being of the occupants. Based in Atlanta with an additional office in Shanghai, Portman Architects services several markets across the country. By prioritizing clients of the firm and developer partners, Portman Architects sets itself apart from other firms in the metro Atlanta area. The company prides itself on working collectively to meet client needs and improve the architectural integrity of projects. “It’s not necessarily one voice. It’s everyone working together to find the right balance and right solutions for our clients,” said Halverson. In 1965, before it was Hotel Indigo, the building that houses the renowned hotel was an office space designed by Mr. Portman. An incredible deal in terms of design and adaptive reuse, Portman purchased space at 50% occupancy, moved all office occupants up and converted the lower half into a hotel. The development was Mr. Portman's final project. Adaptive reuse is a process very similar to new construction in terms of design and methodology. The potential of the space, as well as ideas, are regularly discovered. By updating a structure and changing the use, code changes and occupancy are essential elements to understand. Understanding what can transform and what must remain stationary is critical. With an existing structure, reviewing the framework and its history is vital before making changes. When Portman Architects renews an older building, the goal is to make the process seamless and for the construction to appear naturally incorporated into the landscape versus as an added element. Portman Architects believes the process and finished product should be clean, seamless and exceptional. With cities and buildings constantly changing, the contexts of spaces change just as rapidly. Halverson shared that it is exciting to see the faces of young professionals experiencing the process of adaptive reuse on a construction site. He also revealed that he particularly enjoys mentorship and seeing young professionals learn and grow. Another important aspect of adaptive reuse is to reinvent space rather than waste it. The process empowers architects to make great strides to keep a development's integrity and historical significance, elevating the property and its return to the community. Portman Architects believes in giving properties the extra piece it needs to be a building with a story versus just a beautiful construction. Portman Architects is currently working on South Tower, a Banyan Street property located within the Peachtree Center, originally designed by Mr. Portman. The project is a partnership between Portman Architects and the Peachtree Center to transform the architectural face of downtown Atlanta. Much like how New York repurposed its downtown to include more residential properties, downtown Atlanta is in the process of transitioning into a 24-hour active district. This change will elevate all other businesses within the neighborhood. Halverson predicts it will lead a considerable revitalization in downtown Atlanta. An immense shift also occurring is Atlanta office spaces as they incorporate more outdoor areas. A hybrid model of reducing the number of days in the office while keeping the square footage is growing in popularity after the past year ...

Portman Architects on Adaptive Reuse, Changing Atlanta Architecture

Karen Kelly, director of exhibits and education at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss educating children on the power of play and upcoming exciting displays. Kelly joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. The mission of the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is to inspire and educate children on the power of play -- something Kelly feels is very important for today’s generations of children. Focusing on children from zero to third grade, the museum offers children the freedom and initiative to learn and play in tandem with parents and adult caregivers. Exhibits throughout the museum allow children to participate in hands-on activities and stimulate their brains while learning new skills in a fun and interactive environment. For example, “Step Up to Science,” a program courtesy of The Cognizant Foundation teaches children cause and effect. The current exhibit, “Force in Motion,” focuses on how things happen, what pushes them and how to act on them. Exciting interactions include a racetrack for kids to build and test racecars and a display to design rockets for the wind tunnel. “This is all about open-ended experimentation,” said Kelly. “There is no one result or one path so kids can try and see if they can make it better, see what went wrong and see what happens again.” One of Kelly’s favorite exhibits is the augmented reality flow wall that demonstrates air and fluid dynamics. Kids use magnets to build a dam and see the result of obstructions in the water. Open-ended play is an integrated mix of technology and hands-on, creating the best way to teach children. All museum activities incorporate hands-on elements so kids can learn with both their eyes and hands. The diner exhibit is perfect for all children as each age group has a specialized experience. A two-year-old that is learning role play will take the food order of a guardian. A third grader however will focus on using math to determine the order total for a different experience tailored to their education. The museum works in tandem with Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards to design exhibits such as this one. The museum can inform visiting teachers how the interaction meets their curriculum standards while also keeping it fun. The fantastic permanent collection is “Fundamentally Food.” Featuring farm-to-table interactive play, this popular section teaches children the various stages of food production, from milking a cow to shopping in a grocery store. The important exhibit teaches children the path of food production and helps them develop a healthy relationship with nourishment. “Leaping into Learning” features a backyard pond setting for kids to “fish” and focus on early science learning. A featured climber allows them to learn the importance of a safe-danger space; the idea of a space far enough from watching eyes to experience independence but close enough for guardians to keep a watchful eye. The “Gateway to the World” features two-story climbers that teach safe-danger space and the difference between left and right while climbing. A staging area hosts storytimes and science experiments every hour on the hour, constantly debuting new shows. The arts section boasts sand tables and painting on the wall. A giant ball machine features six simple machines for every complicated one with different access points to play and receive different outcomes. The museum takes measures to ensure children are always safe and requires visitors two and up to wear facial coverings. Each day has two visiting periods with a cleaning period in-between to sanitize exhibits. Karen Kelly, director of exhibits and education at the Children's Museum of Atlanta joins the studio to discuss the power of play. Opening September 18, the Rube Goldberg exhibit is on loan from the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh until January.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Teaches Children the Power of Play

Chris and Clif Poston, principals with Traton Homes, a family-owned premier Atlanta home builder, join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to celebrate 50 years in business, upcoming developments in and around metro Atlanta and recent accolades. They join hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment.T Established in 1971 by brothers Bill and Milburn Poston, Traton Homes builds award-winning homes in Cobb County, a thriving metro Atlanta region. Steadily approaching its 13,000th home, the company recently won the Best Builder in Cobb County Award from Cobb Life and celebrated its eighth Guildmaster Award for quality. Another exciting company venture is the recent reunion with HomeAid Atlanta, an exciting and meaningful partnership in the metro area. The company has a great track record with its homeowners and its staff.  Although the company recently made several new hires, at the beginning of 2021, the average employee had a history of 17 years with the company. “We have a well-tenured team that has been with us and stuck with us through lean times,” remarked Chris Poston. “They know the business and are proud of Traton. They are good people to have around you and running a business.” Traton Homes has an exciting remainder of 2021 with exciting projects slated for 2022 fit for active adults, single-family homebuyers and more. Each community features sought-after amenities and a great location, expanding the already successful portfolio of Traton Homes. Priced from the low $400,000s, High Parc at Smyrna is an 80-unit townhome community less than a mile from the heart of Smyrna. A swimming pool, cabana and nearby Truist Park recommend this community for homebuyers craving lots of activities and a centralized location. Smyrna offers residents a large selection of shops, dining and excitement close to the downtown area. Talk about popularity! With over 1,000 people on the waiting list, Tapp Farm is a community with early on success unseen by Clif and Chris in 25 years working for Traton Homes. Three different price points, as well as a location near locally loved amenities such as the Silver Comet Trail and downtown Powder Springs, explains the never-before-seen success in this fantastic community. This community will feature single-family homes, two-story townhomes and single-family detached homes priced in the low $300,000s to the $400,000s. The Courtyards at Hickory Flat, a 65-unit active adult community, will feature a clubhouse and pickleball courts. An up-and-coming area, this community is close to popular grocers and restaurants while also near the countryside, a perfect balance of urban and suburban. The beautiful ranch homes will feature 10-foot ceilings, a private courtyard, ample storage and more. Traton Homes places great importance on amenities within its communities, especially ones focused on active adults. Due to the changes the industry experienced during the pandemic, amenities that are close to home offer residents an exciting lifestyle close to home. Smaller home products are growing in popularity for homeowners craving a well-amenitized, spaced out and well-located community. Traton Homes offers products as small as 1,800 square feet to meet the demand present in the market. “It allows us to do some things that you wouldn’t normally do,” said Clif Poston. Ten additional developments are ready to move forward, setting up 2022 as a year of increased growth. Currently, there is a low supply of new home inventory on the market, motivating homebuilders like Traton Homes. This low inventory could potentially drive a strong housing market in the next few years. Housing agents and homeowners must be flexible in the home buying process due to continuous changes and shortages of materials and other home building supplies. Chris Poston remarked, “We are booming and doing good, but the supply hasn’t caught up with us.”

Traton Homes Celebrates 50 Years of Homebuilding

Russ Belin, vice president of the Southeast region for Broadway Across America, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum podcast to discuss the pandemic's effects on the theater industry and this year’s exciting season at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Belin joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Celebrating 40 years in the peach state, Broadway Across America is back in our beautiful city for a highly anticipated season of shows. Broadway Across America has 47 markets in the U.S. and presents the best of Broadway direct from New York. Acting as a middleman, Belin and his team handle subscriptions, marketing and present shows featured at the Fox Theatre. Broadway Across America works with producers to build out incredible displays for patrons to enjoy, typically bringing 10 to 12 shows per season. According to Belin, the past 18 months were tough for performers and patrons alike as the theater industry largely depends on the revenue from live shows. “It’s been 550 days since we presented our last show,” Belin said. “Our job is to bring people together to make memories. It’s been weird to not have that feeling.” The theater industry and Broadway Across America underwent many changes attempting to build seasons and reroute shows as pandemic conditions worsened. The main focus was to reschedule shows and plan and manage ticket subscriptions to ensure an easy return once it was safe to do so. According to Belin, it was amazing to see the support and excitement from season ticket holders during such a difficult time and how thankful his team was for the continued support. In residence until September 26, 2021, Hamilton is the first show to return to the Fox Theatre since its March 2020 closing. Belin expressed gratitude that a big show like Hamilton is the season debut after a turbulent previous year. Operating safely, about 4,500 patrons per show enjoy the magic of Broadway in person once again. Written by Tony-award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton is the story of Alexander Hamilton, a young immigrant from the Caribbean, and his journey to the United States. Working in tandem with acclaimed historical figures, such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, Hamilton built the U.S. treasury, as well as other developments, to make our newly formed country successful. Told uniquely and powerfully, Hamilton implements hip-hop, dance and expressive music to tell the story based on the biography by author Rob Chernow. Although Disney+ released the professional recording of the original cast of Hamilton during the height of the pandemic, it motivates many viewers to see the show live. Releasing shows on digital platforms allows for larger audiences to access the brilliance of Broadway. However, nothing compares to seeing a show in person! Although the current cast of Hamilton is not the original, it is a talented group of professionals, including a few Atlanta natives, that are passionate about delivering this show to audiences. This season marks 40 years of Broadway in Atlanta and will feature highlights such as Fiddler on the Roof, Disney’s Frozen, Ain’t Too Proud, Mean Girls and more!  “I’m excited that we’re going to help the Fox doors reopen and get our audiences back there,” Belin said. Fiddler on the Roof is a great show to bring family and first-time theatergoers, winning multiple Tony Awards on its original run and the revival. Ain’t Too Pride celebrates the career of The Temptations on their journey from Motown to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with well-known hits and a night filled with nostalgic fun. Disney’s Frozen is a much-anticipated debut at the Fox Theatre and a great opportunity for families to experience the magic of Disney up close. Based on the pop culture hit by Tina Fey, Mean Girls will continue the stream of hit shows coming to the Atlanta area with comedy and catchy songs in this pop culture sensation. Despite current setbacks,

Bringing Broadway Back to Atlanta with Russ Belin

Coleman Mills, an architectural designer with Harrison Design, and John Tatum with Cloudland Station join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share the journey and inspiration behind the show cottage at Cloudland Station. Mills and Tatum join hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. A picturesque mountain and valley community, Cloudland Station sits in northwest Georgia in the Chattanooga Valley on the east side of Lookout Mountain. According to Tatum, the unique vision behind Cloudland Station was to create a community of families of all generations to come together and enjoy the outdoors. The community features plenty of conservation property with waterfalls, caves, lakes and more! The project, originally named “Stories Reimagined,” began with a river that acted as an anchor for the development. In the beginning, only a few properties sat along the river but soon formed an entire community that is an integrated part of the gorgeous mountain and valley scenery of northwest Georgia. “We believe architecture is an important part of the aesthetic,” Tatum said. “We don’t want to do anything but tread very lightly and add beauty to it.” With 20 completed homes, five are currently in development and about a dozen are in the planning stages. A mountain village, still in development, will act as a clubhouse for the community with surrounding swimming holes reminiscent of older and simpler times. The theme of the community is to “take time for the simple things” and enjoy the natural surroundings. Amenities in the community include foosball, a puppet theater converted from an old barn, ping pong, an outdoor amphitheater and a sweet shop that was formerly an old mill.  “We really try to breathe life into the notion of taking time for the simple things,” Tatum said. Coleman Mills joined the project to add another beautiful brushstroke to the Cloudland Station canvas. Founded by Bill Harrison, Harrison Design is a renowned architectural firm celebrating 30 years. Harrison was extremely passionate about teaching young people and passing on the tradition of design. The role of architects in his eyes extends to the ability to impact a client's life and the landscapes in a way that exceeds their own lives. The Mountain Laurel, the designer show cottage at Cloudland Station, is the last project commissioned under Harrison’s name. Along with the delightful partnership that blossomed between Tatum and Mills, the show cottage organically developed into an authorless and blended design with Gothic and European influences overlaid against the natural, available materials locally sourced during construction. Up the hill from the home sits a natural springhouse, a structure commonly found in Europe. Springhouses traditionally acted as community refrigeration and cooling structures due to the low temperatures of the water flowing beneath them. This is a perfect example of the design elements prominently featured throughout the community. The development represents the stories of immigrant families traveling with traditions and building styles that adapted by using the nearby resources. “It’s a blending of a lot of different bloodlines to make one authentic piece of architecture,” Mills said when discussing the interplaying elements of the cottage and springhouse. The vision behind the community comes alive when passersby question whether the structures are older buildings versus newer constructions, according to Mills. The shared belief amongst the team speaks to the authenticity and integrity of the project, whether it stems from locally sourcing materials or modeling builds after traditional structures. The show cottage sits on 1,800 square feet and comfortably sleeps 12 people with the option for additional sleeping space in the springhouse. Another unique aspect of the build is the endless possibilities found in the spacious springhouse.

Cloudland Station: A Reimagined Natural Escape in Northwest Georgia

Long-serving director of cultural affairs for Atlanta, Camille Russell Love joins Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio to discuss the upcoming ELEVATE Atlanta Art Festival and celebrating the art and culture scene in Atlanta. Love joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. The Office of Cultural Affairs supports the Atlanta art community through grants, art installations, public classes and public schools. This organization holds events such as the Atlanta Jazz Festival. Usually held Memorial Day weekend, the Atlanta Jazz Festival takes place Labor Day weekend, September 5 and 6 in Piedmont Park. The festival kicks off this year’s ELEVATE Atlanta Art Festival celebrating reopening, reignition and a reconnection throughout the city. There are two primary divisions of the Office of Cultural Affairs. The Art and Education Division provides grants to the community, organizations and individuals to support operations and projects. Annually, $2 million is granted to applicants. In collaboration with art partners and the community, they support a program called the Cultural Experience Project. This program supports Atlanta public-school children and arranges free field trips to cultural venues such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Atlanta Children's Museum, Atlanta History Center and more. Each grade has a specific cultural experience and through this program, students explore Atlanta culturally. The Public Arts Division supports new commissions of public art. Currently, a project is in the works to expand the arts district from Northside Drive by Mercedes Benz Stadium to I-285 by Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The installation project features sculptures, bike racks, water features and everything art that focuses on civil and human rights. The team is also responsible for the maintenance and restoration of art that is already a part of the collection. Atlanta has an extensive art collection in the public domain and because of this, restoration and maintenance need to occur regularly. There are three galleries in Atlanta associated with The Office of Cultural Affairs: Gallery 72, Chastain Arts Center and one located in the mayor’s office that focused on artists that may not receive exposure in public galleries. Another program, Art on Loan, focuses on purchasing artwork from individual Atlanta-based artists and installing it in public-facing offices of the city government. The purpose is to educate the public within those spaces on the thriving art and culture in Atlanta, making public and government spaces feel and look better by presenting a partnership with the art community. At the Chastain Arts Center, they also host art classes for individuals in the community. ELEVATE usually takes place in a single community for 10 days, but this year will be different because of the pandemic. To celebrate the decimated art community and to encourage citizens to go explore public spaces, ELEVATE takes place all over the city this year. Throughout September and October, every weekend focuses on a different community across the city. From visual art, performing art, festivals and restaurants to celebrating the art and culture within that specific community, there are lots of activities. “We want to shine a spotlight on communities,” said Love. “ELEVATE is going to be everywhere this year and we are excited that we can provide our citizens with an opportunity to get out and celebrate one another and celebrate art and culture and reconnect with one another.” The overarching theme of this year’s festival is REVIVAL. The goal is to revive the city’s spirits and connections and to do that, the festival celebrates reopening, reigniting and reconnecting. The Office of Cultural Affairs produces some of the events but also works with partners around the city to educate civilians on their work. The 2021 curator is Charmaine Minniefield, a well-known artist and muralist.

ELEVATE Atlanta Art Festival Celebrates Art, Culture

Jeff Smythe, CEO of HOPE Atlanta, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss community outreach and the mission to end hunger and homelessness in Georgia. Smythe joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. A metro Atlanta organization focused on people experiencing homelessness and hunger, HOPE Atlanta has a mission is to help Georgians avoid homelessness and hunger through a comprehensive approach that equips them with the tools for lifelong stability. The vision is to end housing and food insecurity for every Georgian. “We do see it as our purpose to end homelessness, to end hunger and to prevent those on the edge from falling into a place where they are food insecure,” said Smythe when discussing the organization’s purpose. Through housing interventions, street outreach and hunger relief, the organization engages with homeless individuals to seek shelter. Trained case managers work on housing plans with individuals to get them off the street. Their job is to engage and invite those experiencing homelessness to work on a housing plan, and for some, that process is quicker than others. Smythe expanded by saying, “That’s our job. To help them, to accompany them and support them as they emerge from homelessness into housing.” Housing and case management teams focus on specific areas geographically in 31 counties across the state. Since the start of the pandemic, the Veteran’s case management teams have rehoused over 1,000 Veterans. They also have units focusing on individuals living with HIV. Hunger relief teams are active in the community and churches distributing food as well as working with individuals who come to the community kitchens or pantries seeking relief. Countless operations occur daily to help those experiencing homelessness and hunger achieve self-sustainability. While many think of stereotypes when referencing people dealing with home and food insecurity, the reality is more than 75% of those experiencing homelessness are not chronically homeless. The number represents anyone who has lost a job, undergone the effects of a pandemic or countless other reasons. A large percentage of homeless people are employed, and many are fragilely and episodically homeless. HOPE Atlanta partners with them to reach self-sustainability and secure permanent housing. The main goal is to prevent families from returning to homelessness after partnering with them. By starting with a large amount of support and stair-stepping down, permanent housing is more likely to be achieved for those chronically homeless. One out of every six children in Georgia is food insecure. When the number narrows to those in temporary housing, it increases to one out of four children. Food insecurity affects so many aspects of a child’s life -- mental health, education and healthcare – to name a few. This creates many challenges a large percentage of the nation faces. The acronym HOPE stands for specific interventions the organization conducts. H stands for hunger relief and housing. The housing team seeks areas for potential rapid rehousing to get a family off the streets and self-sustainable. The hunger relief program is very prominent in Rome and Dalton. The programs are crucial for people to receive necessary, required nutrients. Food insecurity creates a domino of health effects that remains with a person throughout their life. Since the start of the pandemic, HOPE Atlanta teams have distributed over two million meals across north Georgia. The O represents outreach programs and ensuring the case management teams are seeking out individuals to help. The P embodies the prevention work they conduct, which is especially important during the pandemic. Working with government partners ensures those experiencing evictions or loss of assistance are receiving preventive dollars. The E stands for emergency services implemented during cases such as the current pandemic.

HOPE Atlanta Works to End Hunger, Homelessness in Georgia

Executive Director and Co-Founder Tommie Storms of the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, Inc. (AAASP) joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum podcast to discuss the association's 25th anniversary and the journey of adapting sports across the country. Storms joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. After the 1996 Olympics, many kids inspired by the incredible athletes, including kids with disabilities, wanted to participate in sports. In Atlanta, the Paralympic Games, the first full-blown games centered around athletes with disabilities, were particularly inspirational. Disabled kids inspired by the games needed somewhere they could participate in popular sports. Storms co-founded the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, Inc., a charity focusing on adapting popular sports after the 1996 games. She met the needs of disabled kids with a dream of playing sports such as basketball, track and field and football by taking popular sports and adapting them for kids in wheelchairs. Mostly, the sports look similar but adapted for special needs and varying levels of abilities. Noticing many similar community programs, Storms and her team saw a lack of school programs and focused on replicating their curriculum within the schools to meet this underserved niche. Information about their program and mission was circulated through different schools and eventually led to seasonal competitions, 35 programs across Georgia and tournaments. In their fifth year, they approached the Georgia High School Association to incorporate what they were doing into the sports infrastructure in Georgia. “We've created a wonderful program,” said Storms. “An easy way for parents and kids to get involved.” There was a learning curve and several barriers in the beginning. The association received concerns that children in wheelchairs were too fragile, and participation would lead to injuries. Newspapers also did not consider the games sports. Fortunately, after witnessing the games and experiencing them firsthand, many change their perspective. “They will take you where you want to go if you can show them where there are barriers, how easily they are removed and how they can be a part of it,” stated Storms when discussing the barriers that they have overcome. Their team, The Gwinnett Heat is advertised in newspapers and has previously won a state title. These teams regularly play against teams without disabled players and adapt the rules, using the association’s standardization and line of sporting goods. The programs offered by AAASP assist teachers around the country in determining what sports their kids can play, what the adapted sport looks like and obtaining the equipment. What makes them unique is that they are the first and only interscholastic athletic association solely focused on adapted sports for kids with physical disabilities. Neglected by the school system, physically disabled kids who lacked cognitive impairment could not participate in a traditional team. That is the gap that the American Association for Adapted Sports Programs, Inc. fills. This competitive program helps kids develop their strength, cardiovascular system as well as many other physical benefits. In Georgia, if a parent has a child with a disability, they can contact AAASP or declare themselves to a coach. The child must be in first through twelfth grade, with or without a wheelchair, able to ambulate on their own or use an assistive device. After contact is made, AAASP will determine the needs of the child and what is available nearby. In the Atlanta area, the focus is team sports, but track and field are available statewide. The Wheelchair Varsity Finals Games has been televised since offered by the association. The event is broadcasted by the National Federation of State High Schools Association and covers boy’s and girl’s finals for associations across the nation.

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