Page 10 - Welcome-to-DeKalb-2018-Newcomers-Guide

This is Photo by Travis Hudgons
This is

AVONDALE ESTATES

Avondale Estates is known for its historic single-family also have a Tudor style, leading the city to be featured in
homes and Tudor-Revival style business structures This Old House online magazine as one of the “Best Old
along its Main Street. House Neighborhoods 2012.”
However, the Westgate entrance of the city soon will The Avondale Estates Historic District is included in the
have a different look. A mixed-use development is being National Register of Historic Places.
constructed at Sams Crossing and East College Avenue.
The development, which will be built on 3.17 acres, Avondale Estates is also the home of the fi rst Waffle
will feature approximately 8,000 square feet of retail/ House restaurant, which was founded in 1955 by
restaurant space on the ground floor, approximately 197 residents Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner. In 2004,
residential units in four stories above, a gateway park— Waffle House reacquired the original restaurant building
which will preserve the mature trees, a rear parking deck, located at 2719 East College Ave. in Avondale Estates
additional on-street parking and sidewalks and street and opened it as a museum. The museum features
trees to enhance the pedestrian experience. the interior and décor of the 1955 Waffle House and
showcases Waffle House memorabilia.
The project is a part of the city’s efforts to redevelop its
central business district and the city. Although there will Avondale Estates’ art district features the newly created
be a new structure in the city, Avondale Estates will have ArtLot. The ArtLot is an idea formed by the Avondale Arts
its small town, historic look and feel. Alliance, residents and businesses to create a temporary
city park to showcase the talent of local artists.
Founded in 1924 by George Francis Willis, the city is
modeled and named after Stratford-upon-Avon, United The city also has thriving small businesses, thrift
Kingdom–the birthplace of William Shakespeare. stores, parks and a lake with a lake house where several
activities are held with a picture-perfect view of the lake.
The Tudor-Revival style architecture of Avondale Estates The city is home to Avondale Elementary School, DeKalb
city hall and other buildings along the city’s main street Elementary School of the Arts, DeKalb School of the Arts
is like no other in DeKalb County. Many houses in the city and The Museum School of Avondale Estates.

10 | 2018 Newcomers Guide & DeKalb Chamber Membership Directory