Avalon – ULI Project of the Year Atlanta

Avalon is one of the country’s most desirable mixed-use projects. Developed by North American Properties (NAP) and opened in 2014, it raises the bar on experiential development. With more than 300,000 sf of high-end retail, two buildings with high-tech office space and 400+ residential units, this complicated project required a dedicated team of which work.shop was proud to have been a part.

Check out this quick video showcasing what gives Avalon it’s unique character and made it an easy choice for Project of the Year.

Find out more about how work.shop helped deliver this project and how we continue to be involved in Phase II with our new Digital Design Criteria Manual (DDCM).

5 Essential Tools for Grand Opening Crunch Crew

Avalon GOIt is a week before the big day – Grand Opening. Tenants are merchandising (hopefully). Development and Construction are obtaining municipal sign-offs and cleaning the property. Management, Operations and Marketing are preparing for the cast of thousands which will flock to the center. The last week is a push and all the last minute unforeseen items start to appear which the Owner’s “Crunch Crew” need to manage, fix, or hide.

Here are 5 essential tools that every member of the Owner’s “Crew” need to have in their backpack to quickly tackle some of these last minute challenges:

1) Black Duct Tape
This stuff is so versatile, it can literally do anything. Whether you use it to hold together various dissimilar materials, post notes, act as punchlist deficiency item indicator, or as a quick substitute for paint, it does it all.

 

Cost:  $6

2) Paint Brush(es)
Blemishes, nicks, dents, scratches and eyesores occur frequently on a job and a last minute hit of paint can quickly conceal the problem until proper repair is done after GO.

 

Cost:  $10

3) Outlet Circuit Analyzer
Access to power is essential. Nothing is more frustrating and time consuming than trying to find a live outlet. Test first before plugging in with this handy tool. Finding an operating plug can make the difference between success and failure.

 

Cost:  $5

4) Utility Knife / Box cutter
The amount of cardboard on the site is insane. Nothing comes in more handy to cut down boxes, open plastic straps, snap drywall, or carve down edges like this simple tool.

 

Cost:  $5

5) Work Gloves
You inevitably will be moving tons of stuff. Boxes, brooms, wood, drywall, planters, you name it and you do not want to get hurt or have some of that gunk on your hands minutes before shaking a big-wig’s hand.

 

Cost:  $10

TOTAL CRUNCH CREW KIT COST: $36

5 Bonus Tools:
6. Sharpie(s)
Writes on anything.

7. Tape Measure
Measure twice, cut once.

8. Extension Cord
Get power where you need it.

9. Broom
You can never sweep enough times.

10. Silicone Adhesive (paintable)
Makes everything weathertight.

I carry all of this stuff in a small backpack made by Patagonia (Atom Sling) so that I can have my hands free, but quick and easy access to these and other tools.
 
These 5+ tools mentioned above can quickly and easily solve just about any problem encountered in the waning moments before Grand Opening, shy of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy. Don’t visit the project before GO without them.