Don Childress, who developed Atlanta Galleria, is winning a major award from the Urban Land Institute Thursday at its 2010 annual Development of Excellence Awards dinner. Childress will receive the “Frank Carter Community Achievement Award”. The award is named for Frank Carter, one of the founders of Carter and known to many as the “Mayor of Midtown” because of his vision for and commitment to the Atlanta community.
We talked this week with Jeff DuFresne, Executive Director of the Urban Land Institute - Atlanta District Council, about Childress, Carter and the award.
Can you talk about why Don Childress is winning this prestigious award?
Every year, we recognize an individual in the development field or real estate field who has made an outstanding contribution to Atlanta. Don has had a huge influence on the Cumberland Galleria area and also has helped shape Midtown. The award, named for Frank Carter, is given to someone who has integrity and vision and who is mentoring the next generation of professionals.
Who are some examples of past winners?
Ron Terwilliger, Larry Gellerstedt, Sr., John Aderhold, Charlie Brown and Harold Dawson, Sr.
ULI is all about responsible use of land. Can you talk about why Don’s development of Atlanta Galleria is noteworthy from that standpoint?
He took a really challenging topography and he built a place with green space in the middle of it. There are a lot of amenities. There are residences nearby and the arts are right here, with the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. This is a community. I live here. I work here. I play here. He created a place that will be here a long time and it is going to get better. If I were buying land, this is where I would buy.
As you mentioned, ULI is a tenant at Atlanta Galleria. Why is this a good a location for you?
ULI relocated to the Atlanta Galleria four years ago because it is an ideal location from which to serve our 1,000-plus members. We host over 24 educational meetings annually which can have from 20 to 500 attendees. The Galleria has easy access, free parking and an abundance of meeting space options.
More on the Development of Excellence Awards Dinner:
Time: Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.
Place: Grand Atrium at 200 Peachtree (across from Downtown Ritz Carlton)
To register: Call 770-951-8500 or register on site at the event.
Other award winners:
Development of Excellence Award Finalists:
- Gables Midtown
- Hotel Indigo Athens
- Luckie Marietta District
- Piedmont Park’s “Greystone”
- Southface Campus
- Two Alliance Center
- White Provisions
Dan Sweat 2010 recipient, Mayor Shirley Franklin
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