(Atlantic) SHIFT ATL is full steam ahead on multiple renovations and community projects.
Jessie Shiels, President of SHIFT ATL, a 501(c)3 nonprofit formed in 2019, says the group continues to build upon their broad but straightforward vision for the place they have made home: to shift the direction of Atlantic’s social and economic development opportunities by leveraging partnerships and strengthening social bonds within the community. They intend to revitalize Atlantic through projects, services, and programs that will enhance the community and foster a sense of growth.
Sheils says their inaugural project, renovating the Telegraph building (formerly known as the Downtowner), saw construction start in November of 2020. Werts Construction, Camblin Mechanical, and Berg Electric have been executing against the renovation plan for the past three months and have made great progress. They have completed demolition, stabilized the building, and currently, plumbing and electrical are going into the structure. Soon after, a new flooring and interior wall system will be built so that the finishing construction elements can begin. SHIFT ATL will still be completing a 2-bedroom AirBnB on the upper story. The lower level commercial space is currently without a tenant, but the organization has ideas for what they would like to see occupy this space and are excited about the potential this space holds for the community of Atlantic.
Additionally, in January 2021, SHIFT ATL purchased their first “flip” house, activating their Housing gear. Construction is starting on this project in the next week, with the hope of project completion being late spring, ready for its new owners.
SHIFT ATL will be hosting their first SHIFT Network “open house” of the 2021 year at their flip home on March 11. These meetings are for current and prospective members only to keep them in the loop of all community projects and progress and receive feedback from engaged members. More details to come on this in the coming week.
To learn more about SHIFT Network, visit shiftatl.org/join or to get signed up for the SHIFT Network, do so at shiftatl.org/donate and select “SHIFT Network Dues” at checkout. To learn more about each project, to donate or to get involved, contact shiftatlantic@gmail.com, visit the website shiftatl.org or Facebook page, @shiftat.
