Visions for Vacancies: Outwrite Bookstore

Welcome to another edition of "Visions for Vacancies," where we visit a local vacant commercial building and ask you what you'd like to see go in that space. Or something like that as you’ll see.

Today we’re in Midtown at the corner of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue where for 15 of its 18 years in existence, stood as the gathering hub for Midtown gay life and more. But financial hard times caught up with the longtime independent gay and lesbian bookstore, as it shuttered its doors for good in January.

But as What Now Atlanta recently reported, it didn’t take long for a friendly neighbor to step in. A next-door neighbor that is as intends to expand into the Outwrite space. Lease negotiations were on-going at the time of the weekend article.

There are times when the popular 1,500 square-foot Gilbert’s can get cramped, but it will double in size notes the What Now Atlanta story when it takes over the 2,500 square-foot Outwrite space.

So it would appear that this highly-visible Midtown piece of real estate is in line for a new tenant. But is this the right business for the Outwrite space?

The gay-friendly restaurant/bar, owned by brothers Gilbert and Sean Yeremian, receives highly favorable food reviews and has overall been good to and for the community. But would you have liked to have seen something different as opposed to the expansion of a current business?

And if this is the best new business for the space, what would you like to see or not see from the Gilbert’s expansion? How would you feel about roof-top terrace seating? How would you feel about such if you were a nearby neighbor?

Should it be non-smoking? Any menu or atmosphere tweaks from the current Gilbert's spot?

Don’t concern yourself with things such as setback regulations and other zoning issues the city has to deal with. We want to know that if it were up to you, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community?

About this column: In highlighting vacant buildings in Midtown, we aim to help residents take a proactive role in planning and building their community. We'll take your feedback to public officials and property owners, to inform their decisions about future uses. Know of a vacant building we should highlight? Email hunt.archbold@patch.com.