Matilda's To Be Replaced By New Homes In Downtown Alpharetta

ALPHARETTA, GA -- A popular music venue is set to close to make way for a 26-home development in downtown Alpharetta.

The City Council at its Nov. 13 meeting approved a request from Villa Magnolia/Parkland Communities to rezone 3.53 acres from neighborhood commercial, general commercial and agriculture to downtown residential to accommodate its plans to construct a community containing 26 for-sale, detached single family homes.

The site at 377 South Main Street is currently home to Matilda's, the outdoor event and performance venue that also runs a boutique market on the site.

The owners of Matilda's told Alpharetta leaders that they plan to relocate the venue to another site. A few residents raised questions about the use of the land. One woman said she felt that the plan calls for too much density and wishes the homes were situated in a "park-like setting."

Another resident said he was disappointed to see the project move forward at the expense of a venue that provides high-quality music in a kid-friendly atmosphere. He also said he understands that progress is inevitable and has nothing against change.

“But I hate to see something that would allow a treasure like Matilda's to be bulldozed," he added, calling on the city of Alpharetta to step up and help the venue find a new home.

Council member Donald Mitchell, who said the discussion has been a difficult one to have, expressed best wishes to the folks behind Matilda's and offered to help in the venture's efforts to find a new home.

He also spoke highly of the 26-home development that, if all goes to plan, would be constructed in Matilda's place.

“I do think it is a good project, and I think it will add value to the city as a whole," Mitchell said.

Mayor David Belle Isle also praised Matilda's for building and maintaining a loyal customer base that's passionate about its presence in downtown Alpharetta.

"It is very unique venue," he said of the venue. "You guys have done a fantastic job. It is one of those things that makes us unique and that's why I'm very hopeful."

He also told the audience that the city is not initiating Matilda's closure, but they are just responding to the property owner's application for rezoning. The city's decision is not an "anti-Matilda's" stance, and there isn't a person on the council who doesn't want to help Matilda's to "succeed in their next venture," Belle Isle said.

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