Closer Look: Local Developers Talk Proposed West End Mall Project; Rugby ATL Prepares For Upcoming Season

Candace Wheeler •
Closer Look recently visited the West End mall area to hear from developers Ryan Gravel and Donray Von, who have proposed a multi-million dollar plan to redevelop the area with restaurants, storefronts and office space.
Closer Look recently visited the West End mall area to hear from developers Ryan Gravel and Donray Von, who have proposed a multi-million dollar plan to redevelop the area with restaurants, storefronts and office space.
Credit Candace Wheeler
Audio version of this story here.

Tuesday on “Closer Look with Rose Scott”:

  • 0:00: Rose gives a news brief with the highlights of the $2.2 billion budget approved by Atlanta City Council yesterday. The budget, which does not include any tax increases, provides additional funding for the Atlanta Police Department, raises for Atlanta Fire and Rescue, and allocates money to create a city Department of Transportation, among other initiatives.
  • 3:48: The Mall West End has been a staple in the historic West End community for years. However, as development grows in the region, a new plan proposes transforming the area. Closer Look recently visited the West End mall to hear from developers Ryan Gravel and Donray Von, who have proposed a multimillion-dollar plan to redevelop the area with restaurants, storefronts and office space. Gravel, who is also known as the visionary for the BeltLine project, and Von, an investor, say their goal is to develop the area responsibly and with the neighborhood in mind. We learn more about the specifics of their plan.
  • 42:35: Atlanta’s new Major League Rugby team recently announced its name: Rugby ATL. The new team will “represent the South” and is the only of its kind within a six-state region, according to a press release. The new team’s season begins this January. Today, we’ll meet Rugby ATL team leaders James Walker, general manager, and Scott Lawrence, head coach, to hear more about their plans for the sports team.
Rugby ATL team leaders Scott Lawrence, head coach, and James Walker, general manager, to hear more about their plans for the new Major League Atlanta sports team, Rugby ATL. (Photo credit: Grace Walker)

Closer Look is produced by Candace Wheeler and Grace Walker. Joy Barge is a contributing producer.