Lawrenceville's First Beer Growler Opens on Square

Jesse Hachat has tapped into the beer business. Exhibit A(le) opened July 2nd.

A lawyer for the past seven years, Jesse Hachat decided to take the plunge and dive into a new career. The name of the new beer growler on the town square, Exhibit A(le), is a nod to his days as a lawyer. “I went to my first growler store in Charleston,” Hachat said. He fell in love with the concept and was glad to see them pop in places like Athens, Duluth and Avondale Estates over the past couple of years. A growler store has a much different atmosphere than a traditional liquor store or bar. For one, the concept and atmosphere is very vintage – a perfect fit for the 100-year-old building. It also has a more social atmosphere than a liquor store, with a couch and loveseat placed for conversation and catching up. Customers are welcome to …

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Is Downtown Becoming a Ghost Town?

A number of shop owners on Lawrenceville, Ga's Square have closed after struggling to make a profit.

  There are signs popping up all around downtown Lawrenceville, but not the kind of signs you want to see. These say “Space Available” and “Space for Lease.” Historic downtown is disappearing. “People are definitely talking about it and showing concern,” said Lynn Hinds of Magnolia’s Gifts and Antiques. “They want to know what’s going on, why everything is closing down.  I don’t have an answer for them.” Is it a sign of city decline? It depends on who you ask, but most of the business owners on the town square can agree on the one major factor that's missing-you. Yes, you. You are not shopping on the square. Aristeacrats is one of the stores that recently left the square.. Jessica Burns closed up shop in Honest Alley Exchange at the end of…

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Vanzetta Evans

11:42 am on Monday, July 9, 2012

Henry, You do bring up some valid points. However this is just one story about one area of Lawrenceville. The Square was the focus of this story because it is the face of Lawrenceville when people come visit for one of the many festivals that take place at the Historic Courthouse. We have done stories on some of the long standing businesses on the Square-- like The LONA Gallery http://patch.com/A…   more ›

Seen on the Scene

Tea Time

Lawrenceville Patch's editor stopped for a cool drink at Aristeacrats on the Square before they close their doors next week.

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City Honors Those Making Lawrenceville More Beautiful

The Lawrenceville Tourism & Trade Association and Downtown Development Authority handed out their annual Golden Hammer Awards Tuesday evening.

  The City of Lawrenceville's Tourism & Trade Association and Downtown Development Authority honored organizations and individuals trying to renovate, remodel and revitalize the downtown area. The Golden Hammer Awards were given out Tuesday evening at 550 Trackside.  This year, awards were given to ten recipients. The winners and their projects are:  

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First Moonlight & Music Show Breaks Records

A crowd of over 2,000 people came to watch the show in Downtown Lawrenceville, Ga.

  Friday's first concert in Lawrenceville's Moonlight & Music series saw a record-breaking crowd. More than 2,000 people filled the green on the Historic Courthouse to see Sons of Sailors, a Jimmy Buffett cover band. The next free show will be June 22nd featuring Grains of Sand. Click here for the full lineup and a preview of the acts. Do you have photos or video from the concert? Upload them here!

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Downtown Development Authority Meeting Agenda - April 23, 2012

Directional signage is one of the items on tonight's agenda.

MEETING AGENDA       April 23, 2012 1.0           Call to Order 2.0           Determination of Quorum 3.0           Approval of Minutes-March 26, 2012 4.0           Approval of Agenda 5.0           Treasurer’s Report 6.0                  Old Business 6.1                  Mid-Block Update – Mike Reedy 6.2        Future Revenue – David Still 6.3                  Downtown Directional Signage – Mike Reedy 6.4                  Update on National Register District Nomination- Parker/Joe 7.0        New Business 7.1                  City Projects Report – Dennis Billew                   7.2                  Old Brand Bank Building – Danny Gravitt                   7.3                  LTTA Board Appointment – Joe Burnett                   7.4…

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Bunny Hop Through Downtown

The Easter Bunny paid a visit to Downtown Lawrenceville, taking time out to sip tea and even apply for a loan!

  The Easter Bunny made an early visit to Downtown Lawrenceville. On Friday, Mr. Bunny hopped through downtown to deliver breakfast to the merchants. Some of his stops included Aristeacrats, Magnolias, La Cazuela and Brand Banking Company.

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Empty Lot Will Soon Become a New Park

Plans for the new Jackson Street Park are underway.

Initial layouts of the new Jackson Street Park have been released. The now vacant lot will be transformed into a 16-acre park on par with Suwanee's Town Center. The plans for the Jackson Street Park include an amphitheater, water feature, volleyball courts and more. It will sit on a now vacant property at the corner of Jackson and Luckie Streets which the City of Lawrenceville has acquired. The city also plans to acquire an apartment building and an overflow parking lot. Here are some photos of the plans and the location as it looks now. You can read more about what park designer Tunnel-Spangler-Walsh & Associates plan for the site and see their designs on their website.

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Fun, Food and Festivities on the Square

The annual Fair on the Square in Downtown Lawrenceville also has a social conscience purpose.

Three years ago the owners of Rita’s Italian Ice, Anthony and Francine Coston wanted to express their gratitude to the community for their support of Rita’s first year of business. They decided to host a festival. This idea was liked by other business owners that decided to join in to sponsor the first Lawrenceville Fall Festival in 2009. “This year’s festival, A Fair on the Square, has more participation of businesses, entertainers and from the community,” said Francine Coston.   The sponsoring and planning committee for the festival is made up of business owners and leaders of Rita’s, Brown’s BBQ & Catering, The LONA Gallery, author Lisa Marie McNeill and the Lawrenceville Community Children’s Choir. While the festival had participation …

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Where Am I?

Where Am I? August 21: Answer

Did you guess where we were?

This week's "Where Am I?" photo was taken at the Ezzard Building in downtown Lawrenceville. So, did you get it right?

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