9/1/05 - Castleberry Hill banners coming soon

Permanent banners reflecting the distinct flavor of Castleberry Hill will soon grace the neighborhood’s streets, after the City Council approved the neighborhood’s request to install the banners Aug. 15.

The Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association (CHNA) hopes to have the banners installed prior to the 2005 Loft Tour, which is scheduled for Oct. 15 and Oct. 16. However, the banners might not be in position until November due to the permitting process.

Tami Donnelly, president of the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association, said, “The banners will be strategically placed around the neighborhood on light poles.” Expect to see the banners on Castleberry Hill’s main thoroughfares, like Peters, Nelson and Walker streets before the end of the year.

The banners incorporate the winning entry of Castleberry Hill’s recent logo design contest. Donnelly said the chosen design “really clicks for Castleberry Hill.”

Matt Belfi, a local graphic designer who has made Castleberry Hill his residence and workplace since 1997, is the creative force behind the banners. CHNA organized a logo contest asking for submissions that reflected the neighborhood’s “historic representation, the railroad, old buildings, lofts, etc.” Of the 12 entries, Belfi’s was selected the winner. Among Belfi’s other designs are the logos for Birdi’s, a Decatur eatery, and Georgia Shakespeare’s Shake at the Lake, held each spring in Piedmont Park.

Belfi said he “ actually started working on the logo long before the contest” while doodling in his spare time. His inspiration for the new Castleberry Hill logo was “primarily the unique architecture.” He also wanted to “incorporat(e) the arts and industrial history of the neighborhood.”

“I was excited to see the mark come to fruition,” said Belfi of designing the winning logo. “I have been a part of this neighborhood for many years and I am proud that my vision has been recognized as the visual representation of so many of my neighbors’ hard work and dedication.”

CHNA sought to have the banners placed permanently “to help identify the neighborhood,” said Donnelly. “So many people drive through (Castleberry Hill) on their way to and from work and don't realize they are in a neighborhood.” The banners “are important to identify us as a neighborhood and let people know where they are. We want people to know we are here to stay,” she continued.

Belfi also noted that the banners “will define our geographic boundaries, and distinguish Castleberry Hill as Atlanta's premier arts destination and collection of historic loft residences. This branding effort is just the beginning in establishing our neighborhood as the one to watch in years to come.”

Belfi is pleased to help CHNA in its efforts to promote and brand his neighborhood. When asked about his feelings of having his design included in an ongoing visual testament to the community, he said, “It's an honor.” He adds, “This area will continue to burgeon and attract the best of the region’s artists and creative thinkers.”

For more information on Castleberry Hill, visit www.castleberryhill.org or call 404-307-8127. Belfi Design, Matt Belfi’s design firm, can be reached via www.belfidesign.com or 404-893-4208.