East Atlanta Village, September 10, 2025
News Summary
East Atlanta Village is undergoing significant economic strain as local businesses grapple with steep rents and new tariffs. The closure of The East Atlanta Treehouse, following a failed negotiation amid a 75% rent increase, highlights the challenges faced by the community. Multiple businesses have shut down, with owners expressing frustration over negotiations with their landlord, Canvas Companies LLC. The imposition of tariffs on imported goods is further exacerbating the difficulties for small businesses, which struggle to compete with larger retail chains. Community resilience and adaptation remain crucial for local enterprises.
East Atlanta Village is grappling with rising rents and tariffs that are causing significant upheaval among local businesses, with the closure of The East Atlanta Treehouse serving as a stark example. The hip-hop club and bar, which had been a vibrant part of the community since its opening as a private event space in 2021, shut its doors in July 2025 following unsuccessful negotiations with its new landlords, Canvas Companies LLC. Despite owner King Shands agreeing to a staggering 75% rent increase, the discussions ultimately fell through, contributing to the growing sense of distress within the area.
The closure of The Treehouse left Shands and his sister, Brittney Wilson, devastated, as they not only lost their business but also a key artistic hub for the community. The closure came just months after the death of Shands’ brother, a prominent underground hip-hop artist known as “D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik,” which adds a personal layer of tragedy to the loss.
Canvas Companies took over multiple properties along Flat Shoals Avenue in February 2024, impacting around 17 tenants and covering approximately 30,000 square feet of rental space. In addition to The Treehouse, several other local businesses, including the vintage furnishings store Kaboodle, the international food alley We Suki Suki, and a massage spa, have also shut down in recent months. Owners have expressed frustration regarding negotiations with Canvas, claiming that the landlord’s demands fluctuated throughout the process. Canvas managed to persuade Shands to negotiate a lease expiration in December 2024, leading to a problematic situation for any prospective new tenants.
Canvas has indicated a focus on property upgrades, such as new HVAC systems and improved lighting, but has not disclosed plans for potential new tenants. The shift in ownership and rent increases pose significant challenges not only for established businesses but also for budding entrepreneurs looking to set up shops in the bustling community.
In addition to rising rents, local business owners are also grappling with the repercussions of a new set of tariffs on imported goods, which threaten their ability to compete with larger retail brands. The tariffs, which can go as high as 145% for certain goods, particularly affect small businesses like ScreenFixing, whose owner expressed deep concerns about the financial burden these tariffs impose. Similarly, Park Pet Supply reported price hikes across 20 types of pet food, further discouraging local shoppers who may opt for larger retailers as prices climb.
A survey conducted among independent businesses in Georgia revealed that nearly one-third of them experienced substantial price increases due to tariffs, highlighting the thin profit margins many businesses operate with. Despite these challenges, many local entrepreneurs indicate their commitment to adapt and innovate to survive and thrive in this difficult retail environment.
As East Atlanta Village continues to navigate these economic hurdles, the community’s resilience may prove critical in fostering a supportive atmosphere for local enterprises, ensuring they can still make an impact amidst rising costs and pressures from competitive chains.
FAQ
Why did The East Atlanta Treehouse close?
The East Atlanta Treehouse closed due to unsuccessful negotiations with its new landlords, Canvas Companies LLC. The owner agreed to a 75% rent increase, but talks ultimately broke down.
What other businesses have closed in East Atlanta Village?
In addition to The Treehouse, Kaboodle (a vintage furnishings store), We Suki Suki (an international food alley), and a massage spa have all closed recently.
How have tariffs affected local businesses?
New tariffs on imported goods have led to significant price hikes, with some businesses facing costs that make it difficult to compete with larger retailers. This has raised concerns among local owners about maintaining their profit margins.
What is Canvas Companies’ current focus regarding their properties?
Canvas Companies is currently focused on upgrading properties, including enhancing HVAC systems, roofs, and lighting. However, they have not publicly stated plans for new tenants in the vacated locations.
What percentage of independent businesses in Georgia have faced price hikes due to tariffs?
Approximately one-third of independent businesses in Georgia have reported significant price increases due to tariffs.
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Additional Resources
- Creative Loafing: East Atlanta Village
- 11 Alive: East Atlanta Village and Small Businesses
- NBC News: Tariffs Impact on Small Businesses
- Curbed: East Atlanta Village Airbnb Treehouse
- Wikipedia: East Atlanta Village
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
