What Should Go Here?: East Atlanta Icehouse

The former East Atlanta Icehouse holds a special place for me in terms of special connections.

The old music venue at 543 Flat Shoals Ave. — better known to longtime Atlantans as the former Echo Lounge — is the reason I discovered East Atlanta.

It sparked my interest in the neighborhood that had a Brooklyn hipster vibe and eventually led me to buying a home in the EAV.

My first foray to EAV was with some friends who were really into the Empire State, a band from Athens.

I didn't care for Empire State but I really liked the Echo Lounge and neighborhood I've called home for nearly 11 years.

In that time, I seen some great bands such as Calexico, some funny entertainers like El Vez and some interesting events such as the Pucking Fuppet Show at the 543 Flat Shoals.

I was sad to see the Echo Lounge close — thanks to Atlanta City Hall's notorious red tape — but happy to see the building get new life as the Icehouse a couple years ago.

But the Icehouse was shortlived.

Now the building sits empty.

I know some of you will say we still have the Earl in the EAV, and I've seen quite a few great shows there, too.

But it seems to be a waste to have a venue that's not being used.

Would you like to see the Icehouse/Echo Lounge building come back as a music venue? If not, how would you repurpose it?