Castleberry Hill Pioneers

Pennington lounges in his space. Photography by Amy Herr

They might not be founders of a new world, but innovative loft owners in Castleberry Hill are pioneers in their own right. Their foresight and passion have newly incarnated their small section of downtown—formerly a factory warehouse wasteland—into a trendy, up-and-coming area that brims with possibility and promise (many compare it to New York City’s meat-packing district). Here, we profile five such visionaries who took a risk and settled into digs that, at first, were just shells of their present states—and in the process, helped shape the future of this sophisticated, offbeat corner of Atlanta.

Getting more of No Más!

“No más” may translate to “no more” in English, but when it comes to gentrifying Castleberry Hill, Walt Bilinksi and Steve MacNeil, owners of the No Más! furniture-import empire, can’t seem to get enough. The couple has been living in the neighborhood since 1998, when they recognized the community’s potential.

“We saw this as a canvas from which to build not just our business, but to work with the community to help make a difference,” Bilinksi says.

The pair bought two adjacent buildings, one to be a warehouse for their company and one to function as their living space, with units they could also rent out to others. Last year, they sold four units in their residential building and invested that equity in renovating their new restaurant, No Más! Cantina, and their successful shop, No Más! Hacienda.

The pair’s distinctive style and passion for handcrafted, high-quality furniture and artisanal wares has translated into a one-of-a-kind residence that blends Mexico’s melting pot of Mediterranean-influenced styles with a regal slant. Rustic-modern woods blend with bold statements and dramatic touches, like an oversized, extra-tall couch with salvaged piano legs from the Boston symphony, a 10-foot wooden armoire, and candles dripping into niches in the brick walls. A large Moravian-star fixture, one of the couple’s most popular sellers, hangs from the kitchen ceiling, offering a touch of whimsy.

Their inspiring store maintains the same respect for handiwork. The front desk, which was supposed to be “simple,” is an intricately carved focal point surrounded by a seemingly endless array of fabulous Mexican-crafted finds. When visitors enter their spacious shop, Bilinski and MacNeil want them to feel as though they’ve left Atlanta and traveled to a small Mexican town. Inside, you’re transported to an old street where you wouldn’t be completely surprised if a mariachi band appeared. After perusing the pieces, you can head next door, which was also thoughtfully designed, for some authentic Mexican food.

“When you come down to this part of Atlanta, we want you to feel like you’re on vacation,” Bilinksi says. The unexpected charm is entirely amazing—it’s hard to imagine all the work that Bilinski and MacNeil put into the place, because it feels like it’s been here forever. Their next project is going to be Escape, a small art gallery based in the large fire escape of the store.

“I didn’t come here to rebuild (the neighborhood),” Bilinski says. “But I feel good about making a difference in this small part of Atlanta.” .......

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