On Authenticity
Whenever someone mentions “authenticity,” I am reminded of the famous quote from former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart regarding obscenity: “I shall not today attempt to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced in that definition. . . but I know it when I see it.”
Everywhere real estate investors and developers are seeking to create “authentic” places. They are told by experts that “this is what people want”, and generally we all feel like you probably shouldn’t build what people don’t want. Authenticity is touted as some magic talisman against technology and social change, providing guaranteed foot traffic, endless social media posts, access to the cool kids and, of course, profit!
Obviously the reality is much more complicated than that. Ask a hundred people the definition of Authentic and you’ll get a hundred answers. “Old” would probably make it to the top of the survey. Real, Local, Appropriate, Unique and a host of other equally-vague adjectives might also make the list.
We’re gonna go with “Experiential” Richard. Please don’t kiss me.
After that, who knows? Is a Starbuck’s in an old warehouse more authentic than a local James Beard-wining restaurant in a new building? (side note: if Starbucks is so inauthentic then why are they a $100B company?) We know plenty of old places people don’t go to anymore, and plenty of new places that pack ‘em in night after night. No one can define authentic, but we all feel like we know it when we see it.
The MLS listing described it as “authentic”
Here at Revel our (real estate) definition of authentic is: something that makes the world a little bit smaller. Or put another way, something that makes your patrons’ knowledge of and connection to the world a little broader. Old buildings can convey the unique history of a place. An immigrant-run restaurant can help you understand more about a different culture. Buying a pair of jeans that you watched being made gives a better understanding of the craft, not to mention a connection to others who wear them. Destinations like the Beltline allow you to meet with old friends and make new ones.
When your patrons tell you they crave authenticity, what they mean is they want community and knowledge. They want you to make their world just a little smaller. Give that to them, and they will reward you with their time and money.
What we’re working on: We have new ground-up F+B development projects in Georgia and Florida. On the consulting side we continue to get calls from office and apartment owners asking for help invigorating their buildings’ common spaces and retail areas. We’ve recently finished consulting projects in Vermont and Ohio, and have started several new projects throughout the Southeast as well as Texas and California.
Best Place We’ve Eaten This Year
Night + Market Song. Los Angeles is arguably the country’s most exciting food town right now. From brilliant restaurants to amazing food trucks, some of the most creative cooking in America is happening in LA.
Night + Market Song has been a stalwart there for five years now. A self-described “natural wine bar masquerading as a Thai restaurant”, it is definitely worth a visit.
What We’re Reading
Hotbox: Inside Catering, the Food World’s Riskiest Business by Matt + Ted Lee. Two of our favorite people have written a fascinating and entertaining book. Matt and Ted spent the better part of the last five years working in the intense world of high-end New York City catering. A definite addition to your summer reading list.
What We’re Listening To
The Tales People Tell, debut album from Kelly Finnigan & The Atonements. Sounds like 1962, released last month.
Drop us a line and let us know what’s keeping you busy, and if we can help in any way. Especially if you have something authentic to work on. . .
Cheers,
G