Brick by Brick: Why We’re Opening an Ugly Building to the Public

Most businesses disappear during construction.
We’re doing the opposite.

Starting this winter, we’re opening the doors at 2888 Evans Mill Rd before the building is finished — not because it’s ready, but because this is how real things get built.

This project isn’t about a reveal.
It’s about a process.

The Building Is Ugly. That’s the Point.

Right now, the space is raw.

• Concrete floors
• Exposed systems
• Tape on the ground instead of finished walls

And instead of hiding that, we’re inviting people inside.

Why? Because transformation doesn’t happen all at once. It happens brick by brick, decision by decision, dollar by dollar. We want the community to see that in real time — not just the polished end result.

Introducing the Brick by Brick: Open Build Series

From February through May, we’re hosting a series of Saturday morning open houses at the building.

These aren’t grand openings.
They’re open builds.

Each one includes:

• Coffee and simple treats
• Walkthroughs of the space
• Updates on what’s changed and what’s next
• Conversations about ownership, not just consumption

It’s a working site. It’s imperfect. And it’s honest.

Two Finish Lines. One Mission.

Every project needs clarity. Ours has two finish lines.

Finish Line #1: $70,000 — Open the Building

This gets the doors open legally and operationally:

• Coffee flowing
• Cold brew on tap
• Morning hours
• Events and community use

Function over perfection.

Finish Line #2: $700,000 — Buy the Building

This is the long game:

• Ownership instead of rent
• Equity staying in the community
• A permanent home for what we’re building

We already have a lease-to-own agreement in place — 2% interest, 10-year term, interest-only while we build. That gives us control and time. Our goal is to purchase the building within 18 months, with community investors alongside us.

We’re not rushing ownership.
We’re earning it.

Why We’re Doing This in Public

Because disappearing for a year and coming back asking for applause doesn’t feel right.

Because community shouldn’t start at checkout — it should start at the foundation.

Because we want people to say:

“I saw that place when it was nothing.”

And mean it.

Community & Public Support

This project would not be possible without the support and collaboration of our local and regional partners. We’re grateful for the guidance, alignment, and encouragement from the City of Stonecrest, the Stonecrest Development Authority, DeKalb County, and Decide DeKalb.

Their commitment to small business growth, community development, and long-term ownership makes this kind of patient, intentional build possible.

The Dates (Come Walk With Us)

Brick by Brick: Open Build Series
📍 2888 Evans Mill Rd
🕘 11:00–1:00 PM

• February 1 — The Beginning
• March 1 — Progress You Can See
• April 5 — Momentum
• May 3 — Proof of Concept
• May 31 — The Final Build

Each one builds on the last. No resets. No smoke and mirrors.

This Is an Invitation

Not to spectate.
Not just to buy coffee.

But to witness, support, and — for those who want — eventually own a piece of what’s being built.

It’s rough right now.
But so is anything worth doing.

We’ll see you inside.

—
Dope Coffee
Built brick by brick.