Former Atlanta mayor Sam Massell is always in a Buckhead state of mind, and he says the state of Buckhead is doing just fine.
Massell, president of the Buckhead Coalition, gave his annual “state of” speech to the Buckhead Business Association breakfast on Feb. 16. The soft-spoken Southerner carried a black walking cane and sat behind the podium as he told the larger-than-usual crowd about the community’s tribulations and triumphs. It was mostly triumphs.
He released his speech in advance, but occasionally traveled off the script as seasoned speakers sometimes do. Massell served as mayor of Atlanta from 1970 to 1974, but has stayed active in public life through his role as Buckhead’s chief cheerleader.
When the economy tumbled in 2008 and people soured on Buckhead’s prospects, Massell took the long view. And the view was pretty sweet, he said.
“I predicted back then that a luxury market like Buckhead would be the last to feel the downturn and the first to enjoy a recovery,” Massell said. “That’s exactly what happened.”
Want proof? Crime is down 13 percent in Zone 2, which covers Buckhead. Rentals of vacant office spaces are increasing, he said. And builders are creating new spaces. Massell reported there is a 50,000 square foot building and a 90,000 square foot building under construction on Peachtree Road. He also said there are plans to construct a 560,000 square foot tower on Phipps Boulevard at Lenox Road.
“Things are looking wonderful,” Massell said. “You put us up against any submarket in metro Atlanta and Georgia, probably and we’re head and shoulders above it. Be very positive. Be very aggressive. There’s business to be done out there and you can get your share.”
Rick Hamilton, a Realtor who lives in Buckhead, said Massell’s assessment was on the mark.
“I think we’re starting to climb out of the doldrums,” he said. “My phone has been ringing off the hook the last three to four weeks. Real estate is coming back.”
BBA president Catherine Cattles said Massell’s message set the right tone.
“He just sets us on the right path,” she said. “That’s what we enjoy so much about him.”
