Buckhead Atlanta: A status report

By Shandra Hill Smith
You may have noticed a bit more activity at the former site of Buckhead Village as construction on the Buckhead Atlanta development moves into its third month. Balfour Beatty resumed construction on the project in August after work was halted on the project three years ago at the beginning of the economic recession.
Buckhead Atlanta is a six-block, eight-acre luxury, mixed-use community that will total around 1.5 million square feet. The walkable community will connect two main arteries of Atlanta at Peachtree Road and East Paces Ferry Road. It will consist of five buildings, the first three of which should be complete by late 2013 or early 2014, according to Hunter Richardson, managing director of the project for developer OliverMcMillan.
Featuring a residential unit, upscale retail and an array of restaurants, Buckhead Atlanta will cater to a broad demographic “whether for a football game or convention or just making a weekend shopping trip to Atlanta,” Richardson says.
“For years, we have anticipated the start of construction on the transformative Buckhead Atlanta, which, when completed, will be a sign of Atlanta’s resilience and innovation,” Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says. “A rejuvenated Buckhead will not only attract the nation’s top developers and retailers but thousands of new consumers and residents.”
Hermès, the French high-fashion design house, will be the first of a number of retailers to open at Buckhead Atlanta.
Some 370 apartment units will be included in the project in a high-rise building that “will appeal largely to “25 to 40 year olds who want an urban residential experience” and rent by choice, says Richardson.
As a way to differentiate from other streetscapes in Atlanta, San Diego-based OliverMcMillan turned to Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects – the team behind Chicago’s Magnificent Mile – for a partnership focused on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment. Among the planned features for the Buckhead Atlanta streetscape are planter beds and streetlights.
“When someone walks through they may feel really comfortable and not know exactly why,” says Richardson. “It’s because we’re paying attention to all of the details.”
It all falls in line with the OliverMcMillan focus of “making special places happen,” according to Richardson. “It’s really about creating an environment that is going to make living in that environment, working in that environment or shopping in that environment more special.”
Atlanta City Council Member Howard Shook says, “Construction on Buckhead Atlanta marks the rebirth of this vibrant area. This is a huge step forward for the Buckhead Village and for Atlanta. The added sidewalks and pedestrian focus will be a big attraction for businesses, employees and residences.”
For more information, visit OliverMcMillan.com.