Residents and businesses at the Parkview on Peachtree complex in Chamblee continue to deal with the aftermath of a devastating fire on Mother’s Day. The blaze left more than 70 people displaced from their homes and led to the closures of several businesses and restaurants in the affected building.
A rooftop air conditioning unit at the Windsor Parkview Apartments (building B) at the Peachtree Boulevard development sparked the fire. No one was injured, but the building suffered severe structural damage, including a partially collapsed roof.
Ongoing safety inspections have made the building inaccessible to residents and businesses. A temporary fence surrounds the Windsor. Bright yellow “Unsafe Building” signs from the DeKalb County Fire Marshall taped to fencing around the perimeter ban anyone from entering or working at the site. While fire officials and structural engineers evaluate the integrity of the building, Chamblee police sit stationed nearby to prevent people from trespassing.
On a warm, sunny day at the Chamblee complex, typically busy patios at restaurants like Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar and Michelin-recognized The Alden remain empty.
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Atlanta native and chef Jared Hucks opened The Alden at Parkview on Peachtree in 2018. The Alden references both his middle name and a word in Old English meaning “old friend.”
Since opening, The Alden has become known for its chefs counter, led by Hucks, along with dishes like chilled English pea soup, lavender-infused roast chicken, and black ink bucatini fra diavolo with Gulf shrimp and boquerones. Hucks and his restaurant have garnered critical acclaim over the years, including back-to-back recommendations from Michelin in its 2023, 2024, and 2025 guides to Atlanta and the American South.
Hucks said that he and his staff first noticed a strong burning smell when The Alden opened for dinner around 5 p.m. on May 10. After quickly determining the smell wasn’t coming from the restaurant, the fire alarm in the building went off. Everyone evacuated safely. Thick black smoke and flames could be seen shooting from the rooftop of the building.
“At this stage, there are still many unknowns,” Hucks told Rough Draft about a timeline for reopening The Alden. “The building remains in the mitigation and evaluation phase, and we’ve been advised that the overall process could take months – though no confirmed timeline has been established.”
Hucks said his primary concern right now is his employees. Last Thursday, he launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover some of their lost wages following the sudden and indefinite closure of the restaurant on Mother’s Day. (The holiday is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants.) So far, the campaign for The Alden’s employees has raised more then $12,000, with a goal of raising $14,000.
“We’re staying focused on supporting our team and taking things one step at a time,” Hucks said of the future. “The support from the community has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated.”
The Windsor at Parkview on Peachtree is home to nearly ten restaurants and businesses employing dozens of people. In addition to The Alden and Bad Daddy’s, Playa Bowls, Rreal Tacos, Freddo Gelato, Cookie Cutters, Bishop Cuts & Color Chamblee, Hero Restoration, and The Piedmont Bank also remain closed until further notice.
It’s unclear when the DeKalb County Fire Marshall’s office will give the green light for the apartment complex and its businesses and restaurants to begin the process of rebuilding.
Beth McKibben contributed to this report.
