Business & Tech

Buckhead Atlanta to Blend With Surrounding Neighborhood, OliverMcMillan Executive Says

Jeremy Meredith talks about urban village concept

Oliver McMillan’s Buckhead Atlanta “urban village” will blend with the surrounding neighborhood and allow easy access, the project manager says.

Jeremy Meredith, an Atlanta native running the project for the San Diego company, said “We’re seeing it as something that fits within the existing Buckhead Village fabric that’s been there for years. It’ll be part of the continued evolution of the area.”

OliverMcMillan, which took over the Streets of Buckhead  from local developer Ben Carter, on Monday announced that Buckhead Atlanta is the new name for the six-block, eight-acre project off Peachtree Road near the traditional heart of Buckhead. The company also unveiled a new architectural vision of a scaled-down, more pedestrian-friendly development. Construction stalled on the project after Carter couldn't secure financing during the economic downturn.

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As shown in new artist’s renderings the company released, the revised concept will have one- and two-story buildings leading from Peachtree Road toward two 20-story apartment buildings. Unlike Carter’s original vision, no hotel will be included

Meredith said the project would have “pedestrian scale type activity,” with “great local shops” and restaurants on the second level giving diners views of the bustling streetscape below. He said the company hopes the restaurants “highlight the local culinary talent in Atlanta.”

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The company’s new plan, he said, “opened up the different parcels for more pedestrian connectivity. There won’t be the big, massive blocks that don’t allow easy access from Peachtree and Buckhead into the different parcels of the project. Having different cafes, you can have an interesting and varied experience as you walk through the project.”

While the development will emphasize walking, Meredith said the plan recognizes that many people will drive to shop, dine or wander at the developments, so different parking options are envisioned, from street level spaces to valet parking.

He said OliverMcMillan is looking for a vibrant mix of tenants to appeal to a range of customers from afternoon attractions for “ladies who lunch” to evening appeal for “families going out to dinner and having a great shopping experience.”

The architectural plans are still being refined, Meredith said. “Right now, we have three architectural teams looking to make it  appear as if it evolved over time rather than a singular project,” he said. “We’re looking at every facet to make it the special place that Buckhead deserves.”

He said that the company, which owns the project and will invest an additional $300 million over the $400 million already spent, will begin work late this year with a planned opening in the spring of 2013.


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