Buckhead: Country Stores, High-Priced Suits, and a St. Patty's Festivities

Good morning, Buckhead! Whether you’re dusting off your greenest outfit for Fadó or looking for some high-end Italian furniture, we’ve got the scoop on everything happening in the neighborhood. From our rural farmland roots to the "it" spot for high-powered law firms, here is what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.

- Big Stories — We’re diving into Buckhead’s rural history and a quirky art exhibit that turns salvaged junk into must-see sculptures.
- Local Business Updates — Sky-high rentals are officially turning into designer condos and high-end Italian furniture has arrived in the Village to upgrade your living room.
- Upcoming Events — Between St. Paddy’s pints at Fadó and rooftop martinis with Nigel Barker, your social calendar is about to be the envy of the city.
- Local Government Discussion — While the school board talks "love languages," the City Council is hiking parking rates and hiring investigators to find nearly a million dollars in missing payments.
- Development & Construction Nearby — From private saunas and new athletic fields to "tunnel therapy" on GA-400, the hammers are swinging all over the district this week.

Let's dive in.

BIG STORIES

Old country store connects Buckhead to its rural roots (March 13, 2026) Ever feel like Buckhead is just one giant construction crane? A nostalgic deep dive into our history reminds us that before the high-rises and "The Village," this area was actually defined by its rural, small-town vibes. It’s a nice little ego check for those of us who forget this used to be farmland.

North Carolina's largest law firm signs lease for Buckhead office (March 11, 2026) The suits are moving in—literally. North Carolina’s heavy-hitting law firm Moore & Van Allen is making its first move outside the Carolinas with a big new office right here in the district. It’s just more proof that Buckhead remains the ultimate "it" spot for firms looking to make a statement (and probably charge $800 an hour).

Navin Norling’s new Johnson Lowe Gallery exhibition turns salvaged objects into kinetic sculptures (March 09, 2026) If you’re tired of the same old "white wall" art galleries, head over to Johnson Lowe for Navin Norling’s "Dangerous Games." He’s literally turning scavenged junk into moving sculptures, proving one man’s trash is another man’s "must-see" Buckhead exhibit. It’s fun, it’s quirky, and it’s definitely a conversation starter for your next dinner party.

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES

Panorama Buckhead - opening - Say hello to your new sky-high neighbor! This former rental tower has officially completed its glow-up into designer condos, and the views are exactly as dramatic as you’d hope. If you’ve been looking for a reason to live in the clouds, this is your sign.
(March 13, 2026)

Eichholtz by Italian Luxury Interiors - opening - Buckhead Village just got even more chic with this high-end European showroom. Whether you're actually in the market for "Italian luxury" or just want to stroll through and feel fancy, their lighting and furniture collections are pure eye candy.
(March 13, 2026)

UPCOMING EVENTS

It’s a huge week for the neighborhood, starting with a shamrock-filled Tuesday for St. Patrick's Day and wrapping up with the quintessential Spring Fest at the Atlanta History Center! Whether you're hunting for design treasures at the ADAC Sample Sale or sipping espresso martinis on a rooftop with Nigel Barker, there is plenty to keep you busy.

Monday, March 16
- A'Lelia Bundles | Atlanta History Center
- Our Lady Peace: 30th Anniversary Tour w/ Special Guests The Verve Pipe | Buckhead Theatre
- Trivia Night | Johnny's Hideaway
- Pop & Country Hits | Park Bench

Tuesday, March 17
- St. Patrick’s Day at Fadó | Buckhead Village District
- St. Patrick’s Day at St. Julep Rooftop | St. Julep
- Joyce Manor, Militarie Gun, Teen Mortgage, & Combat | Buckhead Theatre
- Pop & Country Hits | Park Bench

Wednesday, March 18
- ADAC Spring Sample Sale | ADAC
- Gogol Bordello Live at Buckhead Theatre | Buckhead Theatre
- Ladies Night | Johnny's Hideaway
- Karaoke Night | Park Bench

Thursday, March 19
- Espress Yourself: A Rooftop Evening w/ Nigel Barker & America’s Top Martinis | St. Julep
- THE EARLY NOVEMBER & HELLOGOODBYE: 20 Years Young | Buckhead Theatre
- Cuvée Cares Wine & Sprits Weekend | Chastain Horse Park
- Homeschool Day: Matriarchs | Atlanta History Center
- Country Karaoke Hits & Requests | Park Bench

Friday, March 20
- Women of Action Atlanta Fashion Show MS Fundraiser | Cherokee Town and Country Club
- FEVER South-Eastern Premiere | Alan Avery Art Company
- The Renaissance Orchestra | Buckhead Theatre

Saturday, March 21
- Spring Sip & Pintxos Tasting at The Betty | The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel
- Cuvée Cares Race to the Taste | Chastain Horse Park
- Saturday Vinyasa Yoga Classes with Highland Yoga | Buckhead Village
- Local Coffee Pop Up | Cometa Coffee at Todd Patrick | Buckhead Village District
- Pizza Making Class at Bella Cucina | Buckhead Village District
- Miami Circle Gallery Stroll at IDEA Gallery | IDEA Gallery
- Todd Patrick’s 5 year anniversary | Buckhead Village District
- Sports Agent Bootcamp | The Buckhead Club

Sunday, March 22
- Spring Fest 2026 | Atlanta History Center
- Andres Lopez at Buckhead Theatre | Buckhead Theatre
- Italian Sunday Dinner | Local Three Kitchen & Bar

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION

Atlanta Public Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

The APS Board of Education spent the end of last week at Pittsburgh Yards for a two-day retreat, which is essentially a fancy way of saying they locked themselves in a room to figure out how to work together without driving each other crazy. The first day leaned heavily into "internal dynamics," with board members reviewing their Strengths Finder results and discussing the "Five Languages of Work Appreciation." Because apparently, even the school board needs to know if their colleagues prefer "words of affirmation" or "acts of service" to keep the district running smoothly.

But here’s the thing: it wasn’t all personality tests and team-building exercises. The board spent a significant amount of time on "APS Forward 2040," the district’s long-term strategic plan. If you have a toddler in preschool right now, this is the roadmap that will shape their entire K-12 experience. They also dove into the "Instructional Core," specifically focusing on how to fix literacy rates and ensure high schoolers are actually ready for college or careers by the time they graduate.

Also worth noting: the board is looking to standardize how they talk to us. They discussed "meeting cadences" and public engagement protocols, essentially trying to make their own operations more professional and consistent. While the official minutes for these sessions were labeled "No Minutes" (meaning no formal votes were recorded in this specific summary), the discussions set the stage for how the board will hold itself—and the district—accountable moving forward.

Meanwhile, the "APS Forward 2040" plan is very much an ongoing saga. Expect to see this strategic vision pop up in regular meetings throughout the spring as they move from the "big ideas" phase into actual policy.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

It was a "break out the big checkbook" kind of week at City Hall. The Finance and City Utilities committees moved forward with a massive $1.25 billion bond issuance to refinance debt and keep the city’s water and sewer systems from literally crumbling. This is tied to ongoing legal requirements (the "Consent Decrees") that keep the city in line with federal environmental standards. Speaking of water, the City Utilities committee also signed off on raising the levees at the RM Clayton Water Reclamation Center by three feet—a $1.1 million project meant to prevent a repeat of the $60 million in damage caused by the 2009 floods.

In a move that will hit your wallet next time you head to lunch, the Transportation Committee approved the first on-street parking fee increase in 15 years. Rates are set to jump from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour. The city says this isn't just a cash grab; it's about covering the rising costs of managing the meters. Meanwhile, the city is aggressively "sprucing up" for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We’re talking $34 million for airport cosmetics (think fresh carpets and pressure washing) and a $7.6 million federal grant for anti-drone technology to keep the skies clear during the matches.

For the nosy neighbors tracking local real estate, the Community Development committee is moving to create a dedicated Office of Short-Term Rentals. This new department within City Planning will centralize the permitting and enforcement of Airbnbs and Vrbos, requiring platforms to verify that a host actually has a city permit before they can list a property. Also worth noting: the council is asserting its independence from the Mayor's office by proposing to eliminate the "Vacancy Review Board" oversight for council staff hiring and requiring that every piece of legislation actually lists a primary council sponsor for better accountability.

But here’s the thing: the most eyebrow-raising discussion involved a $910,000 investigation. The Committee on Council is looking into nearly a million dollars in payments made to a former clerk for "consulting services" that seemingly produced no work. They are hiring outside counsel to figure out how that happened without anyone noticing.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

Meetings in the Next Week
- Committee on Council, March 16, 11:30 AM: This session will focus on the $910,000 investigation into former city payments and a Charter amendment designed to help fill the 85 current vacancies on various city boards.
- Atlanta City Council, March 16, 1:00 PM: The full body will take a final vote on "The Works" Phase 2 expansion (bringing massive mixed-use to the Upper Westside) and the creation of a new "Open Container District" in South Downtown.

Fulton County Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

Fulton County Schools is tightening its belt and sharpening its pencils. In a pair of meetings this past week, the Board moved to pull out of the East Point Tax Allocation District (TAD). Essentially, the district decided it would rather keep its property tax revenue for classrooms than let it be diverted toward development projects in East Point. Meanwhile, the "Central Office" is getting a bit leaner; the Board moved forward with a "Reduction in Force," which is bureaucratic-speak for cutting positions at the district’s headquarters.

On the spending front, the district is preparing for a very busy summer. They moved toward approving a massive list of contracts, ranging from a district-wide Summer 2026 painting project to heavy-duty tech upgrades like SAP licenses and Wide Area Network solutions. They also got a look at the "2026 State of School Facilities Report"—a health checkup for every building in the district—and the first draft of the 2026-2027 enrollment projections. Why does this matter to you? These numbers dictate everything from how many teachers are hired to which schools might need new trailers (or new wings) in the coming years.

But here’s the thing for the "nosy neighbors" among us: the Board is currently refining a policy called FEAE. This governs "Community Involvement in Project Planning." It’s the rulebook for how the district has to talk to you when they want to build or renovate a school in your backyard. They are also looking at a new "Tuition" policy (JBCBA), which would set the rules for out-of-district students who want to pay to attend Fulton schools.

Also worth noting: the district is trying to get practical. They’re introducing a new AP course in "Business with Personal Finance." Because, let’s be honest, knowing how to balance a checkbook is probably just as important as knowing the powerhouse of the cell. These policy changes and the FY2027 budget calendar are all moving toward final votes in the coming weeks.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Education, March 19, 6:00 PM – This is expected to be a primary voting session where the Board will likely finalize the contracts and policy "first reads" discussed on March 10th, including personnel reports and the revised budget calendar. The meeting will be held at the South Learning Center in Union City.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Commissioners March 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM. The Board is diving into the deep end with a massive $900 million hospital project in South Fulton (the County is on the hook for $300 million) and a plan to borrow $325 million in "Tax Anticipation Notes" to keep the lights on until property tax revenue arrives. Expect a frank discussion on the "Jail Maintenance Blitz," where officials are playing a frustrating game of whack-a-mole: they’ve finished repairs on 11 housing units, but vandalism is reportedly fueling 65% of new work orders. Also on the table: a 3% cost-of-living raise for older pension plans, $500/month childcare reimbursements for County employees, and a $12.4 million extension for wastewater operations in North Fulton while they settle some contract drama. In a "to be continued" moment, they’ll revisit Commissioner Thorne’s push for voter ID education, which was held over from the March 4th meeting. The agenda also includes several infrastructure and sewer easement approvals for new residential developments in Milton, Alpharetta, and South Fulton.

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY

Permits
- 3127 Maple Dr NE — Things are getting a little bigger in the Village. This project involves a full interior renovation plus a brand-new addition to the back of the building. Expect the hammers to be swinging for a while.
- 966 W Paces Ferry Rd NW — Clear the way for the home team! They’ve been cleared for site work to construct a full athletic field. No new buildings yet, but there’s going to be a lot of dirt moving on this corner.
- 2460 Peachtree Rd NW — Big news for the condo hunters. 14 residential units on the 4th floor are being converted from apartments to condominiums. Looks like some permanent neighbors are moving in.
- W Paces Ferry Rd NW — Someone is leveling up their morning routine. They’re gutting a bathroom and closet to install a new sauna and high-end HVAC. We’re not jealous, you’re jealous.
- 3455 Peachtree Rd NE — A massive "white boxing" project is underway in this office tower. They’re demoing the existing suite to make it a blank canvas for a future tenant. If you hear crashing from the upper floors, that's why.
- Powers Ferry Rd NW — The old pole barn is getting an upgrade. They’re tearing down the old covered structure and replacing it with something "a bit bigger." Perfect for hiding more toys from the street view.
- 4289 McClatchey Cir NE — A commercial plumbing overhaul is in the works here. It’s not the most glamorous update, but it’s a sign that this space is getting ready for a serious tenant.
- 3065 & 3455 Peachtree Rd NE — The tech installers are busy! Between these two spots, they’re running over 175 data drops and installing a fleet of new CCTV cameras. Big Brother (or just big business) is watching.
- The Neighborhood Pulse — Aside from the big stuff, the "Tree Police" have been busy with 33 permits issued for dead or hazardous trees. We’ve also got 17 new HVAC systems and 16 major electrical upgrades happening across the neighborhood—Buckhead is definitely keeping the local contractors in business this month!

Road Work

Under Construction
- SR 400 Tunnel & Bridge Rehab (near the Justin C. Martin Building) — If you feel like you’re driving through a cavernous construction zone under the Buckhead Financial Center, you are. Crews are deep into "tunnel therapy," repairing transfer beams and upgrading the fire systems. It’s essential for keeping the "lid" of Buckhead stable, but it definitely adds a bit of "heads up" energy to your GA-400 commute.
- SR 9 Resurfacing (Peachtree Rd from Northside Dr to north of Paces Ferry Rd) — Our neighborhood’s main spine is getting some much-needed TLC. They are resurfacing Peachtree to address that "low quality" road score we’ve all felt in our tires. Your suspension will eventually thank you, but for now, expect some lane shifts and a bit of a bumpy ride through the heart of the Village and West Paces.
- I-75 Lighting Upgrades (Musket Ridge Dr to I-85) — Expect to see bucket trucks along the corridor near the Brookwood split. They’re swapping out those dated, dim bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. It’ll make that nighttime merge onto I-85 a lot clearer, though you’ll want to watch for shoulder closures while they work on the poles and conduits.

Construction Work Program
- Piedmont Road at Roswell & Habersham Roads — This complex intersection dance is getting a makeover. GDOT is looking at operational improvements for where Piedmont, Roswell, and Habersham all meet. It’s still in the scoping phase, but change is coming to this legendary bottleneck.
- SR 3 (Northside Drive) from I-75 to the Cobb County Line — Smooth sailing (eventually) is the goal here. This stretch is slated for resurfacing and maintenance, so get ready for those orange cones to pop up on the western edge of the neighborhood.
- SR 3 (Northside Pkwy) at West Paces Ferry Road — Left-turners, rejoice. They’re planning to restripe for dual left lanes both Northbound and Southbound on Northside Pkwy, plus some extra breathing room under the I-75 overpass to help clear out the Eastbound thru-lanes.
- Lenox Road from Phipps Blvd to Piedmont Road (Phase III) — The "Lenox Boardwalk" vibes continue. This project will add more multi-use trails and streetscapes to make walking between Phipps and Piedmont a lot more pleasant.
- Peachtree Road (SR 9) Bridge Maintenance — Expect some bridge TLC. Crews will be doing preventative maintenance—painting, joint replacement, and "spall repairs"—on several bridges in the area to keep things structurally sound.
- Moores Mill Road at I-75 NB Ramps — Roundabout alert! A two-lane roundabout is in the works for the Moores Mill and I-75 intersection to help untangle that Northbound ramp traffic.
- SR 400 at Atlanta Financial Center Tunnel — Finally getting some better lighting in the tunnel under the AFC building. New LEDs are coming to make that drive feel a little less like a cave.
- SR 400 from I-85 to south of Johnson Ferry Road — A major stretch of our "Buckhead Autobahn" is due for a refresh. This resurfacing and maintenance project will span from the I-85 merge all the way up through the heart of the neighborhood.
- Peachtree Road (SR 9) over CSX Railroad — The bridge over the tracks near Brookwood is getting a total replacement. The new design will include five lanes, so this will be a big one to watch once it hits the "active" list.
- Piedmont Road (SR 237) at Main Street — Pedestrian safety is getting a boost in the Lindbergh area with a new mid-block crossing and a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (those flashing yellow/red lights) planned near Main Street.

Service Requests
- Potholes — Two trouble spots reported on Bohler Rd NW. Keep an eye out if you value your alignment!
- Downed Trees — Cave Rd NW and Ridgewood Rd NW. Mother Nature is keeping the cleanup crews busy this week.
- Sign Repair — A request for repair or replacement at the intersection of Lenox Park Blvd & Garden View Dr. Hopefully, it’s back upright before someone misses their turn.