BUSYBODY BUCKHEAD

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Good morning, Buckhead! Between legendary restaurateurs returning to the scene and a skyline that keeps evolving, it's been a busy week in the neighborhood. We're catching you up on our changing high-rises, the end of the roast beef era, and where to find the best sushi pairings in town.
- News — From sleeker MARTA-adjacent towers to a major art exhibit at Jackson Fine Art, the neighborhood is looking a lot bolder this week.
- Business — We're trading Talbots cardigans for duck waders and celebrating the long-awaited return of a local dining icon to West Paces Ferry.
- Events — Whether you want a sophisticated sushi and wine pairing or a "wild" night with Steel Panther, there's plenty on the calendar this week.
- Government — Local officials are talking bus cameras and jail scrubs, while NPUs gear up for a World Cup watch party debate.
- Construction — Between new luxury fit-outs at Lenox and a "spa day" for our aging bridges, the orange cones are out in full force.
Let's dive in.
NEWS
New looks near MARTA, high-rise deals, and Gordon Parks' lens
Revised designs emerge for Buckhead tower project near MARTA, 400 (April 03, 2026) Cousins Properties is giving their 3354 Peachtree project a fresh look, moving away from the old-school corporate vibe toward something a bit sleeker. It's slated for that prime spot right by the 400 and MARTA, meaning more density is on the horizon. Get ready for a few more cranes in the skyline and a lot more company on your morning commute.
TruAmerica Picks Up 20-Story Buckhead Rental Property (March 30, 2026) A high-rise apartment tower just traded hands, proving that big-time investors are still betting the farm on Buckhead living. If you're a renter in one of these "luxury" towers, keep an eye on your lease renewal—new ownership usually means a fresh coat of paint and a potential hike in the monthly damage. It's just another sign that our neighborhood remains the city's real estate darling.
Gordon Parks 'The South in Color' comes to Atlanta's Jackson Fine Art (March 31, 2026) Buckhead's own Jackson Fine Art is hosting a stunning new exhibit featuring Gordon Parks' vivid 1950s color photography. It's a rare, gorgeous look at Black life in the South during a pivotal era that's usually only shown in grainy black and white. Seriously, it's worth a visit just to feel a little more cultured than your typical Sunday brunch crowd.
Fulton County Announces Early Voting Locations for May 19 Primary (April 01, 2026) The May 19 primary is right around the corner, and the county just released the list of spots where you can skip the Election Day drama. Early voting kicks off soon, so you might want to scope out your closest precinct now. No excuses—there are plenty of locations nearby to get your civic duty out of the way before the summer heat hits.
BUSINESS
Waders replace Talbots, Panos returns, and we no longer have the meats
Chene Gear - opening - It's a tough goodbye for the Peachtree Battle Talbots, which is closing its doors after several decades of outfitting the neighborhood. But don't let the shopping bag stay empty for long—the high-end outdoors brand Chene Gear is moving in to take its place. Get ready to trade the classic cardigans for some serious waterfowl waders and technical gear! (April 02, 2026)
Panos’ Restaurant- opening - Stop the presses because dining legend Panos Karatassos is finally bringing a fresh concept to our neck of the woods. Buckhead Life Restaurant Group is eyeing the vacant spot at West Paces Ferry and East Andrews for a brand-new restaurant, marking their first new Buckhead venture since 2009. We are already salivating at the thought of what Panos has cooking for us. (April 01, 2026)
Buckhead Beltline - expanding - Change is coming to the Peachtree corridor as this major project clears the way for more trails and housing. Demolitions are moving forward for several old spots, including a former nightclub, to make room for the walking paths and commercial space we've been hearing about. It's a little bittersweet to see the old skyline shift, but those future sunset strolls will be worth it. (April 02, 2026)
Arby's - closing - If you're craving a Jamocha Shake at Lindbergh Plaza, you're out of luck. This location on Sidney Marcus Boulevard hung up the apron for good on April 2. It's another roast beef departure for the city, and we're genuinely bummed to see one of our quick-and-easy neighborhood staples disappear. (March 30, 2026)
EVENTS
Masters art, sushi pairings, and Steel Panther's wild theater tour
Spring is in full swing, and we are celebrating in style with the "Art of the Masters" tournament festivities in the Village and a must-see outdoor concert under the stars at the History Center. Whether you're heading to the Buckhead Theatre for a packed week of live shows or hitting the local NPU meetings to stay in the loop, there is no excuse to stay inside this week!
Monday, April 06
- Spring Break Camp | Blue Heron Nature Preserve
- The Art of the Masters Tournament at Carousel Fine Art | Buckhead Village District
- Trivia Night | Johnny's Hideaway
- Dance & Chat | Presence Arena
Tuesday, April 07
- Emperor: The Emperial Wrath Tour | Buckhead Theatre
- Pop & Country Hits | Park Bench
Wednesday, April 08
- Sushi & Wine Pairing Dinner at Brush Sushi | Buckhead Village District
- Steel Panther - Twenty Twenty $ex Tour | Buckhead Theatre
- Ladies Night | Johnny's Hideaway
- Karaoke Night | Park Bench
Thursday, April 09
- BUCKHEAD COUNCIL OF NEIGHBORHOODS Monthly Meeting | Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods
- Dailey & Vincent | Buckhead Theatre
- Country Karaoke Hits & Requests | Park Bench
Friday, April 10
- The Music of Cher: Under The Stars | Atlanta History Center
- Nate Smith: Long Live Country Rock And Roll Tour | Buckhead Theatre
- DJ EU: Perreologia at Tongue & Groove | Tongue & Groove
- Live Jazz Friday's Spring Sessions: Wine & Live Music | Buckhead View
- Dueling Pianos! | Park Bench
Saturday, April 11
- Saturday Vinyasa Yoga Classes with Highland Yoga | Buckhead Village
- Rothy's Cruiser Launch Store Event | Buckhead Village District
- Bassem Youssef: the Belly of the Beast Tour | Buckhead Theatre
- IMSTA FESTA Atlanta | SAE Institute
- The Pride Of Kyro Season 2 Premiere | Modex Studio
- Reinstate Pluto Band After Braves Game! | Park Bench
Sunday, April 12
- Sistas Who Kill: Back From The Dead | Buckhead Theatre
- Karaoke Hot Hits Sing-along After Braves Game! | Park Bench
GOVERNMENT
Bus cameras, cleaner jails, and more paving—but no dice on voter ID
Note: it’s an unusually quiet week as many governing bodies take spring break; if you’re new here, you can see what this section usually looks like in prior issues
Past Week Roundup
Atlanta Board of Education
The school board is moving through a significant wave of renovations and safety upgrades this spring. Members recently gave the green light to design-build contracts that kick off work across multiple school sites, signaling a major push for modernization—including kitchen upgrades and HVAC improvements at several campuses. On the safety front, expect to see more tech on the road: the board authorized new cameras for the district's entire yellow bus fleet to monitor traffic and student safety. They also approved a full replacement of the Metropolitan Transportation System facility to overhaul the district's transit logistics. For those who follow the "people" side of the budget, there's good news for staff: an "Appreciation Stipend" was approved to help with employee retention during a period of high competition for educators. A new 10-year lease agreement for the fields at Howard Middle School ensures those spaces will be maintained and active for the next decade. The board also approved a shared parking agreement to ease campus access. It's a clear signal that the district is investing heavily in both its physical footprint and its workforce to keep the school system running smoothly.
Fulton County Board of Commissioners
Public safety and infrastructure dominated the conversation at the latest commissioners' meeting, with a heavy focus on the county jail. The board approved over $7 million for essential maintenance and "clinical grade" cleaning at detention facilities to address ongoing sanitary and facility concerns. It wasn't just about buildings, though; the board also committed nearly $1 million to support survivors of domestic violence through the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, a move that provides a critical safety net for families in crisis. For those tired of dodging potholes, there's some relief in sight—the county authorized a $600,000 boost for road paving and patching services through 2026. However, it wasn't all consensus. A proposal to fund public education on voter ID requirements failed to pass after a split vote, and a move to ask the Governor to veto a specific state house bill also stalled. Despite the political friction, the board ensured continuity for local seniors by renewing the lease for a key neighborhood senior center, keeping those services accessible for the coming year.
Meetings This Week
- City of Atlanta — NPU-C April 07, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Residents will vote on a proposal for a major FIFA World Cup watch party at Atlanta Memorial Park and consider granting permanent historic protection to the New Hope AME Church. The agenda also includes a city-wide ban on new self-storage facilities near the Beltline and several residential setback variances on Dellwood Road and Marne Drive.
- City of Atlanta — NPU-B April 07, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The committee will review a new neighborhood vision for Peachtree Park, a series of new restaurant liquor licenses, and a residential subdivision request on Roxboro Road. Discussions will also address the city-wide self-storage ban and a large-scale World Cup watch party planned for Memorial Park.
- City of Atlanta — NPU-A April 07, 2026 at 7:00 PM
This meeting focuses on the upcoming event season at Chastain Park, including approvals for the Fall Arts Festival and the Chastain Park Auto Show. Members will also discuss a city-wide proposal to prohibit new self-storage development along the Beltline and a variance for "active recreation" facilities at a home on Blackland Road.
CONSTRUCTION
D&G at Lenox, park upgrades, and LEDs for the Brookwood Split
Permits
- 4124 N Ivy Rd NE — Big things are happening for the North Buckhead outdoorsy types. An 8.6-acre "underutilized" greenspace is getting a significant restoration to better serve the community. Finally, a place for the dogs (and us) to roam!
- 65 Bennett St NW — Say goodbye to "Building 7." A full demolition permit is in, so expect some heavy machinery and dust in the Bennett Street arts district while they clear the way for something new.
- 3393 Peachtree Rd NE — Lenox Square is leaning into its luxury era. Dolce & Gabbana is doing a full interior fit-out for a new store. My credit card is sweating just thinking about it.
- 140 Chastain Park Ave NW — There is a lot of "behind the walls" action near the park. They're ripping out old plumbing and installing new fire sprinklers to accommodate new construction. It's going to be a bit of a circus over there for a while.
- 2300 Peachtree Rd NW — Love is in the air (and the budget). A new bridal salon is taking over a second-generation retail space with a fresh build-out. Expect to see lots of white veils and champagne toasts on this stretch of Peachtree soon.
- 3419 Northside Pkwy NW — Your morning commute pit-stop is getting an upgrade. They're installing a new drive-thru door and a heavy-duty HVAC system. Efficiency is the name of the game here.
- 3340 Peachtree Rd NE — The office towers aren't dead yet! A new tenant is moving into a vacant suite with a full build-out. It's always good to see more "open for business" signs in the financial district.
- 2744 Peachtree Rd NW — Someone is dropping some serious cash on a high-end audio-visual system installation. Whether it's for a lobby or a lounge, it sounds like it's going to be loud and very high-tech.
Road Work
Under Construction
- I-75 Lighting Upgrades from Musket Ridge Drive to I-85 (Fulton) — We're finally ditching those dated yellow-hued lights for bright, energy-efficient LEDs. It might mean some late-night lane flickers near the Brookwood Split, but your midnight trek home is about to look a whole lot clearer.
- SR 400 Tunnel Bridge Rehab at the Justin C. Martin Building (Fulton) — If you commute through the tunnel under the financial district, keep your eyes peeled for crews. They're doing some structural TLC—fixing roof slabs and fire systems—to keep everything sturdy overhead while we zip through the heart of Buckhead.
- SR 9 Resurfacing from SR 3 to North of Paces Ferry Road (Fulton) — Get ready for a much-needed smooth ride through the Village and up toward Paces. This stretch of Peachtree and Roswell Road is finally getting resurfaced. It's a big win for our alignment and tires, even if it means dodging a few orange cones during your morning coffee run for a while.
Construction Work Program
- SR 9 @ SR 237 & Habersham Rd (Buckhead Triangle) — The tangled mess where Piedmont, Roswell, and Habersham meet is finally getting an operational facelift. This scoping study is the first step toward making this intersection a lot less of a headache for everyone heading toward the Village.
- SR 3 (Northside Pkwy) from I-75 to the Cobb County Line — Fresh pavement is on the horizon for the northern stretch of Northside Parkway. It's currently in the "funded but not started" phase, so enjoy the bumps while they last, because the orange cones are coming.
- SR 3 (Northside Pkwy) @ West Paces Ferry Road — Left-turn lovers, rejoice! GDOT is planning to restripe this intersection to provide dual left-turn lanes on Northside and extra thru-lanes under the I-75 overpass. This should help clear the bottleneck near the schools.
- SR 141 Conn (Lenox Rd) Phase III — A major win for the "walkable Buckhead" crowd. This project will bring a shared-use path and better streetscapes to Lenox Road between Phipps Blvd and Piedmont, connecting the offices to the shopping core.
- SR 9 (Peachtree Rd) Bridge Preventative Maintenance — Keep an eye out for crews doing "joint replacement" and "deck preservation" on our bridges. It's basically a spa day for infrastructure to keep the steel and concrete from aging too fast.
- I-75 NB Ramps @ Moores Mill Road — The Moores Mill exit is going "European." A new two-lane roundabout is in the works at the northbound ramps to help manage the flow of traffic near the Westside edge of the neighborhood.
- SR 400 @ Atlanta Financial Center Tunnel — We're finally getting some better lighting. The project will install new LEDs through the tunnel under the AFC, which should make that midday transition from "blinding sun" to "dark cave" a lot smoother for your commute.
- SR 400 from I-85 to Johnson Ferry Road — The entire Buckhead spine of GA-400 is slated for resurfacing. It's currently in the bidding/funding phase, but once it starts, expect some late-night lane closures for that sweet, sweet smooth asphalt.
- SR 9 (Peachtree Rd) Bridge over CSX — Heads up, Brookwood and Peachtree Hills neighbors: the bridge over the railroad tracks (near the Amtrak station) is slated for a full replacement. This will be a major project with a significant impact on the South Buckhead commute.
- SR 237 (Piedmont Rd) @ Main Street — A new mid-block crossing and pedestrian hybrid beacon (those flashing yellow-to-red lights) are coming to the Lindbergh area. It'll make crossing Piedmont on foot significantly less of a "daredevil" move.
Service Requests
- Potholes — 22 reported craters, specifically on Habersham Rd NW, the intersection of Mount Paran Pkwy & Coronado Dr, Paces Ferry & Mount Paran, and Slaton Dr NW. It's "slalom season" for your suspension.
- Traffic Signal Repairs — 20 combined reports for signals acting up at Lindbergh & Adina, Mount Paran & Northside Pkwy, Peachtree & Kingsboro, and Pharr Rd & Grandview. Green means go, but maybe double-check both ways first.
- Litter & Illegal Dumping — Trash trouble was reported on Mathieson Dr NE, Garraux Rd NW, and the I-85/Piedmont interchange, plus an illegal dumping incident on the Buckhead Loop. We're better than this, neighbors!
- Street Maintenance — A noisy metal plate is loose on W Wieuca Rd, a sign needs some TLC on Pharr Rd NE, and someone is finally tackling the visibility-blocking overgrowth on E Conway Dr NW.
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Until next week,
Buckhead Busybody
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