Buckhead: History Center Centennial Kicks Off and New Parking Fees Loom

Welcome to your weekly update for Buckhead, where we’re celebrating a century of the Atlanta History Center and preparing for a week of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. This week also brings news of a major parking fee proposal and PGA Tour Superstore opening.

Big Stories — The Atlanta History Center begins its centennial celebration as qualifying opens for critical 2026 local elections. We also take a look at a recent apartment evacuation due to carbon monoxide.

Local Business Updates — PGA TOUR Superstore makes a grand return to the neighborhood, while a new chiropractor sets up shop.

Upcoming Events — It’s a massive week for entertainment with St. Patrick’s Day block parties, the annual Daffodil Show, and a multi-night comedy stint by Nimesh Patel at the Buckhead Theatre. Don’t miss the Imagination Ball at the History Center or local trivia and live music throughout the village.

Local Government Discussion — City officials are weighing a significant increase in on-street parking fees, while the county moves to audit its billion-dollar budget and boost hospital funding. Locally, NPU meetings focused on a major high-density rezoning proposal for Peachtree Road and infrastructure solutions for flooding on Pharr Road.

Development & Construction Nearby — New permits highlight apartment-to-condo conversions on Peachtree and a new Jamaican restaurant coming to Piedmont Road. Commuters should prepare for ongoing lane shifts for the Piedmont Road widening project and a sewer-related road closure on Peachtree Battle Avenue.

Let’s dive in.

Atlanta History Center celebrates its 100th anniversary (March 03, 2026)
The prominent Buckhead institution is kicking off a year of celebrations for its centennial, featuring its largest exhibition to date and a sports-themed overhaul of the Goizueta Children’s Experience. Residents can expect high-profile community partnerships and events throughout the neighborhood as the center marks a century of preserving the city’s heritage.

Buckhead apartment building evacuated due to dangerous carbon monoxide levels (March 04, 2026)
Residents of a local apartment complex were forced to evacuate this past week after emergency sensors triggered a high-level carbon monoxide alert, prompting a large-scale response from the fire department. Although investigators eventually gave an all-clear and found no active leak, the incident serves as a critical reminder for residents in high-density housing to ensure their personal detectors are functioning properly.

County commission, school board races on tap this year in metro Atlanta (March 08, 2026)
Qualifying for the upcoming 2026 elections has officially begun, setting the stage for critical contests for the Fulton County Commission and school board seats. These races will determine the leadership responsible for local education budgets and infrastructure policy, directly impacting Buckhead taxpayers and parents over the next four years.

PGA TOUR Superstore - opening - The golf retailer returned to the city with a new 150,000-square-foot location at the Buckhead Square shopping center on Peachtree Road, backfilling a space formerly occupied by Havertys. (March 02, 2026)

Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Buckhead - relocating - The long-standing chiropractic practice has moved into a new state-of-the-art facility on Peachtree Road designed to provide advanced care for personal injury recovery and wellness. (March 06, 2026)

The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on Saturday at Fadó and Irby's Tavern, along with the annual Daffodil Show at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, are expected to draw significant crowds to the Buckhead Village and Peachtree Road corridors. Residents should also prepare for increased activity near the Atlanta History Center on Friday evening for the annual Imagination Ball.

Monday, March 09
- Trivia Night | Johnny's Hideaway

Wednesday, March 11
- Ladies Night | Johnny's Hideaway
- Nimesh Patel: With All Due Disrespect | Buckhead Theatre

Thursday, March 12
- Nimesh Patel: With All Due Disrespect | Buckhead Theatre
- Tuna Cutting & Tasting at O by BRush | Buckhead Village District

Friday, March 13
- Sticky Fingers - Live in North America | Buckhead Theatre
- Ruby Waters | Buckhead Theatre
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta Dances Through Decades to Honor Andrea Montag at 2026 Imagination Ball | Atlanta History Center

Saturday, March 14
- Daffodil Show at Peachtree Road Farmers Market | Peachtree Road Farmers Market
- Sticky Fingers - Live in North America | Buckhead Theatre
- Master’s & MBA Fair – QS Discover in Atlanta | Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead
- Saturday Vinyasa Yoga Classes with Highland Yoga | Buckhead Village
- Lucky Leprechaun Buckhead | Irby's Tavern
- St. Patrick’s Day Block party at Fadó | Buckhead Village District
- Margaret Cho: Choligarchy | Buckhead Theatre
- JOS x Eichholtz | Buckhead Village District

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:

The Board moved forward with a resolution to hire an independent contractor to perform a comprehensive audit of the 2026 budget, which exceeds $1 billion. This focus on fiscal oversight coincided with a resolution urging the Georgia General Assembly to reject legislation that would eliminate property taxes; commissioners noted that property taxes currently account for 80% of the county’s annual revenue.

In response to the closure of the Atlanta Medical Center four years ago, the Board is considering a major policy shift that would reallocate at least 2% of the total county budget toward establishing new hospital facilities in Atlanta and South Fulton. Additionally, the Board addressed ongoing issues at the Fulton County Jail, approving over $536,000 for consulting services to comply with a Department of Justice Consent Decree regarding maintenance and facility inspections. The Board also discussed a plan to implement "intake level diversion screening" to identify individuals who can be diverted to support programs before being fully booked into the jail.

Regarding elections, the Board approved a $262,667 contract for the printing and mailing of new precinct cards and voter notices through June 2026. A related resolution will now require all public-facing county facilities to display notices and QR codes explaining how residents can obtain valid voter identification.

Other topics:

The Board approved over $820,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for various municipal improvements across the county, including park upgrades in Hapeville and Union City, sidewalk projects in Fairburn, and water infrastructure replacements in East Point and Palmetto. Other approved expenditures included $2.4 million for water main relocations in Johns Creek to accommodate road widening and $625,000 to support a 70-unit affordable housing development in Vine City. The Board also authorized capital improvements for Zoo Atlanta and renovations at the Fulton County Executive Airport.

Atlanta NPU

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The primary focus across NPUs A, B, and C this week was a major rezoning proposal (Z-23-101) for 3137 and 3139 Peachtree Road, which seeks to transition existing commercial property into a high-density mixed-use development featuring residential units and retail space. Board members also reviewed "Plan A," the city’s Comprehensive Development Plan, which outlines long-term growth and land-use visions; presentations were delivered at all three meetings as part of a multi-month feedback cycle that will continue through May. Infrastructure issues were also prominent, specifically the ongoing widening of Piedmont Road (from Lenox to Peachtree Road) and the recent heavy flooding on Pharr Road, which has intensified calls for improvements to the area's aging stormwater systems.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
3137 & 3139 Peachtree Road: Significant rezoning (Z-23-101) for high-density mixed-use residential and retail.
1950 West Paces Ferry Road & 2518 West Wesley Road NW: Recommendation for approval of a new four-home single-family development on an 11-acre site.
2428 Oldfield Road NW: Request for a floodplain elevation waiver to allow construction two feet above the base flood elevation.
Peachtree Battle Avenue: Aggregate review of legal claims involving infrastructure-related vehicle damage and potholes at the 540 and 1343 blocks.

Other topics:
The board discussed a $160,000 grant from Park Pride for the Buckhead Mountain Way Common project, which will establish a forested greenspace adjacent to PATH400. Other business included a routine "Change of Agent" for a liquor license at a local restaurant and several residential variance requests concerning property setbacks for home improvements and pool construction.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Council moved forward on several major citywide policy shifts, most notably a proposed increase in on-street metered parking fees from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour—the first such increase since 2010. Significant preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup also took center stage, including the "Wi-Fi World Cup Initiative" to install smart streetlight infrastructure and updates to the "Cool Roofs" ordinance to adjust reflectivity standards before the event. Additionally, the Council discussed creating a centralized "Office of Short-Term Rentals" within the Department of City Planning to streamline the registration and enforcement of platforms like Airbnb.

Legislative transparency and efficiency were also addressed through two proposed Charter amendments. One seeks to limit mandatory ethics and legislative training to newly elected officials only, while the other aims to solve a chronic backlog in city board appointments. Currently, 85 of the city's 143 boards have vacancies; the new rule would allow Council committees to nominate candidates if a seat remains vacant for more than 31 days.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
Several Buckhead properties were identified for legislative action or review this past week, including 1343 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, 1950 W Paces Ferry Rd, and 2518 W Wesley Rd NW. Additionally, the Council reviewed a request regarding 2428 Oldfield Rd NW in the Paces area, which is seeking a waiver from standard floodplain elevation requirements (moving to the City Utilities Committee next week).

Other topics:
The Council discussed a 180-day moratorium on new alcohol licenses in the Edgewood Corridor following recent violence and a proposal to allow open containers in a specific South Downtown revitalization district. The Committee on Council also recommended accepting a $1,000 donation from Zoo Atlanta to host the upcoming 2026 Council Retreat.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Zoning Committee, March 09, 2026 at 11:00 AM: The committee will consider the landmark designation of the historic New Hope AME Church and its cemeteries at 3012 Arden Road NW. Other major items include massive mixed-use expansions for "The Works" on the Upper Westside and a 188-unit affordable rental townhome project on County Line Road.
- Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee, March 09, 2026 at 1:00 PM: Agenda items include a $7.6M federal grant for anti-drone technology for the World Cup and a proposal to allow 50% discounts for "happy hour" promotions. The committee will also review pothole damage claims at 2699 Peachtree Rd NE, 3343 Peachtree Rd NE, 3300 Roswell Rd NW, and 14 Lenox Pointe NE.
- City Utilities Committee, March 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM: Key discussions include a $21M funding increase for watershed management and a code waiver to allow a residential floor at 2428 Oldfield Rd NW to be built 2 feet above the base flood elevation instead of the required 3 feet.
- Community Development/Human Services Committee, March 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM: This meeting will focus on the creation of the Office of Short-Term Rentals and several land-use changes, including a 200-unit affordable housing project near the Beltline on Chappell Road.
- Transportation Committee, March 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM: A public hearing will be held regarding the increase of on-street parking fees to $1.75 per half-hour. The committee will also consider $1.12M in grant funding for preliminary engineering of the Lenox Road Corridor Trail between Phipps Blvd and Piedmont Road.
- Finance/Executive Committee, March 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM: Major financial items include the issuance of $1.25 billion in water and wastewater bonds and an $81M agreement with Delta Air Lines for airport cooling systems. The committee will also review an annexation petition for parcels on Woodland Avenue NE.

Permits

Keeping an eye on the neighborhood landscape, we’ve seen a lot of movement this week in the commercial sector, particularly along the Northside Parkway and Peachtree corridors. Here’s what’s crossing the desks at the permit office:

- 2460 Peachtree Rd NW — A major transition is underway as existing apartment units are being converted into condominiums. This latest round of permits covers the conversion of 12 residential units on the first floor.
- 2625 Piedmont Rd NE — New flavors are coming to the area! A plumbing permit was issued for a new Jamaican-style restaurant; we'll be watching for an opening date.
- 3150 Howell Mill Rd NW — Expect some minor activity around the entrance here as crews install new parking lot and driveway access control equipment.
- 3284 Northside Pkwy NW — Commercial low-voltage cable installation.
- 3290 Northside Pkwy NW — Interior renovation work including modifications to the existing wet pipe fire sprinkler system.
- 3715 Northside Pkwy NW — Fire sprinkler system upgrades and relocation within the commercial space.

Beyond the commercial work, it’s a busy week for the arborists. We counted 46 permits for removing dead or hazardous trees across our residential streets, so don’t be surprised if you hear a few more chainsaws than usual. The rest of the neighborhood activity remains focused on the basics, with 34 permits issued for routine residential electrical, HVAC, and interior alterations.

Road Work

Keep an eye out for orange cones and crew vests, neighbors! Here is the latest on the road work projects moving through the GDOT pipeline that will affect our commutes around Buckhead:

- Peachtree Road (SR 141) from Shadowlawn Ave to Maple Dr — Under Construction. This project is currently active in the heart of the village. Crews are on-site performing median work and intersection improvements, so expect some lane shifts and traffic impacts as you navigate through the shopping district.
- Piedmont Road (SR 237) from the SR 141 Connector to Peachtree Rd — Under Construction. Active widening work is happening now on this stretch of Piedmont. Crews are on-site working to expand the current 5-lane section, so give yourself extra time if this is your primary route toward Lenox.
- I-75 from Musket Ridge Drive to I-85 — Under Construction. This lighting upgrade project is actively underway. Crews are working along the corridor to replace old high-pressure sodium fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs, which may involve some nighttime work and pole replacements.
- SR 3 (Northside Pkwy) at West Paces Ferry Road — Construction Work Program. This intersection improvement project is funded and approved, though construction has not started just yet. Once work begins, expect restriping for dual left-turn lanes on Northside Parkway and improved thru-lanes under the I-75 overpass.
- Piedmont Road (SR 237) at Roswell Road and Habersham Road — Construction Work Program. Improvements for this complicated "hub" of intersections are officially funded and imminent. The project is currently in the scoping phase for operational improvements to help the flow where these three roads meet.
- Lenox Road (SR 141 Conn) from Phipps Blvd to Piedmont Road — Construction Work Program. This "Phase III" project is approved and starting soon. It will bring a multi-use trail and streetscape improvements to Lenox Road, creating a better pedestrian connection between the commercial and residential areas.
- SR 3 (Northside Pkwy) from I-75 to the Cobb County Line — Construction Work Program. This stretch of SR 3 is scheduled for resurfacing and maintenance. The project is funded and approved, with work likely to begin once the final contracts are signed.

Utility Work

Atlanta Watershed
- Road Closure Due to Sewer Mainline Rehabilitation near 1159 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW — Heads up for those near the Peachtree Battle Alliance area: road work will occur March 11-16, 24 hours a day near 1159 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW (between 1155 Peachtree Battle Avenue and nearby properties) for sewer mainline rehabilitation. Be prepared for detours while crews complete these necessary infrastructure repairs.

Service Requests

It’s been a busy week for city crews in Buckhead, with our local roads taking center stage. Here’s a look at the 311 service requests filed by your neighbors over the last few days:

- Potholes — A significant number of reports this week (over 60) focusing on major corridors and residential cut-throughs including Peachtree Rd (multiple spots from Memorial Dr to Grandview Ave), E Wesley Rd, Piedmont Rd, Pharr Rd, Roswell Rd, and Paces Ferry Rd. Residential reports also came in for Mornington Dr, Rockingham Dr, Slaton Dr, Woodhaven Rd, and Rhodenhaven Dr.
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Crews are looking at both emergency and non-emergency signal issues at the intersections of E Wesley Rd and Acorn Dr/Ave, Wesley Rd and Rumson Rd, Peachtree Rd at Lenox Rd, and along Northside Pkwy.
- Illegal Dumping — Investigation requests were filed for debris found on Adina Dr NE and Lindbergh Dr NE.
- Right of Way Maintenance — Litter removal was requested along Piedmont Rd (near I-85) and Peachtree Rd, while a visibility and overgrowth issue was reported at the corner of Paces Ferry Rd and Chatham Rd.
- Downed Tree Reporting — A report was filed regarding a downed tree on Ivy Rd NE.
- Sign Repair — A request for sign repair or replacement was submitted for Mt Paran Rd NW.