Buckhead: Medical Makeovers, Music Awards, and a Very Important T-Shirt Vote

Good morning, Buckhead! Spring is officially in the air, which means it's time to trade your winter coat for a Peachtree Road Race voting ballot and maybe a pair of walking shoes for the Village. From a massive medical transformation at Piedmont Center to new road work kicking off on Moores Mill, we've got everything you need to stay in the loop this week.

- Big Stories — From a major office-to-medical conversion to casting your vote for the Peachtree Road Race shirt and fresh road work alerts, we're breaking down the week's heaviest hitters.
- Local Business Updates — Get ready for more ruffles in the Village, a massive new golf paradise, and a local sushi legend taking on the Big Apple.
- Upcoming Events — The Braves are finally coming home, local sushi is turning ten, and there are enough comedy shows and author talks to fill every night of your calendar.
- Local Government Discussion — Between the "iPad kid" debate at APS and the quest for a million-dollar refund at City Hall, things are getting spicy in the boardroom.
- Development & Construction Nearby — Macy's is getting a glow-up and I-75 is getting a literal "light-up" as we track the latest permits and pothole patrols.

Let's dive in.

BIG STORIES

Four buildings at Buckhead's Piedmont Center set for big conversion (March 16, 2026) A massive chunk of the landmark Piedmont Center office park is trading cubicles for clinics as it transforms into the "Buckhead Medical Center." We're talking four entire buildings being reimagined for outpatient care and specialized medical offices to meet the area's booming demand for healthcare. It's a major pivot for the sprawling campus, but having world-class specialists right around the corner sounds like a win for the neighborhood.

Expect delays traveling through Buckhead next week (March 19, 2026) If you usually zip through Moores Mill Road to get where you're going, you might want to start looking for a Plan B right about now. Heavy road work is officially kicking off as GDOT shifts this from “construction work program” to “under construction” status, which means lane closures and the kind of "wait, why are we stopped?" traffic that tests even the most patient residents. Consider this your friendly heads-up to cue up an extra-long podcast or just avoid the area entirely if you value your sanity.

Bike and walk at Livable Buckhead springtime events (March 21, 2026) Spring has officially sprung, and Livable Buckhead is ready to get us off the couch with the return of the Social Ride and buckheadWALKS!. Whether you're a casual stroller or a dedicated cyclist, these events are the perfect excuse to soak up the cherry blossoms and explore the neighborhood without a windshield in the way. Plus, it's the best way to earn that post-walk cocktail at the Village.

First-ever They Got Next Up Music Awards ceremony coming to Buckhead (March 20, 2026) Buckhead is about to get a whole lot flashier as it plays host to the inaugural "They Got Next Up" Music Awards. The ceremony is designed to shine a spotlight on the rising stars of Atlanta's music scene, bringing a major red-carpet moment right to our doorstep. It's a cool reminder that while we're known for great shopping and real estate, the city's creative pulse is beating right here in the neighborhood, too.

Here are the 2026 T-shirt designs for the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race (March 18, 2026) It's the most important election of the year—no, not that one—the vote for the 2026 Peachtree Road Race finisher's shirt is officially live! We finally have a look at the five finalist designs, and as any true local knows, the shirt is the ultimate status symbol for surviving 6.2 miles in the Georgia humidity. Head over to cast your vote now, because there's nothing worse than running a 10K and ending up with a design you don't actually want to wear to the grocery store.

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES

PGA Superstore - opening - Dust off those 7-irons, because a massive new gear paradise just landed right in our backyard. Whether you're a scratch golfer or just in it for the stylish polo shirts, this spot is a hole-in-one for your weekend errands. March 20, 2026

Molly Tea - expanding - Your boba run is about to get a major upgrade. This popular tea spot is officially eyeing a Buckhead expansion, and honestly, we could all use a little more sweetness (and a lot more caffeine) in our lives right about now. March 20, 2026

Umi - expanding - Our local sushi legend is taking a bite out of the Big Apple! While they're opening a flashy new spot in NYC, don't worry—they aren't leaving us. It's just nice to know the North is finally getting a taste of the magic we've been bragging about for years. March 18, 2026

LoveShackFancy - opening - Get ready for a serious dose of ruffles and florals because this ultra-feminine brand just planted its very first Georgia flag in Buckhead Village. It's a Pinterest board come to life, and well worth a browse if that's your style. March 17, 2026

St. Cecilia - opening - Just when you thought this Italian gem couldn't get any better, they've launched a "Chef's Counter Tasting Experience." It's a front-row seat to the culinary action—perfect for those nights when you want to feel fancy and very well-fed. March 17, 2026

Korn Ferry - relocating - Midtown's loss is our gain! This heavy-hitting executive recruiting firm is packing up its bags and moving the Atlanta HQ right into the heart of Buckhead. Welcome to the neighborhood—we hope you're ready for the commute! March 16, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Braves are finally back at home, and the neighborhood is buzzing with major milestones, including a massive 10-year anniversary bash for a local sushi staple. Whether you're heading toward the stadium or catching a marquee conversation at the History Center, this is the week to be out and about in Buckhead!

Monday, March 23
- Marie Benedict in conversation with Virginia Prescott | Atlanta History Center
- Trivia Night | Johnny's Hideaway

Tuesday, March 24
- HANABIE. - North America Tour 2026 | Buckhead Theatre
- Buckhead CID - Monthly Meeting | Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods
- Brush Sushi 10 Year Anniversary Party | Brush Sushi
- Daniel Rood in conversation with Peter Biello | Atlanta History Center

Wednesday, March 25
- Ladies Night | Johnny's Hideaway

Thursday, March 26
- Dress for Success Atlanta's EmpowHER Luncheon Featuring Amy Robach | TK Elevator Building
- VOX ATL Adult Spelling Bee | Salesforce Tower
- Three Choirs Festival | Peachtree Road United Methodist Church
- Becky Robinson: Members Only Tour | Buckhead Theatre
- The Historic Significance of Georgia's Burial Grounds | The Cathedral of St. Philip
- Deric Cahill: Punchline - 6 shows! | The Punchline Comedy Club

Friday, March 27
- BRAVES HOME OPENER! 90 PROOF ATL After Game! | Park Bench
- Frankie Quinones: Good Vibes Only | Buckhead Theatre
- National Paella Day at Gypsy Kitchen | Buckhead Village District
- Liam Ravita | Black Bear Tavern

Saturday, March 28
- Saturday Vinyasa Yoga Classes with Highland Yoga | Buckhead Village
- Stayin' Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees | Buckhead Theatre
- BRAVES HOME SATURDAY! Dueling Pianos Before & After Game! | Park Bench

Sunday, March 29
- Meditation on the Passion of Christ | The Cathedral of St. Philip
- Italian Sunday Dinner | Local Three Kitchen & Bar
- 2026 Atlanta Interfaith Hunger Seder | Ahavath Achim Synagogue
- GHCA Member Appreciation Event | Garden Hills Neighborhood Association

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION

Atlanta Public Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

It was a bit of a "show up or shut up" week for APS leadership, though unfortunately, many didn't do the former. At the Policy Review Committee meeting on March 19th, the group ran into a bit of an awkward situation: only three of the nine voting members actually showed up. Without a quorum, they couldn't make anything official, but they still spent the session "window shopping" through some major policy shifts that will eventually land in your child's classroom.

The headliner was the "iPad kid" debate. The committee is diving into screen time limits and tablet usage, trying to find a way to balance digital learning with actual student well-being. If you've felt like your student is spending more time looking at a backlight than a blackboard, this is the policy to watch. Because no votes were cast, this discussion is effectively on ice until they can get enough members in the room to make it law.

Meanwhile, the committee is also looking at your student's "to-do" list for graduation. They discussed the current role of community service hours and whether the district's tracking system is actually working—or if the requirements themselves need a revamp. They also spent time on "Policy JB," which is bureaucratic shorthand for how the district tracks student attendance and manages absences.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

The biggest headline coming out of last week's meeting was the green light for Phase Three of the "Project Care Initiative." In plain English: Fulton County is officially moving forward with plans for a new hospital in South Fulton. This isn't a solo project; they're partnering with Grady Health System and the Morehouse School of Medicine to ensure the new facility serves as both a healthcare hub and a clinical training ground for faculty and residents.

Meanwhile, the Board dealt with the administrative equivalent of musical chairs. With the District 4 seat currently vacant, the commissioners had to divvy up several heavy-hitting board appointments previously held by that representative. Vice Chair Abdur-Rahman is heading to the Atlanta Beltline Board, while other commissioners took over roles on the OPEB Trust and the Stadium Authority.

On the money front, the Board approved a 3% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for county retirees whose plans didn't originally include automatic bumps—a move to help pensioners keep up with inflation. They also signed off on a $2.3 million "PC Refresh" to upgrade county-wide computers and laptops, because even local government can't run on Windows 95 forever. However, not every request got a "yes": a $975,000 appropriation for the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation was put on hold for further debate.

Also worth noting: The Board is looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, approving support for small businesses in South Downtown to ensure they can actually handle the massive influx of soccer fans. They also distributed $200,000 grants to five major cultural institutions, including the Chattahoochee Nature Center and Hammonds House, for ongoing arts and environmental programming.

But here's the thing: while the big-ticket items passed smoothly, public comment was a bit more spirited. Residents voiced concerns about various issues including conditions at the Fulton County Jail. Despite the noise, the Board stayed focused on the basics, approving over $15 million for water and wastewater operations to keep the taps flowing and the sewers going in the northern and southern ends of the county.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Board of Commissioners on March 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

It was a busy week at City Hall, where the Council balanced "big picture" investigations with the nitty-gritty of prepping for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The headliner was the Committee on Council's move to hire outside help for an investigation into nearly $1 million in consulting payments made to a former Municipal Clerk. The "Foris Webb III" investigation is looking into why the city paid out $35,000 a month for work related to a Public Safety Training Center referendum that never actually happened. Meanwhile, the Council is also trying to fix its own "black hole" problem: there are currently 85 vacancies across various city boards, leading to a proposal that would allow the Council to step in and appoint members if a seat stays empty for more than 60 days.

On the policy front, the Council is officially in "World Cup Mode." They approved a new sign ordinance allowing massive building wraps and projections downtown for major events and green-lit various beautification projects. In a move toward more transparency, the Council also voted to require a "primary sponsor" name on every piece of new legislation—no more anonymous bill-dropping. Finally, while the Council passed a massive "Consent Agenda" (the government version of "I agree to the Terms and Conditions"), they did refer several performance audits—including a look at the city's Blight Tax—to committee for a deeper dive next week.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

Meetings in the Next Week
- Zoning Committee – March 23, 11:00 AM: The committee will weigh a massive 36-acre industrial-to-residential flip on Logan Circle and Chattahoochee Avenue that could bring a wave of new housing to the Upper Westside edge.
- Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee – March 23, 1:00 PM: Get ready for "Open Container" downtown. The city is discussing a temporary entertainment district for the 2026 World Cup that would allow street-side sipping from June 11 to July 19.
- City Utilities Committee – March 24, 10:00 AM: This meeting covers everything from "Riparian Buffers" (stream protections) to a 14,000-square-foot mural project at the North Avenue Tunnel.
- Community Development/Human Services Committee – March 24, 1:30 PM: This is a big one for neighborhood planning, with the Peachtree Park neighborhood plan and the Collier Road area development blueprints on the agenda.
- Transportation Committee – March 25, 10:00 AM: Expect some heat as Councilmembers grill MARTA on the stalled Eastside BeltLine light rail and bus route changes, plus a $1 billion contract for airport concourse expansion.
- Finance/Executive Committee – March 25, 1:30 PM: Brace your wallets—the city is setting the property tax rates and taking its first look at the FY 2027 budget. This includes taxes for parks, schools, and the BeltLine district.

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY

Permits
- 3393 Peachtree Rd NE — Macy's at Lenox is getting a facelift on the first floor. A new cosmetics space is in the works, so prepare for a little extra sparkle (and maybe some construction dust) near the perfume counters soon.
- 2450 Piedmont Rd NE — Big news for the Lindbergh area! A new charter school is moving into the first and third floors. The plans show "minor non-structural" changes, but it's a major shift for the building's vibe.
- 3209 Mathieson Dr NE — Someone is getting fancy with the landscaping. We're looking at a new gravel path leading to a concrete plaza and two wooden pedestals. It sounds like a lovely little outdoor sanctuary in the making.
- 3575 & 3565 Piedmont Rd NE — The "back to the office" push is real. Three different "spec suites" are being built out on the 4th, 8th, and 9th floors across these buildings to lure in new tenants.
- 479 E Paces Ferry Rd NE — Electrical renovations are underway for the "Phase 3 units" here. If you're a neighbor, keep an eye out for the white vans while they wrap up this stage of the project.
- 3340 Peachtree Rd NE — A long-vacant suite in this high-rise is finally getting a "second generation buildout." No word yet on who the new neighbor is, but they're officially moving in.
- 2060 Mt Paran Rd NW — A new tenant is moving in "as is." No hammers or saws for this one—they just need a life safety inspection to get the green light.
- 76 Laurel Dr NE — A fleet of five Honda generators was just permitted for this spot. Someone is definitely making sure the lights stay on no matter what.

Road Work

Under Construction
- I-75 Lighting Upgrades (Musket Ridge Dr to I-85) — Look on the bright side: crews are swapping out those old, dim lights for energy-efficient LEDs along the highway. They're replacing poles and conduit too, so keep an eye out for shoulder work and potential night lane closures through the West Paces and Mt. Paran stretch.
- SR 400 Tunnel & Bridge Rehab (Justin C Martin Building) — If you're passing through the tunnel under the MARTA station, work is officially underway to repair the roof slabs and upgrade the fire systems. It's a necessary fix for the transfer beams, though it adds one more thing to watch for on your morning trek through the heart of the Village.
- SR 9 / Roswell Road Resurfacing (SR 3 to North of Paces Ferry Rd) — Great news for your suspension: resurfacing is active on this stretch of SR 9 to fix that notoriously bumpy pavement. Expect crews moving through the Village and the intersection at Northside Parkway as they work to smooth out the ride.
- I-75 Northbound Ramps @ Moores Mill Road — Now actively under construction (see Big Stories above for the traffic impact). A new roundabout is being built for the I-75 ramps at Moores Mill to replace the current stop-and-go mess. Expect lane closures and delays through this area.

Construction Work Program
- SR 9 @ Piedmont Rd, Roswell Rd & Habersham Rd — We all know this three-way tangle is a headache. GDOT is moving forward with a scoping study for intersection improvements here to finally untie the knot. No orange cones yet, but help is on the way.
- SR 3 / Northside Parkway (I-75 to Cobb County Line) — Your suspension can breathe a sigh of relief. This stretch is slated for a full resurface and maintenance job, which should make the trek toward Vinings much smoother.
- SR 3 @ West Paces Ferry Road — To help with the I-75 bottleneck, they're planning to restripe the area to provide dual left-turn lanes on Northside Pkwy and improve flow under the overpass. This should help unclog the morning school-run chaos.
- Lenox Road Multi-use Trail (Phase III) — The gap between Phipps Blvd and Piedmont Road is getting a major glow-up. Expect a new shared-use path and streetscapes to make walking or biking between the malls and offices actually pleasant.
- SR 9 (Peachtree Rd) Bridge Maintenance — Essential "preventative surgery" is coming to bridges along Peachtree. This means joint replacements and deck preservation to keep our main artery sturdy for the long haul.
- SR 400 Atlanta Financial Center Tunnel — If the tunnel feels a bit "moody" lately, good news: they're prepping to swap out the old lights for bright new LEDs.
- SR 400 (I-85 to Johnson Ferry Rd) — The main Buckhead stretch of 400 is on the list for a major resurfacing project. It's funded and headed for bidding, so get ready for some "smooth sailing" updates in the near future.
- SR 9 (Peachtree Rd) Bridge Replacement — Heads up: this is a big one. GDOT is planning to replace the bridge over the CSX tracks near the Brookwood area. Replacing a bridge on Peachtree is no small feat, so we'll be watching the timeline on this closely.
- SR 237 (Piedmont Rd) @ Main Street — A new mid-block crossing and pedestrian signal are coming to the Lindbergh area, making it a whole lot safer to cross Piedmont on foot.

Service Requests
- Potholes — 11 reports total, including W Andrews Dr NW, Habersham Rd, and the intersections of Lenox & Piedmont and Lenox & Paces Ferry. Your suspension is definitely sending you a bill for these.
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Issues reported at Pharr & Piedmont, Wesley Rd, Piedmont & Peachtree, Piedmont & Roswell, and an emergency fix at Lindbergh & Piedmont. Basically, pack your patience if you're driving through these intersections.
- Litter & Illegal Dumping — Multiple reports at the corner of Peachtree Hills Ave & Lindbergh Dr. We're better than this, Buckhead!
- Tree & Overgrowth Issues — A downed tree on Ridgewood Rd NW and visibility issues due to overgrowth at the corner of Haverhill and Herrington. Nature is officially encroaching on our commutes.
- Sign Repair — A request for sign maintenance over on Lindbergh Dr NE to help keep everyone pointed in the right direction.