Buckhead: Three-Week Condo Water Crisis and a Major Road Race Shakeup

Welcome to this week’s update for Buckhead! We’re digging into a historic sponsorship shift for the Peachtree Road Race and an ongoing utility crisis at a local condo complex.

Let’s dive in.

Buckhead condo tenants say they've been left without running water for nearly 3 weeks
Residents at a local condominium complex are facing increasingly desperate conditions after being unable to shower, cook, or use bathrooms in their own homes for over fourteen days. The ongoing utility failure has sparked significant concern regarding property management accountability and basic tenant rights within the district.

Northside Hospital replaces AJC as Peachtree Road Race naming partner
After nearly half a century, the world’s largest 10K—which famously kicks off in the heart of Buckhead—has a new title sponsor for its 57th annual event. The Atlanta Track Club announced Northside Hospital as the new naming partner, ending a 49-year relationship with the local newspaper and marking a significant shift for one of the neighborhood's most iconic summer traditions.

APD asking for public's help locating 'critical missing' man last seen leaving hospital area
Police are urgently searching for 66-year-old Michael Owens, who was last seen in a wheelchair leaving the 1900 block of Peachtree Road NW near Piedmont Hospital on the afternoon of February 13. Given his "critical missing" status and the high-traffic nature of the South Buckhead corridor, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings to authorities.

Buckhead hotel and restaurant achieve rare double five-star status in Forbes Travel Guide
The St. Regis Atlanta and its signature restaurant, Atlas, have both secured the prestigious five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for 2026. This rare "double" designation further solidifies Buckhead Village’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury hospitality and elite dining.

Roche Bobois - opening - The Paris-headquartered luxury furniture retailer opened a 4,700-square-foot showroom in Buckhead Village on February 9, featuring its full collection of high-end French home furnishings and accessories.

Hill House Home - opening - The New York-based lifestyle brand, famous for its "Nap Dress," opened its first Georgia storefront in Buckhead Village on February 10.

Salted Melon Market & Eatery - opening - This Charlotte-based health-forward cafe and market opened its first location outside of North Carolina on February 11, taking over the former Isle & Co. space in Andrews Square.

The Atlanta Opera - opening- The organization held a groundbreaking ceremony on February 16 for its new headquarters and arts center, the Molly Blank Center for Opera, which will be housed in the renovated historic Bobby Jones Golf Course clubhouse along the Beltline.

Atlanta City Council - Zoning Committee
February 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM
The committee reviewed several items with direct impacts on Buckhead’s residential landscape and commercial signage. A major proposal was introduced for 1950 West Paces Ferry Road and 2518 West Wesley Road NW. The applicant is seeking to rezone the properties from R-1 to Planned Development Housing (PD-H) to allow for the construction of four new for-sale single-family detached homes.

On the commercial front, the committee considered a sign ordinance waiver for 3393 Peachtree Road NE. This request is to allow for new business signage for the incoming Randy’s Donuts at Lenox Square Mall.

Citywide, two significant policies are moving forward: a proposal to require push-button automatic door activators on the primary entrances of most new commercial and multifamily buildings, and a new restriction that would prohibit new warehouses or self-storage facilities within the Beltline Overlay District to protect walkability.

Atlanta City Council - Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee
February 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM
The committee spent significant time on legal claims involving local infrastructure and a major update to the city's housing code. Residents should take note of a proposed ordinance that would classify visible mold as a "highly hazardous" condition in rental properties. If passed, it would require landlords to inspect units within five days of a complaint and follow professional remediation standards.

The committee also processed several legal claims for vehicle damage caused by city infrastructure in our neighborhood (mostly pothole damage on major roads)

Atlanta City Council - City Utilities Committee
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
A key item for our area involved a variance request for a property on Oldfield Road NW. The applicant requested a waiver from the standard city requirement to build the lowest floor of the structure 3 feet above the base flood elevation, proposing instead to build at 2 feet above. While 2 feet still exceeds federal FEMA requirements, it is lower than the city’s stricter safety standard.

The committee also discussed preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Members authorized over $2 million in additional funding for temporary labor to increase litter and debris pickup citywide. Additionally, the city was recognized with the "Electric Innovation Policy Champion Award" for its ordinance requiring new homes to be built with electric vehicle charging infrastructure; the $10,000 prize will be reinvested into sustainability projects.

Atlanta City Council - Community Development/Human Services Committee
February 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Policy updates dominated this meeting, specifically regarding the regulation of short-term rentals. The committee is moving forward with creating a dedicated "Office of Short-Term Rentals" and a mandatory registry. The proposed law would require platforms like Airbnb to verify permits and would impose a $1,000 per day fine on platforms for facilitating unverified listings.

The committee also discussed a senior accessibility study in partnership with the Atlanta Regional Commission. This initiative aims to establish slower speed zones and safety improvements near hospitals and senior living facilities citywide. Development-wise, the committee authorized the creation of an interim fire station along the Piedmont Road corridor to maintain emergency service coverage while Fire Station 15 is redeveloped into a new facility with integrated affordable housing.

Fulton County Schools - Board of Education
February 10, 2026
The Board held both a Pre-work Session and a full Board Work Session at the FCS North Learning Center. However, the substantive text of the discussions and specific agenda items were not available in the public record at the time of this update. These sessions typically serve as planning periods for upcoming votes on district-wide policies and budget allocations.

Atlanta City Council - Transportation Committee
February 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The committee approved a resolution to honor two music legends who shaped the local cultural scene. A section of the parkway in Chastain Park—Chastain Memorial Parkway NW, specifically between Dudley Lane and Stella Drive—will receive the honorary designation of "Honorary Cooley Conlon Drive, NW." This honors Alex Cooley and Peter Conlon for their roles in making the Chastain Park Amphitheatre a premier landmark.

In broader news, the committee is considering increasing on-street metered parking fees from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour. This would be the first rate increase since 2010. The committee also requested more information from MARTA and the Atlanta BeltLine regarding the recent decision to halt the Eastside BeltLine light rail project.

Atlanta City Council - Finance/Executive Committee
February 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Financial administrative matters were the focus here, including a major agreement to deploy "smart" public restrooms. The city plans to spend nearly $1 million with Throne Labs to operate semi-permanent, high-tech restroom units in parks and high-traffic areas.

The committee also approved various donations to support neighborhood business districts, including funds for the Virginia Highland and Little Five Points areas. Additionally, the city is aligning its interest rate penalties for delinquent taxes (such as alcohol and hotel taxes) with state law, moving from a flat 1% monthly fee to a rate tied to the bank prime loan rate plus 3%. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposal to annex several properties from unincorporated DeKalb County into the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Independent School System.

Atlanta Committee on Council
Monday, February 16, 2026, 11:30 AM
Key agenda items focus heavily on administrative appointments and the establishment of the committee's 2026 goals. The committee will vote on recommending several key appointments to the full City Council. These roles are critical for oversight of city infrastructure, employee retirement funds, and regional planning. Additionally, the committee will review an administrative correction regarding identity management systems at the airport and discuss their primary objectives for the 2026 legislative year.

Atlanta City Council
Monday, February 16, 2026, 1:00 PM
The Council will consider several significant city-wide ordinances and local development projects. Major legislative items include a new Mold Remediation Ordinance to establish guidelines for cleaning up mold in residential properties and a mandate requiring push-button door activators for disability access at primary entrances of most new commercial and multi-family buildings. The Council will also discuss the "Play Fair ATL" policy platform for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which aims to protect human rights and ensure fair labor standards during the event, as well as several items discussed at last week’s sub-committee meetings (i.e., Cooley Conlon Dr).

Other items on the agenda include a 180-day moratorium on new alcohol licenses for the Edgewood corridor, the creation of a public consumption exemption for a new entertainment district downtown, and various mixed-use rezonings and special use permits for projects in the Murphy Triangle, West Midtown, and Southeast Atlanta areas. The Council is also slated to discuss funding for playground improvements at a park in Southwest Atlanta and a street renaming in the downtown area.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 10:00 AM
The Board is set to vote on high-impact financial and social policies, including a proposal to dedicate at least 2% of the FY2026 budget to affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Commissioners will also consider a resolution to limit ICE and CBP activities at county facilities. Of particular interest to residents is the adoption of a revised manual for water and sewer construction, which establishes new technical requirements for infrastructure, including odor control and noise mitigation for pump stations near residential areas, and stricter restoration requirements for private lawns damaged during construction.

The meeting will also cover the issuance of revenue bonds for facility improvements at a major arts center in Midtown, the transfer of various commercial assets and cell tower leases to the County, and a grant for a multifamily housing project in Vine City. Additionally, the Board will hear updates on the "Jail Maintenance Blitz," the county's justice scorecard, and the annual property tax benefits reported by the Development Authority.

Fulton County Board of Education - Thursday, February 19, 2026, 12:00 AM (agenda not yet posted)

Atlanta City Council
Meeting from February 2, 2026 - Key decisions: Appointed Marquetta J. Bryan, Esq. as the new City Attorney and authorized the issuance of up to $154 million in taxable revenue bonds to fund the Housing Opportunity Program for affordable housing. The Council approved a Special Use Permit for Pace Academy at 966 West Paces Ferry Road NW, 3325 Rilman Road, and 3311 Rilman Road NW.

Additional approvals included a $129,297 extension for E-911 network administration, a $1 million donation to support e-bike rebate programs, and over $27 million in grants for the Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail and citywide street resurfacing. The Council also adopted updates to the Tree Protection Ordinance and approved several rezonings to facilitate "missing middle" housing and community centers, including a multifamily designation on Lenox Road and a major mixed-use site plan in Northwest Atlanta. A proposal to increase metered parking fees and the abandonment of a portion of Westminster Drive were held for future public hearings.

The big story this week is clearly 2460 Peachtree Road NW. A flurry of "Multi Family Conversion" permits were issued throughout the latter half of January. It looks like a significant portion of the building is undergoing a major internal transformation, so expect plenty of contractor vans and delivery noise in that stretch of the Peachtree corridor for the foreseeable future.

Our neighbors have been busy on the 311 app this week. Here is what is on the repair list:

Potholes: A major surge in reports this week.
- Roswell Rd NE: Multiple reports, specifically near the intersection with Wieuca.
- Piedmont Rd NE: Several entries for the stretch near Miami Circle and Pharr Rd.
- Peachtree Rd: Potholes reported near Paces Ferry Rd, Mathieson Dr, and Peachtree Memorial Dr.
- Habersham Rd NW: Significant reports of road wear.
- Other spots: Ivanhoe Dr NW, Park Ave NE, Wesley Rd & Bohler Rd, and Collier Rd NW.

Traffic Signals:
- Pharr Rd NE & Piedmont Rd NE: Non-emergency repair requested.
- Peachtree Dunwoody Rd & Peachtree Rd: Signal timing or repair needed.
- Peachtree Rd & Wieuca Rd: An emergency signal repair request was filed here.
- Piedmont Rd & Miami Cir: Both emergency and non-emergency requests for this signal.

Signage & Visibility:
- Wieuca Rd NE: Two reports for overgrowth and visibility issues.
- Northside Dr NW: Right-of-way maintenance and overgrowth reported near the traffic signals.
- Buckhead Loop & Phipps Blvd: A request for sign repair or replacement.

Quality of Life:
- E Paces Way: Graffiti removal requested for the right-of-way.
- Huntington Rd: A request for litter removal from the right-of-way.

Traffic

Atlanta Watershed

Georgia Power

Atlanta Gas Light

Monday, February 16
- Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model – Rooftop Viewing Party at St. Julep | St. Julep | 11:00 PM

Tuesday, February 17
- CPNW Networking Event | Buckhead Club |
- Pop & Country Hits | Park Bench | 5:00 PM
- Dinner and a Diva: Opera d’Amour (Love Songs and Duets) | Petite Violette | 6:30 PM

Wednesday, February 18
- Connect with CTK | Cathedral of Christ the King |
- Ruel - Kicking My Feet Tour | Buckhead Theatre |
- LEGO Afternoon | LEGO Afternoon | 3:30 PM
- Karaoke Night | Park Bench | 8:00 PM

Thursday, February 19
- Homeschool Day: A People on the Move | Atlanta History Center | 10:00 AM
- Jon Meacham | Atlanta History Center | 7:00 PM
- Helium Comedy Club presents Trae Crowder | Helium Comedy Club - Atlanta | 7:00 PM
- Country Karaoke Hits & Requests | Park Bench | 9:00 PM

Friday, February 20
- Sadeqa Johnson in conversation with Tanya Sam | Atlanta History Center | 7:00 PM
- Vegas-Style Piano Show | Park Bench | 9:00 PM

Saturday, February 21
- Sugar Sammy | The Punchline Comedy Club | 12:30 AM
- What To Do With All That Stuff! | Atlanta History Center | 10:30 AM
- Saturday Vinyasa Yoga Classes with Highland Yoga | Buckhead Village | 3:00 PM
- Masquerade Tea: A Bridgerton-inspired Experience | Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead Brassica | 4:00 PM
- Steamhouse Lounge Presents the 38th Annual Oysterfest | The Steamhouse Lounge | 4:00 PM
- Dueling Pianos – All Night! | Park Bench | 7:30 PM

Sunday, February 22
- GrandVille: Supporting Moon Taxi | Buckhead Theatre |
- Masquerade Tea: A Bridgerton-inspired Experience | Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead Brassica | 4:00 PM
- Steamhouse Lounge Presents the 38th Annual Oysterfest | The Steamhouse Lounge | 4:00 PM
- Helium Comedy Club presents Trae Crowder | Helium Comedy Club - Atlanta | 6:00 PM
- Motown: Under The Stars | Atlanta History Center | 6:30 PM
- Dodie | Buckhead Theatre | 8:00 PM
- "Short & Sweet With Tricia Lee" live podcast, featuring Myleik Teele | MODEx | 8:00 PM