Druid Hills / Candler Park: Coke Estates and Pullman Yards

Good morning, Druid Hills and Candler Park—it's officially spring, so grab your antihistamines and let's get into it. This week, we're touring a $6 million Coca-Cola estate and tracking major infrastructure investments across the neighborhood. From new Peri Peri chicken to the battle over a North Decatur gas station, here is everything you need to know to stay in the loop.

- Big Stories — We're diving into a historic $6M mansion and a couple new updates to Pullman Yards just south of us.
- Local Business Updates — A local favorite coffee shop expands to our neck of the woods.
- Upcoming Events — It's a jam-packed Easter week featuring everything from cemetery 5Ks and Ukrainian egg dyeing to a legendary bluegrass show at the Variety.
- Local Government Discussion — Between Nando's moving into the neighborhood and a high-stakes showdown over a new gas station on North Decatur, the local boards have been busy.
- Development & Construction Nearby — Fernbank is getting a $2 million face-lift, while Moreland Avenue is making some "right" moves to fix your commute.

Let's dive in.

BIG STORIES

Historic Druid Hills estate designed for Coca-Cola exec lists for nearly $6 million (March 23, 2026) If you've got a casual $6 million burning a hole in your pocket, the iconic "Boxwood" estate on Springdale Road is officially up for grabs. Designed by the legendary Neel Reid for a Coke exec back in the day, it's basically the crown jewel of our neighborhood's historic charm. Just imagine the garden parties you could throw—though I'd probably just get lost in the library.

State legislation makes DeKalb DA a nonpartisan position (March 27, 2026) Big changes are coming to your future ballots. The Georgia House just passed a bill that would make the DeKalb District Attorney and other county positions nonpartisan, essentially stripping those "D" and "R" labels from the race. It's a move that has local political junkies buzzing and could fundamentally change how we vet our county leaders during election season.

New immersive space experience lands at Pullman Yards in Atlanta (March 27, 2026) If you've been looking for a reason to head to Pullman Yards that doesn't involve a brewery crawl, your literal moonshot has arrived. This new "Space Explorers" VR exhibit lets you experience the International Space Station without the years of training or the zero-gravity nausea—and yes, it's as wild as it sounds.

Warehouse conversion, new homes bound for Pullman Yards' doorstep (March 25, 2026) Get ready for more construction dust just south of Lake Claire because a new "village-style" development is officially barreling ahead. It's a mix of historic preservation and new residential units that'll put even more neighbors right at the Pullman Yards entrance.

LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES

San Francisco Coffee Roasting Co. - expanding - Just when we thought we couldn't handle any more morning meetings, our favorite local roaster announced a new Druid Hills outpost is on the way. It's the perfect excuse to skip the instant coffee and treat yourself to a proper pour-over on your way to Emory.
(March 23, 2026)

UPCOMING EVENTS

It is officially Easter week, and the neighborhood is hopping with activity! From the massive Run Like Hell 5K at Oakland Cemetery to a flurry of egg hunts and the return of Old Crow Medicine Show to the Variety Playhouse, there is no reason to stay on the couch this weekend. Clear your Sunday for brunch on the Beltline and get ready for a busy few days.

Monday, March 30
- StoryWalk® at Mason Mill Park | Mason Mill Park
- Racoma: Live at Eddie's Attic | Eddie's Attic

Tuesday, March 31
- David Ryan Harris: In Residence at Eddie's Attic | Eddie's Attic
- Dancing With The Stars: Live! - 2026 Tour | Fox Theatre - Atlanta
- Adultish Sewing Club | Decatur Library

Wednesday, April 01
- Hannah Cohen | Aisle 5
- Jazz on the Beltline (Live Music, Margarita & Wine Flights!) | Buena Vida Tapas Bar
- Jenna Paulette | Eddie's Attic
- Pysanky Eggs: The Ukranian Art of Egg Dyeing | DeKalb Library
- Bona Fide Deluxe/ Vin ATL Trivia Night Dog Adoption Event | Bona Fide Deluxe

Thursday, April 02
- Jacqueline Novak | Variety Playhouse
- Evening Hikes | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Oakhurst Jazz Nights | Lawn in front of The Solarium
- John Craigie | Eddie's Attic
- The Wedding Present | The Earl
- Open Technology Lab | Decatur Library

Friday, April 03
- Jesse Roper | Aisle 5
- Rebels Opera At The Star Bar | Star Community Bar
- Indigo De Souza: The Precipice Tour | Variety Playhouse
- Family Movie Night: Finding Nemo | Our Neighborhood Edgewood
- Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings | The Chapel on Sycamore
- East Nash Grass | Eddie's Attic

Saturday, April 04
- Morning Hikes | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Culturally Relevant Science | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Live Animal Encounter | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Old Crow Medicine Show | Variety Playhouse
- Run Like Hell 5k | Historic Oakland Cemetery
- Friends of East Atlanta: 2026 Family Fun Day & Easter Egg Hunt | Coan Park
- Scandal! - The Bare | Dad's Garage

Sunday, April 05
- Family Nature Walk | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Live Animal Encounter | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- The Easter Bunny Returns to TWO urban licks' Annual Easter Celebration | TWO Urban Licks
- Easter Brunch in Bloom at Kitty Dare | Kitty Dare
- Celebrate Easter Under the Sea at Amore e Amore | Amore e Amore

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION

Atlanta NPU

Discussion from the Past Week

NPU-N had a packed agenda this week, mostly centered on the fact that "outside" is officially happening again. The board reviewed a slate of major festival permits that will define neighborhood traffic patterns well into the fall. The headliners include the Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes returning in late April, followed by a series of events at the Fourth Ward Skatepark in June. If you enjoy quiet weekend drives through the corridor, you might want to start eyeing alternative routes now.

In development news, Cabbagetown is facing some identity shifts. A developer is looking to flip the script on a property on Kirkwood Avenue, asking to transition from single-family residential to a mixed-use setup that would allow for shops or offices topped with apartments. Meanwhile, Councilmember Lilian Bakhtiari is looking to tweak the specific sidewalk repaving rules for the Cabbagetown Landmark District—riveting stuff, we know, but it actually dictates how the historic character of those streets is maintained during repairs.

Foodies will be happy to hear that Nando's Peri Peri is one step closer to opening on Krog Street, as their alcohol license application moved through the NPU pipeline this week. Georgia Power also gave a briefing on Public Service Commission updates and energy assistance programs—a rare chance to get some clarity on utility rate impacts and potential help with those energy bills.

Most notable to your neighborhood: The neighborhood will be the epicenter of the local art scene later this year. The NPU reviewed the permit for the Fall Festival on Ponce, which will take over 1247 Ponce de Leon Ave (Olmstead Linear Park and Springdale Park) on October 10-11. While it's a neighborhood favorite, residents should prepare for the usual flurry of street closures and "creative" visitor parking along the park's edges.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

In a rare moment of mercy for our bank accounts, the commissioners officially withdrew a proposal to hike stormwater utility fees. While the county still needs to fix its aging pipes, they've decided not to tap your wallet for it just yet. Instead, they are doubling down on infrastructure the old-fashioned way: by spending $45 million on massive contracts for sewer line restoration and water valve repairs. This includes a $5.6 million chunk specifically for the Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer.

Meanwhile, the county is getting serious about its "image" and public order. A new ordinance targeting "unauthorized camping" and vagrancy is making its way through the committee halls, which is already sparking debate about how the county handles its unhoused population. On a noisier note, the commissioners are still struggling to find a "hush" button; a proposed sound regulation ordinance has been deferred for the 15th time. Apparently, finding a volume level everyone can agree on is harder than it looks.

The county is also about to get a lot more high-tech. They are advancing a $120,000 contract for a cloud-based platform to sniff out and monitor short-term rentals (looking at you, Airbnbs) to ensure everyone is playing by the rules. They're also looking into regulating data centers, including a study on how these massive server farms impact local health and the environment. The county is also refreshing its fleet with $22.6 million for new vehicles, including $16 million just for police pursuit cars.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
The biggest flashpoint for the Druid Hills area is the "Scope Builders" proposal on North Decatur Road. The plan—which includes a convenience store, gas pumps, and a drive-through pharmacy—was already slapped down by the Planning Commission. It has now moved to the full Board for a final showdown. If you've enjoyed the (relative) lack of neon signs and gas fumes on that stretch, this is the one to watch. Additionally, keep an eye on the newly advanced "Control Blasting and Safety Ordinance." As construction continues to ramp up nearby, this will strictly regulate how developers use explosives near residential property lines. Residents near Frazier Rowe Park and Rutledge Park should also keep an ear out, as both parks are slated for significant funding for improvements and "park pride" enhancements.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

Atlanta is officially opening its wallet as the City Council kicked off the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget cycle. The Finance Committee moved the proposed budget and property tax rates forward to the full Council, so if you enjoy having paved roads and libraries, this is the one to watch. Speaking of big spending, the city is doubling down on Hartsfield-Jackson with a massive $1.04 billion authorization to widen Concourse D. Apparently, a billion dollars is the price of not being shoulder-to-shoulder while waiting for a flight to Des Moines.

In a move that surprised absolutely no one who has ever tried to find a trash can downtown, the City Utilities Committee had to pass a $1.74 million stopgap for trash disposal. The city's contract with Republic Services was extended month-to-month to keep the bins from overflowing while they figure out a long-term plan. On a brighter note, the Council is thinking long-term about the sun; they approved extending the city's solar energy program to 20 years to keep those panels humming.

Meanwhile, the Public Safety Committee is already getting the party started—or at least planning for it—for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They approved a temporary "Public Entertainment District" downtown for June and July 2026, which will legally allow outdoor drinking on the streets. While downtown is getting rowdy, the Edgewood Corridor is being put in a "time out." Council approved a 180-day moratorium on any new alcohol licenses there so they can study if the neighborhood has reached its nightlife limit.

The city is also getting serious about "unauthorized drones," accepting a $7.6 million federal grant for drone defense technology ahead of the World Cup. And for the weekend warriors, Atlanta Streets Alive is officially coming back for 2026, with the Transportation Committee clearing the bureaucratic hurdles to make sure we can bike and walk in the middle of the street again.

Most notable to your neighborhood:

Atlanta Public Schools

Discussion from the Past Week

Last week, the students officially took the mic. The APS Student Advisory Council (SAC) gathered at the district headquarters to weigh in on the high-level decisions that usually happen behind closed doors. While the official minutes are currently missing in action, the agenda shows the "junior board" is digging into the heavy-duty topics that eventually dictate how your property tax dollars are spent.

Top of the list was SPLOST. For the uninitiated, that’s the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax—essentially the "penny tax" that pays for shiny new school buildings, HVAC repairs, and the tech upgrades that keep the district running. The council received a briefing on how these capital funds are being allocated, which is the first step before these projects land on the main Board of Education's desk for a final vote.

Meanwhile, the group tackled the "where is everyone?" problem. Dr. C. Windom presented on the district's ongoing battle with chronic absenteeism. It’s a significant issue because when kids don't show up, it doesn't just hurt test scores; it can eventually impact state funding for the district. The students also reviewed the CLIP (Comprehensive Literacy Instructional Plan) survey, which is the roadmap for how APS plans to get reading levels back on track across all neighborhoods.

Also worth noting: The council spent time recapping their "Breakfast with the Board" event. This is where the student reps get face-time with the actual Board of Education members to complain about—or praise—what’s happening in the hallways. If you’re wondering why certain school policies suddenly shift, it’s often because these student advisors are whispering in the ears of the people in charge.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Atlanta Board of Education, April 06, 2026: The full board is scheduled for their regular session to likely tackle the big-picture versions of last week's student discussions, including SPLOST funding updates and literacy initiatives.

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY

Permits
- 767 Clifton Rd NE (Fernbank Museum) — Big things are happening at our favorite dinosaur haunt! A massive $2.1 million addition is coming to the east side of the building, plus another $1.5 million is being dropped to renovate the "Changing Earth" exhibit and gallery spaces. It's going to be a construction zone, but the results should be world-class.
- Springdale Rd — Someone is building a "garage" that's likely nicer than most apartments. This $203,160 project is for a two-car accessory dwelling unit (ADU) featuring a loft with a full kitchen and bathroom. Perfect for a very lucky guest or a very fancy home office.
- Springdale Rd — Right down the street, another $100,000 is being poured into a new 30x20 swimming pool and deck. If you live nearby, prepare for the sounds of jackhammers now and splashes later this summer.
- 1871 Gordon Manor NE — This commercial property is getting a serious scalp treatment. They're tearing off three layers of old roofing to install a fresh TPO membrane. It's necessary work, but keep an ear out for the dumpster drops and roofing crews.
- The Neighborhood at Large — Beyond the big stuff, there are 21 smaller projects popping up around the area, including six permits for arborist work. If you hear a chainsaw, it's likely just some routine tree maintenance to keep our canopy safe.

Road Work

Under Construction
- SR 42/Moreland Avenue at Arkwright Place — Crews are out transforming this intersection into a right-in/right-out setup by adding a median. It's going to make those daring left turns across Moreland a thing of the past, so plan for a little extra time if you're heading south toward Reynoldstown.
- I-20 from Capitol Ave to Flat Shoals Road (DeKalb & Fulton Counties) — If you've noticed things looking a bit brighter during your late-night commutes, that's because they're swapping out old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. This multi-county project involves new poles and wiring, so keep an eye out for crews and shoulder closures between the city and the Eastside.
- SR 260/Glenwood Avenue at Haas, Eastside, Brownwood, and Joseph Avenues — Walking around the neighborhood is getting a safety boost. Work is officially active at several intersections along Glenwood to install flashing pedestrian beacons (RRFBs). It's great news for foot traffic, but watch for quick lane shifts and workers near the curb as they wrap these up.

Construction Work Program
- SR 8/SR 10/US 23 @ Lullwater Creek — Our iconic stretch of Ponce is getting some structural TLC at the bridge over the creek. It's funded and waiting to go, so keep an eye out for lane shifts near the park soon.
- SR 8/US 23 from South Ponce De Leon Ave to Ridgecrest Road — More work is coming to Ponce, specifically to improve drainage. Hopefully, this means we can say goodbye to those mini-lakes that form during our classic Atlanta summer downpours.
- SR 8 (Ponce De Leon Ave) Roundabouts — Get ready to "round and round" at two spots: Eastlake and the North Ponce/Parkwood intersection. These roundabouts are intended to calm the chaos on the corridor, though the learning curve might be a bit of a ride initially.
- SR 8/US 23 @ SR 42 (DeKalb & Fulton Counties) — This project spans the county line to fix the headache where Ponce meets Moreland. They'll be extending the westbound turn lanes to help clear out the backup, which should be a massive relief for anyone stuck behind a left-turner during rush hour.
- DeKalb Avenue @ CSX RR Crossing — Safety upgrades are coming to the railroad crossing at DeKalb Avenue. We're looking at new warning devices to keep things moving safely alongside the tracks.
- Scott Blvd Complete Streets Plan — This is a big "big picture" project nearby. While it's still in the pre-construction phase, the goal is to make the corridor more accessible and "complete" for everyone, not just cars.
- SR 42/US 23 from DeKalb Ave to Austin Ave — This one is currently in the scoping phase, but the plan is to narrow the travel lanes to 10 feet to help slow down traffic through this busy stretch. A "heads up" that things might get a little tighter in the future!
- Atlanta Ave @ CSX & Adair Street Realignment — This project is aimed at fixing the awkward geometry where Atlanta Avenue meets the railroad and Adair Street. Realigning this should make the whole "where do I turn?" puzzle a lot simpler.

Service Requests
- Potholes — Oakdale Rd NE is looking like Swiss cheese with 6 reports this week, plus more axle-breakers spotted at Oakdale & Ponce, Candler Park Dr NE, Euclid Ave NE, and the corner of McLendon & Howard Cir. Keep your eyes on the road and your alignment in your prayers.
- Sign Repair — A sign on Candler Park Dr NE is in the queue for some much-needed attention.
- Traffic Signal Repair — Repairs are underway for the signal at the busy DeKalb Ave & Clifton Rd intersection. Stay alert while they get things back in sync!