Midtown: New Juniper Bike Lanes Open as Corporate Giant KPMG Moves to Midtown

Welcome to this week’s update for Midtown, where the neighborhood is buzzing with major infrastructure changes and corporate shifts. We’re highlighting the official opening of the Juniper Street bike lanes and a major regional headquarters relocation that cements Midtown as the city’s premier business hub.

Big Stories — From the long-awaited opening of the Juniper Street bike lanes to KPMG’s major move from Downtown, Midtown’s landscape is shifting. We are also tracking several high-profile office towers hitting the market.

Local Business Updates — MidCity cocktail bar on Spring Street gains acclaim while MetroFresh faces a temporary closure following a fire. Also, the Upper Room expands to Colony Square.

Upcoming Events — Get ready for a busy Saturday as the 142nd Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade and 5K take over Peachtree Street. Other weekly highlights include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Fox Theatre and the ASO performing Bach at Symphony Hall.

Local Government Discussion — Local officials are weighing a significant increase in on-street parking fees and new oversight for the Fulton County Jail. Meanwhile, the NPU is monitoring the potential abandonment of right-of-way at Westminster Drive and the ongoing expansion of the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Development & Construction Nearby — Major projects like the 15th Street extension and 10th Street bridge improvements continue to move forward. Commuters should also watch for a 24-hour emergency closure on 4th Street for sewer repairs and a flurry of pothole fixes along Beverly Road.

Let’s dive in.

Images: (More) big changes in store for Midtown's streets (March 06, 2026)
Construction barriers have finally come down across 12 blocks of Juniper Street following the completion of the "Complete Street" project, but the new bike lanes are already drawing mixed reviews from commuters. As construction shifts to parallel northbound streets, residents should prepare for a new phase of traffic adjustments and ongoing debate over the neighborhood's pedestrian-heavy redesign.

KPMG inks Midtown lease, leaving Downtown's Truist Plaza behind (March 05, 2026)
In a significant institutional shift, accounting giant KPMG is preparing to move its regional hub from Downtown to Midtown. This relocation further cements our neighborhood's status as the city's primary corporate center and is expected to bring a steady influx of office workers to local businesses and transit hubs.

High-profile office towers in sought-after midtown Atlanta district set to trade hands (March 05, 2026)
Several major office towers in the heart of Midtown are poised to change ownership, signaling a high-stakes period for local commercial real estate. These transactions are often a precursor to building renovations or management changes that can affect the daily experience of the thousands of people working within our neighborhood's high-rises.

County commission, school board races on tap this year in metro Atlanta (March 08, 2026)
The 2026 election cycle is heating up with key seats on the Fulton County Commission and the Atlanta Board of Education officially up for grabs. These officials make critical decisions regarding our property assessments and the quality of local schools, making this an important window for residents to identify who will represent their interests.

Historic row houses in Atlanta, now converted to offices, residences, listed for sale (March 02, 2026)
A rare piece of local history is up for grabs as the historic row houses on Peachtree Street, which currently serve as a mix of residential and office space, have been listed for sale. For long-time residents, the future of these structures is a major point of interest as they represent some of the last architectural vestiges of Midtown's early residential era.

MetroFresh - closing - The restaurant at Midtown Promenade has announced a temporary closure following a Friday night fire that caused significant damage to the space. (March 02, 2026)

MidCity - opening - This new Spring Street cocktail bar is gaining local acclaim for its sophisticated drink menu and the expert hospitality of partner and lead bartender Jose Pereiro. (March 06, 2026)

The Upper Room - expanding - Currently operating at Ponce City Market, the restaurant has announced plans to expand its footprint with a second location at Midtown’s Colony Square later this year. (March 02, 2026)

Midtown will see significant activity this weekend due to the 142nd Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade and the associated 5K Run/Walk on Saturday morning, which will involve road closures along Peachtree Street between 15th and 5th streets. Residents should also expect heavy foot traffic around Piedmont Park and Colony Square for the Get Lucky Fest and Luck of the Square celebrations.

Monday, March 09
- I See Stars | Center Stage Theater
- Martini & Steak Monday | Establishment Atlanta
- Diamante & I See Stars & Mothica & Until I Wake | The Loft

Tuesday, March 10
- Jordan Ward | Center Stage Theater
- Pete the Cat | Center for Puppetry Arts
- Panel Discussion: Letters to Ms. 1000 | Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Fox Theatre

Wednesday, March 11
- Pete the Cat | Center for Puppetry Arts
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Fox Theatre

Thursday, March 12
- ASO Chorus performs Bach’s Mass in B Minor | Atlanta Symphony Hall
- New InCommunity Exhibit at Woodruff Arts Center Celebrates Individual Artists | Woodruff Arts Center
- Wine & Design: José Hadathy & Atlanta’s FIFA World Cup Poster | Museum of Design Atlanta
- Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons | The Wimbish House
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Fox Theatre

Friday, March 13
- Atlanta’s St Patrick’s Day Midtown Block Party | Midtown Atlanta
- 2026 Annual Orchid Show | Atlanta Botanical Garden, Inc.
- The Brandee Younger Trio – Jazz at All Saints’ | All Saints’ Episcopal Church
- Girl Scout Cookie & Wine Pairing | Epicurean Atlanta
- Landon Conrath | Center Stage Theatre
- MUSICAL MAYHEM | Whole World Improv Theatre Co

Saturday, March 14
- 142nd Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade | Peachtree Street between 15th and 5th streets
- Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade 5K Run/Walk: 11th Annual | 933 Peachtree Street Northeast
- Get Lucky Fest Takes Over Piedmont Park | Park Tavern
- Luck Of The Square | Colony Square
- “Across the Water” Kinnara Spring Concert | First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta
- Ace Hood : The Born Rebel Tour | The Loft
- The Official Lucky's St Patrick's Day Bar Crawl | Sugar Factory American Brasserie
- MONSTER HOTLINE | Whole World Improv Theatre Co
- Major League Wrestling | Center Stage Atlanta

Sunday, March 15
- Ace Hood : The Born Rebel Tour | Center Stage Theater
- New InCommunity Exhibit at Woodruff Arts Center Celebrates Individual Artists | Woodruff Arts Center
- Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Nathalie Stutzmann | Atlanta Symphony Hall
- Pete the Cat | Center for Puppetry Arts

Fulton County Board of Commissioners

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Board discussed a major policy shift regarding public health, proposing a resolution to set aside at least 2% of the 2026 county budget specifically for the construction of new hospital facilities in Atlanta and South Fulton. This move is intended to address the healthcare gap that has persisted since the closure of the Atlanta Medical Center four years ago. Commissioners also addressed potential threats to the county's primary funding source by passing a resolution urging the Georgia General Assembly to reject any legislation that would eliminate property taxes. Officials noted that property taxes account for roughly 80% of the county's annual revenue, and their removal would jeopardize essential public services.

In matters of justice and public safety, the Board approved $536,868 for consulting services to bring the Fulton County Jail into compliance with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Consent Decree, focusing on facility maintenance and tracking. This oversight is being paired with a new "intake level diversion screening" plan, which aims to identify individuals eligible for diversion programs before they are fully booked into the jail system. Regarding elections and fiscal oversight, the Board authorized a $262,667 contract for the printing and mailing of new precinct cards and voter notices through June 2026, and approved hiring an independent contractor to perform a comprehensive audit of the $1 billion+ 2026 budget.

Other topics:
The Board approved more than $820,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for various municipal projects, including park improvements in Hapeville, College Park, and Union City, and water infrastructure upgrades in East Point and Palmetto. A $625,000 grant was also authorized to support "Cosmopolitan Village," a 70-unit affordable housing development in Vine City designed for low-to-moderate-income residents. Additionally, the Board approved a $2.4 million agreement for water main relocations in Johns Creek and appropriated approximately $145,000 for capital improvements at Zoo Atlanta.

Atlanta NPU

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The NPU focused heavily on the ongoing update to Atlanta’s Comprehensive Development Plan (Plan A), which serves as the city's primary policy framework for zoning, transportation, and growth over the next five years. Significant discussion was also dedicated to a new legislative proposal (26-O-1112) intended to amend the Beltline overlay district. This ordinance seeks to prohibit new warehousing, self-storage facilities, and distribution centers within the overlay to prioritize high-density residential and mixed-use projects. Additionally, the body reviewed a city-wide Parking Fee Study (26-O-1079) aimed at re-evaluating municipal parking structures and fees.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
A primary topic for the Midtown area was the proposed abandonment of unopened right-of-way at Westminster Drive (Ordinance 26-O-1074). This item, which involves the boundary between residential Ansley Park and Piedmont Park, has been a recurring point of discussion and is being closely monitored for its impact on park access and neighborhood boundaries. The NPU also received a project update on the Atlanta Botanical Garden expansion, continuing a multi-meeting dialogue regarding its long-term integration with the surrounding parkland.

Other topics:
The meeting included the review and approval of several special event permits for Piedmont Park, including the "Phoenix Flies" historic walking tours and the Atlanta Science Festival’s Exploration Expo. These items represent a carry-over from planning discussions earlier this year as the neighborhood prepares for a high volume of spring park activities.

Atlanta City Council

Discussion from the Past Week

Big agenda items:
The Council moved forward with several major policy shifts, most notably a proposed increase in on-street metered parking fees. The plan would nearly double rates from $1.00 per half-hour to $1.75. This is the first update to these fees since 2010 and is intended to cover rising administrative costs. Additionally, the Council is formalizing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the "Wi-Fi World Cup Initiative," which partners with Georgia Power and Comcast to install smart streetlight infrastructure and enhanced digital connectivity across the city.

Other significant legislation includes the proposed creation of a centralized "Office of Short-Term Rentals" within the Department of City Planning. This office would handle all registration and enforcement for platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, requiring platforms to verify valid city permits before listings can go live. The Council also discussed updates to the "Cool Roofs" ordinance, pushing the effective date for new reflectivity standards to June 2027, and passed a resolution urging the Atlanta Police Department to prioritize community-based diversion for low-level offenses rather than custodial arrests.

Most notable to your neighborhood:
Legislative action was noted regarding the property at 1400 W Peachtree St NW in Midtown. While the Council is managing several significant rezonings and "residential infill" projects—including townhome developments in the West End and Northwest Atlanta, a mixed-use proposal for 3,032 units on Sylvan Road, and a new "Open Container District" in South Downtown—there were no specific residential rezoning votes for Ansley Park, Sherwood Forest, or Piedmont Park this week.

Other topics:
The Committee on Council addressed internal efficiency, proposing that mandatory ethics and legislative training only be required for newly elected officials rather than veterans. The committee also highlighted a critical backlog in city board appointments, noting that 85 of the city's 143 boards currently have vacancies that often prevent them from reaching a quorum. Finally, the city accepted a $1,000 donation from Zoo Atlanta in the form of a waived rental fee for the upcoming 2026 Council Retreat.

Meetings in the Next Week
- Zoning Committee, March 09, 2026 at 11:00 AM: The committee will consider Phase 2 of "The Works" expansion on the Upper Westside and a 188-unit affordable townhome project on County Line Road. A landmark designation is also proposed for the historic New Hope AME Church and its cemeteries in Buckhead.
- Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee, March 09, 2026 at 1:00 PM: Agenda items include a $7.6 million federal grant for anti-drone technology for the World Cup and a 180-day moratorium on new alcohol licenses for the Edgewood Avenue Corridor.
- City Utilities Committee, March 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM: Discussion will focus on a $21 million funding increase for watershed program management and a proposal to simplify riparian buffer restoration rules on city-owned land.
- Community Development/Human Services Committee, March 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM: This meeting continues the discussion on establishing the Office of Short-Term Rentals. It also covers the acquisition of land near the Beltline for 200+ units of affordable housing and a lease for the Andrew Young International Institute in Vine City.
- Transportation Committee, March 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM: This meeting features the public hearing for the proposed parking fee increase and reviews $70 million in budget transfers for World Cup-related airport upgrades. Safety and placemaking improvements are also slated for Peachtree Street between North Avenue and West Peachtree Street.
- Finance/Executive Committee, March 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM: Key items include the issuance of $1.25 billion in water and wastewater bonds and a $325,000 donation to the Gateway Center to support residents experiencing homelessness. The committee will also review architectural planning for office-to-residential conversions at Two Peachtree Street and 14 Marietta Street downtown.

Permits

It’s another busy week of permits in Midtown, with plenty of activity focused on our commercial corridors. From office renovations to "mainstage" electrical work, here is what’s happening in the neighborhood:

- 1753 Peachtree St NE — Commercial alteration permit for a 1.15-acre site involving the programming of an existing one-story building.
- 1200 Peachtree St NE — Commercial alteration permit for an interior renovation of a currently unoccupied office suite.
- 660 Peachtree St NE — Multiple electrical permits for "mainstage" work at this landmark location; no additional power is being added to the existing system.
- 1270 Spring St NW — Commercial plumbing permit for new plumbing work in the heart of the district.
- 268 Westminster Dr NE — Commercial plumbing permit for a sewer plug near the edge of Piedmont Park.
- 1180 Peachtree St — Fire sprinkler permit to add and relocate components of the existing system.
- 999 Peachtree St NE — Fire sprinkler permit for upgrades and relocation within the existing system.
- 1360 Peachtree St NE — Commercial addition permit for new network cabling.

In addition to the commercial work, there were 24 residential permits filed this week. If you hear a chainsaw, it’s likely one of the nine arborist permits issued for dead or hazardous trees. The rest of the residential activity was fairly quiet, consisting mostly of minor plumbing, HVAC, and interior alterations.

Road Work
- 15th Street Extension (SR 9 to Williams Street) — Under Construction. Crews are actively working on this multi-modal connection, which will extend 15th Street from West Peachtree two blocks west to Williams Street. Expect traffic impacts near the Arts Center area as this new link is built.
- 10th Street Bridge at I-75/I-85 — Under Construction. Active work is happening on the bridge over the Downtown Connector. The project includes reconfiguring travel lanes and making improvements to the intersections at Williams Street and Techwood Drive. Keep an eye out for lane shifts when crossing the highway.
- I-85 Bridge Preservation (8 Locations in Fulton County) — Under Construction. This project is currently underway at various points along the I-85 corridor. Crews are applying polymer overlays and replacing joints to keep the bridges in good shape, which may lead to temporary lane closures for commuters.
- SR 13 / Buford-Spring Connector at Peachtree Road — Under Construction. Work has begun on a new roundabout at the SR 13 ramps. This is a privately funded design-build project intended to modify access where the Connector meets Peachtree Road near the Brookwood split.
- SR 13 (Buford-Spring Connector) Safety Improvements — Under Construction. Crews are on-site between the SR 9 split and the main corridor. They are installing high-friction surface treatments, flashing curve warning signs, and oversized chevrons to improve safety along the winding sections of the road.
- Peachtree Street (North Avenue to West Peachtree Street) — Construction Work Program. This project is officially funded and approved, but construction hasn't started quite yet. The plan is to reconfigure this stretch of Peachtree to include a 10-foot travel lane in each direction. Contracts are being finalized, so look for work to begin soon.
- Peachtree Road to Windsor Parkway — Construction Work Program. While this project is funded and moving forward, it is currently in the utility relocation phase. You won't see heavy roadway crews just yet, but it's in the pipeline for major improvements to the SR 9 corridor.

Utility Work

Atlanta Watershed
- Emergency 24-hour Road Closure on 4th Street NE due to Sewer Mainline Work — An emergency 24-hour road closure was in effect on March 6th at 239 4th Street NE, between Piedmont Avenue and Penn Avenue. Crews were performing sewer mainline repairs near the edge of the Old Fourth Ward. Work is expected to continue for six weeks.

Service Requests

Here is a look at the 311 service activity across Midtown, Ansley Park, and Sherwood Forest this week: