West Midtown / Collier Hills: Michelin-Level Italian Arrives

Welcome to your weekly update for West Midtown and Collier Hills! This week, we’re diving into the latest on Ladybird West Midtown and the grand opening of Michelin-pedigree Italian dining at Star Metals. Plus, get the lowdown on a new city ban for warehouses along the Beltline.

Let’s dive in.

Man shot after claiming to be officer, kicking in door: APD
A dangerous situation unfolded Friday night in the 1700 block of Northside Drive, directly adjacent to the Loring Heights and Berkeley Park neighborhoods, when a man was shot while allegedly trying to force his way into an apartment. Residents are being urged to stay alert as police confirmed the suspect falsely identified himself as an officer before the confrontation began.

Couple booted despite valid parking pass at Georgia-Georgia Tech game
Parking frustrations around the Georgia Tech campus reached a breaking point after a couple was wrongfully booted despite having a pre-paid pass for the recent rivalry game. This incident highlights the ongoing friction with third-party parking enforcement that many Home Park and Atlantic Station residents have to navigate during major university events.

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts in Atlanta — Powered by a Georgia Tech Grad’s Retail-Focused Startup
A local Georgia Tech graduate is helping to revitalize storefronts in the Westside area by using technology to fill empty retail spaces with vibrant pop-up shops. This initiative is a win for the community, providing more local shopping options while reducing the number of vacant commercial spaces throughout the Howell Mill and university corridors.

The Best Pizza Spots in Atlanta
West Midtown continues to establish itself as a top culinary destination, with several local favorites being highlighted in a newly released city-wide ranking of the best pizzerias. For residents in West Midtown, having nationally recognized dining spots within walking distance remains a highlight of living in the the area.

Füm - opening - The Michelin-starred Grassfed Culture Hospitality team from Miami opened this contemporary Italian restaurant at the Stella at Star Metals development on February 14, featuring a hand-made pasta room and a menu sourced almost entirely from within 300 miles of Atlanta.

Disguise - opening - The award-winning technology company behind immersive experiences for global concert tours and film productions unveiled its new 8,000-square-foot office and Experience Center in the historic Westside Paper building on February 12.

Ikara - opening - This upscale Indian fine-dining concept is scheduled to launch at Atlantic Station’s Twelve Midtown Hotel during the third week of February, offering a unique three-part format that includes a casual bar, a main dining room, and an intimate tasting room.

Atlanta City Council - Zoning Committee
February 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM
The committee reviewed several major policy shifts and specific local developments. A significant citywide proposal was discussed that would require most new buildings (excluding single-family homes) to install push-button activators for primary pedestrian entrances to improve accessibility. Additionally, the committee moved forward with an ordinance to prohibit new warehousing, self-storage, and distribution centers within the Beltline Overlay District, prioritizing high-density mixed-use development instead.

Locally, the committee addressed a Special Use Permit for 690 11th Street NW. This is for the "Ladybird West Midtown" project, a large-scale establishment (over 7,500 sq. ft.) planned for the Star Metals district. The committee also noted items related to 1515 Howell Mill Road NW as part of the broader district review. Other discussions included residential rezonings for for-sale townhomes in the Cato Street area and various single-family subdivisions in neighboring Northwest Atlanta districts.

Atlanta City Council - Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee
February 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Public safety and housing standards took center stage during this session. The committee discussed a major update to the Atlanta Housing Code that would classify visible mold as a "highly hazardous" condition, requiring landlords to inspect properties within five days of a complaint. They also moved forward with an alcohol license moratorium for the Edgewood Corridor following recent safety concerns and discussed a grant to provide deportation defense through the Public Defender’s office.

The committee also processed several legal claims involving local infrastructure and incidents including on Northside Dr, Chattahoochee Ave, Beck Street, Huff Road, and Dee Dee Muse Lane.

Atlanta City Council - City Utilities Committee
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The committee focused heavily on infrastructure resilience and preparations for upcoming international events. A major local highlight was the approval of a budget amendment adding over $1.1 million for levee improvements at the R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center (2440 Bolton Road NW). This project aims to raise existing levees by three feet to protect the facility from Chattahoochee River flooding, a move prompted by the devastating damage the plant sustained during the 2009 floods.

Beyond the Bolton Road project, the committee authorized $2 million for temporary labor to help the Department of Public Works and Parks Department prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They also accepted the "2025 Electric Innovation Policy Champion Award" for the city's EV readiness ordinances and approved software upgrades to optimize trash collection routes.

Atlanta City Council - Community Development/Human Services Committee
February 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM
This meeting centered on social services and long-term planning. The committee discussed creating a dedicated "Office of Short-Term Rentals" to better regulate platforms like Airbnb, including a proposed $1,000-per-day fine for platforms that list unverified rentals. Members also reviewed a $275,000 funding increase for the ongoing environmental cleanup of the Chattahoochee Brick Company site.

Other discussions included progress on the $40 million Bowen Choice Neighborhood grant for Northwest Atlanta revitalization and a citywide study on senior accessibility to create safer "Vision Zero" zones near senior living facilities. Generic residential redesignations were also considered for various properties in Council Districts 3 and 9 to allow for higher density and mixed-use development.

Atlanta Board of Education
February 10, 2026 (Multiple Sessions)
The Board held sessions at the FCS North Learning Center. While specific project addresses in our immediate neighborhood were not on the list for this session, the Board focused on citywide academic progress and administrative planning. Key discussions involved preliminary budget talks for the upcoming school year and reviews of facility usage across the north end of the district.

Atlanta City Council - Transportation Committee
February 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The committee moved forward with a plan to increase on-street metered parking fees from $1.00 to $1.75 per half-hour, the first such increase since 2010. They also accepted a $1.2 million federal grant for a "Safe Crossing Study" to evaluate 23 railroad crossings citywide for safety improvements.

Other updates included airport infrastructure renewals totaling over $60 million and discussions regarding the "abandonment" of a street segment to allow for the expansion of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The committee also pressed MARTA and the BeltLine for updates on why the Eastside BeltLine light rail project has seen recent delays.

Atlanta City Council - Finance/Executive Committee
February 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM
The Finance Committee authorized several donations to non-profits, including $100,000 for homelessness outreach and $988,000 for the deployment of "smart" semi-permanent public restrooms in high-use areas. They also voted to align city interest rate penalties for delinquent taxes with state law.

The committee reviewed several generic annexation requests for properties currently in unincorporated DeKalb County and authorized the Department of Watershed Management to adjust bills for residents who have proven they repaired significant plumbing leaks. Additional funding was approved for security services at city facilities and violence reduction programs like the "Safe Passage Program."

Atlanta Committee on Council
Monday, February 16, 2026, 11:30 AM
Key agenda items include: Administrative appointments to several city and regional boards, including the Water and Sewer Appeals Board, the Defined Benefit Pension Plan Investment Board, and a four-year term for the Atlanta Regional Commission Board of Directors. The committee will also discuss its 2026 goals and objectives and handle an administrative correction regarding the identity management system at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Atlanta City Council
Monday, February 16, 2026, 1:00 PM
Key agenda items include: A final vote on an ordinance requiring push-button door activators for disability access at primary entrances of new commercial and multi-family buildings. The Council will also consider a significant amendment to the Atlanta Housing Code regarding mold remediation guidelines and a resolution regarding the "Play Fair ATL" platform for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which focuses on human rights and labor standards. Local items include a Special Use Permit for an establishment selling alcohol at 690 11th St NW and discussions regarding city-owned facilities at 1100 Northside Dr NW, 1280 Chattahoochee Ave, and 1515 Howell Mill Rd NW. Other items include a 180-day alcohol license moratorium for the Edgewood Corridor, residential developments in the Bolton and West Paces Ferry areas, and industrial-to-mixed-use rezonings in the Murphy Triangle and Milton Avenue areas.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 10:00 AM
Key agenda items include: A vote on a $90 million revenue bond issuance for improvements to arts facilities on Peachtree Street and a proposal to mandate that 2% of the FY2026 budget be dedicated to affordable housing and homelessness prevention. The Board will also consider a resolution to limit ICE and CBP activities at county facilities. Additional items include the adoption of new technical specifications for water and sewer construction, a report on the "Jail Maintenance Blitz," and a grant for a 70-unit multifamily project in the Vine City area.

Atlanta City Council
Meeting from February 2, 2026 - Key decisions: Confirmed Marquetta J. Bryan, Esq. as the new City Attorney; approved the issuance of up to $154,000,000 in revenue bonds to fund affordable housing through the Housing Opportunity Program; approved a substitute ordinance amending the Tree Protection Ordinance to clarify regulations regarding tree removal on earthen dams; authorized a $129,297 contract extension for E-911 network administration; ratified grant applications for over $17 million for the Atlanta Beltline Northeast Trail and $10 million for citywide street resurfacing; authorized the $231,713 acquisition of land to expand Riverwalk Park; approved multifamily rezonings for developments in the West Lake and Lenox Road areas and a site plan amendment for a Housing Authority project near Field Road; approved Special Use Permits for a community center on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, a cell tower on Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, and an outdoor amusement enterprise near Northside Drive; approved Special Use Permits for private schools and a personal care home; authorized traffic calming devices and parking restrictions in East Atlanta and Kirkwood; deferred a vote on increasing on-street parking fees; and held proposals for street abandonments and easements related to the Atlanta Botanical Garden expansion pending future public hearings.

Permits

We have some heavy hitters in the permit office this week, particularly in the industrial stretches of Blandtown and near the waterworks.

Notable Projects:

Residential Recap:
On the home front, there were 33 minor permits issued, including four residential additions and several arborist visits for dead or hazardous trees, totaling just over $150,000 in local home improvements.

The neighborhood's "To-Do List" for the city has been busy, with a heavy focus on the persistent potholes along the Collier Road corridor.

Traffic

Atlanta Watershed

Georgia Power

This Saturday, February 21, features two major community celebrations: the 4th Annual Westside Food, Booze & Brews Fest at Chattahoochee Food Works and the Year of the Horse Lunar New Year celebration at Atlantic Station. Residents should also expect increased activity around West Midtown that afternoon for the annual Cupid’s Undie Run starting at Ormsby’s.

Monday, February 16
- Luxury Candle Making Experience In Atlanta | Candleporium Fragrance House |

Tuesday, February 17
- UNO Mondays | Your 3rd Spot |
- HS Soccer (Co-Ed) | The Howard School | 9:15 PM

Wednesday, February 18
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Mens Basketball vs. Virginia Cavaliers Mens Basketball | McCamish Pavilion | 9:00 PM

Thursday, February 19
- Taste Night: A Free Sampling Series at Taste Wine Bar! | Taste Wine Bar and Market | 7:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Softball vs College of Charleston | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field | 6:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Softball vs Georgia State | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field | 8:30 PM

Friday, February 20
- Taste Night: A Free Sampling Series at Taste Wine Bar! | Taste Wine Bar and Market |
- Georgia Tech Baseball vs Stony Brook Baseball | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium | 9:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Men’s Tennis vs Jacksonville State | Ken Byers Tennis Complex | 9:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Softball vs Purdue | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field | 6:30 PM
- ATLANTA'S #1 PARTY FANTASY FRIDAYS AT REVEL | REVEL ATLANTA | 9:00 PM
- Introducing FIRST CLASS FRIDAYS at The New OPIUM! | The New OPIUM | 10:00 PM

Saturday, February 21
- Westside Food, Booze & Brews Fest | Chattahoochee Food Works | 12:00 AM
- Atlantic Station Rings in the Lunar New Year with Year of the Horse Celebration, Feb. 21 | Atlantic Station | 8:00 PM
- Cupid's Undie Run | Ormsby's | 12:00 PM
- Live Jazz February Friday's: Wine, Live Music & Sangria Specials | Taste Wine Bar and Market |
- Georgia Tech Yellowjackets v. Yale Bulldogs | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field |
- In The Clouds Presents Justin Martin | Park Tavern | 8:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Baseball vs Stony Brook | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium | 8:00 PM
- Stony Brook Seawolves at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Baseball (Doubleheader) | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium | 8:00 PM
- THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH | SATURDAYS REVEL IN MIDTOWN | REVEL ATLANTA | 10:00 PM

- Matthew Curry | Northside Tavern |

Sunday, February 22
- Contemporary Kids | Atlanta Contemporary Art Center |
- Sushi Making With Chef Jennifer at a Local Wine Bar - Cooking Class by Classpop! | Taste Wine Bar and Market | 6:00 PM
- Purdue Boilermakers at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Softball | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field | 12:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Men’s Tennis vs Texas Tech | Ken Byers Tennis Complex | 4:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Baseball vs Stony Brook | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium | 6:00 PM
- Hi-Top Fade | Rock Steady | 7:00 PM
- Uncle Sugar – The Northside - Sunday Night | Northside Tavern | 9:00 PM
- Y3S Winter Games | Your 3rd Spot | 11:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Softball vs Purdue | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field | 5:00 PM