West Midtown / Collier Hills: Rooftop Pools and the Oscars of Food

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Good morning, West Midtown and Collier Hills! We've got everything from skate-friendly taco shops to Georgia Tech reaching for the moon this week, so grab a coffee and settle in. It's a big week for our side of town, and we're catching you up on all of it.

- News — We're celebrating local "foodie Oscar" finalists and remembering the legal legend who paved the way for Atlantic Station.
- Business — West Midtown just got a radical taco spot with a built-in skate ramp and a large new Wayfair to fuel your home decor addiction.
- Events — Between ACC baseball, "drone metal" at the Goat Farm, and a birthday beach bash at The Works, your social calendar is packed.
- Government — Local leaders are debating a ban on Beltline self-storage while greenlighting some serious safety tech for our school buses.
- Construction — From a new rooftop pool on Huff Road to a plan to fix the "Northside Drive cluster," our local skyline and streets are getting a major glow-up.

Let's dive in.

NEWS

Beyond NIMBY: What the Westside homeless shelter debate is really about (April 02, 2026) The Westside is currently the epicenter of a "growing pains" conversation as the debate over a proposed homeless shelter along the BeltLine intensifies. It's not just a neighborhood squabble; it's a high-stakes tug-of-war between our area's rapid development and a community-led fight for economic justice.

Leif Palmer, EPA attorney whose legal action helped build Atlantic Station, dies at 66 (April 05, 2026) We lost a foundational figure this week with the passing of Leif Palmer, the attorney who navigated the complex environmental legal web to turn a shuttered steel mill into Atlantic Station. It's a wild reminder that the neighborhood we walk through today wouldn't even exist without some serious legal heavy lifting decades ago.

Two Atlanta restaurants named finalists for 2026 James Beard Awards (March 31, 2026) Our local culinary scene just got some major "Oscars of food" validation with two Atlanta spots (Mujo and Aria) named as James Beard finalists. If you've noticed your favorite dinner reservations getting harder to snag lately, this is likely why—everyone wants a taste of that award-winning magic.

Fulton County Announces Early Voting Locations for May 19 Primary (April 01, 2026) Election season is creeping up faster than we thought, and Fulton County has released the roadmap for where you can cast an early ballot. Since our schedules are already a total jigsaw puzzle, knowing exactly where to dodge the Election Day lines is a win for the whole neighborhood.

Georgia Tech experts hope Artemis II launch renews interest in space exploration (April 02, 2026) The geniuses over at Georgia Tech are looking toward the stars as the Artemis II mission gears up to head back to the moon. It's a pretty stellar reminder that while we're stuck in 14th Street traffic, our neighbors are literally helping humanity reach the lunar surface.

BUSINESS

Muchacho - opening - Your caffeine fix and taco cravings just found a radical new home in West Midtown, and this one literally comes with a side of kickflips. They've opened their doors featuring a built-in skate ramp, making it the perfect spot to grab a burrito and watch the local talent catch some air. April 03, 2026

Wayfair - opening - The online furniture giant has landed a physical footprint at The District at Howell Mill, and it is every bit as large as you'd expect. No more guessing if that rug actually matches your curtains—you can now browse the aisles in person, and word is they're doing gift card giveaways for the early birds during their upcoming grand opening celebration. March 31, 2026

EVENTS

Get ready for a big week—we've got everything from major ACC baseball matchups to a birthday beach bash over at The Works. Whether you're heading to the Masters watch party or catching a performance at the Goat Farm, there's plenty to keep you busy around West Midtown!

Monday, April 06
- Industry Night | Chattahoochee Food Works

Tuesday, April 07
- Pitch-A-Friend @ The Grove (Monday Night Brewing) | Monday Night Brewing
- Georgia Tech Baseball vs Kennesaw State | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium
- Georgia's Largest Happy Hour TUESDAYS | Chattahoochee Food Works
- Date Night at Taste Wine Bar (Charcuterie & Wine Special!) | Taste Wine Bar and Market
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Softball vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks Softball | Shirley C. Mewborn Field
- Sunn O | The Goat Farm Arts Center

Wednesday, April 08
- Billie Marten | Terminal West
- Ladies Night at Taste Wine Bar (Self Pour Wine Tasting Experience!) | Taste Wine Bar and Market
- Squirrel Flower | Terminal West

Thursday, April 09
- In The Wild Dating: Shoot Your Shot | Flight Club Atlanta

- Georgia Tech Baseball vs Florida State Baseball | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium
- Masters Tournament Watch Party | Chattahoochee Food Works
- Atlanta F.A.M. THURSDAYS- Fashion, Art & Music | Chattahoochee Food Works
- Taste Night: A Free Sampling Series at Taste Wine Bar! | Taste Wine Bar and Market
- Jaboukie Young-White | Terminal West

Friday, April 10
- Spring Break Staycations are on Par at Puttshack Atlanta | Puttshack - Atlanta - Midtown
- Live Jazz Friday's Spring Sessions: Wine & Live Music | Taste Wine Bar and Market
- Georgia Tech Men's Tennis vs. Clemson | Ken Byers Tennis Complex
- The Band of Heathens | Terminal West
- Kobanova | Georgia Tech

Saturday, April 11
- Owala® Birthday Beach Bash at The Works | The Works
- A Morning of Coffee & Connection Coffee Social at Chichería Mexican Kitchen | Chichería Mexican Kitchen
- Bubbles & Boards at Taste Wine Bar (Self Pour Wine & Mimosa Carafes!) | Taste Wine Bar and Market
- Mr. Bill, Sortof Vague, Entangled Mind, Goosebumpz, Dopamine | Terminal West

Sunday, April 12
- Sunday Farmers Market | Chattahoochee Food Works
- Bubbles & Boards at Taste Wine Bar (Self Pour Wine & Mimosa Carafes!) | Taste Wine Bar and Market
- Uncle Sugar – The Northside Sunday Night | Northside Tavern

GOVERNMENT

Note: it’s an unusually quiet week as many governing bodies take spring break; if you’re new here, you can see what this section usually looks like in prior issues

Past Week Roundup

Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education
Campus facelifts and student safety took center stage this week as the board greenlit a wave of infrastructure projects. The district is moving forward with major design-build contracts for five different school sites, signaling a coordinated effort to modernize facilities across the city. On the transit front, every yellow bus in the fleet is getting a safety tech upgrade with new camera systems, and the district's entire Metropolitan Transportation System facility is slated for a full replacement to streamline logistics. The board also approved kitchen modernizations at multiple campuses and HVAC upgrades to keep aging buildings comfortable year-round. Beyond the bricks and mortar, the board focused on people, approving an "Appreciation Stipend" to help keep teachers and staff from jumping ship. Other notable moves included a 10-year lease to upgrade and share athletic fields at Howard Middle School and a shared parking agreement to help ease street congestion during local events.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners
It was a heavy-spending week for the commissioners, who directed more than $7 million toward much-needed maintenance and "clinical grade" cleaning at the county jail to address ongoing sanitary concerns. While infrastructure was a priority—including a $600,000 boost for neighborhood road paving and the purchase of a new heavy-duty excavator for county projects—the meeting also highlighted some political friction. A proposal to fund public education for voter IDs failed to pass after a split vote, and a request to veto a state bill also fell short. However, the board found common ground on social services, clearing nearly $1 million in funding for domestic violence survivors, approving a lease renewal for a senior center, and finalizing the logistics for the upcoming special election to fill the vacant District 4 seat.

Meetings This Week
- Atlanta NPU — NPU-E, April 07, 2026 at 6:30 PM: The board will review a heavy 2026 summer events calendar, including a FIFA World Cup Watch Party at Atlanta Memorial Park and a proposed city-wide ban on new self-storage facilities along the Beltline. The agenda also features several new liquor license applications for Westside dining and a Special Use Permit for a large-scale event venue.
- Atlanta NPU — NPU-C, April 07, 2026 at 6:45 PM: Residents will vote on granting permanent historic landmark protection to the New Hope AME Church and a proposal for a June 2026 World Cup Watch Party at Atlanta Memorial Park. Other items include a potential street abandonment on Bennett Street and residential variance requests for properties on Dellwood Road and Marne Drive.

CONSTRUCTION

Permits
- 2095 Marietta Blvd NW — Big changes are coming to the corner of Marietta and Carroll. A 6,000-square-foot industrial building is slated for "vertical demolition," so expect some heavy machinery and dust while they clear the way for whatever is next.
- 1121 Huff Rd NW — This sounds like the place to be this summer. They're installing a 1,175-square-foot heated, elevated outdoor swimming pool on top of a concrete deck. Talk about a Westside upgrade!
- 1115 Howell Mill Rd NW — More interior demolition and renovations are happening in the heart of West Midtown. It looks like a tenant suite is getting a total facelift to make room for someone new.
- 1380 Atlantic Dr NW — Calling all shoe addicts! The Nordstrom Rack at Atlantic Station is getting a significant upgrade to its sales floor with new shoe display shelves. Your weekend shopping just got a little more dangerous.
- 1082 Huff Rd NW — Things are going to get a bit noisy overhead; a full reroofing project is underway. Keep an ear out if you're grabbing coffee nearby.
- 1705 Commerce Dr NW — We've got a mystery tenant in the making. Permits were filed for a space alteration to accommodate a new business—though the city is currently asking for "additional materials," so we'll have to wait a beat to see who's moving in.
- 1192 Foster St NW — It's a total mechanical overhaul for this Westside Provisions-adjacent spot. They're replacing everything from heat pumps to energy recovery ventilators to keep things chilly before the Atlanta humidity really hits.

Road Work

Under Construction
- SR 3/Northside Drive Intersection Improvements — The infamous "cluster" at Northside Drive, 14th Street, and Hemphill Avenue is finally being simplified to make the signals more flexible. It's a major win for traffic flow near Georgia Tech and Home Park, but expect some orange-cone-induced headaches while they reconfigure the lanes.
- I-75 LED Lighting Upgrade (Musket Ridge Dr to I-85) — Crews are out replacing old, yellow-ish high-pressure sodium bulbs with crisp, energy-efficient LEDs. This stretch near the Brookwood split might see some late-night lane closures while they swap out poles and conduit, so keep your eyes peeled if you're heading home late.
- Multi-County Bridge Preservation (Fulton, Cobb, & DeKalb) — This project spans several counties, but it hits our neck of the woods specifically where US-41 meets SR-280. They're doing the heavy lifting of painting steel beams and replacing bridge joints to keep everything structurally sound.
- SR 9/Peachtree Road Resurfacing — The stretch of SR 9 from Northside Drive up past Paces Ferry is getting a much-needed facelift. They're resurfacing the road to fix a low pavement quality score, so get ready for a much smoother ride once the paving crews finish their rounds.
- Buford Spring Connector Tunnel Lighting — More bright ideas over at the I-85 interchange. They're upgrading the tunnel lighting to LEDs and replacing old wiring. It'll make the commute a lot clearer, though you might encounter some maintenance crews working in the tunnels during off-hours.

Construction Work Program
- Marietta Boulevard (Coronet Way to Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy) — There is a major "roadway transformation" coming to this stretch of Blandtown. GDOT is currently scoping out a full resurfacing project and a brand-new shared-use path. It's going to make the trek between the Upper Westside and the Westside Provisions area much friendlier for bikes and pedestrians once the dust settles.
- Marietta Road Bridge (Thomas St to W Marietta St) — The old bridge over the former Tilford Yard is due for a total replacement. This project will bring a shiny new structure with continuous 5-foot sidewalks on both sides, which is great news for connectivity between Hills Park and the Marietta Street Artery, though you'll want to keep an eye out for detour signs once the bidding process wraps up.
- Northside Drive (I-75 SB Ramp to Holmes St) — Tech and Home Park commuters, take a beat: they are planning to slim down the roadway on the I-75 overpass. The plan is to reduce the section to a single northbound lane and two southbound lanes. It's meant to enhance safety and flow, but expect your "back way" into Midtown to feel a little tighter.
- SR 9 & 14th Street (Howell Mill Rd to W Peachtree St) — This is the big "road transformation" in the heart of West Midtown. GDOT is planning a full realignment of 14th Street to better handle the explosion of growth near the Interlock and Atlantic Station. It's a vital artery, so this one will definitely be a "leave five minutes early" situation once the crews move in.
- I-75 Northbound Ramps at Moores Mill Road — Roundabout alert! To help clear the bottleneck where the highway meets Collier Hills and Ridgewood Heights, GDOT is moving forward with a two-lane roundabout at the NB ramps. It should eventually make that I-75 exit much smoother, though we all know the first week of a new roundabout is always an adventure.
- SR 3 / Northside Drive (Marietta St to 8th St) — More work is brewing on Northside Drive. This project involves a significant realignment to provide two lanes in each direction with improved intersections. It's going to be a game-changer for the corridor between the Coke headquarters and the west side of the Georgia Tech campus.
- Peachtree Road Bridge (over CSX Railroad) — Just on the edge of the neighborhood near the hospital, the aging bridge over the CSX tracks is slated for a total replacement. With five lanes of traffic on Peachtree Road being affected, this is going to be a major "heads up" for anyone heading from Collier Hills toward South Buckhead.
- Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy (Proctor Creek Greenway to Atlanta BeltLine) — We're seeing more investment in "vulnerable road user" safety here. This project will add dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facilities to link the Greenway with the BeltLine, making this stretch of SR 8 a lot less daunting for those not in a car.

Service Requests
- Potholes — We've got double trouble on Dellwood Dr NW, plus more craters to dodge at Collier Rd & N W Hills Ave, 10th St & State St, and several spots along Chattahoochee Ave near Taylor St. Your suspension called, and it's already filed a grievance.
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Technicians are needed at Marietta St & Ivan Allen Jr Blvd, Marietta Blvd, Chattahoochee Ave & Collier Rd, and GA-8 & Bolton Rd. There was also an emergency signal call at the always-busy Howell Mill & Collier Rd intersection—let's hope the lights are behaving themselves for the morning commute.