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BUSYBODY WEST MIDTOWN / COLLIER HILLS
Welcome to this week’s update for West Midtown and Collier Hills. We’re diving into the emergency evacuation at Twelve Midtown and the exciting retail shakeup coming to Atlantic Station.
Big Stories — Twelve Midtown residents were forced to evacuate following a ten-day utility outage. Plus, we highlight the new era of Georgia Tech baseball and the "industrial-chic" transformation of the 42West event venue.
Local Business Updates — It’s a busy week for the local food and design scene as the Michelin-starred hospitality group behind Füm opens its doors and Dixon Rye relocates to Buckhead. Also, Nordstrom Rack prepares to move into the old DSW space
Upcoming Events — The 14th Annual Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival hits Atlantic Station this Saturday, so expect heavy traffic in the area. Between sushi-making workshops and a full slate of Georgia Tech home games, there is plenty to do throughout the week.
Local Government Discussion — Officials are considering a ban on new self-storage facilities near the Beltline and discussing a massive $90 million bond for the Woodruff Arts Center. Closer to home, keep an eye on proposed levee improvements for the RM Clayton Water Reclamation Center and new density rules for townhomes.
Development & Construction Nearby — Demolition permits have been filed for the NAPA building on Marietta Boulevard, while a former industrial space on Huff Road is being converted into a gym. Road work is also ramping up with resurfacing on Northside Drive and planned bridge replacements on Marietta Road.
Let’s dive in.
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BIG STORIES
Twelve Midtown evacuated, and GT baseball’s new era
Twelve Midtown residents evacuated after 10-day outage (February 21, 2026)
Residents and guests at the Twelve Midtown hotel and high-rise in Atlantic Station were forced to evacuate this past Friday following a prolonged power failure that compromised the building's clean water supply. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department declared the conditions unsafe for habitation after ten days of utility issues, highlighting a significant infrastructure failure in the heart of the neighborhood.
James Ramsey embraces leadership of Georgia Tech baseball, building on tradition while shaping new era (February 21, 2026)
The Georgia Tech community is celebrating a new chapter for its baseball program under the leadership of James Ramsey. As the 2026 season begins, the transition focuses on maintaining the university's storied athletic traditions while implementing a modern vision for the team’s future on the downtown campus.
Where Industrial Meets Intentional: Inside 42West (February 17, 2026)
A once-abandoned industrial space in West Midtown has been fully reimagined as 42West, a premier event venue that showcases the neighborhood's ongoing architectural evolution. The project serves as a prime example of the "industrial-chic" revitalization that continues to define the aesthetics and social scene of the Marietta Street Artery and surrounding districts.
How Georgia Tech's first Black architecture graduates shaped Atlanta (February 19, 2026)
The historic contributions of Bill Stanley and Ivenue Love-Stanley, the first Black graduates of the Georgia Tech College of Architecture, were spotlighted this week for their enduring impact on the city's skyline. Their legacy is particularly resonant for the Home Park and university communities, serving as a reminder of the academic and professional milestones achieved within the neighborhood.
LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATES
New Italian eatery Füm opens, Dixon Rye moves, and Nordstrom Rack to open
Dixon Rye - relocating - This signature West Midtown design showroom is establishing a new storefront in Buckhead to showcase its curated, industrial-chic home goods and interior design services. (February 20, 2026)
Füm - opening - A Michelin-starred hospitality group has launched this contemporary Italian concept in West Midtown, featuring a menu of dry-aged meats, handmade pastas, and a focused wine program. (February 18, 2026)
Nordstrom Rack - opening - A major retail shift is coming to Atlantic Station as Nordstrom Rack prepares to take over the large storefront previously occupied by DSW. This will be the eighth location for the off-price retailer in the metro area, signaling continued commercial investment and changing shopping options for West Midtown residents. (February 19, 2026)
EVENTS
Beer Bourbon & BBQ Fest, GT sports home games, and sushi making workshop
The 14th Annual Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival returns to Atlantic Station this Saturday, February 28. This large-scale "Pork-O-Rama" event is expected to draw significant crowds to the area, likely impacting traffic and parking near Atlantic Station throughout the afternoon.
Tuesday, February 24
- Georgia Tech Baseball vs Georgia State Baseball | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium | 9:00 PM
Wednesday, February 25
- Mississippi State Bulldogs at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Softball | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field | 5:00 PM
- Sushi Making With Chef Jennifer at a Local Wine Bar | Taste Wine Bar and Market | 11:30 PM
Thursday, February 26
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Women's Basketball vs. Louisville Cardinals | McCamish Pavilion | 6:00 PM
- Taste Night: A Free Sampling Series at Taste Wine Bar! | Taste Wine Bar and Market | 7:00 PM
Friday, February 27
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Softball | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field | 5:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Baseball vs Northwestern Baseball | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium | 9:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Women’s Tennis vs Louisville | Ken Byers Tennis Complex | 9:00 PM
- Hive Collective | Atlanta Contemporary Art Center | All Day
- Taste Night: A Free Sampling Series at Taste Wine Bar! | Taste Wine Bar and Market | All Day
Saturday, February 28
- Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival | Atlantic Station | 12:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball vs. Florida State | McCamish Pavilion | 12:00 PM
- Tiki Night | Your 3rd Spot | 1:00 AM
- Makin' Murals with Artsy Elaine | Art Station ATL | 1:00 PM
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Softball | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field | 3:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Baseball vs Northwestern Baseball | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium | 7:00 PM
- Somatic Sound: Contemporary Yoga | Atlanta Contemporary Art Center | All Day
- Live Jazz: Wine, Live Music & Sangria Specials | Taste Wine Bar and Market | All Day
Sunday, March 01
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Softball | Shirley Clements Mewborn Field | 1:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Women's Basketball vs. Miami Hurricanes | McCamish Pavilion | 2:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Baseball vs Northwestern Baseball | Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium | 5:00 PM
- Georgia Tech Women's Tennis vs. Notre Dame | Ken Byers Tennis Complex | 5:00 PM
- Create Custom Candles With Instructor Jocelyn | Taste Wine Bar and Market | 6:00 PM
- Uncle Sugar – Sunday Night Live Music | Northside Tavern | 9:00 PM
LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCUSSION
Woodruff Arts funding, new housing budget, and mold remediation rules
Meetings from the Past Week
Fulton County Board of Education
February 19, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Big agenda items: The Board approved K-12 textbook adoptions for World Languages, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and the IB Diploma Programme. They also authorized the 2026 Local Facilities Plan, which serves as the district's construction and renovation roadmap, and approved a single-source contract for the Infinite Campus student information system.
Other topics: The Board received updates on property tax assessments and discussed policies regarding graduation requirements and field trip protocols.
Atlanta Public Schools - Policy Review Committee
February 19, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Big agenda items: The committee reviewed several district-wide safety and enrollment policies, including updates to school safety protocols (Policy EBB), visitor regulations (Policy KM), and student attendance and admissions (Policies JB and JBC).
Other topics: Members discussed criteria for high school graduation, including community service requirements.
Fulton County Board of Commissioners
February 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Big agenda items: The Board authorized the issuance of up to $90 million in revenue bonds for improvements at the Woodruff Arts Center. Commissioners also considered a resolution to limit ICE and CBP activities at county facilities and discussed a proposal to mandate that 2% of the FY2026 budget be dedicated to affordable housing and homelessness prevention.
Other topics: Reports were provided on the "Jail Maintenance Blitz," which is currently 91% complete despite delays from a recent fire in the facility.
Atlanta City Council
February 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Big agenda items: The Council approved a significant amendment to the Housing Code regarding mold remediation and mandated push-button door activators for disability access at most new commercial and multi-family buildings. They also established the "Play Fair ATL" policy platform to ensure human rights and labor equity during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Neighborhood detail: Several local development projects were addressed, including rezonings at 1345 Bolton Road NW for a 17-dwelling development, 684 Law Street NW for a multi-family project, and 1950 West Paces Ferry Road / 2518 West Wesley Road NW for a 4-unit development. The Council also considered a special use permit for an establishment over 7,500 sq. ft. at 690 11th Street NW.
Other topics: A portion of Fulton Street was renamed to "J. Lowell Ware Boulevard" in honor of the late journalist and publisher.
Atlanta City Council - Committee on Council
February 16, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Big agenda items: The committee recommended the appointment of Delvin Davis to the Water and Sewer Appeals Board and Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari to the Atlanta Regional Commission Board of Directors.
Other topics: Members reviewed administrative corrections regarding the identity management system at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Upcoming Meetings in the Next Week
Atlanta City Council - Zoning Committee
Monday, February 23, 2026, 11:00 AM
The committee will consider a significant ordinance to prohibit new self-storage and warehousing facilities along the Beltline to encourage more active, walkable developments. Other major agenda items include a proposal to double residential density in the Historic West End and several large-scale annexations into the city. Most notable to your neighborhood: a rezoning for 1131 Cato Street NW to allow for six townhomes and a special use permit for Ladybird West Midtown at 690 11th Street NW.
Atlanta City Council - Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee
Monday, February 23, 2026, 1:00 PM
The committee is set to discuss major alcohol reform, including allowing "Happy Hour" style discounts and establishing an outdoor entertainment district in South Downtown. Members will also review a resolution urging police to prioritize community diversion over arrests for low-level offenses to help alleviate jail overcrowding.
Atlanta City Council - City Utilities Committee
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 10:00 AM
The committee will vote on $24 million for water and wastewater infrastructure management and a proposal to delay the city’s "Cool Roofs" requirements until 2027 due to material supply shortages. Also on the agenda is a million-dollar project to elevate levee systems to protect city water facilities from catastrophic flooding. Most notable to your neighborhood: over $1.1 million in funding for levee improvements at the RM Clayton Water Reclamation Center located at 2440 Bolton Road NW.
Atlanta City Council — Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1:30 PM (agenda not yet posted)
Atlanta City Council - Community Development/Human Services Committee
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1:30 PM
Legislation is under review to create a centralized "Office of Short-Term Rentals" to streamline the registration and enforcement of properties like Airbnbs. The committee will also consider a long-term lease in Vine City for the Andrew J. Young International Institute for Peace and a $275,000 funding increase for environmental cleanup at the historic Chattahoochee Brick Company site. Most notable to your neighborhood: a land-use redesignation for 1175 Johnson Road NW to move the property from industrial to medium-density mixed-use.
NPU-D — Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 7:30 PM (agenda not yet posted)
Atlanta City Council - Transportation Committee
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 10:00 AM
The committee will discuss a proposal to increase on-street metered parking fees and review infrastructure maintenance contracts aimed at preparing the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Significant grants are also on the table for safety improvements along the Peachtree Street corridor and the expansion of the city’s sidewalk network. Most notable to your neighborhood: property acquisitions for the Chattahoochee Avenue Sidewalk Installation Project and the execution of a management agreement for the Huff Road Widening Project.
Atlanta City Council - Finance/Executive Committee
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1:30 PM
Key items include multi-million dollar contracts for the "Wi-Fi World Cup Initiative" and an upgrade to the city’s E911 emergency system. The committee will also vote on aligning city tax interest rates with state law and finalizing two significant annexations of DeKalb County land into Atlanta. Most notable to your neighborhood: a proposed five-year industrial lease for over 33,000 square feet of storage space at 2284 Marietta Boulevard for use by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Atlanta Board of Education — Monday, March 2, 2026, 2:41 AM (agenda not yet posted)
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION NEARBY
NAPA building demolition, new gym on Huff Rd, and Atlantic Station retail work
Permits
Here is a look at the latest building permits and neighborhood changes hitting the West Midtown and Collier Hills area:
1396 Howell Mill Rd NW (Commercial Demolition): Heads up for some extra noise near the heart of West Midtown. Crews have applied to demolish a masonry building and concrete parking lot as part of a larger ongoing development project.
2085 Marietta Blvd NW (Commercial Demolition): More demo work is on the horizon for the Hills Park/Bolton area. This permit covers "vertical demolition" of over 11,000 square feet of structures, including an industrial office, a metal garage, and the NAPA Auto Parts retail building.
1380 Atlantic Dr NW (Commercial Alteration): Atlantic Station is seeing some retail shuffling. Two suites are being combined and renovated to make room for a new nail salon and an additional two-story retail tenant.
886 Huff Rd NW (Commercial Conversion): The transformation of our industrial corridors continues. This permit covers the conversion of a former industrial space into a new fitness gym.
822 Marietta St NW (Commercial Alteration): Expect an upgrade to the streetscape here; a new "guillotin" glass enclosure is being installed on the existing deck, likely for year-round outdoor use.
1375 Seaboard Industrial Blvd NW (Commercial Alteration): A large-scale adaptation is planned for this warehouse space, which is being converted into a fleet operations center including office space and data processing.
1800 & 1115 Howell Mill Rd NW (Commercial Sprinklers): Routine but essential fire safety upgrades and sprinkler relocations are underway at these commercial hubs as part of interior ceiling renovations.
In addition to these larger projects, there were 28 residential permits issued this week—mostly for electrical and plumbing updates and minor additions—totaling just over $80,000 in investment into local homes.
Road Work
Keep an eye out for these road projects around West Midtown and Collier Hills this week. We’ve got a mix of active crews on the ground and some big changes moving through the pipeline:
Under Construction: Signal Upgrades on Major Routes (I-75, I-85, I-285, SR 9, and SR 13). Active work is happening now across 11 locations in Fulton County. Crews are on-site performing complete signal upgrades and making sure our intersections meet ADA requirements for pedestrians. Expect to see workers near the ramps and major intersections as they swap out equipment.
Under Construction: Signal Upgrades on Northside Drive and Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy. Crews are also on-site at four locations along SR 3 (Northside Drive) and SR 8 (Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway). This is active work focused on upgrading traffic equipment and improving pedestrian facilities to meet current standards.
Under Construction: Resurfacing on SR 3/US 41 (Northside Drive). Work is officially underway to resurface Northside Drive between Marietta Street and I-75. This is a maintenance project to fix the low pavement rating in the area, so expect some traffic impacts while crews are out there smoothing things over.
Construction Work Program: Marietta Road Bridge Replacement. This project is funded and approved, though crews haven't hit the ground just yet. GDOT is preparing to replace the existing Marietta Road bridge over the former CSX Tilford Yard (between Thomas Street and W. Marietta Street). The new bridge will feature fresh pavement and continuous 5-foot sidewalks on both sides.
Construction Work Program: Marietta Boulevard Shared-Use Path. We are getting closer to a more bike-friendly Marietta Blvd. This funded project between Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and Coronet Way is officially in the "work program" phase, meaning contracts are being finalized for a new shared-use path and pedestrian improvements.
Construction Work Program: Marietta Boulevard Scoping Study. Right alongside the path project, GDOT has approved a scoping study for the total reconstruction and resurfacing of Marietta Boulevard from Coronet Way NW to Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. Construction hasn't started, but the project is moving forward.
Construction Work Program: SR 3/US 19 Lane Reconfiguration. Expect changes soon to the I-75 overpass near Holmes Street. This approved project will reduce the roadway to a single northbound lane and two southbound lanes to enhance safety. Construction is imminent but hasn't officially kicked off yet.
Service Requests
Here’s a look at what’s been reported to 311 this week across our corner of West Midtown and Collier Hills:
- Potholes — It’s been a busy week for road repairs with several reports filed along Spring Valley Rd NW, the intersection of Defoor Ave and Collier Rd, multiple spots on Collier Rd NW, as well as Chattahoochee Ave NW, Harper St NW, Garraux St NW, and Bolton Rd NW.
- Traffic Signal Repairs — Maintenance requests were submitted for signals at Marietta Blvd and Elaine Ave, Defoor Ave and Howell Mill Rd, and the intersection of Hemphill Ave NW and 14th St NW.
- Illegal Dumping — An investigation is underway regarding items dumped on Marietta Rd NW.
- Right of Way Maintenance — A report was filed to address overgrowth and visibility issues at the corner of 17th St and Bishop St.
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Until next week,
West Midtown / Collier Hills Busybody
Disclaimer: We use advanced data retrieval and analysis techniques across hundreds of sources, and as such we may be prone to occasional error. Independently verify anything presented here with a second source, and please let us know if we got anything wrong via the feedback form.
