ATLANTA | Development Thread V

[ChrisInmanPark]

And even more for Buckhead...

AMLI plans to build a massive apartment project on the site of the failed CityPlace condo project on Roxboro Rd & E Paces Ferry Rd.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/print...8hdoiwBSY33jQRRRcPw022d97c3&t=1376337670

[Jarod Apperson]

Originally Posted by ChrisInmanPark

And even more for Buckhead...

AMLI plans to build a massive apartment project on the site of the failed CityPlace condo project on Roxboro Rd & E Paces Ferry Rd.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/print...8hdoiwBSY33jQRRRcPw022d97c3&t=1376337670

My issue with Buckhead is just the traffic. And the 6,000 units under construction/proposed is huge for traffic, as is new office space in the Buckhead Atlanta development which is not adjacent to a highway.

Contributors to this forum seem to evaluate projects on two totally different bases. Some seem to ask, "what would make Atlanta look really cool in a photograph?" These contributors want tall skyscrapers all up and down Peachtree, a continuous connection between Lenox and Midtown.

Others seem to take a more "urban planning" perspective and think about the lifestyle that built environments create for current and future residents.

Will all these apartment towers around Lenox make Atlanta look better in pictures? Sure. But they will also make that area a less desirable place to live. Where are people going to walk from the back side of Lenox other than into the mall? Nowhere. They are going to come down from the 30th floor, get in their cars and sit in traffic. What happens in November and December when everyone floods Lenox and you just want to get to a grocery store?

This stands in contrast to Midtown where density has already reached a point that there are a significant number of places to walk, and the grid layout means traffic is not really a problem except during rush hour. Additional units are being added in an already walkable environment (though it can always get better). In my opinion, additional density adds to Midtown, but takes away from Buckhead.

Buckhead may eventually become a pleasant place to live densely, but that will be a long term shift. It will mean breaking up the super blocks around Lenox. It will require better transit along Peachtree and Piedmont, and it will require some basic services within a pleasant walk of all these different quazi-dense pockets that are being developed (BA, Lenox, Lindbergh).

I see the current density being added in too large of a geographic region to create synergies. It may eventually come together, but I predict the quality of life is going to get worse before it gets better in Buckhead.

[Libertarian]

A partial mid-term fix to Buckhead traffic would be to add two lanes of traffic to Piedmont Rd south of the Loop, two lanes to Lenox Rd south of Peachtree Rd, and two lanes to East Paces Ferry Rd south of Lenox Square superblock together with a new 400 interchange at the end of that street. No major disruptions to neighborhoods would be required.

[scania]

[QUOTE=Jarod Apperson;6230140]
This stands in contrast to Midtown where density has already reached a point that there are a significant number of places to walk, and the grid layout means traffic is not really a problem except during rush hour. Additional units are being added in an already walkable environment (though it can always get better). In my opinion, additional density adds to Midtown, but takes away from Buckhead.

Buckhead may eventually become a pleasant place to live densely, but that will be a long term shift. It will mean breaking up the super blocks around Lenox. It will require better transit along Peachtree and Piedmont, and it will require some basic services within a pleasant walk of all these different quazi-dense pockets that are being developed (BA, Lenox, Lindbergh).
[Quote]

You can't compare apples to oranges. I agree that traffic is bad in Midtown and Buckhead during rush hour. But to say that the density has already reached a point and that there's a significant amount of places to walk to is relative.

The traffic in Buckhead is not always bad. It's simply during rush hour. You can't compare traffic around a world shopping experience. It's the same with Atlantic Station, during holidays that place is insane with traffic. There's very little in comparison to shop in the core of Midtown. It has nothing to do with a grid.

[scania]

Originally Posted by Libertarian

A partial mid-term fix to Buckhead traffic would be to add two lanes of traffic to Piedmont Rd south of the Loop, two lanes to Lenox Rd south of Peachtree Rd, and two lanes to East Paces Ferry Rd south of Lenox Square superblock together with a new 400 interchange at the end of that street. No major disruptions to neighborhoods would be required.

That could work. And or take away some of the lights...if it was possible to redirect the flow on some of those side streets of Peachtree and Piedmont.

[micropundit]

The 364-unit SkyHouse Buckhead will be located on Stratford Road behind Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant on Peachtree Road. The project will feature one, two and three bedroom units with high end finishes and floor-to-ceiling glass. The first floor is a common area, a rooftop amenities deck, open air terrace and tennis court on top of the parking structure. Loading occurs between the building and the parking deck.Future inter-parcel access with the remainder of the site toward Peachtree is contemplated as is a shared driveway with the future development. The building is to be energy star certified and have a valet recycling program.

http://www.buckheadview.com/2013/08/364-unit-skyhouse-buckhead-apt-project.html

[BunkyWay]

The whole "I hate Buckhead" thing is so played out on the Atlanta interwebs community. Whether it's the Patch, Reddit, City-Data, Skyscraper Page, it's all the same vitriol. Those who hate Buckhead are the same individuals who think Atlanta should be forced to conform to some quasi-statist city planner's utopian dreams.

As to those who dislike Buckhead based on its "flashiness"--get a clue. People who actually live in Buckhead are some of the most understated individuals you will ever meet. Old money never shows it. Buckhead attracts those from elsewhere who want to be "seen." Who cares? The actual residents can't help that.

Lastly, given that this is a forum full of dudes, it's weird that there would be so much hate for the district with the most attractive girls. Sure, Midtown is a close second, but Edgewood Avenue?

[BunkyWay]

Originally Posted by Jarod Apperson

My issue with Buckhead is just the traffic. And the 6,000 units under construction/proposed is huge for traffic, as is new office space in the Buckhead Atlanta development which is not adjacent to a highway.

Contributors to this forum seem to evaluate projects on two totally different bases. Some seem to ask, "what would make Atlanta look really cool in a photograph?" These contributors want tall skyscrapers all up and down Peachtree, a continuous connection between Lenox and Midtown.

Others seem to take a more "urban planning" perspective and think about the lifestyle that built environments create for current and future residents.

Will all these apartment towers around Lenox make Atlanta look better in pictures? Sure. But they will also make that area a less desirable place to live. Where are people going to walk from the back side of Lenox other than into the mall? Nowhere. They are going to come down from the 30th floor, get in their cars and sit in traffic. What happens in November and December when everyone floods Lenox and you just want to get to a grocery store?

This stands in contrast to Midtown where density has already reached a point that there are a significant number of places to walk, and the grid layout means traffic is not really a problem except during rush hour. Additional units are being added in an already walkable environment (though it can always get better). In my opinion, additional density adds to Midtown, but takes away from Buckhead.

Buckhead may eventually become a pleasant place to live densely, but that will be a long term shift. It will mean breaking up the super blocks around Lenox. It will require better transit along Peachtree and Piedmont, and it will require some basic services within a pleasant walk of all these different quazi-dense pockets that are being developed (BA, Lenox, Lindbergh).

I see the current density being added in too large of a geographic region to create synergies. It may eventually come together, but I predict the quality of life is going to get worse before it gets better in Buckhead.

I agree. Where are Sam Massell and the NPUs when you need them? Over 6,000 units are being jammed into what is essentially a 1950s-era office park.

[cabasse]

Originally Posted by BunkyWay

Those who hate Buckhead are the same individuals who think Atlanta should be forced to conform to some quasi-statist city planner's utopian dreams.

i don't think anyone here really hates buckhead, but saying that we wish atlanta's more traditionally urban districts with real life street grids would develop first is not trying to "conform to [insert some bs here]"

[scania]

Originally Posted by cabasse

i don't think anyone here really hates buckhead, but saying that we wish atlanta's more traditionally urban districts with real life street grids would develop first is not trying to "conform to [insert some bs here]"

Let me ask you...what street grid are you referring to that you would like develope? And I mean more than just 4 blocks.

[TarHeelJ]

Originally Posted by scania

LOL. I made it clear numerous of times. I love Midtown. I think its great overall. It doesn't have an urban feel like a San Fran or NYC, but I still love Midtown. Things I've said that people on here take negative is when I make statements that Midtown isn't that URBAN, or that I feel there's not a plethora of things to do on the level that some on here seem to think. With that being said, I would rather be here than any other area in Atlanta. But you won't find me bragging to my friends on how ultra cool Midtown is or have become. Other than my condo, its hot!!! LOL

Oh my God...some people never get tired of throwing out a comparison to SF or NYC. A city doesn't have to be one of those to be urban, cool, or whatever. Of course it's not SF or NYC - and I'm just fine with that (so are millions of others who choose to live here).

[TarHeelJ]

Originally Posted by scania

I agree with you. My point was concerning the thought that Midtown was so far past Buckhead, and Buckhead is not at all. This was really a response to a lot of general statements on this board for the past 6 years or so. Let me make this clear, Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead have areas that are urban. Are any of them on the level of a Chicago, New York, or San Fran, as some on here seem to think...I think not. BUT, I also feel that it isn't necessary to resemble any of those cities to have an urban presence. It would be great if Atlanta would nurture the uniqueness that the city has and build up that to create its own character.

And another one...can you point out one member on here that believes Atlanta is as urban as Chicago? I have never seen a comment along those lines. But because it isn't as urban as a very few of the most urban cities in the U.S. doesn't mean that Atlanta isn't urban at all. Why the comparisons? I haven't seen anyone else make those comparisons but you.

[RudyJK]

Originally Posted by micropundit

Is the intent for this building to actually be connected to the mall? I had imagined it in the vacant area just to the south of Bloomingdale's and separated by the mall ring road. The west elevation confuses me.

The building looks great; reminds me of something that I would have created with my American Bricks when I was 10. That is a complement as I was always proud of my masterpieces! It reminds me of Wright's Price Tower a bit.

[TarHeelJ]

Originally Posted by scania

Let me ask you...what street grid are you referring to that you would like develope? And I mean more than just 4 blocks.

Midtown has more than 4 blocks of street grid...that's the second time you have made the "4 blocks" comment, and it's pretty irritating. You obviously have some kind of complex about Atlanta and certainly don't want your friends thinking that you like it. Horrors!

Some of these comments are really irritating. I thought for a second I had wandered into that other site.

[scania]

Originally Posted by TarHeelJ

And another one...can you point out one member on here that believes Atlanta is as urban as Chicago? I have never seen a comment along those lines. But because it isn't as urban as a very few of the most urban cities in the U.S. doesn't mean that Atlanta isn't urban at all. Why the comparisons? I haven't seen anyone else make those comparisons but you.

Clearly you don't comprehend. Therefore don't respond to my replies.

[scania]

Originally Posted by TarHeelJ

Midtown has more than 4 blocks of street grid...that's the second time you have made the "4 blocks" comment, and it's pretty irritating. You obviously have some kind of complex about Atlanta and certainly don't want your friends thinking that you like it. Horrors!

Some of these comments are really irritating. I thought for a second I had wandered into that other site.

Here again. The same thing. Do you actually read? I asked to name the streets for the grid.

[atlantaguy]

Originally Posted by cabasse

i don't think anyone here really hates buckhead, but saying that we wish atlanta's more traditionally urban districts with real life street grids would develop first is not trying to "conform to [insert some bs here]"

I don't know, when people make statements like "From The Peach up to Piedmont needs to be burnt to the ground," that sounds pretty much like hatred to me.

This stretch contains what I consider several cool areas, including the walkable businesses adjacent to Peachtree Hills & Garden Hills, the Aramore complex that I personally think ROCKS and the gorgeous stretch between Peachtree Battle and the Cathedral of Saint Philip.

Pretty strong and hate-filled words, in my opinion.

[cabasse]

yeah, good point - guess i couldn't really take that comment seriously myself.

i too like buckhead, and it's going to really transform in some amazing ways over the next 10 years. (hell the last 10 have already been pretty amazing)

[cabasse]

Originally Posted by scania

Let me ask you...what street grid are you referring to that you would like develope? And I mean more than just 4 blocks.

what exactly are you asking? there are many, many blocks of un or underdeveloped land in midtown. much more than four blocks. there are more than that of parking lots alone in midtown, not even mentioning abandoned or decrepit 2 or 3 story buildings, drive through fast food joints, tacky buildings converted into nightclubs, etc.

[atlantaguy]

Originally Posted by cabasse

yeah, good point - guess i couldn't really take that comment seriously myself.

i too like buckhead, and it's going to really transform in some amazing ways over the next 10 years. (hell the last 10 have already been pretty amazing)

I like it too. It certainly has its issues, and I know I've said this a million times but I really DO wish much of the development there and around Perimeter were happening in Midtown and Downtown - but I'll still take it.

The market dictates.