Exciting News for Atlanta: Buckhead’s Beltline Expansion is Underway!
Hey Atlanta! If you’ve been wandering through Buckhead lately, you might have noticed some buzz around the Atlanta Beltline’s latest expansion efforts. That’s right! Big things are happening! On November 7th, the Beltline unveiled two important updates that are sure to have residents and visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Kicks Off Construction
Just last week, on October 31st, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickins and the fantastic folks at Atlanta Beltline, Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony to initiate construction of *Segment 1* of the Northwest Trail right in Buckhead. This new section is poised to make a significant impact on our city’s trail system.
The trail starts at Peachtree Park Drive, right at the entrance of the Peachtree Park apartments, and meanders for about 0.8 miles toward the Kinsey Court cul-de-sac. But hold on to your hats because this segment has something special! It includes a dramatic suspension bridge soaring over Peachtree Creek, which will become a gorgeous visual landmark for everyone passing by. Can you imagine walking or biking across that?
This exciting new connection will eventually link to a portion of the Beltline that crosses Peachtree Creek to the east, before heading south to meet the Northeast section at the Armour-Ottley commercial district. And if that’s not enough, a connector trail is in the pipeline to welcome you to the Path400 greenway!
Connecting Paths and Creating Community
The upcoming Path400 development is a 5.25-mile stretch slicing through eastern Buckhead, which brings us to the area near the Beltline’s property on 579 Garson Drive. There are plans for a new mixed-use development there, complete with affordable housing. So, not only is Buckhead expanding its green space, but it’s also making strides towards housing that everyone can enjoy!
Progress on Segment 2 Near Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
As if that’s not enough excitement, we also heard that the Beltline has successfully completed a crucial land purchase to bolster *Segment 2* of the path near Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and the Shepherd Center. They’ve acquired three parcels of land, around one acre, at the site of the former Elleven45 Lounge. The lounge had a bumpy past, as it was closed down after being declared a public nuisance following a tragic shooting earlier this year.
Clyde Higgs, the president and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc., expressed his excitement, saying “This property purchase brings the Beltline closer to realizing its vision of a fully connected, accessible, and vibrant infrastructure.” It’s amazing to see initiatives that keep us all connected and create beautiful spaces!
What’s Next for Buckhead?
The purchase is part of the plan to develop a connection between trails along Peachtree Park Drive Northeast and under Peachtree Road all the way to Bennett Street Northwest. Segment 2 covers around 0.7 miles and will lead you straight to the fabulous Bobby Jones Golf Course. What a way to enjoy some fresh air!
Atlanta Opera Finds a New Home
In another exciting development, the Atlanta Opera is set to rise alongside the Beltline too! They announced plans to transform the historic Bobby Jones Clubhouse into their new headquarters. This early 1900s Grecian revival building will undergo a transformation, tripling in size to a whopping 56,000 square feet and featuring a 200-seat recital hall, educational spaces, and even a film studio. Now that’s something to look forward to! Construction is expected to wrap up in the summer of 2027.
So, whether you’re heading out for a jog, looking for a cozy spot to explore, or in search of a cultural experience, Buckhead’s Beltline expansion promises to bring all that and more. It’s truly inspiring to see how our community keeps evolving, a testament to our shared dream of a vibrant and connected Atlanta. Let’s keep our eyes peeled and celebrate these amazing updates!
