Buckhead Place – Second Phase of Previously Submitted DRI project
Description: New construction of 245-unit residential apartment building and an approx. 186 key hotel as the second phase of the previously approved Buckhead Place Development which was evaluated as a development of regional impact. The hotel, Marriott’s Moxy brand, will include the lobby floor plus 7 additional stories of rooms. The residential development will include 7 stories of residential units on top of a 5-story parking deck. The rooftop will include clubhouse amenities and the pool will be located on top of the parking deck (5th level). The applicant indicated a timeline anticipating ground breaking in July 2020 with a 26 month build timeframe.
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Applicant: Coro Realty, Lennar, The Galloway Law Group, McKibbon Places
SAP#: Note Filed
Variation Requested: None
Recommendations Regarding Variations:
Section 16-18I.024: Transportation Management Association/Plan. The applicant has indicated knowledge of this code requirement and intention to join the transportation management association at the time of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Recommendation: The committee recommends the applicant satisfy this zoning requirement at the time of issuance of the certificate of occupancy for each component of the development.
Additional Recommendations
The applicant indicated there are no plans to pursue any energy or sustainability certifications; however, energy efficiency and sustainable practices are highly valued in the Buckhead community. Therefore, the committee recommends both the residential and hotel developments consider and implement technologies and strategies that enhance the overall energy efficiency and performance of the buildings to ensure efficient operations. Suggested considerations include but are not limited to: rooftop solar, LED lighting in parking decks, high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, energy star appliances, water efficiency strategies, and rainwater recapture for landscape irrigation.
The committee notes the recent influx of e-scooters to the community and recommends the applicant proactively identify and demarcate appropriate parking zones for these vehicles as they are a valuable component of last mile connectivity to transit.
The multifamily applicant has indicated an intention to provide recycling in the form of carts on each floor for the building. The committee recommends the applicant coordinate with Livable Buckhead to provide recycling educational materials.
The multi-family applicant indicated there are no plans to incorporate affordable or workforce units in the multifamily portion of the development. The committee notes the lack of moderate and lower cost housing as the root problem for Buckhead’s traffic problem and strongly recommends the applicant consider revisiting this position and pursue including acceptance of voucher -based subsidies available through the Atlanta Housing Authority.
The committee notes that the Buckhead community is a significant market for electric vehicles and recommends the applicant exceed current EV charging code requirements by including a significant number of the spaces operable (as opposed to “EV ready”) for both universal and Tesla proprietary charging.
The committee notes a growing demand for, and planned improvements to support, bicycle transportation in the community. Because of this, the committee recommends the applicants anticipate heightened demand and plan accordingly for secured, interior bicycle storage in addition to on-street racks.
The committee noted a current difficulty with providing discounted MARTA transit passes for hotel staff due to labor outsourcing and recommends the hotel applicant ensure third party labor contractors are required to provide the passes. The discounted program is available through Livable Buckhead.
The applicant indicated right-of-way negotiations that are underway with the Community Improvement District to accommodate the Peachtree Road streetscape project. The committee commends this effort and reasserts its importance. Additionally, the applicant is commended for maintaining previously established setback requirements on the Piedmont frontage to allow for planned roadway widening.
The applicant is also commended for ensuring the continuation of interparcel connectivity with the preservation of Maple Drive through to neighboring Regency shopping Center.
The committee notes a community desire to create an outdoor arts experience to enhance the pedestrian experience and elevate arts-based tourism to Atlanta and recommends the applicant consider including public art in the plaza or other publicly accessible portions of the development.
The Development Committee does not expect to see this applicant again unless significant changes are made to the proposed plans that necessitate additional variations or the City staff requests additional input from the DRC.
