Buckhead Atlanta now "The Shops Buckhead Atlanta"
Having recently celebrated the one year mark since their first tenants opened, Buckhead Atlanta has added "The Shops" to its name. (Shops Around Lenox already exists) This is now the fourth name change for the Buckhead mega project.
As of this afternoon, the project's website, facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram had all been updated to reflect the new name.
(Multiple phone calls to the Concierge at the project seeking confirmation as to when exactly the change took place went unanswered earlier this afternoon.)
Originally conceived by local developer Ben Carter as "Buckhead Avenues" in 2006 Carter subsequently changed the project's name to "The Streets of Buckhead." That name change was prompted by a complaint by fellow developer Cousins Properties who contended the project would be confused with their "The Avenue" retail projects.
Following the financial crisis that adversely affected Carter's ability to secure financing between 2007-2009, San Diego-based OliverMcMillan purchased the site from Ben Carter Properties in 2011.
OliverMcMillan tweaked the original plans for the project, eliminated the previously planned two hotels, and claimed that rather than upscale restaurants, the development would target local chefs.
By most accounts, Buckhead Atlanta has largely struggled to get its retail off the ground. Christian Louboutin, Hermes and Warby Parker are reportedly the strongest performers, while others like diptyque, Brunello Cucinelli and Theory have labored to find an audience.
As far as restaurants go, the project includes only two local concepts: Gyspy Kitchen and The Southern Genteman, both from Atlanta-based Southern Proper Hospitality. The other restaurants represent a "Noah's Ark" sort of scenario where three out-of-state operators each operate a pair of concepts. New York-based LDV Hospitality operates Corso Coffee and Dolce Italian and will soon open American Cut and The Regent Cocktail Club. Dallas, Texas-based Raised Palate Restaurants (fka Consilient Restaurants) operates both Thirteen Pies and American Food & Beverage. Miami, Florida-based Aoki Group operates both Doraku, a sushi restaurant, and Qing Mu, a noodle bar.
Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza have both upgraded their dining and retail options over the past few years as Simon and OliverMcMillan have waged an advertising war touting their respective tenant lineups.
Most readers I've spoken to about The Shops Buckhead Atlanta cite the lack of an anchor and the paid parking deck as dampening their interest in the project.
A year in, what are your thoughts on The Shops Buckhead Atlanta? What needs to be added or changed about the project to entice you not only to visit, but to shop? If you have been to Ponce City Market, Avalon and The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, which is your favorite and why?
Please share your thoughts below.