What was once a tucked-away alley used mainly by office workers to get from a parking deck to their office towers, will soon become a public plaza and main pedestrian thoroughfare. Cousins Properties has been working on some big changes to One and Two Buckhead Plaza that are now being referred to simply as Buckhead Plaza. These two towers sit adjacent to one another at the corner of West Paces Ferry Road and Peachtree Road. They contain offices and local restaurant staples King + Duke, Atlas, UMI, Chai Yo Modern Thai, Lobster Bar, and Chops. This new development of the courtyard that connects the two buildings will completely revitalize a prime piece of Buckhead real estate that until recently has received little attention.
Move the sliders in the images below to see photos of the Plaza as it appears today and renderings of what the future holds
“We are very excited about the redevelopment of Buckhead Plaza, which will enhance the overall customer experience and firmly establish the property as of one of the premier office, retail and restaurant destinations in the city,” explained Kennedy Hicks, Senior Vice President of Investments and Managing Director of Cousins’ Atlanta market. “From more green space, patio seating and open lawns to better pedestrian access and common areas, the project will reimagine and elevate the space.”
A decorative wall of Boxwoods will greet visitors at the entrance to the plaza and all pedestrian walkways will be completely revitalized, resurfaced, and finished with sustainable landscaping. More outdoor seating, an upgraded valet area, refreshed elevators and brightened parking will all be part of the large scale vision for the project destined to improve the experience of all those who frequent the buildings. Green space, patios, and open lawns will allow for more outdoor work opportunities and serve as event space. The renovations will be topped off with artwork installations that will beautify the plaza and surrounding pedestrian areas.
This large, encompassing project will be completed in stages and is projected to wrap up by fall of 2021.
Umi Adapting To Al Fresco
UMI, Buckhead’s popular upscale sushi restaurant located at Buckhead Plaza, has expanded their dining service with the introduction of an all-weather dining patio known as the Bonsai Room. Constructed in response to the novel Coronavirus pandemic’s impact on restaurants and the push for outdoor seating, the dining space will offer space for up to 40 guests to safely dine year-round.
Anchored by an 8 foot bonsai tree, the patio was designed by owner Farshid Arshid who drew inspiration from Japanese architect Tadao Ando and incorporated pocket windows that open completely to encourage airflow. Featuring sleek furniture and elegant aesthetics, and of course serving UMI’s signature cuisine, the patio is a welcome addition to the dining options at Buckhead Plaza.
The Bonsai Room joins another outdoor dining option in the Plaza: the long awaited Garden Room that opened in fall of 2019. Designed by the Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, the lush outdoor dining room is technically part of Atlas but feels like another world altogether. From the incredibly detailed and styled like some sort of secret garden featuring a tree sculpture, metal roof, and walls of windows to complement the chef-driven small plates menu.
