By Sam Massell
Much has been written about the “Village†in Buckhead, an area of about six blocks on the east side of Peachtree at Paces Ferry. It was the center of commerce for this community before Buckhead was incorporated into the city limits of Atlanta. In the 1980s, it became the city’s nightclub district, at one time numbering as many as 100 establishments with alcoholic licenses. Problems numbered as many.
After years of effort by the Buckhead Coalition and others, a new local government administration brought about reform with the needed police presence, plus ordinance enforcement by the fire marshal, building director, health inspector and others. We then saw the transformation to seedy vacant properties where rowdy nightspots had operated. These properties are now being demolished to make way for very fancy midrise multifamily and office buildings with high-end retail at street level, plus two to three boutique hotels and appropriate parking decks. It is being called “The Streets of Buckhead.â€
Since this dramatic change, there has evolved the misconception that our nightlife is a thing of the past. Fortunately, what we had in the “East Village†has gone the way of all bad ailments … before it killed us! Nevertheless, Buckhead indeed does still have ample places of entertainment for those who want a late-night cocktail, dancing and fellowship.
There are two dozen — yes, 24 — operations that have alcoholic licenses in our “West Village†at Peachtree and Roswell, diagonally across from the old “East Village.†In addition, there are three alcoholic package places offering bottled spirits.
Equally important, though, is that this West Village is much more than a nightlife district, as there are an equal number of non-nightclub businesses in those few blocks bound by West Paces Ferry, Roswell and Andrews. Here we have a real hidden treasure unknown to the casual visitor. It’s a historic and eclectic shopping destination with its array of quaint shops, galleries, restaurants and other businesses.
This district has a real “village†atmosphere artfully combining the beauty and tradition of the Old South with the needs of sophisticated style-seekers, offering something for everyone. There’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, lingerie, furnishings, antiques and more.
So Buckhead has bragging rights for yet another dimension — a “village†with which not many have been familiar. It’s right in the heart of Buckhead, yet it’s hidden away to be discovered. It’s the 24-hour part of Atlanta that young and old will enjoy, with delightful “mom and pop†businesses; safe, orderly and sensible nightlife; and convenience of location at the Buckhead Triangle Park. This is where the community came into being about 169 years ago, where the name changed from Irbyville to Buckhead, when a trophy buck’s head became the meeting place of friends.
For those who want to know more about Buckhead and other treasures in its 28 square miles, check out the Buckhead Guidebook (from the Buckhead Coalition or area bookstores). You won’t find much in print about the West Village, however, so now you know one of our best-kept secrets!
Sam Massell is the president of the Buckhead Coalition.
