

Fresh glimpses of the 1.5-million square-foot "Buckhead Atlanta" district have emerged, as the developer says retail slots are 60 percent filled. Which retailers will be occupying the reported 80 spaces remains largely a mystery, however, as developer OliverMcMillan is maintaining its stance of keep specifics close to the vest until the project is fully leased, BuckheadView reports, citing coverage at the recent International Council of Shopping Centers RECon convention in Las Vegas. The new renderings (now showing Buckhead Atlanta at night!) depict all sorts of creative, fictitious, Euro-fabulous restaurants and clothiers lining the swanky streets. We're not so blind as to think pristine renderings translate exactly to reality, but the project seems to have enticing walkability with compelling variations of architectural styles.

But ... OliverMcMillan's website stresses the project's friendliness toward vehicle traffic, describing the overall aesthetic like so: "Consisting of multiple distinctive buildings, each with a proprietary proportion and style, the design focuses on the relationship between buildings, people, automobiles and walkways. By balancing the pedestrian experience with automotive convenience, Buckhead Atlanta personifies the sophisticated, urban atmosphere."

At the Las Vegas convention, OliverMcMillan's CEO Morgan Dene Oliver told a publication called Women's Wear Daily that retailers more commonly found on Rodeo Drive, Michigan Avenue and Madison Avenue have leased 60 percent of Buckhead Atlanta retail space. Only Hermès has been confirmed.

Officials recently said the project, now flush with financial backing, should rev up construction in the next few weeks. Overall, OliverMcMillan expects the first retail stores at Buckhead Atlanta to open next spring. The bulk of the development should open by the end of 2014, with a few outparcels coming online the following year. All told, the project is slated to include 100,000 square feet of office space and 300,000 square feet of retail — along with two 12-story towers, which will house 340 apartments.

· Buckhead Atlanta retail 60% leased, says developer [BuckheadView]

· 'Buckhead Atlanta' Construction To Rev Up Soon [Curbed Atlanta]

· Buckhead Atlanta photos [Buckhead-Atl.com]