Midtown's quest to feel more neighborhood-y could get a boost from the planned redevelopment of a key block along the Midtown Mile. The Loudermilk Cos. LLC, long known as major players in the Buckhead submarket, plan to redevelop 867 Peachtree St. — home to a freestanding Starbucks now — and in doing so attract what many-a Midtowner has long pined for: a bona fide urban grocery store. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that Loudermilk's plans for an eight-story building on site call for nearly 5,000 square-feet of ground floor retail, topped by 40 upscale apartments. In terms of cohesiveness, this is key: The proposed building would connect to 30,000 square feet of retail space at the Viewpoint condo tower next door. Loudermilk told the newspaper Starbucks plans to relocate to the new building, leaving space for two more shops. Some early possibilities: The Fresh Market or Sprouts Farmers Markets. Why? "That's what the neighborhood really wants," a company leader told the newspaper.

Under Novare, the retail portion of Viewpoint has sat mostly vacant, despite a high residential count nearby and a neighborhood "Walkscore" of 82 (of a possible 100). The idea would be to "carry the theme" across the front of both buildings and provide a grocer for condo residents who likely choose nearby CVS for shopping now. At a recent meeting, Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall called the project a potential game-changer for the Midtown Mile, a grand vision to build a retail district similar to Chicago's Magnificent Mile that was hampered by the Great Recession. So, Midtown residents: Along with Starbucks, what else would you like to see at this reconfigured piece of the Midtown Mile?

· 'Potential game-changer' for Midtown Mile retail [Atlanta Business Chronicle]

· Is Sensible, Life-Injecting Development Afoot in Midtown? [Curbed Atlanta]