Midtown Atlanta, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Midtown Atlanta is grappling with significant economic difficulties as local businesses contend with ongoing construction projects. Street closures due to repavement and sewer repairs have drastically reduced foot traffic, leading to declining revenues for many establishments. Business owners, including those managing venues like K5 Hospitality, express urgent concerns over access issues and the need for city intervention to ensure their survival. With the challenges expected to continue until at least 2026, many businesses are seeking immediate solutions to rectify the situation and support the local economy.
Midtown Atlanta is facing economic challenges as local businesses struggle amid ongoing construction projects. Owners of various establishments report that recent street closures and improvement initiatives are significantly affecting foot traffic and revenue.
Two major construction projects currently disrupting Midtown include a repavement project on Juniper Street between 14th and Ponce, and sewer repairs on 10th Street NE and Piedmont Avenue. Business owner Ayman Kamel of K5 Hospitality shared concerns via Facebook, highlighting how these construction efforts have created access issues for customers.
Kamel indicated that the extended duration of construction has negatively impacted local businesses, particularly in West Midtown, which earlier this year saw nearly a dozen restaurants close due to diminished traffic. He urged city officials, including the mayor, to devise solutions that would enhance traffic flow and support local economic vitality.
K5 Hospitality manages several venues, including Alta Toro, Virtue Rooftop Lounge, and Five Church, all of which are experiencing the repercussions of prolonged construction. The landmark Campanile building at 1155 Peachtree St NE is also undergoing renewed construction efforts, announced by its owner John Dewberry, who stated that work, including planting pilings for expansion and installing steel beams, is set to resume in January.
Additionally, developers are planning to transform the Cheetah Lounge into a student housing project designed to accommodate 1,600 college students at 887 Spring Street NW. Business proprietors in Midtown have reported significant struggles as a result of street closures from the 1072 West Peachtree project, which is projected to conclude by spring 2026.
Owners such as Tajuansar Diallo from Soak and Polish and Erica Williams from Boozie Smoothies have noted a pronounced decrease in foot and vehicle traffic since construction began. Diallo mentioned that the ongoing construction has compromised her salon’s atmosphere and financial stability, making it challenging to pay her staff, leading her to announce plans to close her salon by the end of the month and relocate.
Williams, on the other hand, has had to rely on delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats to keep her business operational during the disruptions. Some residents voiced that while the decreased foot traffic has been personally beneficial, it has caused distress for nearby businesses affected by the ongoing work.
Turner Construction, involved in the 1072 West Peachtree project, stated their openness to support affected businesses and maintain open lines of communication with the community throughout the construction efforts. The real estate firm RADCO has confirmed their intent to keep businesses informed regarding disruptions and is optimistic that the construction will ultimately enhance business conditions for tenants once completed.
Impact and Community Response
The challenges faced by Midtown Atlanta businesses reflect broader issues that construction can bring to local economies, particularly when access is hindered and customer footfall decreases. Local owners are voicing their concerns, stressing the urgency for city officials to address these challenges to sustain the vibrancy of the Midtown business landscape.
Conclusion
As Midtown Atlanta continues to navigate these construction projects, business owners remain hopeful that solutions will be implemented, allowing their establishments to thrive amid the ongoing changes in the urban landscape.
FAQ Section
What construction projects are currently affecting Midtown Atlanta businesses?
Two current improvement projects are underway in Midtown: a repavement project on Juniper Street between 14th and Ponce and sewer repairs on 10th Street NE and Piedmont Avenue.
How have local businesses been impacted by the construction?
Business owners in Midtown have reported significant struggles due to intermittent street closures caused by the 1072 West Peachtree project, affecting foot and vehicle traffic and financial viability.
When is the 1072 West Peachtree project expected to be completed?
The 1072 West Peachtree project is expected to be completed by spring 2026.
What is being planned for the former Cheetah Lounge site?
Developers are planning to replace the Cheetah Lounge with a student housing project by Core Spaces for 1,600 college students at 887 Spring Street NW.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Projects | Repavement on Juniper Street, Sewage repairs on 10th Street NE and Piedmont Avenue |
| Impact | Decreased foot traffic leading to business struggles |
| Business Concerns | Access issues due to street closures and needed support from city officials |
| Completion Timeframe | Expected project completion by spring 2026 |
| Future Developments | Student housing project planned for the former Cheetah Lounge site |
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Additional Resources
- WSB TV: Midtown Atlanta Businesses Struggle Amid Construction
- AJC: Developer of Midtown’s Naked Tower
- 11Alive: Developer to Build 1,600 Bed Tower in Midtown
- AJC: Cheetah Lounge Could Make Way for New Tower
- Multi Housing News: Midtown Luxury Project
- Wikipedia: Construction
- Google Search: Midtown Atlanta Business Construction
- Google Scholar: Midtown Atlanta Construction Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Business Impact
- Google News: Midtown Atlanta Business Struggles
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
