October 2026 DRC Recap: OAC proposes New Driveway and Private Outdoor Courtyard
10/14/26
The Midtown Development Review Committee (DRC) reviewed one proposal at its October 13, 2026 meeting for proposed modifications to the north side of the One Atlantic Center (OAC) property at 14th and West Peachtree Streets.
The proposal includes a new driveway for motor vehicles entering from West Peachtree Street that leads to an "auto court" with passenger drop-off under a porte-cochère and temporary parking, adjacent to a walled outdoor amenity patio for use by building tenants. The proposed work would replace nearly one-third of the existing 1.3-acre greenspace, which has existed since the late 1980s.
The DRC acknowledged the functional benefits of the proposed auto court and appreciated the porte-cochère design. The committee requested revisions to better coordinate vehicle access with the forthcoming West Peachtree Street protected bike lane that will run along the eastern edge of the street, improve pedestrian connectivity and public safety, and address several additional design considerations.
1201 West Peachtree Street NE (One Atlantic Center)
OAC proposes a new curb cut on West Peachtree Street to provide access to a motor vehicle driveway and auto court with a porte-cochère and temporary parking north of the existing building. East of the auto court, the proposal includes a tenants-only outdoor amenity patio enclosed by walls and landscaping. No changes are proposed to the building’s other three sides.
The DRC requested the following revisions:
• Coordinate vehicle access with the protected bike lane. Shift the driveway radii outward to better align vehicle turning movements with West Peachtree Street travel lanes and reduce conflicts with the new protected bike lane. Also, maintain a continuous concrete sidewalk across the driveway, without curbs or ramps, preserving the minimum 10-foot clear sidewalk zone.
• Provide bicycle parking. Add bike racks or a bike corral behind the sidewalk to serve cyclists using the new protected bike lane.
• Improve visibility and safety in the private outdoor amenity area. Reconsider the proposed 8’-6” opaque walls in favor of more transparent options, such as glass walls, open railings, or vertical louvers paired with low shrubs to provide privacy while maintaining sightlines.
• Confirm compliance with the MARTA easement. Verify that construction activities and completed improvements within the easement, which overlaps the private outdoor amenity area, comply with the 600-pound-per-square-foot (PSF) load limit.
• Maintain safe and continuous pedestrian connections. Preserve a pathway through the motor vehicle court between the north entry doors and the existing fountain. Also maintain the pedestrian route at the building’s northeast corner by reducing the proposed hedge and lawn areas. These changes would eliminate two pedestrian dead ends and improve connectivity and safety.
Next Steps:
The applicant team is expected to return to the DRC in November with revised plans addressing the committee’s comments.