The Peachtree Pivot: Why the Old Darlington is Now Buckhead’s Best Deal

If you’ve driven down Peachtree Road anytime in the last 50 years, you know the building. For decades, it was the Darlington, famous for the "Atlanta Population Now" sign that Ted Turner himself once tended to. It was the city's original "working class" high-rise, but in recent years, it felt like it was losing its way—caught between a high-end luxury rebrand and a messy foreclosure.

But as of January 9, 2026, the script has officially flipped. I’ve been tracking this deal, and it is a massive win for those of us who want to see Atlanta remain a place where people can actually afford to live and work.

The $90M Mission: Preserving the Heart of Peachtree

A new partnership between Atlantica Properties, EQ Housing Advisors, and the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUD) just closed on the purchase of the tower.

Instead of pushing for higher luxury rents, they are doing the opposite. Through a 25-year ground lease, they are locking in affordability for all 623 units.

The Numbers You Need to Know:

• Affordability: Units are reserved for those earning between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

• The Rents: We are talking about rents ranging from $1,000 to $1,700. In a neighborhood where the average one-bedroom often tops $2,200, this is a game-changer.

• Workforce Ready: Even the "market rate" units in the building will fall into this lower price range, effectively making the entire property a workforce housing hub.

Luxury Bones, Workforce Prices

The best part? These aren't the "run-down" units of the past. Because the previous owners spent millions on a 2022 renovation, these lofts are actually stunning.

When you move in, you’re getting:

• Interior Vibes: Quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, barn-style doors, and plank flooring.

• The Amenities: A massive 5,000 sq. ft. fitness center, a co-working space, a movie theater, and even a "Bark Park" for your pets.

• Location: You are literally steps away from Piedmont Hospital, and the Shepherd Center making this an ideal spot for healthcare professionals who want to ditch the commute.  Plus, for the weekend vibes, you are just a short walk from the Beltline Northside Trail and the greenery of the Bobby Jones Golf Course.  

My Take: A Blueprint for the 2026 City

We talk a lot about "displacement" in Atlanta, but this is what preservation looks like. By taking a landmark building and securing it for the workforce—the nurses, the teachers, and the creators—we are making sure the "Population Now" sign actually represents the people who make this city run.

As we head into the 2026 World Cup year, the Lofts at Twenty25 are a reminder that Buckhead doesn't have to be an island of high-rises you can't afford. It can be home.

What do you think? Is this the right move for Peachtree Road? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.