Unveiled: Midtown tower to mark three Portman projects in a row on W. Peachtree

Late architect John Portman’s legacy continues to make waves in Midtown.

With a 23-story tower designed by John Portman and Associates—the architecture firm Portman founded in 1953—being reviewed by the Midtown Alliance’s Development Review Committee, the ever-changing West Peachtree Street corridor could soon see three contiguous developments under construction by the same company.

The project under review is slated to rise at 712 West Peachtree, at the 3rd Street intersection, mere yards from two other large Portman builds.

At the corner of West Peachtree and 4th streets, a 21-story tech hub dubbed Coda is under construction, as is another 21-story office tower that will house operations for Anthem, a health benefits company. A topping-out ceremony is planned at Coda next month.

Now, Midtown Alliance officials are assessing the latest project for the West Peachtree stretch, which aims to deliver more office space and retail to the area in the next few years (an exact completion date has yet to be announced).

Currently, the Midtown Bank inhabits the site and is expected to relocate to the ground floor of the upcoming high-rise “as part of 5,100 square feet of retail uses,” according to a Midtown Alliance announcement.

Midtown Alliance’s development reviewers, after analyzing the new project’s designs, have suggested John Portman and Associates rework plans for 712 West Peachtree to refine the “sidewalk level experience to make it more dynamic and visually engaging during the day and at night.”

Five floors of the tower to-come are expected to be used as a parking podium, which will sit beneath 15 stories—335,000 square feet—of office space.

Additionally: “The committee recommended further study of the lowest level along 3rd Street to provide direct access and more daylight into the space,” Midtown Alliance officials said, in summary.

Portman Holdings

Recommendations also call for a “dedicated four-foot walkway to connect from [the] parking area to public sidewalks,” as well as additional queuing space for cars—an attempt to keep more automobiles, such as taxis and ride-shares, from idling on nearby streets.

The committee is withholding support of the project until such requests are heeded.

Nevertheless, the swift progression of this Portman project is a harbinger of interest in this part of Midtown.

• Phase II of Portman Holdings Development Announced [Midtown Alliance]