Mass timber tower gets ok in Buckhead

By Dyana Bagby

A developer’s plan to build a 20-story multi-family tower using mostly mass timber in Buckhead Village has received approval from the area’s development review committee.

Chicago-based Harbor Bay Ventures wants to build the more than 516,000-squarefoot tower at 359 East Paces Ferry Road. It would include 314 units and 2,400 square feet of retail space. More than 300 residential parking spaces and 36 bicycle parking spaces are also planned.

In a memo to the city’s Office of Planning, the SPI-9 committee praised Harbor Bay Ventures for wanting to construct the tower using mass timber because it fits into Buckhead’s sustainability plan.

The SPI-9 committee reviews proposed projects primarily in Buckhead’s commercial district and provides its feedback to city planners to consider as part of their approval process.

Mass timber construction includes the nailing or gluing of numerous wood panels together to create large pieces. The large mass timber pieces are deemed strong, low-carbon alternatives to concrete and steel.

The Buckhead development review committee also said it was pleased with Harbor Bay Ventures’ additional sustainability plans that include recycling collection areas, proposed composting areas, and the use of low-flow toilets.