How Transit is Transforming Perimeter’s Landscape 

Maybe you’ve heard about the Peachtree Dunwoody road updates coming to Sandy Springs, or Dunwoody’s growing array of multi-use trails. Certainly, you’ve seen MARTA’s new trains. There’s more happening, just out of sight: here’s a look at several transportation projects that have been in the works around Perimeter.  

Now approaching… 

Last month, MARTA’s new cars stole the show! The CQ400 series comes with device charger ports, digital maps, and inward-facing seats to allow more room for bags and mobility devices.  

That’s not all—each car will have open gangways, meaning you can walk between cars without leaving the train (though we don’t recommend that while it’s moving.) Our favorite part? Each car will have a red, gold, blue, or green “smile” to show which line it’s on, meaning no more accidental trips to Lenox from this writer. These new trains are scheduled to start running regularly this summer.

Arriving soon 

Outside the stations, more transit-oriented developments are creating worksites, retail, and housing within walking distance of the Dunwoody and Medical Center MARTA stops.  

Altmore, the residential/office/retail/greenspace planned for between Altmore Avenue and Lake Hearn Drive, is still underway! As of  February, the residential building that’ll live at 1299 Altmore Avenue is getting its permits in place. Once ready, it’ll provide 341 housing units and a park encircling Lake Hearn next to the existing retail space, with a pedestrian bridge to Medical Center Station parking. Right now, the Hyatt House Atlanta Perimeter Center and its accompanying H Bar are open for business.   

In Brookhaven proper, the Residences at Perimeter Summit officially broke ground this month! This’ll be an extension of the existing Perimeter Summit office complex, adding a mid-rise multifamily building with 350 units. The Little Gem and Pizza Stop restaurants will also open in the complex in 2025. The project, which boasts a 1-mile walk to Dunwoody Station (via Ashford Dunwoody Road under I-285), is planned for completion in 2026. 

Getting to the station is just the first step, though–which is why MARTA’s also building “one app for everything”, moving train schedules, ticket management, and a trip planner into just one download. New digital signs at the stations and bus stops are also on their way to keep you informed along the route.

Further down the line

You’ve probably heard about the North Springs MARTA corridor study undertook by the City of Sandy Springs, along with the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs). The study focused on Peachtree Dunwoody Road, which links the North Springs and Sandy Springs MARTA stations, to create a safer, multimodal, and engaging community space.  

The proposed plan, including new green spaces, a multi-use trail along Peachtree Dunwoody Road, and new housing, were up for public comments until the City Council adopted the new plan at their February 4 meeting this year. Based on public comments, the plan includes a 12-ft sidewalk on the west side of Peachtree Dunwoody and 6-ft sidewalk on the east, with new pedestrian crossings dotted along the road. Multifamily housing with retail space underneath will be constructed near the North Springs station, with a forested park in between. See the final plan version on Sandy Springs’ website. 

Centered on connection 

Along with AMLI Brookhaven and High Street, developments planned near transit are becoming the norm in Perimeter. New sidewalks, commuter shuttles, and improved road conditions join these transit updates in creating a neighborhood that moves smoothly. As Dunwoody realizes a connected Edge City 2.0 and Sandy Springs and Brookhaven invest in their transit stops, we’re excited to see the neighborhood choosing clean, green, and easy travel options.