The Atlanta Beltline's expansion is advancing with the acquisition of the former Elleven45 Lounge, a site previously known for its troubled history following a fatal shooting on Mother's Day that led to its closure. The property was purchased for $11 million and is one of the project's significant land acquisitions, helping to extend the Beltline trail through Buckhead. Mayor Andre Dickens, speaking about the transformation, stated, "We got rid of a nuisance, and we're improving the city by putting the Beltline through here. So, you're going to see something amazing come about from this," as reported by FOX5 Atlanta.
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the former nightclub at 2110 Peachtree Rd. NW now serves as a key location for the Beltline's northwest corridor. This property acquisition concludes a chapter for a site previously linked to violence, with the venue remaining closed since an incident earlier this year in which gunfire resulted in fatalities and raised community concerns. The property's potential role in the Beltline's Northwest Trail segment has been a topic of discussion in several community meetings over the past decade, with the site now secured for future development.
While the 22-mile Beltline loop is expected to be mostly completed or under construction by the end of the year, the full loop is scheduled for completion before 2030. CEO Clyde Higgs referred to this timeline as "our dragon to slay" in relation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The section involving the Elleven45 property is anticipated to be completed later, potentially in late 2026 or early 2027, with the goal of having nearly 18 miles of the trail finished by the time the World Cup takes place in Atlanta.
Jim Durrett, president and CEO of the Buckhead Coalition, described the development as "a two-for-one," noting its potential to enhance the Beltline experience while also addressing a community issue. The project is expected to include a suspension bridge across Peachtree Creek as part of the trail's design. "This property purchase brings the Beltline closer to realizing its vision of a fully connected, accessible and vibrant infrastructure, further enhancing the economic, recreational and environmental benefits for Atlanta's residents and visitors," as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
