Refreshing MARTA Breeze; ATL's first 'walkable Lidl;' Buckhead Village

LINDBERGH—A more streamlined fare-collection system is (almost) officially bound for MARTA trains. 

The transit agency today announced a formal construction kickoff for its Better Breeze (an update of the regular Breeze) is set for Monday at Lindbergh Center Station, where pilot testing for new fare equipment began in September. 

Better Breeze will feature modernized fare-collection equipment with a new app, an open payment option, and new fare media, according to MARTA. The means riders should expect new faregates and upgraded Breeze vending machines for what MARTA calls “a safer, flexible, and more reliable way to ride [trains].”

MARTA will be joined at the Monday event by officials with INIT, the Better Breeze system manufacturer and installer, to announce the beginning of systemwide construction and give demonstrations. In mid-September MARTA began the process of installing new card validators on its buses; a pilot testing phase for the new train fare system is also underway at Doraville station.   

MARTA officials stress that updated equipment is not yet available, and that customers should continue paying for trips as usual with the current Breeze system. 

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HOME PARK—At long last, a large-scale grocery option at the doorstep of so many new residences in Home Park, Marietta Street Artery, and the western edge of Georgia Tech’s campus is almost a reality. 

Lidl US has scheduled a grand opening Wednesday morning for its newest intown location in Home Park at 1090 Northside Drive, at the base of The Interlock development’s second phase. Lidl reps describe the new grocer as “the first walkable intown ATL location,” though folks living near the Memorial Drive outpost might beg to differ. 

Ryan McGuire, Lidl’s regional vice president, is scheduled to discuss the “significance [of Lidl’s walkability], especially given its proximity to Georgia Tech,” per a ribbon-cutting announcement. Atlanta City Council member Dustin Hillis, who represents the area’s District 9, will also be in attendance. The Germany-based supermarket promises to bring West Midtown fresh groceries and other products at “the Lidl-est prices to local shoppers,” ranging "from lemons to lawn chairs," following a U.S. rebrand last year. 

Lidl is anchoring retail space at The Interlock Phase Two. Both block-altering phases were developed by SJC Ventures. Beginning Wednesday, the Lidl on Northside Drive will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Today, Lidl operates two ITP locations, one on Memorial Drive in Parkview and another at 2480 Briarcliff Road. Beyond that, it counts more than 180 stores across nine East Coast states. 

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BUCKHEAD—Just in time for the Atlanta Christkindl Market—oh wait, that’s moving from Buckhead to Lawrenceville. In any case, Buckhead Village owners Jamestown report that leasing momentum is continuing as 2025 concludes with the signing of two brands focused on opposite ends of the human body. 

The latest tenants inked for the upscale Buckhead retail center are Rothy’s, a “cult-favorite sustainable fashion brand known for its washable shoes made from recycled materials,” along with Great Many, a New York-based studio that specializes in hair growth, according to Jamestown officials. 

The Rothy’s store (2,100 square feet, scheduled to open later this fall) will set up shop next to Lucchese, marking the brand’s second location in Atlanta. Another operates at Westside Provisions District. Meanwhile, Great Many (1,800 square feet, scheduled to open this winter) will mark the brand’s second store outside of New York and its first in Atlanta.  

The announcements follow news that Roche Bobois (French furniture designer), ME+EM (London-based luxury womenswear brand), and Hill House Home (New York-based lifestyle brand) have inked deals to open at Buckhead Village later this year and into 2026. 

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KIRKWOOD—File this one under, Just In Case You’re Wondering: 

Tree-removal zoning signage at an interesting location—a patch of woods immediately south of Kirkwood Dog Park and the Eastside Trolley Trail—signal that more housing is in the works. But according to permitting information, it’ll be just one house. 

The 73 Clifton St. site is slated to see construction of a two-story, single-family home with a basement, porches, a patio, and walkway, according to permitting records. 

The development team includes Adam Stillman Residential Design and general contractors A Gotham Project, according to filings and signage on site.

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