On a recent afternoon when temps nipped 100 degrees, developer Jarel Portman made an observation on the breezy, 10th-floor pool deck of his company’s latest luxury Midtown sky-rise: “It’s not hot up here.”

Catching cooling wind currents a few blocks from the downtown Connector is one design perk of Emmi Midtown, a 31-story Spring Street high-rise that marks JPX Works’ second Midtown venture and a modern-elegant mashup that could justify the urbanist hype.

Two years after breaking ground on a relatively tiny, .54-acre site at the southeast corner of Spring and 18th streets, the 326-unit Emmi project began leasing in early June, and the remaining 1/3 of units currently undergoing finishing touches are expected to deliver early this month.

Portman, who led a tour alongside his peppy dog Lorenzo, JPX principal Josh Herndon, and the author’s design-obsessed daughters, says leasing is “going very well” and that lessons learned during the company’s past Atlanta projects were incorporated into Emmi. (Example: Rooftop pools, while great, can be an expensive hassle). The building’s lobby embraces midcentury-modern vibes, while other aspects wouldn’t look out of place at top-flight Hawaiian resorts—or at converted warehouses in West End.

Situated atop nine levels of parking (one space per bed), the entire 10th floor is devoted to amenities, ranging from chic reading areas, secluded WFH-friendly nooks, to party-ready poolside zones with views from Atlantic Station to The Benz.

“There’s a bipolarity of the building, in a good way,” said Portman.

The poolside loungers and sun ledge are meant to lend the feeling of a beach club. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Rents at the Emmi building—a joint venture between JPX Works and development partners Zeller and Manulife Investment Management—now start at $1,795 monthly for an 11th-floor, south-facing studio unit. The priciest option at the moment is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse with Midtown views and a balcony, asking $7,720 monthly. (As with many new buildings in the city, two months of free rent is being offered as an incentive.) 

Atlanta-based firms RJTR architecture and interior designers Square Feet Studio joined general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie in delivering the project, which topped out in October. Plant purveyors The Victorian Atlanta were brought in to add greenery.

The building's poolside bar and lounge, designed to encourage socializing. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Dutch-style fire pits and long custom couches catch the 10th-floor breeze. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

The project replaced a vacant, one-story building that had most recently housed The John Marshall Law School’s Blackburn Conference Center. According to JPX officials, the building’s name was inspired by architectural elements of the façade that resemble the letters “E”, “M”, and “I”—a tactic that echoes the company’s Lilli project’s branding farther south in Midtown.   

Swing up to the gallery for a photo tour from Emmi’s base level to the high-ceilinged penthouses.

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