Streets of Buckhead developer Ben Carter said Wednesday he is in talks with private investors to raise $200 million to resume work on the stalled luxury retail project. Carter told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he conferred last week with investors about how to get the massive development completed. Unable to get a traditional bank loan amid the credit crunch, Carter said he has been seeking private investment money instead — a position many developers are in. Click Here for More Photos & the Rest of the Feature

Some additional retailers for the 1.5 billion dollar Street of Buckhead, opening in March 2010. So far the project is 50% leased.

Briono: Italian luxury men’s clothier specializing in custom tailored suits and amazing ties
Leggiadro: Ann Ross designs upscale women’s couture
Shirts & Co. by Domenico Vacca. Ready-to-wear menswear and accessories shop
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A lifelong resident of Atlanta, Ben Carter has made an environmental commitment to the community by seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for his company’s luxury mixed-use development, The Streets of Buckhead. Featuring more than 500,000-square feet of world-class retail, dining and residences, The Streets of Buckhead will be one of the country’s most expansive and affluent developments to be awarded Silver status in the LEED Green Building Rating System(TM) when it opens in 2009.
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Even with the cancellation of the Baccarat Hotel and “1″ Hotel & Residences being delayed, The Streets of Buckhead project pushes on and continues to land ultra high-end retailers. This week, Ben Carter announced some impressive additions to his growing list of luxury brands.

Van Cleef & Arpels: Whimsical fine jewelry and watches. You can spend $100,000 and up on jaw dropping jewelry if you want to impress that special someone.
Brunello Cucinelli: Luxury Italian cashmere sweaters and fine clothing. $12,000 furs available. Watch out for P.E.T.A. 
Bonpoint: French luxury clothing line for children made from the best fabrics – a true Parisian luxury.
Billy Martin’s: Western and “rock-n-roll” fashions from leather jackets to jewelry. Who knew you could spend upwards of $3,000 on cowboy boots?
Arthur: French sleepwear and fine boxer shorts.  
Equinox: Exclusive gym known for star-sitings in Los Angeles and New York. 
Christofle: A French gift boutique featuring frames, jewelry, a bridal registry and tableware. Think Tiffany, but better.
Le Colonial: French-Vietnamese fine dining restaurant from New York.
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According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Ben Carter’s Streets of Buckhead development is 50% pre-leased. The project needs to be 65% leased by the end of the year. I think they are well on their way to achieving that goal. Contractors are currently pouring concrete for the foundations and have started working on the parking deck. Fall 2009 will be here before you know it! 

I know there is a lot going on at the construction site, because as I drive down Peachtree Road, traffic comes to a screeching halt. I can’t imagine what rush hour is like – madness! All I can say is avoid that stretch of Peachtree for the time being. There are plenty of back roads to take and I would stick to them, otherwise you’ll be enjoying your satellite radio talk shows for a while!

What’s the next big retail/restaurant announcement? I really hope some additional boutique style retailers set up shop at this project. 

These terrific photos of the models were released, so I thought I would share them with you. These photos give you a good idea of what to expect in 2009 at the Streets of Buckhead. I am really impressed with the design of the buildings, especially the hotels. They look quite interesting and aren’t your standard cookie-cutter designs. One is very elegant, while the other is ultra hip. It’s a nice mix for the project and gives something for everyones taste.

Below: Peachtree Road South View - Baccarat Hotel and Residences

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Ben Carter Properties is developing The Streets of Buckhead, a luxury retail and mixed-use community in the heart of heart of Atlanta‘s cosmopolitan Buckhead neighborhood. The Streets of Buckhead will transform a total of 9 acres – bordered by Pharr Road on the south, Peachtree Road on the west, East Paces Ferry Road on the north and North Fulton Avenue on the east, into a charming and walkable city streetscape offering upscale boutiques, extraordinary restaurants and sidewalk cafes. A huge change from the nightclubs and run-down shops that used to be there.

Upon completion, The Streets of Buckhead will feature nearly 600,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, dedicated to iconic, internationally celebrated luxury and lifestyle brands. The Streets of Buckhead is currently under construction, with the grand opening of retail shops and restaurants set for November 2009.

Committed Retailers: Borrelli, Bottega Veneta, Etro ,Domenico Vacca, Hermes, John Lobb, Loro Piana, Optical Shops of Aspen, Oscar de la Renta, Vilebrequin

Restaurants (14 in all when completed): Bottega del Vino, The Capital Grille, Japonais, La Goulue, Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant (now open)

Hotels: Two stunning world-class hotels will be part of the project, both created by Starwood Capital Group: ”1″ Hotel and Residences, Baccarat Hotel and Residences

Residential: Two of The Streets of Buckhead’s signature hotel properties will offer luxurious condominiums, rising above the restaurants and boutiques at street level, with hotel services and amenities made available to residents. Breathtaking views and a vibrant streetscape just outside one’s front door are sure to draw homebuyers. Starwood Capital Group and Ben Carter Properties are jointly developing these two hotel/residential concepts. 

Rumored to be joining the growing list of luxury retailers, Van Cleef & Arpels may be taking up space at the project as well. Also rumored (and not formally announced) an upscale blowing alley has signed a lease.

Ben Carter Properties wants to put a luxury theater on the site where the vacant Three Dollar Cafe sits. The plans were filed already,so hopefully they will be approved. We can really use an upscale movie theater in Atlanta. My favorite theater of all time is in Boca Raton, Florida – The Premier at Muvico Palace. They have valet parking, a separate entrance to the theater (if you are going to the Premier, rather than the normal theater), a restaurant, a bar (with top shelf liquor) and balcony stadium style seating only four rows deep. The seats are plush, almost like couches, and they have teak trays to set your food and drinks on. Oh and no one under 21.