Robert DeNiro In Atlanta For Phipps Plaza Groundbreaking

ATLANTA, GA — Robert DeNiro joined Atlanta officials who gathered at Phipps Plaza last week to announce the mixed-use transformative project happening there.

Simon, a global leader in premier shopping, dining and entertainment destinations, welcomed Nobu senior leadership to Atlanta as the organizations officially broke ground on Phipps Plaza’s highly anticipated mixed-use redevelopment. Atlanta city officials joined the ceremony to mark the official start of construction.

DeNiro and officials arrived at Phipps Plaza last Thursday morning to participate in in the ceremonial first step of their restaurant and hotel, which will open in phases beginning in 2021 as part of the redevelopment of the mixed-use area.

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DeNiro, 75, has filmed several movies in Georgia, including last year’s “The War on Grandpa,” when he reportedly stayed in Buckhead. DeNiro heralded Georgia’s consistent tax benefits for the film industry and suggested it was one of thereasons Atlanta was chosen for a Nobu.

The dynamic, reimagined development is headlined by the arrival of Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Atlanta, along with a 90,000 square-foot Life Time® healthy living and entertainment destination and a unique, curated dining experience. A 13-story, 350,000 square foot Class A office building, One Phipps Plaza, is yet another element of the redevelopment. The Beck Group has been selected as the architect and general contractor for this transformative redevelopment, with a phased opening beginning in early 2021.

The redevelopment will also feature an outdoor event venue, a multi-purpose courtyard providing easy access to the adjacent One Phipps Plaza office building and restaurants. This green space will be the site for a variety of events enhancing the public space at Phipps Plaza.

“Phipps Plaza has long been a luxury icon in the Southeast and this expansion will further elevate its exceptional position by creating a reimagined destination to live, work, shop and dine, unlike any other in the region,” said David Simon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Simon.

Luxury lifestyle brand Nobu Hotels, founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, will blend its hotel and restaurant into one unique experience, including 150 rooms, a striking rooftop pool, a spa and corporate conference space. Nobu Atlanta Restaurant, revered for its signature take on Japanese cuisine, will operate in a 10,000 square foot space.

“We are very proud to be partnering with Simon as they continue to elevate Phipps Plaza from a renowned luxury center to an unparalleled, globally-recognized, mixed-use destination which still offers brands that simply can’t be found elsewhere in Atlanta,” said Trevor Howell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality. “We believe our Nobu Hotel and restaurant at Phipps will be a great addition to the new Phipps Plaza and make it even more popular.”

Phipps Plaza will also welcome a luxurious, three-level, 90,000-square-foot Life Time. This resort-like athletic club will feature the ultimate in-studio yoga and cycle classes; small group and personal training; a full-service LifeSpa; a fast-casual LifeCafe; a Life Time Kids Academy; and a lavish rooftop pool, beach club and bistro.

The new 13-story 350,000 square foot Class A office building, One Phipps Plaza (onephippsplaza.com), will provide modern, efficient office space inspired by the iconic Phipps Plaza. The office component will include a three-story parking garage, multiple signage opportunities and unmatched access to GA 400.
These new elements reinforce the ongoing transformation of Phipps Plaza. In recent years, Simon has dramatically expanded the dining options at Phipps Plaza and added residential elements to the center’s renowned luxury shopping experience. This includes recently opened Michael Schwartz’s Genuine Pizza, Daniel Reed’s Public Kitchen & Bar, Grand Lux Cafe and Ecco Buckhead (opening in November 2018). The mixed-use redevelopment will also incorporate new dining elements. Additionally, the new AC Hotel Atlanta Buckhead at Phipps Plaza offers 166 guest rooms and suites, and The Domain at Phipps Plaza consists of 319 mid-rise, urban-style luxury residences with a variety of floor plans.

Simon is a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

Located in Atlanta’s prestigious Buckhead district, Simon’s Phipps Plaza is the Southeast’s premier upscale shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Its distinctive mix of contemporary and luxury fashion is home to more than 50 market-exclusive brands. The center features signature boutiques such as Gucci, Versace, Jeffrey, Saint Laurent (coming soon), Valentino, Hugo Boss, Bally and Tiffany & Co., as well as anchors Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Phipps Plaza also offers the finest in award-winning dining options, including Michael Schwartz's Genuine Pizza, Daniel Reed’s Public Kitchen & Bar, Ecco Buckhead (opening in November 2018), Grand Lux Cafe and Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. Moviegoers can enjoy a 14-screen AMC Theatre with luxury seating in all auditoriums at Phipps Plaza. In recent years, the center added the Domain at Phipps Plaza, mid-rise, urban-style luxury residences, as well as the acclaimed AC Hotel by Marriott – in addition to undergoing a multi-phase renovation that included a striking, new luxury streetscape at its Peachtree Road entrance.

For a directory of stores and upcoming events, visit simon.com or at facebook.com/phippsplazabuckhead, twitter.com/ShopPhippsPlaza and instagram.com/shopphippsplaza.

Photos by Ben Rose/Ben Rose Photography
Phipps Plaza photo courtesy Simon