Buckhead Living: How One Couple Mastered the Condo Search

Hal and Marcy Mendel at The Dillon Buckhead

 

After nearly 40 years of marriage, Hal and Marcy Mendel decided they were ready to embark on a new chapter in life. Marcy, originally from Charleston, and Hal, a native Atlantan, have lived and worked in the Buckhead area for decades. They knew their next home needed to stay true to the Buckhead lifestyle while also reflecting their love for entertaining. Just as the Mendels were taking a walk-through of their new Buckhead home, they agreed to sit down with us to discuss their condo search journey.

 

“We Were Ready for Everything to Be on One Level”

 

After nine years in their current townhome, a medical scare prompted the Mendels to reevaluate how they wanted to live. As sports enthusiasts who prioritize fitness and health, they found themselves drawn to a lifestyle that offered more freedom and less maintenance. "We wanted everything on one level with a larger space for entertaining," Marcy shared. "We were also looking for a home that offered a lock-and-go lifestyle, especially since we have a place in Florida as well."

 

Vista 2 Great Room rendering

 

The Mendels also knew they wanted a home with a view. Hal recalled a trip to Las Vegas as the inspiration for their desire for a taller high-rise building. "We stayed on the 30th floor of the ARIA hotel, overlooking the airport," Hal said. “I would sit facing the window and just be mesmerized by the lights and planes taking off and landing. I told Marcy that one day, I wanted a home where I could sit like that and just enjoy the view. That’s when I first envisioned living in a high-rise.”

 

 

“Buckhead is Closer to Everything We Love”

 

During their condo search, Hal and Marcy quickly discovered that no neighborhood compared to Buckhead. With its vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and elegant homes, this Atlanta suburb offered the active lifestyle they desired, all within an ultra-walkable community. “We may be growing older, but we don’t want to lose the feeling of life,” Hal shared. “That’s why we love Buckhead. It’s a family-oriented area that’s always active. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and everything one could need.”

 

“Buckhead is closer to everything we love to do,” exclaimed Marcy. “We love our morning walks, and this neighborhood is perfect for that. We can go to Bobby Jones and walk around the golf course or head to the BeltLine. We love all the restaurants nearby, and how much closer we are to any sporting events.”

“Time Is the Greatest Resource There Is”

 

After searching for a condo for a couple of years, Hal and Marcy found that nothing seemed to fit quite right. They were keenly aware of the value of their time and wanted a place that would offer as much freedom as possible. “The older you get, the more you realize that time is the greatest resource there is,” shared Hal. “Finding a place that manages the details means I can focus on what matters most. Other places we looked at weren’t feeling right—low ceilings, outdated features, poor views, or little to no amenities. When The Dillon came along, we knew it was the right choice.”

 

Dillon Arrival

 

“I think one thing about The Dillon and the whole high-rise lifestyle that really sold us is the array of amenities and the 24-hour service,” Marcy shared. “When you have valet and concierge services, it allows you more time. It truly makes life a lot easier.”

 

Dillon Buckhead Aerial

“Finding a Building This Size in Atlanta Isn’t Possible”

 

The Mendels chose a three-bedroom residence on one of The Dillon’s top floors for their new home. The condo features floor-to-ceiling glass walls and expansive private terraces, offering stunning views of Downtown Atlanta and Buckhead’s iconic tree canopy. What set The Dillon apart for Hal was the building’s intimate scale. “There are only 144 residences in total,” Hal noted. “Finding a building this size in Atlanta in the next five years will be impossible. Here, no matter where your condo is, you have a view. I’m confident that the view I’m buying today will be the view I’ll have forever.”

 

 

“There Was Nothing We Had to Upgrade”

 

The standard features in their new home were another major draw for the Mendels. “I wanted a nice-sized kitchen, and I was thrilled to see the large island in The Dillon,” Marcy shared. “We love to entertain, and having the outdoor space is perfect for that. We were also able to get a grill, which is huge since we grill almost every night. Most buildings today either don’t have the capability or don’t allow grills at all.”

 

Dillon Penthouse rendering

 

“There was nothing we had to upgrade at The Dillon,” Hal explained. “The residence includes a high-end refrigerator, washer and dryer, and a wine cooler— all at no extra cost. Even the shower doors are glass, which isn’t considered an upgrade. The flooring options were hardwood or tile. The appliance package and overall attention to detail are exceptional. Everything in our new home is the newest and best available.”

 

pickleball and amenities at dillon

“I’m Going to Be the Amenity King Here.”

 

Another key selling point for The Dillon was its comprehensive suite of resort-style amenities, all located on an elevated fourth-floor Amenity Terrace. “The amenities for this size building are remarkable,” said Hal. “I’m going to be the amenity king here. There’s a poker table for our regular games. I hope the golf range is well-protected because balls will be flying everywhere. We’ll also use the giant screen in the theater to watch the Master’s tournament with friends and family. The pool area with cabanas will be perfect for socializing, and the gym is just downstairs. Then there’s the mail room, the package delivery, the valet… I could just go on and on.”

 

 

“I’m looking forward to the full-fledged gym with all the equipment,” Marcy said. “The dog park will be fantastic when our children visit with their dog. I’m also excited about the pickleball court. The amenities offer great options for socializing or staying in, depending on my mood. Whether it’s playing pool, enjoying the pool area, or just relaxing at home, having these choices is amazing.”

“We Can’t Wait to Call The Dillon Home”

 

With just 25 remaining residences and the building near completion, homeowners are looking forward to moving in later this year. “I’m also looking forward to making new friendships,” shared Hal. “Marcy and I are people persons. We wanted a lifestyle that allows us to be as active or inactive as we choose. The Dillon’s setup caters to that flexibility, and the boutique feel of the building is exactly what I was looking for. I can’t wait to call The Dillon my new home.”

 

For more information on the remaining residences available or to stay updated on The Dillon's progress, register your interest at TheDillonBuckhead.com, or contact the Sales Team at 404-777-6259. The Preview Gallery is also open daily at 2395 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305.