News Nearby: Deal to Shut Dante's, Build High-Rise, May be On Hold

Looks like Dante's Down the Hatch may not be closing at the end of March as originally expected.

Atlantic Realty Partners Inc. planned to redevelop the site of Dante's and build a new high-rise apartment building, but restaurant owner Dante Stephensen said the deal is on hold.

The mid-January closing date for the deal never happened, Stephensen told Atlanta Magazine, so he is no longer under contract with the development group.

Stephensen said he's not ready to retire, but would accept an offer if the price is "high enough."

He told Buckhead Patch in November that he is often approached with offers.

He told Atlanta Magazine he is in talks with an interested party that would like to purchase the land, but wouldn't redevelop it for about five to 10 years, which would allow him to keep the restaurant going.

However, Richard Aaronson, president of Atlantic Realty Partners, said a deal is "still on track to get the closing done in February." If that happens, the restaurant could close in April, he said.

Aaronson told Buckhead Patch on Wednesday afternoon that ARP intends "on moving forward with the redevelopment with the site."

To read a full version of this article, go to Buckhead Patch.