I am coming down this week (from Michigan - no more winters!) to look for a place. Hope to find a duplex in Midtown area for $400 - $500K - and modern. Am I totally crazy or do you think that is possible? Insights, suggestion all welcome (except names of local institutions I should check into). Many thanks.

Best of luck finding a modern town house or duplex.

There are many contempory condo project intown. But many of the 'modern' town houses are custom homes.
We are working on a 'modern'duplex project that is south of midtown.
But if you are looking for a walkable area, the Old Fourth Ward is fast becoming a great place to live.
There is a project that is underconstruction, on Dekalb Avenue- that looks interesting.The attach photo is the project south of the City (it has a great view of the skyline).
If you have any questions our email is tacstudios@bellsouth.net.