Interlock district's swanky rooftop zone lands tenant, eyes reopening

Following a stab at operating as a pricey, members-only club and then a sudden closure in August, one of the largest and most unique rooftop social spaces in Atlanta has new life on tap. 

Real estate investment firm Armada Hoffler announced today it has leased the multifaceted rooftop space atop The Interlock district in West Midtown to Atlanta-based communal hub, events facility, and workspace The Gathering Spot.  

The new members-only concept, Retreat at The Gathering Spot, will occupy 38,000 square feet of rooftop space with a swanky pool area and sweeping views from Buckhead to downtown. Other facets will see two full-service restaurants and sections meant for events, workshops, and flexible workspaces. (Find our photo tour of all rooftop spaces just before they opened over here.)

The Gathering Spot, which is expanding from its original location off North Avenue, will also occupy 20,000 square feet of office space at the SJC Ventures development. The new spaces are scheduled to open sometime this summer, officials announced today. 

With designs inspired by Mykonos’ garden lounges, Monaco’s cabanas, and even cruise-ship decks, the rooftop portion at Interlock was operated for two years by Slater Hospitality (creators of  Ponce City Market tourist-destination The Roof) as L.O.A., or Leave Of Absence. 

Ryan Wilson, The Gathering Spot cofounder and CEO, predicted the new digs will provide “a dynamic environment for business meetings and networking” and “a respite from the day-to-day,” where members can “transition from closing deals to unwinding with friends, engaging in wellness experiences, and enjoying a social retreat that recharges and inspires,” according to a statement. 

The Gathering Spot, described by founders as “the largest Black-owned community in the United States,” was started in 2016 at Atlanta’s North Yards Business Park. It now counts two more locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C. and roughly 12,000 members nationwide. 

Membership to Retreat atop The Interlock district will come by invitation only, and candidates must first be members of The Gathering Spot, per officials. Club memberships in Atlanta currently start at $2,100 annually. 

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Fresh Beltline pitstop

In other occupancy news, developer Portman today announced the first Beltline-adjacent restaurant space—a concept from the creator of MF Sushi, Kingo Room, and other restaurants—has begun opening at its Junction Krog District mixed-use project. 

Yuji, a Japanese-modern restaurant by Kinjo Enterprise, has started debuting its Kaiseki-inspired menu in an upscale buildout along the Eastside Trail, just west of Krog Street Market. 

Yuji is situated on the ground floor and connected with what Portman calls the “expansive public porch” of its sleekly contemporary, black-painted building. The restaurant includes two outdoor bars, along with a 1,700-square-foot patio for quaffing sake, cocktails, and beer on draft. (A range of mocktails are also offered.)

Another feature is a Yuji walk-up window for to-go orders with a touchscreen display. 

Beyond the Japanese concept, coffee and cocktail purveyor Brash Coffee Roasters recently opened at Junction Krog District. Italian concept YEPPA&co is now on pace to open this summer, officials said today. 

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