The iconic Cheetah Lounge, a longtime fixture of Atlanta’s nightlife at 887 Spring Street NW, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation.

Developers have announced plans to redevelop the site into a modern student housing tower catering to approximately 1,600 Georgia Tech students, with retail space integrated on the lower levels.

Cheetah Club To Be Georgia Tech Housing

The project, which marks a significant shift for the Midtown area, is slated for completion by 2029.

The redevelopment plan aims to address the growing demand for student housing near Georgia Tech’s campus while revitalizing a key corridor in Midtown.

The new tower will feature contemporary living spaces designed for students, including furnished apartments, study lounges, and communal areas tailored to foster a vibrant academic community.

The inclusion of ground-floor retail space is expected to bring new dining, shopping, and service options to the area, enhancing its appeal for both students and local residents.

For academic circles, the transformation of this site represents an exciting opportunity to meet the needs of Georgia Tech’s growing student population while contributing to the dynamic evolution of Midtown.

For those who knew the site’s history — and perhaps frequented the club, it’s the end of an era.

”All of Atlanta’s historic places are closing. Cheetah Club was one of the greats,” said Willie Thompson, who was briefly a bouncer for the club back in the early 1990s.

”The difference between the Cheetah and some of these other clubs is that the Cheetah had high-dollar clientele,” Thompson said.

The Cheetah Lounge, known for its history as a prominent adult entertainment venue since the 1980s, has been a polarizing yet recognizable landmark in the city. Its closure and redevelopment signal a shift in the area’s identity, as Midtown continues to evolve into a hub for education, technology, and urban living.

The project has sparked mixed reactions, with some longtime Atlantans expressing nostalgia for the venue’s cultural significance, while others welcome the change as a step toward modernizing the neighborhood.

Georgia Tech officials have expressed support for the initiative, citing the need for additional housing to accommodate the university’s expanding enrollment.

With the student population steadily increasing, the new tower is expected to alleviate pressure on the local rental market and provide convenient, campus-adjacent accommodations.

Construction is anticipated to begin in [estimated start date, if available, e.g., late 2026], with the project team working closely with city officials to ensure compliance with zoning and urban development guidelines.

The development is also expected to incorporate sustainable design elements, such as energy-efficient systems and green spaces, aligning with Atlanta’s broader goals for environmentally conscious growth.

Local business owners in Midtown are optimistic about the economic boost the retail component could bring. “Having 1,600 students living here will create a lot of foot traffic,” said Wayne Landry, an entrepreneur who operates a nearby café. “It’s a chance to bring fresh energy to the area.”

As plans move forward, the project will likely be a focal point for discussions about balancing Atlanta’s rich history with its future as a growing metropolitan center.

Community input sessions are expected to be scheduled in the coming months to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders.

For now, the Cheetah Lounge remains open, but its days as a nightlife staple are numbered. By 2029, the site will stand as a testament to Atlanta’s ever-changing skyline, welcoming a new generation of Yellow Jackets to call it home.

Final Word

Downtown Atlanta’s development landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by large-scale mixed-use projects, infrastructure upgrades, and a focus on revitalizing the city’s historic core. These changes reflect a broader effort to make Downtown more vibrant, walkable, and economically robust, particularly in preparation for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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