Atlanta, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The Cheetah Lounge, a well-known strip club in Midtown Atlanta, is slated for demolition to facilitate a mixed-use student housing project. Developed by Core Spaces and Capstone Communities, the project will feature approximately 1,600 housing units and 5,000 square feet of retail space. While some local students view the development positively, concerns about traffic and the loss of nightlife options have emerged. The development aims to meet the growing demand for student accommodations near Georgia Tech as enrollment hits record highs.
Atlanta
The Cheetah Lounge, a prominent strip club in Midtown Atlanta, is set for demolition to make way for a new student housing development, announced Core Spaces, a Chicago-based firm specializing in this type of real estate. The project, which will be developed in cooperation with Birmingham-based Capstone Communities, aims to address the increasing demand for student accommodations and retail space in the fast-growing area near Georgia Tech.
The new high-rise development will be situated on Spring Street and is expected to include approximately 1,600 housing units along with over 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. This development will occupy one of the last major undeveloped parcels in Midtown, as the area strives to evolve into a bustling, pedestrian-friendly environment. The first phase of the project is anticipated to be completed by 2029, with Dwell Design Studio, based in Sandy Springs, selected as the architect.
Since its establishment in the 1970s, the Cheetah Lounge has operated as a world-class adult entertainment venue, employing around 300 individuals. The impending closure of the lounge has prompted mixed reactions among local Georgia Tech students. While some welcome additional shopping options in the neighborhood, others express concerns regarding increased traffic congestion and the loss of an entertainment option.
Enrollment at Georgia Tech has reached a record high, indicating a pressing need for more residential options in Atlanta due to the city’s steep housing costs. Recent events at the Cheetah Lounge, including a shooting stemming from a dispute, have raised safety issues, amplifying the urgency for developments that can provide safer environments for students.
The transition from a nightlife entertainment venue to a mixed-use student housing space marks a significant shift in the landscape of Midtown Atlanta. Local council members have acknowledged the project’s potential impact on the community, noting it signals a broader trend of changing urban dynamics in the region.
As the development progresses over the next several years, it will likely alter both the community’s demographics and the economic fabric of Midtown. The ambitious project aims to blend residential living with retail and urban life that meets the 24-hour needs of its likely youthful residents and supports the greater Midtown area.
Key Project Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Type | Mixed-use development |
| Units | 1,600 beds |
| Retail Space | 5,000 square feet |
| Location | Spring Street, Midtown Atlanta, near Georgia Tech |
| Architecture Firm | Dwell Design Studio |
| Completion Date | Expected by 2029 |
| Employment Impact | 300 jobs at risk due to demolition |
FAQ
What is happening to the Cheetah Lounge?
The Cheetah Lounge is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use student housing development.
Who is developing the new project?
The project is being developed by Core Spaces in partnership with Capstone Communities.
What is the expected completion date for the project?
The first phase of the development is expected to be completed by 2029.
How many housing units will be included?
The development will include approximately 1,600 housing units for students.
What retail options will be available in the new development?
There will be over 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, though specific retail tenants have not yet been announced.
What impact will this project have on the local community?
The project will provide additional housing options but may increase traffic and shift the neighborhood’s nightlife dynamics.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Atlanta Town Hall Tackles Gun Violence and Budget Cuts
Atlanta Experiences Significant Population Growth
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Georgia’s Literacy Initiative Shows Promising Results
Georgia’s Literacy Initiative Sees Promising Improvements
Atlanta’s Critical Housing Shortage Exceeds 200,000 Homes
Atlanta Prepares for GSU’s Historic Demolition Decision
Federal Education Grants Announced for Georgia Schools
Georgia Southern University Secures New Housing for Students
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Midtown Atlanta
- WSB TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia Institute of Technology
- 11Alive
- Google Search: Atlanta student housing developments
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
