In 2025, The Gathering Spot (TGS) continued its vision of expansion with the launch of a new location in West Midtown, taking over the former site of the Leave of Absence (L.O.A) Social Club. This move aligns with the company’s long-term strategy, which has been in place since its inception in 2013. Finding the right opportunities for growth has been a key challenge, but according to TGS leadership, this latest venture presents an exciting and unique possibility.
West Midtown has seen a wave of business closures in recent years, raising questions about the sustainability of new ventures in the area. However, TGS remains confident in attracting and serving its community.
“We’re used to being on an island at TGS,” Ryan Wilson, co-founder of TGS, said.
Wilson emphasized TGS’s belief that success is driven by internal efforts rather than broader market trends. Despite some shifts in the West Midtown business landscape, the presence of ongoing development and investment suggests a strong future for the area.
Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
“If you just look around, there’s still cranes in the sky and a lot of money being invested on the side of the city,” Wilson said.
Malik Leaphart, senior associate at Stream Realty Partners, who played a key role in securing the deal for TGS’s new space, emphasized the organization’s deep understanding of the Atlanta market.
“TGS has spent the past decade expanding its footprint and refining its offerings to elevate the experience for its members,” Leaphart said.
One of the most notable aspects of the new TGS location is its range of unique amenities. Unlike previous spaces, this venue includes a pool, carried over from L.O.A Social Club, which is now an entirely new feature for TGS members. Additionally, the location offers unparalleled elevation, providing stunning views of the Atlanta skyline on one side and a vast, open landscape on the other.
“From an amenities perspective, this has some really unique features,” Wilson said.
He also praised the original design and construction of the former L.O.A. space. These elements will elevate the experience for members who gather, socialize, and collaborate within the space.
The expansion does not mean any changes to TGS’s original location, which remains a cornerstone of the brand’s identity. Wilson described the space as a “retreat” for members, offering a different setting for socializing and networking while maintaining the core values that define TGS. The original site will continue to serve as an institution within Atlanta’s cultural and business landscape.
“It’s one of those landmarks in town,” Wilson remarked.
The new TGS location, which spans approximately 60,000 square feet, encompasses the entire rooftop and a significant portion of the fifth floor of the Interlock building. This expansion marks a major milestone for the company, which has expanded its offerings with locations in Las Angeles and Washington, D.C. Reflecting on this achievement, TGS leadership expressed both excitement and humility.
“This is a long journey,” Wilson stated, recalling the early days of the company’s development. “I can’t say that I ever envisioned this exact space at this exact time, but I always believed we would build unique places.”
Wilson acknowledges the growth and evolution that brought them to this moment.
“I’m excited. I’m humbled,” he shared. “When we started this journey, I was 22, going on 23, with a limited vision of what was possible,” Wilson continued. As TGS continues to evolve, this new space marks an expansion and the organization’s commitment to community: “This is just another exciting chapter in a journey that has been years in the making.”
