In a city synonymous with Black innovation, entrepreneurship, and culture, The Gathering Spot (TGS) is once again raising the bar. Nearly a decade after opening its first location at Northyards, co-founders Ryan Wilson and TK Peterson are expanding their vision with the launch of The Retreat — a bold, breathtaking second Atlanta location rooted in intention, elevation, and community.
More than a club, it’s a cultural moment
Located in the sleek Interlock building at 1115 Howell Mill Road in West Midtown, The Retreat is a 60,000 square foot oasis that offers something Atlanta hasn’t seen before: a rooftop pool experience crafted specifically for Black professionals, creatives, and change-makers. With 40,000 square feet of rooftop space, including cabanas, locker rooms, and panoramic 360-degree views of the city, The Retreat is more than a coworking space — it’s a lifestyle hub. Down below, 20,000 square feet of flexible work environments and over 15 private offices round out the space, making it equal parts productivity and pleasure.
“We’ve never had a pool at any of our clubs,” Ryan Wilson shares. “Just us having a rooftop is a whole new experience. You’ve got 360 views of the city.”
The Gathering Spot, reimagined
While TGS Northyards has long been considered a “secluded oasis,” The Retreat takes on a more vibrant energy. With its emphasis on social engagement, extended evening hours, and hosting spaces for intimate cocktail events and city-view celebrations, the new location embraces its name fully — a retreat away from the grind, yet still deeply connected to the mission.
“This is not a departure from who we are,” says TK Peterson. “It’s an enhancement — a more elevated social atmosphere for our members.”
Roots in community, eyes on the future
Founded in what Wilson calls “a golden age of entrepreneurship in Atlanta,” TGS has always stood for the power of human connection. From startups conceived in its lounges to lifelong relationships formed between members, the club’s legacy is steeped in stories of transformation. The Retreat amplifies that legacy, carving out space for deeper collaboration and even more memorable moments.
“Magic happens when we come together,” Wilson reflects. “We’ve seen businesses form, friendships, marriages — there are even Gathering Spot babies.”
The name The Retreat isn’t just branding — it’s a declaration. A statement that rest, restoration, and reconnection are just as essential to success as the hustle.
While exclusivity defines many membership clubs, TGS remains rooted in accessibility and purpose. “We are known for being the most community-driven membership club that exists,” Wilson states proudly. The membership model is designed to better connect people — not divide them — and to ensure programming remains culturally relevant, civically engaged, and socially powerful.
“We open our doors to everyone,” Peterson adds. “From civic engagement events to cultural conversations, we host it all — and we welcome all.”
The road ahead: Rooftops and real estate
This second Atlanta location is just the beginning. With current clubs in eight cities and plans to explore rooftop venues, speakeasies, and culturally immersive real estate in new markets, TGS is scaling with precision. But the ethos remains the same: create spaces that reflect the beauty, diversity, and brilliance of Black culture.
“This is a long-term play,” Wilson says. “We’re building history — not just clubs.”
Opening week and what’s next
The Retreat will launch in just a few weeks with a full slate of opening week events, designed to welcome members into the new space with the same vibrant energy that has defined TGS since day one. From rooftop mixers to intimate panels and wellness activations, it’s a celebration of vision, value, and the vibrant Atlanta community that made it all possible.
The Retreat isn’t just a new location. It’s a statement of evolution — of where the culture is going and how The Gathering Spot continues to lead from the front. As Atlanta grows, so too does TGS, rooted in its belief that when the community gathers, greatness follows.
Additional context and depth:
Founding of The Gathering Spot: For insights into the inception of The Gathering Spot and the vision of co-founders Ryan Wilson and TK Peterson, refer to the article titled “Ryan Wilson opens $3M private club, The Gathering Spot”.
Community Engagement at The Gathering Spot: To understand the role of The Gathering Spot in fostering community and hosting significant events, see “Marketing agencies compete at Atlanta Hawks inaugural ‘Agency Shootout.'”
