JV adding Virgin Atlanta to Centennial Yards

ATLANTA — A joint venture with Los Angeles-based CIM Group, Atlanta-based Centennial Yards Co. and Boston-based Drew Co. is developing the 261-key Virgin Hotel Atlanta at Centennial Yards.

Scheduled for a 2027 debut, the hotel will serve as a cornerstone of Centennial Yards’ Entertainment District, the $5 billion, 50-acre mixed-use development spanning approximately 470,000 sq. ft. in downtown Atlanta.

Centennial Yards is adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena and will already have major tenants like Live Nation and Cosm announced.

“Virgin Hotels brings a bold blend of energy, personality, and world‑class hospitality, and we’re proud to welcome their first Georgia location to Centennial Yards,” said Brian McGowan, president of Centennial Yards Co. “With The Drew Company’s established presence in Atlanta and their partnership every step of the way, we’ve been able to bring this vision to life — creating a vibrant district that celebrates connection, culture, and the future of downtown.”

The hotel will feature Virgin’s signature ‘Chambers’ concept, with each room offering a multi-functional space.

“We’re so excited to bring Virgin Hotels to Atlanta,” said Joe Margison, CEO of Virgin Hotels. “In Centennial Yards, we’ve found a partner that shares our vision for a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood. With Virgin Hotels Atlanta, we want to bring our signature mix of heartfelt service, bold design and playful spirit to a property that feels rooted in Atlanta and perfectly matched to the energy of Centennial Yards.”

This is the second major development in downtown Atlanta for The Drew Co., which developed and manages the 976-key Signia by Hilton Atlanta, which opened in 2024.

“While we were completing the nearby Signia by Hilton Atlanta, we witnessed firsthand how transformational CIM Group’s plans for Centennial Yards would be and knew that we wanted to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We are thrilled to announce our involvement in the project and introduce Virgin Hotels to the Atlanta market — a perfect fit for the Centennial Yards Entertainment District to showcase all that Downtown Atlanta has to offer while bringing its own unique, cheeky identity and energy to the area,” said John Drew, CEO of Drew Co.

The Virgin Hotel Atlanta at Centennial Yards will feature a ground-floor lobby bar, a signature restaurant and pool bar and a rooftop bar and lounge. The hotel will also include a wellness center, a large pool deck with 10 private cabanas and approximately 2,900 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space across three rooms.

Centennial Yards Co. was created by CIM Group to act as the owner and master developer of Centennial Yards. The entertainment district will feature a 5,300‑seat Live Nation venue opening in 2027, as well as a number of signature restaurants.

“There is something extraordinary about the destination we’re creating in downtown Atlanta,” said Shaul Kuba, co-founder and principal, CIM Group. “Virgin Hotels brings a level of excellence that complements the experiences we’re building for travelers and the local community.”