Photos: Replacing historic recording studio, downtown’s Margaritaville tower is on the rise

Another tourist destination is on the rise downtown, across the street from Centennial Olympic Park.

Despite fierce opposition from local historic preservationists, developers succeeded late last year in leveling two historic buildings on Nassau and Walton streets—one housed a studio where country music’s first hit was recorded—to pave the way for a Margaritaville resort high-rise.

Expected to stand more than 20 stories, the tower is the brainchild of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Vacation Club and timeshare company Wyndham Destinations.

A trip this week to the site, which flanks Centennial Olympic Park Drive, reveals construction is well underway, the tower crane has been erected, and beams have sprouted from the ground.

The tower, slated to join the touristy ranks of neighboring SkyView Ferris wheel, the Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is expected to feature a 14,000-square-foot ground level restaurant and timeshare units.

An updated construction timeline has not yet been announced, although general contractor Landmark Builders told What Now Atlanta in December that the project would debut in 2021.

Officials with the development team have not responded to Curbed Atlanta’s numerous requests for more details and renderings. This story will be updated if new information comes to light.