CLOSED (FIRE): Tower II

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution

Fire closes Tower II, Nov. 26, 2007

When Buzz turned to the Sunday morning news and saw a brief report that the popular gay Atlanta nightspot Tower II had caught fire Saturday, we sprung into action for more information. It may take four or five weeks for fire officials to determine the cause, said a distraught Angela Ballew, owner of the predominantly African-American venue that has seen such celebs as Kelly Price, local hip-hop artist Ms. B, Jeffrey Osborne, Divinity (Beyonce’s bass player) and Frenchie of “American Idol” fame make appearances. “But we’re glad it happened in the morning and that no one got hurt.” Ballew says the fire started about 8:30 or 9 a.m. and was confined to the roof area. Mario Harris, who hosts parties at the venue each Friday night through his WassupNAtl group, says, “Everything was fine, and we were good to go” at the end of the night. Harris says he’s exploring his options, including a move to Django, to carry on his Friday hip-hop, house and R&B events until Tower II gets back on its feet. “We’re going to rebuild,” notes Ballew. “It’s going to take us a little while, but God works in mysterious ways. And when we do rebuild, we’re going to be bigger and better.” She hopes for a grand reopening in spring.