The owners of Mixx are in the middle of a series of renovations designed to make the club more comfortable and upscale — something they believe is lacking in LGBT Atlanta’s nightlife scene.

The bar first opened in 2009 as one of the only non-smoking venues in Midtown and has since become a popular after-work destination.

The 3,200 square-foot club features a large dance floor, two bars, a covered outdoor area and a wall-sized projection system that plays music videos.

Mixx hosts a variety of weekly events, including local pianist David Reeb, Texas Hold’em Poker and the weekly Grown and Sexy Party, but the bar’s owners are planning a series of upcoming events they hope will make Mixx a local nightlife fixture.

A three-day event for the fall is in the works, which will showcase the bar’s new attitude. Called “The Big Chill,” the event will show off the renovations and new theme “Chill at Mixx.” The bar’s owners say there will be giveaways and activities for patrons during the event.

The goal is to make Mixx an upscale video lounge during the day and a hopping nightclub at night, the owners say. At night and on the weekends, the theme becomes “Sizzle at Mixx.”

Jim Randig, Mixx’s general manager and its first employee, says the next big event for the lounge revolves around Labor Day Weekend’s Black Gay Pride celebration.

“We have different models coming in and liquor promotions,” Randig says.

The smoke-free atmosphere is appealing to many of Atlanta’s residents, including part-time TNT basketball commentator Charles Barkley, who Randig says might just be Mixx’s most famous patron so far.

“He came in taping during the basketball season,” Randig says. “We’re one of the few non-smoking bars that advertise in the city. He had a couple of drinks with his entourage.”

Barkley, Randig says, was a great customer and even posed with a fan for a picture.

Upcoming events at Mixx

During the year, Mixx hosts several charity events to benefit local nonprofit organizations. The next event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29, and will benefit AID Atlanta.

Other upcoming events include an evening Q&A with drag performer Coco Peru as part of the 2012 Out on Film festival. Peru will join “Trick” director Jim Fall on Oct. 10 following a screening of the film. She will also perform her one woman show Oct. 11 at Mixx.

Peru’s appearance is part of Mixx’s new “Backstage at Mixx” entertainment showcase, which is billed as an intimate evening with entertainers.

Other personalities to have participated in the series include funnyman Leslie Jordan and Amy and Freddy, a comedic duo from Chicago.

Mixx has also become the new unofficial home for author readings since Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse closed earlier this year.

In a partnership with gift/bookstore Brushstrokes, Mixx has hosted readings from Atlanta author K. Murry Johnson, dating blogger Totally Tyler and Big Meach. Future author readings and book signings are also in the works.

Top photo: Mixx plans a series of renovations and events to invite patrons to ‘Chill at Mixx’ earlier in the day and ‘Sizzle at Mixx’ later at night. (Courtesy photo)