UDA Takes Charge in Downtown Revitalization Project of Former Macon Health Club Building

On Friday, November 17, Mayor Lester Miller, alongside Alex Morrison from the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and key partners, made a significant announcement regarding the transformation of the former Macon Health Club and its surroundings. The UDA is set to spearhead the initiative with the goal of revitalizing and rejuvenating the entire block.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Mayor Miller stated, “This has been a long time coming, and I’m so excited we are finally getting the ball rolling with this project. This collaborative effort will allow us to bring life back to this area of Downtown Macon very soon.”

The exchange of properties leading up to the announcement will empower the UDA to formulate plans for the Health Club and the former bankers building, ensuring the development aligns with the mission of both entities.

Karla Redding-Andrews, Vice-President and Executive Director of the Otis Redding Foundation, commended Mayor Miller for his vision, stating, “This couldn’t be a better opportunity for Macon-Bibb. Mayor Miller, I applaud you for your risks, for your tenacity to make Macon-Bibb the best that it can always be. This is going to be an amazing project for so many people.”

Alex Morrison emphasized the strategic nature of the property exchange, stating, “The exchange of properties aligns the respective authorities more to their mission, providing opportunities for new growth and development, both at the Health Club and former bankers building.”

Mayor Miller outlined the vision for the revitalization project, stating, “We want to bring the health club back to life by creating another space for people to work out Downtown, but we also want to see more living spaces and restaurants in this area. If we can continue to get that foot traffic, we’re going to continue to move things forward.”

The redevelopment of these buildings will capitalize on the momentum generated by the Otis Redding Foundation’s recent move nearby, the opening of Hotel 45, and the substantial SPLOST-funded renovation of the City Auditorium. Additionally, the project aims to enhance the area’s parking availability through the utilization of the parking deck.