Macon Prepares for Demolition of Vacant Hotel as Part of Downtown Revitalization Efforts

After more than a decade of sitting vacant and deteriorating, the 16-story hotel located at Riverside Drive, First Street, and Walnut Street in Macon is set to be demolished. The building, which has been a target of theft, vandalism, and water damage, will be cleared to make way for future development aimed at revitalizing Downtown Macon.

“It was time to recognize that, if that area of Downtown was to benefit as other areas have, we needed to rethink that area and take a more direct role in its future,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “That area of First Street and Riverside Drive has such great potential as a gateway to our Downtown.”

The hotel, which has undergone multiple renovation attempts over the years, is plagued by outdated design, structural damage, and safety code violations. Issues like low ceilings that prevent the installation of central air, flooding in the parking deck, and roof damage have rendered renovation plans unfeasible.

“The best path forward is to clear the site and find a developer to build something that will truly move our Downtown forward,” said Alex Morrison, Executive Director of the Urban Development Authority.

Target Contractors has been selected for the demolition, which is scheduled to take place around New Year’s Eve. The planning process, which began on November 20, will focus on safety protocols, environmental protection, and site control during the implosion. The public will be informed through meetings, forums, and updates on safety measures, with the goal of ensuring minimal disruption to local businesses and residents.

“We want to get as much information to the public as possible to make sure people and property are safe, and to provide people a way to watch this historic moment,” said Chief Communications Officer Chris Floore. “This is going to be quite the sight, and with so many people having a connection to or memories of this building, we want to give them a chance to say goodbye…and then hello to what’s coming next.”

This demolition is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate the area. In addition to the hotel’s demolition, plans include future developments across Riverside Drive and the Urban Development Authority’s acquisition of the former Macon Health Club, signaling a coordinated effort to revitalize several blocks of Downtown Macon.