Macon-Bibb County to Host Forum on Abandoned Hotel Implosion in Downtown

Macon-Bibb County officials and partners will host a forum on Thursday, December 19, at 3:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall (700 Poplar Street) to inform Downtown business owners and residents about the upcoming implosion of the abandoned hotel at 108 First Street. The implosion is scheduled for January 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

“This will be a chance for us to go through the plan in more detail with people, provide safety information, and answer questions they may have,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “I want to thank Target Contractors for beginning their community outreach efforts almost immediately to make sure everything is ready for the big day.”

Representatives from Target Contractors have already engaged with nearby businesses, providing early information and addressing concerns. The contractors, in collaboration with local public safety officials, have established an Exclusion Zone around the hotel, which will be in effect from 6:00 – 11:00 a.m. on January 1. This zone will ensure no one is present in the area during the implosion. Law enforcement will close roads and personnel will patrol the area to maintain safety.

“One of the reasons we picked New Year’s Day was because most, if not all, of the businesses will be closed in the area and there is much less traffic at that time,” added Mayor Miller.

The 16-story hotel, located in the block bordered by Riverside Drive, First Street, and Walnut Street, has been vacant for over a decade, leading to issues such as theft, vandalism, water damage, mold growth, and general deterioration.

“It was time to recognize that, if that part of Downtown was to benefit as other areas have, we needed to rethink the area and take a more direct role in its future,” Mayor Miller said.

Past attempts to revitalize the hotel failed due to the building’s outdated design, failure to meet current fire and safety codes, and severe structural damage.

“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 are working with government and utility officials to ensure all safety protocols are in place for the demolition, including fire safety, dust control, traffic management, and noise reduction.

The demolition is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate several blocks of Downtown, which includes future development across Riverside Drive and the Urban Development Authority’s acquisition of the former Macon Health Club and nearby buildings.