Macon Rings in 2025 with Spectacular Hotel Demolition, Marking a New Beginning for Downtown

On the first morning of 2025, nearly 2,000 spectators gathered downtown, braving 40-degree temperatures, to witness the implosion of the abandoned 16-story hotel on First Street. Thousands more tuned in via live streams to watch the long-anticipated demolition unfold at exactly 9:00 a.m.

Excitement filled the air as people lined Coleman Hill, Historic Rose Hill Cemetery, and nearby downtown streets, some arriving as early as five hours before the event to secure prime viewing spots. Public safety officers worked alongside Target Contractors to ensure a safe and seamless demolition, which had been weeks in the making.

“This is more than just watching a building implode,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “This is an example of how we’re going to spend the new year, with a clean slate and fresh start to make a difference, not only Downtown, but across Macon-Bibb County.”

At 6:00 a.m., surrounding streets were closed, and nearby businesses were safeguarded against any potential damage. As the countdown ended, Mayor Miller pressed the remote, triggering 14 thunderous explosions that reduced the structure to a cloud of dust within 15 seconds.

Spectators erupted in cheers and applause, marveling at the spectacle. Crews promptly began clearing the debris, allowing streets to reopen a few hours later.

The rubble from the hotel will be ground up and used to fill in the site’s foundation hole, saving costs on removal and fill material. Additional structures, including the parking deck and commercial spaces along Walnut Street, are slated for demolition by May 2025.

“It’s a new day in Macon-Bibb,” said Mayor Miller. “A new beginning.”

No damage to nearby buildings has been reported, marking the event as a successful start to Macon’s redevelopment efforts.