Macon-Bibb Leaders Tour Major Development Sites as Multi-Million Dollar Projects Advance

On May 2025, Mayor Lester Miller and the Macon-Bibb County Commission conducted their Committee of the Whole Meeting outside City Hall, visiting the sites of several major development projects underway or set to begin soon.

“It’s one thing to discuss these projects and their details while sitting in Chambers in City Hall…it’s another thing to get out and see the sites for ourselves,” said Mayor Miller. “We have a lot of major projects in the works – with more to come – and we wanted to make sure we all had the same understanding of our direction and this historic moment in our community’s history.”

The projects reviewed during the tour included:

Lower Poplar Street Property – Purchased as a potential future site for expanded jail space or a public safety center.
Carolyn Crayton Park Entrance – Drainage and road repaving improvements at the Walnut Street entrance are being planned in coordination with Macon Water Authority, Georgia Power, and Norfolk Southern.
East Bank Development – The former Bibb Mill site on Coliseum Drive is being considered for redevelopment into a commercial gateway estimated to attract $350 million in private investment.
New Macon Arena – Plans are underway to replace the nearly 60-year-old coliseum with a modern arena capable of hosting sporting events, concerts, and conventions.
Renaissance on the River – Mercer University will build its new medical school along Riverside Drive, joined by lofts, retail, and a hotel.
108 First Street – The site of the former Ramada Hotel will become a new convention center with a connecting hotel, working in tandem with Renaissance on the River.
Wesleyan Drive Community Center – The County is evaluating the best community and recreational use for newly acquired land with multiple buildings and greenspace in North Macon.
Eisenhower Corridor Lofts – A mixed-use development including lofts and retail space is planned across from the new Atrium Health Amphitheater and Macon Mall, targeting students at Central Georgia Technical College.