When it comes to affecting change, some organizations roll up their sleeves and take matters into their own hands. This old saying couldn’t be more applicable than it is to what Historic Macon Foundation (HMF) does by preserving and restoring Macon’s historic sites and architecture. 

Born through the merger of the Middle Georgia Historical Society and the Macon Heritage Foundation, this group's mission is to revitalize our community by preserving architecture and sharing history.

“Over the past three decades, HMF has been the lead developer in revitalizing historic neighborhoods in Macon,” says Ethiel Garlington, Executive Director of HMF.  In order to encourage market level interest and development trends, they had to actually create the product and atmosphere that would allow private development to surge and thrive on it’s own. 

“In many ways our organization serves as the pioneer for development efforts to help entice the private sector investment.  We’ve seen this success work in Hugenin Heights and Beall’s Hill.  Of course, when the real estate market took a turn in 2008 the private sector investment slowed, but HMF continued investing in the neighborhoods.  Now that investment is paying off and we hope to reinvigorate efforts in Beall’s Hill, largely thanks to a $3m investment from the Knight Foundation,” says Garlington. 

Knowing their limitations and with the goal of concentrating their efforts to create the most impact possible, Historic Macon has focused on 3 main projects recently. The moving and remodeling of 3 historic houses (that were scheduled for demolition) to Oglethorpe St, the ongoing revitalization in Beall’s Hill, and most recently, the Downtown Loft Project at 551 Cherry.

“In 2011, the Peyton Anderson Foundation made a $250,000 challenge grant to HMF to start our Downtown Loft Revolving Loan Fund. The funds were matched by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, EJ Grassman Trust, and the 1772 Foundation.”

Additional support came from the Griffith Charitable Family Foundation.  The funds were used to purchase and rehabilitate 551 Cherry Street, which has been transformed from a non-descript commercial building to three high-end residential condominiums and one commercial condo.  

“We know that owner occupied units are critical for the long-term vibrancy of Downtown. As with all of our rehabilitation projects, each of the units includes the GA historic rehabilitation tax credit for the buyers.  The credits are allocated based on square footage of the units and range from $30,000 to $15,000 in credits that can be used to offset your state income taxes,” says Garlington.

Carrie Robinson, HMF Preservation Designer, served as the project manager during the construction and facilitated the Design House, formerly known as the Decorator’s Showhouse.  Thirteen talented designers from across the region donated their time and expertise to transform the building into a showcase of downtown loft living.  Robinson says, “This was a unique opportunity for HMF and the designers to show how historic urban buildings can showcase fresh and exciting interiors.”

Historic Macon continues to lead by example and has proven that our community will continue to thrive thanks to strong partnerships, creative problem solving, and a handful of people willing to roll up their sleeves.

By: George Emami (Broker/Owner of The Brokery, LLC – a Middle GA Real Estate Firm specializing in Historic, High-end, and Commercial Property Sales & Leasing).