Navicent Health is pleased to announce the beginning of a new project that will benefit the Macon-Bibb County region. The health system has announced plans to construct The Lofts at Navicent, an estimated $20 million project expected to be completed in spring of 2017.

The community is cordially invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the new loft project on Tuesday, March 1 at 1:00 p.m. The ceremony will take place in Navicent Health’s “Goodbye Too Soon” Park at the corner of Rose Park and Orange Street. Parking is available on the street or in Navicent Health’s Yellow Parking Deck at 1014 Forsyth Street in Macon.

“We are thrilled to begin this project and look forward to the benefits that it will have for local residents and our local economy. We envision a vibrant square with shopping, dining and service opportunities not only for Navicent Health’s employees, patients and their loved ones, but also for local students and residents. This is one way that Navicent Health wants to give back to our community and its economy,” said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Navicent Health. 

The Lofts at Navicent will be constructed, in partnership with Sierra Development, at the corner of Spring Street at Rose Park. The property, owned by Navicent Health, is currently vacant. 

“The Chamber of Commerce applauds Navicent Health for taking the initiative to construct lofts that will draw residents to the College Hill and InTown areas, continuing to bolster its growing and vibrant economy,” said Mike Dyer, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.

“Navicent Health is already a huge part of the revitalization of our urban core, and makes us a regional and state healthcare hub by attracting people to work here. With this new development, they will now also be attracting people to live here,” said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert A.B. Reichert.

The 88,000 square foot project will reserve 60,000 square feet for lofts, including 45 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom units. In addition, 20,000 square feet will be reserved for medical office space and 8,000 square feet for retail space. A number of businesses have already requested to be included on the ground floor.

“This project further expands Sierra Development’s investment in the College Hill Corridor. With the Lofts at Navicent, we are transforming a vacant lot into a retail and residential destination with a large outdoor plaza. We are excited to partner with Navicent Health to create another vibrant, hip, walkable residential and retail destination for Navicent Health’s employees, Mount de Sales and Mercer students as well as residents in the surrounding historic neighborhoods, like Beall’s Hill and InTown,” said Jim Daws, President of Sierra Development, the company known locally for the Lofts at Mercer Village and the Lofts at 401 Cherry Street.

The architectural design, created by Azar Walsh, will reflect local scenery and architecture through design and color scheme. 

“Navicent Health is thoroughly committed to supporting the local community, and that support usually comes in the form of healthcare and wellness initiatives. We are excited to support the community through a project that is atypical for a health system to undertake. We cannot wait to see the final product and the impact that it will have,” said Starr Purdue, Chair of Navicent Health’s Board of Directors.