On Thursday, Macon-Bibb County Public Works will demolish the abandoned building at 155 Coliseum Drive, the site of the former Bibb Mill. This will be demolition #536 in the ongoing Blight Fight, but it represents a major step forward in economic development and revitalization for that area of East Macon.

“We have a huge opportunity to attract major private investment to this property and to all of East Macon, so we’re clearing the way and making it possible for everyone to see what is possible,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “With access to Ocmulgee Mounds National Park, Riverwalk, Coliseum and Convention Center, Downtown, and more, this area is primed and ready to propel forward in a major way the surrounding areas.”

Local leaders – from elected officials to development professionals to community groups – have long seen the potential of the former Bibb Mill site on Coliseum Drive. It’s the perfect location to become a vibrant center of activity and a gateway from I-16 into both East Macon and Downtown. 

“We are thrilled to see another step being made in this huge project,” says Commissioner Elaine Lucas. “We are making progress and I know people in this community and throughout the County will really appreciate this development.”

“This is a direct and intentional investment in the future of East Macon and the entire community,” says Commissioner Paul Bronson. “With a development of this scale, we’ll be better able to serve the needs of people in the surrounding area, all while bringing more people here to find out who we are. 

Macon-Bibb County recently bought the 21 acres and is actively looking for a developer to build something where people will be proud to live, to come to work, to jog and bike, and to give people a better first look at our community. Because of the size of the property, its location on the interstate, and its proximity to area attractions, it’s estimated it could attract $350 million in private investment.

By owning the property, Macon-Bibb County has control over what’s built there, to make sure it fits the overall community vision for the area and its future. And its location means that its redevelopment will have a major impact on many aspects of our lives and the future of other efforts in the city. 

That includes being able to attract larger conferences to the Convention Center, providing more affordable housing during Downtown’s resurgence, creating a more accessible entrance to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, providing more funds for infrastructure improvements in the neighborhoods, increasing sales tax revenue (thus reducing property taxes), and more.