On Wednesday, April 1, demolition began on Coliseum Drive, as Macon-Bibb County continues making progress on revitalizing the former Bibb Mill site in East Macon.

The building, which most recently housed the Secretary of State’s Offices before relocating to Arkwright Road, is one of several structures being cleared to open up the property for future development.

“This area is primed for major investment, and we’re clearing the way so people can see what’s possible,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “With its location near the Ocmulgee Mounds, Riverwalk, Coliseum, Downtown, and more, this is a key gateway into our community.”

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.

Macon-Bibb County bought the 21 acres adjacent to the building several years ago and is seeking 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.