MACON, Ga. — Construction on the Otis Redding Center for the Arts is moving along, and nearly 40% complete, the Otis Redding Foundation's executive director says.
Karla Redding-Andrews, the daughter of the music legend, has planned the 9,000-square-foot, two-story building for years. Now, it's all happening, thanks in part to her mother, Zelma Redding.
"My mother walked out the front door of this facility, this building where we are now," Redding-Andrews recalled, explaining how planning started. "Looked toward the dilapidated hole in the ground, the Nu-Way, the historic Nu-Way space, and said, 'Karla, I think that's the home.'"
More than two years after the foundation formally announced its plans, and after plenty of donations — like Macon-Bibb County's $785,000 contribution of American Rescue Plan Act funds last week — Redding-Andrews is busy outlining expanded services.
Right now, the group offers music lessons to children and teenagers finding their way in music. They offer summer camps and resources for young musicians. But they say the new space will provide for more offerings.
"We intend to invite seniors to come in and have group music lessons, as well as mommy and me programs with the little kids in the mornings," Redding-Andrews explained.
She wants Macon to see these programs amp up their mission of serving the entire community while honoring her father's memory.
"It's a whole community facility that offers so much to see," Redding-Andrews said,
The new construction will also offer a small amphitheater that will serve as a place for young musicians to perform. Redding-Andrews says it will also function as a community area when they're not using it.
She says people can sit out there and enjoy their lunch, watch Otis Redding films or listen to music.
Redding-Andrews held off on saying when the center will be open, but she expects construction to finish in the late fall.