MACON, Ga. — The demolition of the old Riverside Plaza complex in Macon will officially happen this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.
It's to make way for a new behavioral health center and expand Macon's River Edge.
River Edge Behavioral Health decided to say out with the old and in with the new.
The new location will be an outpatient behavioral center and a central headquarters for the organization.
They plan to offer services that will address the need for mental health and addiction services right here in Central Georgia.
There will be comprehensive adult behavioral health outpatient and substance use disorder services, as well as child and adolescent services.
River Edge CEO Cass Hatcher said the location is central and easily accessible.
"People with disabilities, people who have mental illnesses need to be in a quality environment, not an institutionalized environment," Hatcher said.
Riverside Plaza stretches about 74,000 sq. ft. behind a Quik Trip gas station. It used to be a major retail center in North Macon.
"We realized these patients need a building that basically says 'We're here to help'," Hatcher said. "You will be in an environment where you know that you're going to seek quality help there."
Hatcher also emphasized the importance of the services they'll provide at the new location and its impact on access to mental health services here in Central Georgia.
"As you know, mental health services since the pandemic have been on the rise," Hatcher said. "People need someone to talk to, someone to basically help them through their crisis if they have one, help them through their mental illnesses and provide those quality services for them to help them get through the day."
Neil Patel is the president of Red Roof Inn & Suites in Macon and he basically has a front-row seat to the construction.
"It is a positive impact in the community by having these types of facilities," Patel said.
Patel said driving around town, he sees a lot of people who need mental health services. He hopes it will help the neighborhood and the revitalization along Riverside Drive.
"The location is easy access from I-75 and downtown Macon," Patel said. "It covers a lot of the Macon area and it will be easy for the patients to come in and out."
Although parking might be limited now that the construction is taking place, Patel says a center like this is needed in the area. He hopes it will all work out.
"The community should benefit from this type of facilities in the area," Patel said. "It's going to be nice for the community to have a new facility to be able to treat patients with mental health issues."
Riverside Plaza was built in 1967. It featured the original free-standing Natalia's Restaurant, a post office and a public library.
There will be a ceremony to kick off the demolition on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m.
They hope to have construction completed by December of 2025.