MACON, Ga. — It's been almost 4 months since a large fire destroyed a residential complex on the corner of Walnut and Spring streets in Downtown Macon.
Edwin Atkins lives directly across from the scorched remains that have sat for 117 days.
"We're approaching a four-month anniversary of absolutely nothing happening across the street," Atkins said.
But he could soon change that.
As of Aug. 13, Atkins now owns 392 Walnut, the center lot that suffered extreme damage. Now, he's looking to transform the remains.
His first idea is to develop a ruin garden to keep the neighborhood's historic roots alive.
"I don't think there's any ruin gardens in a fire, and we might be the first," Atkins said. "Why not have a place where people can rest and enjoy their coffee and just sit in a beautiful garden?"
Atkins says the lone chimney that is left could be a centerpiece among the greenery.
"Other than that is to bring a historic house located on Spring Street called the Primus Moore house. I think that would be very appropriate. He was a slave. He was an outstanding citizen in the community," Atkins said.
Atkins says Moore was a former slave and contractor whose work remains within the homes of the neighborhood.
"I understand that house is going to be torn down, so if we could save it, that would even be better than the garden, but it's not something I can do by myself," Atkins said.
Atkins hopes to recruit community organizations like Historic Macon to make the vision a reality.
"This is not Rome that burned, okay? This is Walnut Street that burned," Atkins said. "And we will restore it, but we need the community's help."
Atkins says he is waiting to hear from Planning and Zoning to determine whether the chimney can be preserved.
He says demolition of the property will begin within the next two weeks.