MACON, Ga. — The old Ramada Hotel may soon have a new owner for $4.5 million, and it would be Macon-Bibb County, according to federal court documents.
In January, a federal judge approved a bankruptcy plan for the former owners of the Ramada Hotel on First Street.
Sangha Hospitality did not get a good offer during the 90 days they were given to sell it. They then put it up for auction.
On Nov. 15, an auction was held, and after several rounds of bidding, Indo US Ventures won the auction with a $4.1 million bid.
After the auction, Macon-Bibb County submitted an offer to purchase the property for $4.5 million. On Nov. 24, the deal with Indo US Ventures was terminated, according to the documents.
On June 8, 13WMAZ asked Mayor Lester Miller if the county would step in and buy the property. By text, Miller responded, "The county isn't interested in acquiring the property unless it involves seats at the implosion."
Miller says the sale won’t be official until early next year. The county plans to present their plans to a federal judge in January. After that, the county commission will decide whether to approve the sale.
What changed? Miller says the price of the property is the main change since June. He says the county was not interested in buying it for the original $12 million listing.
Miller would not say what the plans are for the property until after the commission approves the deal. He also declined to say how they'll pay for the building.
The building has been known as the Macon Hilton, Crown Plaza, Macon Downtown Hotel and Ramada Plaza.
Throughout the name changes, the front of the hotel used to have limos and fancy cars driving in and out, dropping off folks going to prom or weddings.
Even the King of Rock 'n' Roll Elvis Presley stayed in the hotel.
The last time the hotel was up and running was February 2011, over a decade ago. Since then, it's sat vacant.
In June, a listing showed what the 16-story building looks like now. There is stacked plywood in the ballroom, unfinished rooms and debris from construction scattered in the front lobby.
Simply put, there's a lot of work to be done.
According to the listing, the estimated renovation cost for a new owner is another $12.5 million, nearly $42,000 per room.
It is unclear what Macon-Bibb County plans to do with the once-largest hotel in Macon.