MACON, Ga. — Wednesday morning, Macon-Bibb County leaders broke ground on the Cotton Avenue Park expansion.
The intersection of Cotton Avenue and Second Street is now closed as the county expands what they call Triangle Park.
Visitors to downtown can soon expect more greenspace and a place to sit and enjoy nearby businesses and each other.
As work for the Cotton Avenue Plaza begins, "It's going to be great, man. We're really excited for it," says Justin Andrews
"Now to see it finally happening, I'm excited and I can't wait," says Victor Dixson.
Businesses on Cotton Avenue and Second Street are getting excited.
Dixson owns VJ's Cuts and Styles.
"It'll be more exposure -- the park's right outside the shop," says Dixson
He says this could increase business on the plaza.
"It's only going to add to the growth of downtown Macon and I'm excited. I think we'll all really benefit from it," he says.
Justin Andrews with the Otis Redding Foundation says it will bring visibility to the street.
"Cherry Street is the main drag of Macon, and Cherry Street is booming right now. Poplar Street is doing the same thing with all of their new restaurants and the Christmas lights that are coming. I think right here on Cotton Avenue, we need that same treatment," says Andrews.
He says they're already thinking about ways to use the space.
"Maybe before our center gets built, we can talk about some outdoor music lessons or something like that," he says.
With the many possibilities, he says he expects an outcome of joy.
"It makes people happy, it gives people a sense of joy and ownership in their community. What's a better thing you can ask for, especially if you're from Macon?" Andrews says.
Alex Morrison with Macon-Bibb County says that's the goal -- creating a space for people to unify and be proud of.
"It's an intentionally-inclusive invitation to people of all backgrounds to enjoy this space within our urban core," Morrison says.
He says the project will remove part of Cotton Avenue, making it safer for people walking.
The project should be completed in 6 to 8 weeks.
The project will cost about $650,000, and part of it will come from SPLOST funds.
The community foundation of Central Georgia is also raising funds for the project donations can be made at their website.