MACON, Ga. — At the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1, a new year makes its grand entrance. And when that happens, Macon-Bibb County hopes a downtown building will make a grand exit.
County commissioners Tuesday are slated to discuss awarding a contract for demolishing the long-abandoned Ramada hotel downtown. It's the next chapter in the story of a building that's seen a large share of Macon's history.
In October, the county issued a request for proposals asking for contractors to bid on the project. In the very first paragraph, the county's plans are clear: "The razing of the improvements located within the Demolition Area is planned to occur on December 31, 2024, preferably at or about 11:59 PM."
A New Year's Eve demolition may sound like a quick turn, but planning started months ago. For nearly two years, the mayor has hinted at knocking the hotel down. When the county agreed to purchase the building in January for $4.5 million, work started on that reality.
"Probably in the very near future, I think we'll hear an explosion," Miller said just after commissioners inked the deal.
Just months later, as the new Superman movie made a stop in Macon for filming, Miller offered his preferred timeline.
"If we could have that down to start 2025 out with a bang, that would be great," he said in May.
That's also when Miller suggested making the implosion part of a movie production. Sunday, via text, he said the county has heard from some film crews, but has not signed any agreements.
Miller has not confirmed what might replace the old hotel, but he said Sunday it may be a candidate for another hotel or conference space. Whatever it is, the mayor said it would work together with the proposed "Renaissance on the River" development on Riverside Drive, though they would be separate developments.
That plan, which included condominiums, office space and a parking deck according to our partners at the Macon Newsroom, has been in the works for years.
Commissioners will discuss the status of that project, along with the demolition contract, Tuesday at 6 p.m. They'll have their usual pre-commission meeting at 4 p.m.