MACON, Ga. — 13WMAZ is learning more about what a potential $350 million development in East Macon could look like once it's fully built.
Macon-Bibb County announced the plans in Sept. 2022 when they said they'd buy the site of the old Bibb Mill for about $14 million. They closed about a year ago, and since then, they've been busy behind the scenes.
Now, they're asking potential developers to come in and give them a look at possible plans.
"East Macon has been saying for a while, 'What about us?'" Mayor Lester Miller said.
Now, he plans to answer that question with a multi-million dollar investment.
"We're excited about the new residents that are going to be there, the new residential area, commercial, perhaps some restaurants," Miller said.
Each is on the county's wish list. Their request for a proposal includes plans for a new hotel, too. Down the line, possibly after the 2025 SPLOST, they could build a new arena and convention center.
"Everything's on the table right now," Miller said.
Alex Morrison with the Urban Development Authority says his team has worked for years to develop the area.
"This site can complement the growth of downtown Macon and augment the economic development potential and the cultural potential of the national park announcement," Morrison said.
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He says it'll bring big money to east Macon while giving neighbors more options for food and shopping.
Since it's in a special tax district, Miller says all tax revenue from the development will go directly toward supporting the east side.
"We'll have opportunities for a lot of community engagement. We're going to talk to the community in east Macon for sure to gauge their interest and what they're interested in for that area," Miller said.
He says they also plan to build a bicentennial park as part of the development, and they'll have walking trails too. Those will connect to the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. Plus, they're in talks with the Muscogee Creek Nation about including a cultural center nearby.
Morrison says they've had some interest in the property, but they won't know how much exactly until they conduct mandatory site visits with developers next month.