MACON, Ga. — At the Macon visitor's center on MLK Boulevard, you'll find displays showcasing some of the greatest things Macon has to offer, like the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds, the world-famous Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon Bacon baseball, and a rich music history.
Those attractions draw thousands of visitors to the center of the Peach State every year. Visit Macon President Gary Wheat says a new hotel would help accommodate those guests.
"It's a building with wonderful bones. I think the potential is there," Wheat said. "It's got great meeting space, upwards of about 30 thousand square feet, and obviously when completed 298 rooms will come online."
He's talking about the old Ramada hotel on First Street. It's been empty since 2012, and last year 13WMAZ reported that Wyndham hotels planned on re-opening the property in 2019.
From the outside, it looks like there's still a lot of work left to be done.
But property owner Ruby Sangha said that plans for the hotel have not changed. He says renovations are still underway inside.
Sangha asked 13WMAZ to check back in a month for more details on the status of the project.
According to Wyndham Hotels director of Global Communications, Gabriella Chiera, the hotel is expected to open in 2021.
"Having this downtown in the core will allow walk-ability and the ability for folks to stay downtown and experience the night life that is burgeoning here in the community," Wheat said. "From the Christmas lights extravaganza, to the new breweries and restaurants, and music."
Developer Miller Heath is also still working on the Central City Commons project off Poplar Street, which is slated to be a mixed-use development in downtown that would also include a hotel and apartments.
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