Revitalization plans are bringing new life and opportunities to the Macon Mall, which will also impact surrounding businesses and the community.
On Wednesday, September 15, Mayor Lester Miller, Commissioner Al Tillman, and area partners announced a major donation and plans for infrastructure improvements and attracting new businesses through a public-private partnership. Hull Property Group, who currently owns the Macon Mall, is donating the mall to the County. With the donation comes plans to add an amphitheater, possibly add indoor pickleball courts, opportunities to bring in more retail and restaurants, adding more entertainment activities, and relocating government offices and services to the new spaces.
“This is going to be big for all of us,” said Craig Craddock, who has owned the Chick-fil-A just off Eisenhower Parkway since 2008. “The mall was thriving during that time. 
Then we had the new mall open, and they took some of the clientele. I think this [revitalization] is a great opportunity and it’s going to be huge for Macon.”
Craddock isn’t alone. The team at American Pride Bank on Log Cabin Drive is looking forward to what’s coming.
“This huge revitalization project, and resulting business growth, will help the area thrive and bring individuals to the district who might not otherwise patronize this part of Macon-Bibb on a regular basis,” said American Pride Bank President & CEO John Hall. “This will enhance the growth of new businesses and retention of existing businesses, and it will create excitement in the community as we draw on the music heritage we have here in Macon-Bibb.”
Adam Patel, Days Inn Owner, hopes the new amphitheater will draw in more guests to stay in the area.
“It’s great to have a Mayor who is putting in the effort to bring this area back to life. This is a huge investment ,” said Patel. “It used to be the main retail corridor, and I think it’s going to be a good domino effect for other businesses.”
Patel, Craddock, and Hall are all part of the Eisenhower Business Improvement District (EBID), which already aims to help businesses along the Eisenhower retail corridor. The EBID works to keep the area clean and safe, while promoting businesses. EBID Executive Director Jaime Arnold is confident this is going to support their mission.
“This is truly going to set the stage for what we are trying to accomplish with the EBID,” said Executive Director Jaime Arnold. “Our businesses will be able to thrive thanks to what this big project will do for the area and our entire community.”