Pardon our progress at City Hall while we get a new parking deck! On Tuesday, January 7, the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Macon-Bibb County, and development partners held a ceremonial groundbreaking to celebrate the first phase of the Lofts at D. T. Walton project.
“This is a piece of property that is right at the heart of so many things that we’re planning,” said UDA Executive Director Alex Morrison. “Being a surfaced parking lot, we’re able to turn it into something that generates revenue for the city, provides greater benefit to the business owners downtown, and provides opportunities for new residents to join us in the revitalization of Downtown Macon.
Phase 1 of the project includes a parking deck for Macon-Bibb County employees and the public, with 363 parking spaces. Phase 2, which is set to begin later this year, includes 146 apartments, retail, and office space.
“The apartment mix is going to be a really good one for this area, because we’re going to have a really wide variety of units,” said Gateway/75 Developer Scott Thompson. “Ranging from 600-square foot 1-bedroom units to some town house units.”
This project coincides with other projects happening along First Street in downtown.
“We’re grateful for the UDA and Gateway/75’s commitment to making our downtown a better place,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “This project is more than just parking spaces, it’s part of our mission to reimagine First Street. We’re already seeing progress being made with Rosa Parks Square, the space where the abandoned hotel was imploded, old Macon health club, and more.”
Click here to see the full ceremony.