On Thursday, April 16, Macon-Bibb County, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and Warren Associates, Inc. officially demolished the James F. Higgins Memorial Building at 651 Hazel Street.

Before demolition began, Mayor Lester Miller and Sheriff David Davis each took a ceremonial swing at the building using a golden sledgehammer, marking the start of the project. Following remarks from Mayor Miller, Sheriff Davis, and Warren Associates, Inc. President/CEO Warren Selby, Jr., crews with Warren Associates moved in with an excavator to begin tearing down the structure.

This demolition marks the first phase of the Bibb County Jail improvement project. Phase 1 includes removing the Higgins Building and replacing it with an updated parking lot.

“This is about making sure we have the facilities and resources to keep our community safe while also addressing the needs within our system,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We’re taking a thoughtful, phased approach so we can make improvements that will serve Macon-Bibb for years to come.”

“This phase of construction is a critical first step toward modernizing our jail facilities and strengthening public safety,” said Sheriff Davis. “These improvements will help us better manage our population, support our staff, and meet the evolving needs of our community.”

Later phases of the project will focus on upgrades to the existing jail and the addition of new maximum-security housing pods. Once complete, the expansion is expected to add up to 150 beds, including 96 maximum-security beds and 24 beds designed for inmates experiencing mental health challenges.

The full project is estimated to cost between $28.5 million and $31 million and is aimed at improving safety, capacity, and overall operations at the Law Enforcement Center.

Click here to see more pictures from the demolition.