It’s not hard to miss the construction happening outside of the Macon Mall, but there is also a lot happening inside the building you can’t see yet, so we’re giving you the inside look Commissioners had on Tuesday, December 13. 

The tour started with Piedmont Construction’s Project Engineer Weston Stroud giving an update on the new amphitheater. Right now, crews are working on the first three phases, which involve getting the groundwork ready before project goes vertical and concrete walls are put up.  

The tour then moved into the mall, where the space formerly known as Belk, is being converted to the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility. The “Picklemall” will have 32 indoor courts on two levels of the building. This will allow players from all over the world to travel and play in tournaments rain or shine.  

“We’re really excited about this opportunity to bring this space that so many people have memories of back to life and creating new vitality through a sport that’s really growing in popularity,” said Director of Public Spaces and Planning Alex Morrison.  

The next stop on the tour was the new Superior Court auxiliary courtrooms. These two new rooms will allow for more space for cases to be heard without having to wait for a room to become available in the Downtown Macon courtrooms. The project involves creating a judges’ chambers, holding cells, and jury assembly rooms. The idea is to bring the domestic cases to these new rooms.  

“This is a great opportunity for us to use an old and unused facility and turn it into something new,” said Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) Coordinator Clay Murphy. 

The final stop on the tour was getting a glimpse at the new Board of Elections (BOE) Office which will go in the space below Burlington Coat Factory. In future elections, all people lining up will be inside the building, and not have to wait outside in the elements. 

The BOE will be joined by other government offices such as the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, Planning & Zoning, a meeting space, and Inspections & Fees. 

“We have about 90,000 square feet of space that we’re going to be using with these organizations,” said Architect Gene Dunwoody, Jr. “It’s a really good use of a space and will be very efficient.” 

We’ll bring you more updates as the renovations at the Macon Mall continue.