For all its beauty and history, Macon is a city in need of tending. Once the heart of economic and social vitality in Middle Georgia, Macon’s downtown succumbed to urban decline over generations. Run down homes and abandoned houses are found where neighborhoods once thrived. Dilapidated buildings stand where businesses once prospered. But that is not the end of the story. A vision of a dramatically different downtown – one where thousands again live, work, learn, play and worship – is within reach. 

In 1996, a group of forward-thinking business and community leaders established a non-profit, public-private partnership called NewTown Macon to fill a pressing community need: restore downtown Macon to its original beauty and cultivate a prosperous city for a new century.

The organization embarked on a three-year examination of downtown Macon’s strengths and opportunities. With community input and best practices from similar cities, NewTown Macon identified initiatives that would serve as catalysts for the renaissance of downtown and result in an improved quality of life for the entire community.

In 1999, NewTown Macon launched a $36 million campaign with $6 million in challenge grants from the Robert W. Woodruff and Peyton Anderson Foundations to fund eight strategic revitalization initiatives, one being construction of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. The community responded with passion and generosity to complete the campaign in 2002. 

NewTown Macon - by engaging the imagination, consolidating planning and marshalling resources - is laying the foundation for the rebirth of downtown Macon. Our work will not be accomplished over night, but in time our center city – the heart of Middle Georgia – will beat with new life.

To learn more about NewTown Macon and its downtown revitalization initiatives visit our website at www.newtownmacon.com or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

NewTown Macon is dedicated to implementing the community’s vision of a comprehensive, coordinated and continuous plan to revitalize downtown Macon, Ga.

NewTown Macon, Inc.
479 Cherry Street
Macon, GA 31201
478/722-9909
478/722-9906 fax
www.newtownmacon.com