Awards
In 2006, the Georgia Cities Foundation awarded NewTown Macon the prestigious Renaissance Award, which recognizes those who are impacting the urban center of Georgia cities.
In 2008, Historic Macon recognized the Cherry Street Lane Parking & Commercial Facility with the “Appropriate New Construction” Award.
In 2009, First Friday was named the “Best Entertainment for Adults in Middle Georgia” in a Telegraph reader poll.
Top 20 Accomplishments
1. Ocmulgee Heritage Trail
Constructed over 11 miles of trail with four additional miles in pre-construction.
2. Amerson Water Works Park
Created a 180-acre public park with trails, playground, pavilions, and canoe launch at the former water treatment plant.
3. Downtown Living
Aided developers to add housing, growing the number of apartments downtown by 1500% since 1999.
4. Cox Capital Theatre
Purchased the endangered theatre and enabled partners to complete a $1.2 million renovation, creating a beautiful and popular venue for concerts and movies.
5. Cherry Street Lane Facility
Constructed off-street parking needed for residential developments on Poplar Street.
6. Downtown Residential Study
Showed that downtown can support the addition of 235 new residential units per year for five years.
7. Riverfront Development
Enabled acquisition of riverside property needed for a large mixed-use development.
8. Cherry Street Plaza
Turned a former parking lot into an attractive public gathering place anchoring the museum district.
9. Alleyway Lighting & More
Sponsored a community planning charrette and improved unsafe alleys with lighting, paving, and patio improvements.
10. Incentivized Businesses
Netted 61 new businesses since 2006, leveraging $7 million in investments and creating more than 350 jobs.
11. Terminal Station
Managed $5 million renovation of the building into a beautiful event space and transportation center.
12. Urban Parks
Transformed blighted property into inviting urban parks.
13. Enabled Community Events
Managed and grew First Friday, Friday Fest, Bragg Jam, and started Cherry Blossom Ball Drop, Fly South, and Ocmulgee Adventure Race.
14. Transitional Property Fund
Provided financial support and design services enabling the purchase and stabilization of declining properties.
15. Trolleys
Purchased the popular trolleys and manages rentals for special occasions.
16. Capricorn Initiative
Purchased and stabilized the former Capricorn recording studios, which was named as one of the ten most endangered properties in 2010 by the Georgia Trust.
17. Historical Markers
Installed 64 brass plaques on historic buildings to build civic pride.
18. Passenger Rail
Advocated for passenger rail service between Macon and Atlanta, supporting Georgians for Passenger Rail in their $3 million state-wide campaign.
19. GA Sports Hall of Fame
Lobbied successfully to keep the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Macon.
20. Secured $5 Million Bond
Created an equity fund to accelerate residential developments.