GEORGIA BUSINESS FOCUS: Costco approval, arena reveal, zoning decisions, housing market trends, and statewide business competition highlight Middle Georgia’s latest developments
A roundup of major business expansions, community projects, zoning updates, housing market insights, and innovation from local companies competing for Georgia’s top honors.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –
COSTCO COMING TO NORTH MACON
Macon-Bibb Planning and Zoning members have approved the development phase for a new Costco Wholesale store. The nearly 160,000-square-foot warehouse will be built at the intersection of Bass Road and New Forsyth Road in North Macon and will include a 32-pump gas station. Macon- Bibb Commissioner Valerie Wynn says the addition of Costco will be great for the local economy. The store is expected to open next summer.
FIRST LOOK AT THE NEW MACON ARENA
Mayor Lester Miller has unveiled designs for a new arena to replace the current Macon Coliseum. The 230,000-square-foot facility will feature a seating bowl in an end-stage, 180-degree concert configuration, with the flexibility to host sports and entertainment events. Premium seating options—including luxury suites, club suites, and loge boxes—will also be available. Miller believes the design reflects Macon-Bibb’s vision, energy, and future momentum.
ZONING COMMISSION DEFERS DECISION ON MONUMENTAL CROSS
The Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission has deferred a decision on a proposed 150-foot sculpture at 1415 Bass Road. The applicant, Rock Springs Congregational Methodist Church, requested an August postponement, but the commission rescheduled the hearing for July 27, 2026. The proposed cross would sit on a semi-circular concrete base roughly 70 feet wide and 40 feet deep.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY BILL DELAYED
A bill designed to expand new home construction and limit large-scale investor purchases of single-family homes is on hold. President Trump stated he will not sign the legislation until the Senate passes his Save America Act. The bill had been widely viewed as a way to open the market for individual homebuyers and address affordability concerns.
DUBLIN HOUSING MARKET SLOWER THAN EXPECTED
MATTHEW MEEKS, broker and owner of Grand Real Estate in Dublin, says the local housing market has not experienced its usual spring surge. While business has been steady, he notes that the anticipated increase in activity has not materialized this year. Meeks stated, “We always kind of anticipate that spring boom that never really seemed to come this year, but I would say overall business has been steady, but it’s just we’ve not seen the anticipated climb that we always expect this time of year.”
MIDDLE GEORGIA COMPANIES VIE FOR STATEWIDE RECOGNITION
Voting is underway for the Georgia Chamber’s 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Georgia competition. Two Middle Georgia businesses are in the running: BrightFarms Greenhouse-Grown Leafy Greens and the Blue Bird Vision Electric School Bus. Both products represent innovation and economic growth in the region. Residents can vote once per day in each matchup.
