More businesses, lofts, activities key to growth in downtown Macon

As crews hammer away in the early morning hours improving Second Street, business owners in downtown Macon are doing some work of their own, crunching numbers, and learning how they can grow. 

“Downtown has got to be our central brand as a region when we’re out looking for economic development; whether it’s a start-up business or a major industry,” the President and CEO of NewTown Macon said. 

A who’s who of local owners met Wednesday morning as part of the Chamber of Commerce’s “Good Morning Macon” to hear the details of the area’s new master plan.

“What downtowns have learned across the country is that it really takes a couple things: coordinated investment, strong leadership and collaboration, as well as a really effective plan,” Scott Page, with Interface Studio, said. 

An effective plan that includes more loft development, maximizing space in downtown, and new businesses.

Rogers says storefronts downtown need to be filled. At least that’s what residents are telling him they’d like to see in dowtown Macon. The challenge, bringing more businesses to the area. 

Right now, there are 163 vacant store fronts in Macon. 

Scott Page, the founder of interface studio — a research company aimed at improving urban design, believes a thriving downtown is a direct reflection on the people who live there. 

“Where would they spend money if there were different types of stores downtown. So this is all information that we learn so much from,” Page said. 

Page and his group say people want to live downtown — now the goal is to provide an where people want to live, work, and play. 

“We’ve got to get good tenants in these shops that provide that really interesting experience that becomes memorable as something you can only do in Macon,” Rogers said.