Neels Lofts opens in downtown Macon

New loft development adds housing and could boost businesses in downtown Macon

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A former department store site in downtown Macon has been transformed into housing.

Neels Lofts has officially opened at the site of the former Joseph N. Neel Department Store, a space that had been vacant for nearly two decades.

James Fritz, president and CEO of NewTown Macon, says the building once operated as a department store for more than 100 years before closing about 20 years ago. He says the site remained empty until a developer purchased it in 2020 and began redevelopment.

“This was a department store and Neel’s was run by the Neel family for at least 100 years, and so they closed probably 20 years ago and so it’s been empty,” he said. “The developer bought this building in 2020 and we’ve been working since then to bring this new building to life.”

Fritz says the transformation is part of a much larger shift happening downtown.

He says over the past decade, the number of lofts and residents has steadily increased, bringing new energy and demand to the area.

“In 2011, we only had about 28 lofts downtown and probably 30 to 40 people,” he said. “We now have more than 900 lofts, and before Neels opened, we had about 1,300 people living downtown. With Neels Lofts opening, we’ll add around 150 more, bringing us to nearly 1,450 residents.”

With 95 units inside Neels Lofts, leaders say the added population could help attract more restaurants, shops, and services to the downtown area.

The public is invited to the grand opening Friday, where people can tour the building. The event will also include food and drink samples from downtown restaurants, live music and bingo.

Neel’s Lofts is located at 462 Cherry Street.