Warner Robins’ ‘Operation Reawaken’ moves forward with more demolitions

Warner Robins demolished approximately 8,500-square-feet of commercial properties at 401 Commercial Circle and 102 N Davis Drive on Wednesday as part of its ongoing "Operation Reawaken."

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Warner Robins demolished approximately 8,500-square-feet of commercial properties at 401 Commercial Circle and 102 N Davis Drive on Wednesday as part of its ongoing “Operation Reawaken.”

Community and economic development director Kate Hogan says this is just the beginning of making Warner Robins beautiful.

“These structures were commercial structures,” she said. “This is an opportunity for us to create new footprints for commercial and residential opportunities.”

Hogan says the city hopes to bring in more smaller businesses with this demolition.

“Some of our business, like the strip center behind us, was completely vacant, but we’re working with the business to help them find new locations and try to find opportunities within our circle to position ourselves for the future.”

Council member Clifford Holmes says he’s proud of the progres.

“The council team works well together,” he said. “We disagree and agree, but in the end, it’s not about us; it’s about the citizens we represent on a daily basis.”

Holmes says he’s just happy something is finally being done.

“The saying is, ‘You keep saying you’re going to do something, but we haven’t seen you break ground.’ That’s what brings the excitement … We’re breaking ground.”  

The city says its future plans include creating spaces that combine retail, dining, green spaces and residential options to encourage a live-work-play atmosphere.