MACON, Ga. — A Georgia city is planning to ring in the new year with an unforgettable bang. The Macon-Bibb County Commission recently approved a plan to implode the vacant 16-story hotel that has been a downtown eyesore for years, marking the first dramatic move in the area’s ongoing redevelopment efforts. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, the building will be brought down in a controlled demolition, just as the clock strikes 2025.
From High Hopes to Collapse: The Hotel’s Tumultuous Past
The hotel in question, which opened in 1970, was once a symbol of ambition for Macon. It hosted big-name guests like Elvis Presley but never reached the financial success its developers had hoped for. Most notably, it became embroiled in a scandal when it was seized by the New York Banking Department in 1991, part of a larger investigation into a money-laundering scheme involving the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI). The BCCI scandal was infamous for its ties to Saddam Hussein and arms deals orchestrated by Oliver North during the Iran-Contra affair.
For years, the hotel struggled to stay afloat, with multiple ownership changes and its final chapter as the Ramada Plaza. After closing in 2017, the building has remained vacant, steadily deteriorating. The hotel’s once grandiose design by architect Morris Lapidus, known for his work on iconic Miami Beach hotels like the Fontainebleau, now stands as a stark reminder of Macon’s past, but one that can’t be salvaged.
Macon’s Future Begins With a Demolition
The Macon-Bibb County government bought the hotel for $4.5 million in a federal bankruptcy proceeding last year. But instead of pouring more money into restoration, the decision was made to demolish the structure, with the city allocating up to $2.6 million for the controlled explosion that will take place on New Year’s Eve.
“We acquired this property to blow it up,” said Macon Mayor Lester Miller, making it clear that the city’s intentions are centered on clearing the space for new possibilities. The mayor, who has long championed revitalizing the area, suggested that the land could be a key component in the larger redevelopment plans for the city’s riverfront.
“We’re gonna spend a little money to tear that thing down,” Miller told WMAZ-TV. “But what you’ll see that’s replacing that will be 100 times of what it’s doing right now.”
For Macon, the demolition marks a symbolic step into the future, ridding the city of an eyesore and making way for new development that could energize the downtown area. The city hasn’t decided what will replace the hotel yet, but residents are optimistic that the site’s future holds great potential.
Concerns from Nearby Residents and Church Leaders
Despite the excitement surrounding the demolition, not everyone in Macon is entirely on board with the plan. One concern raised by nearby property owners and church leaders is the safety and impact of the explosion. Russ Henry, a member of the vestry at Christ Episcopal Church, located just two blocks from the hotel, voiced concerns about the possibility of damage to the church’s historic sanctuary. The church, which dates back to 1851, is home to valuable stained glass windows and is preparing to celebrate its bicentennial next year.
“It’s an eyesore to the whole community, we would love to have something else there,” Henry said. “We just want to make sure that our church doesn’t get blown up on our bicentennial.”
Macon officials have acknowledged the concerns and promised to take extra precautions. Mayor Miller stated that the city would be in contact with nearby property owners in the coming weeks to ensure that everything goes smoothly. The city is committed to protecting the historical properties and ensuring the demolition is carried out safely.
A Look Ahead: What’s Next for Macon’s Riverfront?
As for what will replace the hotel, the plans are still up in the air. The city’s leadership has spoken about the broader vision for the riverfront area, which could include parks, business developments, or mixed-use spaces. The removal of the hotel is just one part of the larger strategy to revitalize downtown Macon.
In the short term, however, the demolition is sure to be a spectacle. The city has promised to take care with the demolition to avoid damage to the surrounding area and to ensure that it proceeds in a safe, controlled manner. As 2025 approaches, Macon residents and visitors alike will be watching as the 16-story building makes its final exit.
