Macon, Georgia, is planning an explosive start to 2025—literally. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, the city will demolish a 16-story vacant hotel that has loomed over downtown for years.
A $7.1 Million Decision
The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved the demolition earlier this week, allocating up to $2.6 million for the project. This follows the city’s $4.5 million purchase of the property during a federal bankruptcy proceeding last year.
“We acquired this property to blow it up,” said Macon Mayor Lester Miller, capturing the community’s frustration with the deteriorating structure.
The building, last operating as the Ramada Plaza, closed in 2017 and has been a blight on the cityscape ever since.
From Elvis to Scandal
Opened in 1970, the hotel had its moments of glamour. Guests included Elvis Presley, but its shine quickly faded. In 1991, the New York Banking Department seized the property, linking it to a massive fraud and money-laundering scheme involving the Bank of Credit and Commerce International. The bank was accused of hiding profits for Saddam Hussein and funding controversial arms deals.
Despite its intriguing history, the hotel’s architectural significance—designed by Morris Lapidus, famed for Miami Beach landmarks like the Fontainebleau—wasn’t enough to save it. Structural concerns and decades of neglect made renovation impossible.
A Bang for the Future
Mayor Miller envisions the demolition as the first step toward revitalizing Macon’s riverfront. Though no final plans have been made, officials hope the site will pave the way for transformative development.
“What you’ll see that’s replacing that will be 100 times better than what’s there now,” Miller assured residents.
Concerns from the Community
While many applaud the move, nearby property owners are voicing concerns about the potential impact of the explosion. Among them is Christ Episcopal Church, a historic sanctuary just two blocks away.
The church, built in 1851, features priceless stained-glass windows and is gearing up to celebrate its bicentennial next year.
“We just want to make sure our church doesn’t get blown up on our bicentennial,” said Russ Henry, a member of the church’s vestry.
The Path to Demolition
City officials are working closely with the demolition contractor to ensure safety measures are in place. Property owners, including the church, will be consulted in the coming weeks to address any risks.
The implosion promises to be a spectacle, drawing locals eager to see the once-proud structure come down. Yet, for many, it also marks a turning point—a chance for Macon to shed its troubled past and embrace a brighter future.
