5 months ago
A revitalized portion of Macon's College Hill Corridor provides Mercer students and residents with new places to eat, study and relax.
Businesses now occupy the once vacant property at the intersection of Coleman and Montpelier streets, near Mercer's campus. The businesses include a locally owned coffee shop and restaurants.
Fresh landscaping and park benches add beauty to the neighborhood.
The College Hill Corridor Commission, a non-profit group that works to connect student life with downtown Macon, made the redevelopment possible. They also worked closely with Mercer University and the City of Macon to complete the project.
The group hopes their efforts, including sponsoring events, redeveloping community areas, and goals of making improvements to infrastructure in the corridor, will draw students into downtown neighborhoods.
At least three new staff members are expected to join the commission this year, as it seeks to expand its reach. Macon's Jessica Walden will take over as Director of Communications and Outreach this month.
Funding for Commission projects was provided by grants from the Knight Foundation. The group hopes to secure federal grants to fund future projects.
