MACON, Ga. — The Crazy Bull closed its doors last week after a decade of being a popular downtown Macon bar and concert venue.
However, 10 years ago, the very building at 473 2nd St. was once in shambles.
“It was the first building where I fell through the floor,” NewTown Macon's President and CEO Josh Rogers said. “It was one of the worst buildings I had ever seen."
He says the building was abandoned for decades and it seemed beyond repair.
“When I was at Historic Macon Foundation, we sold it for $1 to Ricky Hill,” Rogers explained.
He says Hill, an established business owner, took a chance. Kim Hill, Rick's wife, says he died in July last year.
“He had a vision for what the building could be,” Rogers explained. “Maybe a week after we closed [the deal], I showed up and he was in the basement himself digging out the trash and stabilizing the building. I'd never seen anyone do what he did."
Hill bought it in 2011. With blood, sweat and tears, Rogers says The Crazy Bull opened in 2013.
“We needed people like Rick Hill here,” said Richard Dwayne Brown, a Macon artist.
Brown says Hill and his business took a chance on downtown Macon and the people who call the city home.
“People with money would come through here, they would look at the City of Macon and say, 'Hey, this is grounds of investment.' He brought a lot of attraction to Macon, Georgia. He gave a lot of opportunities to country artists,” Brown said.
He says he met Hill when the Bull first opened.
“He was just a cool guy. He was laid back, nonchalant,” Brown said. “You know, he passed away and it kind of hit me like, dang, Rick's gone.”
His death will leave a hole within the Macon community.
“Macon will miss Rick, you know,” Brown said.
Rogers says Hill and The Crazy Bull were involved in many downtown events, helping the scene grow.
“80% percent of hospitality businesses fail in the first five years. So, the fact that they’ve made it a decade is a testament to a lot of hard work. I’m always going to be deeply grateful to Rick,” Rogers said. “As much as this is a loss, it will also be an opportunity to somebody else. So, I expect the building to be re-occupied pretty quickly."
He's hoping somebody else gives the space a chance, like Hill.
Kim Hill took over the business for Rick when he died. She did not want to speak on camera, but sent a statement.
