NewTown Macon, 2006

The 2006 Renaissance Award was presented to NewTown Macon on June 25 in Savannah at the GMA’s Annual Convention. NewTown Macon was chosen as the Georgia Cities Foundations 2006 recipient because of their incredible contribution to the revitalization efforts of downtown Macon.
 
The Renaissance Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the revitalization of one or more of Georgia’s cities. In choosing NewTown Macon, the selection committee noted how NewTown Macon began revitalizing the downtown after the announcement that the Sports and Music Halls of Fame would be located in Macon. The organization raised approximately $36 million to devote specifically to downtown development and revitalization.
 
NewTown Macon has contributed to a 50 percent increase in loft housing downtown as well as the first high-rise building to be constructed in 15 years. The building has generated $135,000 in property taxes in 2006. The organization’s efforts have added more than 70 new employees in the central business district.
 
Another success of NewTown Macon is the new Capitol Theatre, which was recently renovated and reopened, that has drawn 30,000 patrons in the first year. The theater is projected to generate community benefits valued at $216,000.
 
“NewTown Macon has done a tremendous job,” said Georgia Cities Foundation President Mike Starr. “They survived and developed strong private-public partnerships that have proven to be beneficial to the revitalization of downtown. They are really a success story.”