Public Celebration of the History of Neel's Department Store and Blair's Furniture on January 17th

NewTown Macon and Neel’s Loft, LLC, led by local developer Robbo Hatcher, are planning on building a new mixed-use development in Downtown Macon. The location for this new building will be the former Neel's department store and Blair's Furniture buildings located on Cherry and Third Streets. 

Macon-Bibb’s Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved the demolition of the buildings to make way for the new development.

An event to remember and celebrate the history of the two soon to be demolished buildings will take place at the former Neel's department store located at 468 Cherry Street on Tuesday, January 17th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The proposed project will be called Neel's Lofts and will include a four-story, 107,000+ square foot building with "95 luxury loft apartments, three retail storefronts, and nine “Executive Offices”", according to a Media Advisory released by NewTown Macon on January 10th.

Regarding the concerns some Macon citizens have about the destruction of historic buildings downtown, Hatcher said “We do not take lightly the demolition of a building in downtown Macon. I remember shopping in Neel’s growing up, but the store has been closed for 30 years and the building has been vacant for almost a decade. We believe this project will breathe new life into a block that sorely needs new energy."

There will be light snacks served during this event and more information will also be released about the Neel's Loft project.