MACON, Ga. — You and your family may soon have a new hangout spot in downtown Macon, and one developer says after some delays, plans are back on track.
13WMAZ spoke with Mike Ciabattoni, managing principal of CW Development Holdings LLC, who said the idea for “The Yard” came about while searching for land to build a property on.
“The group started looking at different properties that were available and we found a big piece of land over there,” Sciabattoni said. “It was 22.5 acres and we thought this was a great opportunity to do something really big.”
He explained that he’s had discussions with Mayor Lester Miller and City Development Commissioner Alex Morrison, and he wants to make the space family-friendly.
“The Yard” will include a golf ball chase simulator, a mini golf course, pickleball courts and a music venue area. Ciabattoni says there’s something for everyone. And the coal towers right next to it are still intact.
“We talked to Historic Macon because this building was on their list of ‘Five Buildings to Disappear,'” Sciabattoni said. “When we acquired the property, we said we were going to preserve this building, which is what they call it. We were not going to demolish it. There is iconic imagery in this building, and it gives it a unique feel on this corner lot.”
Joseph Callaway, who works at Sunco Products across from the tracks where the complex will be built, said he’s excited to see what the project will bring.
“I think it’s going to generate a lot of business,” Callaway said.
Callaway told 13WMAZ he’s familiar with the history of the area around Seventh Avenue and recalls it being a predominantly black neighborhood, and he’s hopeful the project will come to fruition.
“I want to see it from start to finish,” Callaway said.
The complex would be built near tracks occupied by Norfolk Southern Railroad, but Sciabattoni said that won’t be a problem.
“Those railroad tracks are the property boundary and there’s some driveway space there, so it’s all on our property and not in the way,” Sciabattoni said.
Sciabattoni says “The Yard” will create about 100 jobs.
Next, Sciabattoni will have to work with the city planning department to get plan approval before construction can begin. He hopes to start moving dirt in early 2025 and have “The Yard” ready for Middle Georgia residents in 2026.