Ideas sought to transform downtown Macon as deadline approaches

Colorfully painted pianos on the streets of downtown Macon and a Christmas light display on Poplar Street in December are new to Macon this year.

The additions are among the ideas brought to life in the first round of the Downtown Challenge, and more ideas are beings sought by Sept. 15 for the second of five rounds.

A total of $3 million in grant money will be awarded to help bring to life ideas that promote economic development, transform public spaces downtown, encourage downtown living and increase connectivity for all forms of transportation, in accordance with the Macon Action Plan. The challenge is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Peyton Anderson Foundation.

The money is administered by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. Alex Leahy, program officer for the foundation, said nearly 70 ideas were submitted by the deadline for the first round and 22 winners were announced in June.

For tips on applying, open information sessions will be held at the following times and locations:

▪ The Creek 100.9 FM, upstairs at 533 Cherry St. on Tuesdays from 8-9 a.m. (Aug. 16, 23, 30 and Sept. 6)

▪ The Family Investment Center, 905 Main St., Aug. 11 from 10-11 a.m.

▪ The Shurling Library, 1769 Shurling Drive, Aug. 26 from 10-11 a.m.

▪ Francar’s Buffalo Wings, 311 Millerfield Road at Bowden Golf Course, Aug. 31 from noon-1:30 p.m.

For more information about the challenge, visit http://www.downtownchallengemacon.org/.

This story was originally published August 9, 2016 at 5:04 PM with the headline "Ideas sought to transform downtown Macon as deadline approaches."