Former Shrine Temple in downtown Macon to become home to esports arena, new owner says

The former Al Sihah Shrine Temple in downtown Macon is expected to be transformed into an esports arena, complimented by a hotel and parking deck, its new owner announced Wednesday.

Atlanta-based Artisan Interests, a land investment and development firm, closed the deal on the 1-acre site at 745 Poplar St. on Friday.

“The Shrine Temple property is a prime example of an incredible opportunity to renovate and reposition an existing iconic structure while adding unprecedented value with a needed hotel and parking that will not only serve the Artisan project but the auditorium and downtown Macon as well,” according to a company news release.

The master plan for the transformation of the 1920s-era, Egyptian-themed former temple was created by Nelson Worldwide, an international architectural firm.

The plan includes renovating and adapting the 34,791-square-foot stone and brick building for esports tournaments with arena-type seating, the release said.

A food and beverage/entertainment component is expected to be added.

The site will include a 125-plus key limited service hotel and a 400-space parking deck, according to the release. The building is located next to Rosa Parks Square, near the Macon Auditorium.

Artisan Interests, a joint venture between Atlanta-based Winter Companies and SSG Realty Partners, is expected to start construction on the project in 2022.

According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, digital entertainment is a $550 million industry for the state, connected to more than 12,000 direct and indirect jobs. Mercer University has an esports club team.

In late 2018, Epic Venues out of San Jose, California, purchased the property for $1.2 million with the intent of turning it into an event facility.

This story was originally published October 6, 2021 at 1:55 PM.