Warner Robins demolishes nearly 18,000-square-foot strip mall for redevelopment project

The City of Warner Robins demolished nearly 18,000 square feet of buildings Monday as the city continues its efforts to redevelop Watson Boulevard.

The demolition, which destroyed a strip mall at Commercial Circle, was the largest to date as the city works to revitalize the area and create a more traditional downtown district, officials said.

“A lot of people want outdoor dining, they want a space that’s cut off from traffic so people can walk around and kids can play, have some green spaces, have some rooftop spaces,” Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said. “We want to bring all that stuff here.”

Patrick said the final product will be a mixed use development with business space, greenery, rooftop bars and seating and walkable areas.

The idea for a revitalized downtown commercial district has been talked about among Warner Robins officials for years. The city began buying up swaths of land around Commercial Circle at the end of last year in preparation for the project. The strip mall demolished Monday was one of them.

The goal of the redevelopment project

Officials said the goal of the redevelopment is to bring more business into the area, create safer neighborhoods and strengthen the surrounding community.

The redevelopment plan is still in its early stages, officials said. Patrick said the city must continue to demolish old and blighted properties in the area to make way for new construction.

The city is also still in the process of choosing a developer to work with. Officials said the developer will be responsible for creating a master plan for the new downtown district that will guide the rest of the construction and design.

When will the new district open?

The selected developer will also be responsible for determining the project’s completion date, but Patrick said the city hopes to see the new district open in about two years.

Once the project is completed, the city will select a private company to help manage the properties in accordance with the vision and design standards determined by the city, officials said.

Patrick said the project signals a more prosperous future for Warner Robins.

“(Redevelopment) is a symbol of progress,” Patrick said. “Many people thought it couldn’t be done, but we’re doing it.”

This story was originally published October 12, 2025 at 5:00 AM.