Macon firm known for modern lofts behind new $48M project in Warner Robins

Macon-based Sierra Development is behind a 229-unit loft development going up in Warner Robins that includes nearly 15,000 square feet of retail space.

Near the intersection of Russell Parkway and South Houston Lake Road, the Lofts at Flint Station represent a more than $48 million investment, said Jim Daws, president of Sierra Development.

Sierra Development is known for their unique, modern lofts — including Lofts at Capricorn, Lofts at 401 Cherry and Lofts at Navicent in downtown Macon and Lofts at Bass in Macon.

Their student living lofts include Lofts at Houston Central in Warner Robins and Lofts at Tattnall and the Lofts at Mercer Landing in Macon to name a few.

Sierra Development worked with Flint Energies, which sold them the property, and other stakeholders to develop the vision for the Lofts at Flint Station.

“The Flint board’s vision was for the property to have development there that would be beneficial to the greater community ... and that really aligns with my objective at this stage of my career,” Daws said.

“I really don’t have any interest in doing a project unless I think it’s something that’s going to add worth to a community.”

What to expect at the Lofts at Flint Station in Warner Robins

The Lofts at Flint Station includes five four-story lofts with conditioned breeze ways, elevators and keyless entry to mostly one and two-bedroom units with a handful of three-bedroom lofts. All will have top-notch appliances, granite counters and other amenities. About 50% of the units will be one bedrooms.

Two restaurants are envisioned for the retail space, such as Amici or The Brick, which lease space in other lofts developed by Sierra Development. A 10,000-square-foot outdoor retail plaza might be used to host live entertainment and farmers markets, Daws said.

The development also will have a 2,500-square-foot rooftop terrace overlooking the pool amenities, and an 8,000-square-foot leasing office that will house a gym, a coworking space and an indoor dog spa, according to Daws.

“I’m excited about it,” Daws said. “It’s going to be a great, great project, and I’ve got a good team put together, folks who I’ve worked with for years and years. I’m very thankful that I’ve gotten the opportunity to do this project.”

More details about the Lofts at Flint Station

The new Lofts at Flint Station project in Warner Robins stretches across 10.43 acres that are bordered by Russell Parkway, Carl Vinson Parkway and South Houston Lake Road, according to the site plan.

The first loft building near South Houston Lake Road and Russell Parkway includes the retail space on the first floor. The building includes roll-up garage doors suitable for restaurants to create covered outdoor space.

Pre-leasing for the retail space already has started.

“With combined traffic counts exceeding 61,000 vehicles per day along Russell Parkway and Houston Lake Road, Flint Station presents an exceptional opportunity for businesses seeking strong exposure in one of Middle Georgia’s fastest-growing commercial corridors,” The Summit Group promotional flyer reads in part.

So far, an upscale nail salon is considering a 3,000-square-foot retail space, while a tanning salon also is exploring a retail space, said Kevin Harkins, an associate broker for The Summit Group based in Macon.

No one has signed on the dotted line yet, though, said Harkins, the listing agent for the retail space.

The second building will include the leasing office and rooftop terrace overlooking the pool with a privacy fence and a cabana. A fire pit and a car wash/maintenance building are also shown on the site plan.

Building four includes garages, Daws said.

Buildings one and two are expected to go up first, with the potential for move-in April or May 2027, Daws said. Gallery Residential, a property management firm near Atlanta, is expected to handle loft leasing, he said.

Buildings three, four and five will follow in order of construction.

In all, 462 parking spaces are shown on the site plan, including 75 of those earmarked for retail space, 17 for handicapped parking and 10 for electric vehicle charging and parking.

“We’re really targeting that young professional demographic,” Daws said.

Future development of office space or a brew pub nearby?

Two raised crossings over Carl Vinson Parkway are depicted on the map, along with a section of property also owned by Sierra Development labeled “future development: office/restaurant.”

While nothing specific has been determined for that property, a destination type of business such as a brew pub has been mentioned as a potentially good fit, Harkins said.

Something like Macon’s Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen, Daws said, or conversely an off base, highly secure office space. The Lofts at Flint Station is about five miles west of the Russell Parkway gate at Robins Air Force Base.

In all, Sierra Development purchased about 20 acres from Flint Energies in May, with slightly more than half comprising the Lofts at Flint Station.

The focus is expected to be on the Lofts at Flint Station first, with the other property likely to be developed two or three years down the road, Daws said.

The area also will likely feature walking trails, he said.

What’s already near the Lofts at Flint Station?

The Lofts at Flint Station is going up immediately next to PeoplesSouth Bank off Russell Parkway and across from a Flint Energies member center off Carl Vinson Parkway. The other Sierra Development property is on the Flint Energies’ side of Carl Vinson Parkway.

Across Russell Parkway is a shopping plaza that includes two Asian restaurants, an Asian market, a new coffee shop, a consignment shop and more. Nearby is a convenience store that includes restaurant space available for lease that once housed the original Georgia Bob’s Barbecue.

Additionally, the Lofts at Flint Station is kitty-corner to the new Sprouts Farmers Market development at the northwest corner of South Houston Lake Road and Russell Parkway. Site preparation work is underway for Sprouts with a sign posted on site that the four outparcels on the property are pre-leasing.