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See how Middle Georgia grows new opportunities for work, housing, more

Stories by Macon Telegraph journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories shows how Middle Georgia adds new options for work, housing, and community activities.

The upcoming opening of BJ’s Wholesale Club in Warner Robins brings jobs and retail choices to the area. A Macon greenhouse now produces and ships sustainable greens to stores across the Southeast. Pleasant Hill makes room for a 64-unit affordable housing project where the old charter school stood. The launch of adaptive tennis for the visually impaired gives new ways to take part in sports. BJ's plans weekly food donations to the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank to help local families.

Read the stories below.

Construction of the first BJ’s Wholesale Club in Middle Georgia at 6201 Watson Blvd. in Warner Robins is expected be completed by the end of June. By Becky Purser

NO. 1: WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN MIDDLE GEORGIA’S FIRST BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB OPENS IN WARNER ROBINS

The club is part of a large-scale development that includes luxury apartment homes and a car wash. | Published February 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becky Purser

Former tennis teaching professional Randy Stephens (left) coaches and guides the racket of Landyn Francis during adaptive tennis practice at the Georgia Academy of the Blind on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Macon, Georgia. The modifications in adaptive tennis for those that are visually impaired or blind include a shorter racket and court, along with larger balls with bells inside. By Katie Tucker/The Telegraph

NO. 2: THIS ADAPTIVE PROGRAM MAKES ‘BLIND TENNIS’ AVAILABLE TO THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN MIDDLE GEORGIA

“We are teaching kids … they’ll have a sport they can do the rest of their lives.” | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lucinda Warnke

Fresh leafy greens grown in Bibb County greenhouse are being shipped to Food Lions, Harris Teeters, Ingles, Krogers and Walmarts across the Southeast.

NO. 3: THIS MACON GREENHOUSE FOCUSED ON TECH, SUSTAINABILITY NOW SERVES ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST

BrightFarms’ Macon greenhouse prioritizes sustainability through maximizing resource efficiency, and cutting emissions and shipping miles | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Margaret Walker

Cubbies inside a classroom sit exposed after a bulldozer demolishes the former Macon Charter Academy on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in the Pleasant Hill neighborhood in Macon, Georgia. The former school sat abandoned after closing in 2016. Now, investors and city officials plan to use the land to build 64 affordable housing units. By Katie Tucker/The Telegraph

NO. 4: OLD MACON CHARTER ACADEMY DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN PLEASANT HILL

City officials hope this project can fuel a revitalization of the Pleasant Hill neighborhood. | Published March 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lucinda Warnke

BJ’s Wholesale Club held a few ceremonial groundbreakings for its new club Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in a portion of Peach County that’s been annexed by Warner Robins. This one includes Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick, fourth person from the left, and Peach County Commission Chairman Martin Moseley, fourth person from the right. By Becky Purser

NO. 5: BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB TARGETS FALL OPENING IN WARNER ROBINS. TAKE A PEEK INSIDE.

The new club is offering a special membership deal for locals.. | Published April 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becky Purser

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.