Macon looking for a developer to build Macon convention center and hotel. What we know

Macon-Bibb County has begun the search for a developer to help build a new convention center and hotel downtown.

The county put out a request for qualifications on Wednesday. Interested development firms must respond by noon July 17 to be considered.

The names of the firms who responded to the request will be publicly read out at 2 p.m. July 17 in the Macon-Bibb County Procurement Department Conference Room.

According to Chris Floore, chief communications officer with Macon-Bibb County, the firms will then submit a request for proposals, where they will outline their ideas for the project.

The firm chosen will be expected to help the county design, finance and construct the new hotel, convention center and parking deck. The release said the selected firm will ideally also help operate the hotel and convention center alongside Visit Macon.

The new convention center and hotel are part of a larger effort by the county to revitalize the downtown area. Officials said the project will help attract tourists and events to Macon, which is often passed over because of its outdated facilities and lodging.

“We want to have a first-class convention and event experience here in the center of Georgia, one that is within walking distance of our Downtown and the many local and amazing businesses,” Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller said in the release.

The project is set to be built downtown across from a tract of land along Riverside Drive the county sold to Mercer University in February. Mercer plans to move its medical school to the location in a new state-of-the-art facility.

While details of the new hotel and convention center are still in the works, conceptual renderings sent out by the county show pedestrian-friendly walkways, business space and lofts in addition to the hotel and convention center.

This story was originally published July 24, 2025 at 10:48 AM.