Houston & Peach

Warner Robins takes next step toward downtown district. Two more buildings coming down

Warner Robins is taking another step toward its vision of creating a vibrant, dynamic downtown district.

As part of its “Operation Reawaken” initiative, the fourth in a series of demolitions of blighted commercial properties is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Wednesday. The public is invited.

The properties are at 401 N. Commercial Circle and 102 N. Davis Drive. Combined, the properties comprise about 8,500-square-feet.

“This demolition is more than just clearing an outdated building,” Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said in a news release. “It symbolizes progress and the promise of a reimagined downtown Warner Robins.

“With every step we take in Operation Reawaken, we are paving the way for renewed opportunity, enhanced community spaces, and a future filled with growth. We are laying the foundation for a downtown district that our residents can take pride in — a place where businesses flourish, families gather, and our city thrives.”

An excavator destroys 401 N. Commercial Circle, which housed Highly Favored Ministries, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, in Warner Robins, Georgia. The demolition is the fourth in series of Warner Robins demolitions as a part of the city’s “Operation Reawaken” initiative to destroy blight and rebuild.
An excavator destroys 401 N. Commercial Circle, which housed Highly Favored Ministries, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, in Warner Robins, Georgia. The demolition is the fourth in series of Warner Robins demolitions as a part of the city’s “Operation Reawaken” initiative to destroy blight and rebuild. Katie Tucker/The Telegraph

The idea is to tear down blight and rebuild in its place.

The city has acquired just over 80% of the properties in the targeted area, with the city also purchasing properties in immediate outlying areas to bolster the downtown district.

The vision is for a live-work-play district for retail, dining, green spaces and residential options.

The demolitions will likely take place over several days.

Warner Robins takes next step in “Operation Reawaken” to develop a downtown district.
Warner Robins takes next step in “Operation Reawaken” to develop a downtown district. City of Warner Robins

This story was originally published February 18, 2025 at 12:43 PM.

BP
Becky Purser
The Telegraph
Becky covers new restaurants, businesses and developments with some general assignment reporting in Warner Robins and the rest of Houston County. She’s a career journalist with ties to Warner Robins. Her late father retired at Robins Air Force Base. She moved back to Warner Robins in 2000. Support my work with a digital subscription
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