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Macon,
Georgia’s College Hill Corridor
Thrives
on More than $90 Million from Investors
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Arts,
architecture, entrepreneurship and entertainment – discover
the
magic behind the South’s hottest communities
|
The
College Hill Corridor, Macon, GA – May 2014 / Newsmaker Alert / With
more than $90 million invested in Macon’s College Hill Corridor, a two
square mile area between Mercer University and Historic Macon's downtown
business district about an hour south of Atlanta, through private and public
investments, Knight Foundation Investments and Mercer University as well
as investments by Macon-Bibb County, it’s no wonder this community is a
hot bed for entrepreneurship and innovation while serving as the breeding
ground for a hip hometown vibe. Thanks to the Corridor initiative, more
than 100 jobs have been created within the area’s borders and Macon’s two
largest employers in Macon are located here – the Medical Center of Central
Georgia and Mercer University, home of the 2014 March Madness miracle Mercer
Bears. Showcasing four major city parks and all three of Macon's historic
house museum attractions: Hay House, Cannonball House and Sidney Lanier
Cottage, the Corridor offers something for everyone, from long-time resident
to visitor passing through.
It’s
time to discover the magic that’s brewing in the Corridor.
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Making
an impact through entrepreneurship
Showcasing
entrepreneurship at its finest, businesses in the College Hill Corridor
exemplify talented risk-takers who are putting their heart and soul into
the community. Stories of these local people weave together the fabric
of the College Hill Corridor. Take for instance, Jackie Wright, of Indigo
salon, a top-of-the-line Aveda experience in the heart of the Corridor,
who stepped up to purchase and make over the salon when the previous owner
planned to close it. Or Carl Fambro, of Francar's Wings, also known as
the "Mayor of Mercer Village." Fambro took a major risk moving his successful
business to the village early on, bringing with him an existing customer
base – that grew even larger with the move.
In
true testament to the community fabric woven throughout the bonds in the
Corridor, Fambro comments, when asked how he feels being referred to as
“Mayor” of the area, “I do get a bit of a charge from the title if only
as an acknowledgement that we are all working together to make this work.
It was always my belief that we would each be stronger if we cooperated
with each other, the university and the neighbors. That result has been
validated as we have cooperated on several events and festivals...made
them successful and beneficial to all. We learn from each other and realize
the impact we can have on another's business.”
With
his wisdom, Fambro is the primary mentor for Wright and other young entrepreneurs
in the Corridor. Both have talent, know-how, gumption and a following –
a following of both loyal and new customers who flock to these businesses
because of the authentic experiences they're offered, all with a side of
genuine community pride and service.
Come
home to the Corridor
Safe.
Affordable. Convenient. Not to mention, hip, happening, historic and hot!
These are words used to describe life in Macon's College Hill Corridor.
The neighborhoods of College Hill fall in the safest precincts of the city
and there's a home to fit every lifestyle and budget, from $60,000 rehabbed
shotgun houses to fully restored $1 million mansions, all in the same block.
In addition to historic homes, brand new homes are available with mortgage
options that make monthly payments less than apartment rentals. From 2002-2011,
property taxes income increased by nearly $1 million annually within College
Hill alone, mostly due to rehabilitated abandoned homes and construction
on empty land, reducing crime and saving taxpayers money by avoiding demolition.
“I
love living in the vibrant community that the Corridor offers. I
walk most places, I know my neighbors, and there is always something going
on. In many cities, it would be hard to have this quality of life
while still being affordable,” says Heather Bowman-Cutway, biology professor
at Mercer University and co-chair of the all-volunteer College Hill Corridor
Commission.
Drawing
people from all walks and stages of life, the Corridor beckons newcomers
in droves with its desirable amenities – including local parks, cultural
events, locally-owned restaurants, coupled with conveniences like recent
roadway improvements and pedestrian- and bike-friendly planned community
design. And if you're not sold yet, programs available to residents of
Corridor offer housing incentives, like down payment assistance. Where
will you call home? Try urban Beall's Hill, one of Macon’s oldest neighborhoods
that experienced a nationally-recognized success story in revitalization
and offers a community garden, gateway pedestrian bridge as well as a strong,
diverse neighborhood association made up of longtime and brand-new residents
who sincerely care about their community. Or maybe Huguenin Heights, the
first revitalization project by the Macon Heritage Foundation, featured
on HGTV's "Restore America" program. InTown Macon's historic vibe is reflected
in the varied collection of residential buildings that range from landmark
mansions to hip, rehabbed shotgun houses while Tattnall Heights is where
the newest homes were built while still encompassing historic charm. This
neighborhood is also home to the Macon Dog Park, a six-acre, off-leash
dog park that serves as a community point and destination for residents
and visitors alike.
Making
a difference in the Corridor
Beginning
in 2013, the College Hill Alliance made a concerted effort to lure craftsmen,
artisans, and small business entrepreneurs to the Corridor in an effort
to create a thriving, locally-driven economy. Today, these more than 200
bright minds are part of the "Macon Maker Movement" and are making waves
when it comes to establishing their craft, from computer programming to
wood working. Jason Frost is a Macon Maker of graphic design and screen
printing. Yolanda “Y-O” Lattimore is a Macon Maker of poetry. Gary Wall,
a Mercer University student, is a Macon Maker of prosthetics being used
around the globe.
Pilar
Wilder is a Macon Maker of dance, to name only a few of the extraordinary
individuals sharing their talents in the Corridor. Macon Makers believe
that community development is economic development and their efforts are
backed by the more than $90 million in investments made in the Corridor.
"The
ultimate measure of our success recalls the ultimate goal. And that was
to create a district between Mercer and Downtown Macon that would help
us attract bright and talented young people into our community - and keep
them. We recognize that those kinds of people are the future." President
William D. Underwood, Mercer University.
The
call for Macon Makers is open to all. Visit www.MaconMaker.com
for more information.
Live,
work and play in the Corridor
There's
a vibe in the Corridor and its rhythm speaks of downhome, authentic and
wholesome options for true-to-roots entertainment and opportunities. So
sit for a spell with neighbors who are also genuine friends and, in many
cases, co-workers, too. Dance along to free live concerts on the lawn with
a thousand of your closest friends and neighbors or race lightning-fast
down a hill during the annual Magnolia Street Soapbox Derby. The College
Hill Corridor lacks for nothing when it comes to entertainment. Already
a lifestyle-centric community focused on being pedestrian- and bike-friendly,
College Hill beckons with locally-owned eateries like Ingleside Village
Pizza, Fountain of Juice and Francar's Buffalo Wings, among others. Tattnall
Square Park, Washington Park, Coleman Hill, Daisy Park and even an area
for furry friends at the Macon Dog Park welcome residents and visitors
to play outdoors in the Corridor. Get your groove on with the Macon Music
Ambassador program, designed to make national music ambassadors of the
city in order to build on its legacy of groundbreaking creativity, and
bringing front and center nationally renowned musicians to play in unique,
intimate settings in historic homes in the Corridor. When it comes to the
Corridor, there’s a thin line between living, working and playing!
Get
away to the Corridor
Easily
accessible from Atlanta, the Corridor greets visitors with a vibe as unique
as the community’s concept. Sit for a spell at a neighborhood coffee shop
and mingle with strangers who fast become friends. Shop locally at boutiques
and meander through park after park of undulating green space throughout
four long-ago planned communities, each complete with their own architectural
style and story. Delve into history at Macon's three historic house museum
attractions: Hay House, Cannonball House and Sidney Lanier Cottage – each
located in the Corridor. Take an urban hike with Rock Candy Tours, and
gain a glimpse into the heritage of Macon’s music scene. Cheer on the 2014
March Madness miracle Mercer Bears during a home game. Stay on-campus at
Mercer University’s Hilton Garden Inn, offering guests a fitness center
and pool, or try The 1842 Inn for a luxurious getaway in an antebellum
mansion. Plan to visit during one of the Corridor’s signature events, like
April’s Magnolia Street Soapbox Derby or Second Sunday concerts, the second
Sunday of every month, April through October.
Sidebar
Mark
your calendar for these can’t-miss annual College Hill Corridor community
events:
Magnolia
Street Soapbox Derby
The
Magnolia Street Soapbox Derby is hosted by the Magnolia Street residents
and takes place every April. The timed racing event takes place on Magnolia
Street’s hill and has teams compete for the title of fastest car and most
creative structure. www.MaconDerby.com
Second
Sunday Concerts
Every
second Sunday of the month, from April through October, expect one of the
best community picnics in Macon featuring live music in beautiful Washington
Park. The concerts are free to attend and feature a cash bar and food available
for purchase. Picnics, lawn chairs and pets are welcome. Please refrain
from bringing tents and grills though.
Second
Sunday Concerts take place from 6-8 p.m.
June
8: The AJ Ghent Band
July
13: The Grapevine
August
10: Same As It Ever Was
September
14: TBA
October
12: Clarence Carter
www.CollegeHillMacon.com
Sundown
Screen Series
The
Sundown Screen Series is hosted by Macon-Bibb Parks & Recreation and
brings the big silver screen to the great outdoors. These free, outdoor
movie events take place in spring, summer and fall at various locations
in the Corridor. Movies are often shown in Tattnall Square Park but have
also been shown in Riverside Cemetery, Coleman Hill and the Beall’s Hill
Community Garden. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring snacks, blankets
and lawn chairs.
Mercer
Village Block Parties
The
Mercer Village merchants are starting new traditions in the Corridor with
their regular block parties. These events are tied to holidays like Christmas
and Mardi Gras as well as Mercer University sporting events like football
tailgating, pep rallies and cheering on the Bears during tournament season
with outdoor watch parties. The regular events invite the entire Macon
and Mercer University community to join in the free activities that take
place outdoors. The portion of Montpelier Avenue that runs through Mercer
Village is closed for these events, which often feature inflatables, outdoor
vendors and live music. www.MercerVillage.com
Stay
connected: Find us on Facebook.
Hi-
and Low-Res Images Available
Media
Contact:
Jessica
Walden, 478-301-2014
The
College Hill Alliance
www.CollegeHillMacon.com
About
College Hill Corridor
Creating
positive change. That's at the heart of Macon, Georgia's College Hill Alliance,
which aims to ignite this change within the physical, economic and social
fabric of the College Hill Corridor, a two square mile area between Mercer
University and Historic Macon's downtown business district, about an hour
south of Atlanta. Created by an initial three-year, $2 million grant from
the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the College Hill Alliance is
a grant function of Mercer University and became operational in the fall
of 2009. In September 2012, the Knight Foundation awarded $2.3 million
toward continuing the Alliance's work and expanding its influence to assist
entrepreneurs in the area. The College Hill Alliance earned a Gold Excellence
in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development
Council in 2013, recognizing the efforts to recruit and retain business
and foster neighborhood revitalization. Since 2009, the College Hill Alliance
has leveraged over $90 million in public and private investment in the
College Hill Corridor. Learn more about this movement at www.CollegeHillMacon.com.
Images
Shown (Top-Bottom, Left-Right):
Caption:
Every second Sunday of the month, from April through October, the College
Hill Corridor welcomes hundreds with the Second Sunday concert series.
Credit:
College Hill Alliance
Caption:
Carl Fambro of Francar's Wings, is known as the "Mayor of Mercer Village.”
Credit: College Hill Alliance
Caption:
Brent and Andrea Meyer pose in front of their Huguenin Heights home.
Credit: College Hill Alliance
Caption:
Macon Maker, Jason Frost, works on a new screen print design. Credit:
College Hill Alliance |
