Major Development Approval Just Granted Near the CBD

The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved the Riverfront Tower project on July 7, clearing the way for a 14-story building with 210 apartments and 18,000 square feet of ground-floor retail at the corner of Mulberry and Third streets.

The vote came as downtown property values climbed for the third straight year and vacancy rates in Class A office space dropped below 9 percent. Local planners say the timing aligns with renewed interest from Atlanta-based investors who have closed on four smaller sites along Cherry Street since January.

Site and surroundings

The approved site sits across from the restored Terminal Station and one block from the Tubman African American Museum. The project will include a public plaza facing Central City Park and a pedestrian link to the existing Riverwalk trail that runs along the Ocmulgee River. The Macon Economic Development Commission listed the parcel in its 2025 inventory of catalytic sites, noting its direct adjacency to both the historic district and the new transit hub now under construction at the station.

County records show the 1.8-acre parcel last sold for $4.2 million in late 2024. The new development carries a projected construction cost of $68 million and a 2029 completion target. Average rents for comparable new units in the same zip code reached $1,875 a month in the first quarter of 2026, according to data released by the Macon-Bibb County Tax Assessor.

Next steps for residents and buyers

Site work is scheduled to begin in September once the developer secures final stormwater permits from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Prospective tenants can register interest through the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning office starting next month, with priority given to households earning between 60 and 120 percent of area median income for the 42 affordable units required under the approval. The commission will hold a public update meeting on the project timeline at City Hall on August 12.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.