Scott and SadieIn a move that screams “we’ve run out of ideas,” Macon-Bibb County has decided to ring in 2025 by demolishing a 16-story eyesore—the old Ramada Inn—right at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Because, apparently, fireworks and champagne are just too mainstream.
This architectural gem, which once hosted the likes of Elvis Presley, has been vacant since 2017. Instead of renovating or repurposing the building, the county shelled out $4.5 million to acquire it, only to spend up to $2.6 million more to blow it to smithereens. That’s right, folks—spending millions to create a pile of rubble.
Mayor Lester Miller, ever the visionary, stated, “We acquired this property to blow it up.” Well, at least he’s honest about the county’s demolition fetish. He assures us that the site will eventually be part of a “larger redevelopment of Macon’s riverfront.” Translation: we’ll figure it out later.
But wait, there’s more! Nearby Christ Episcopal Church, a historic sanctuary built in 1851, is understandably concerned that the explosion might, you know, damage their building. But who cares about a little collateral damage when you can have a midnight spectacle, right?
So, if you’re in Macon this New Year’s Eve, forget about traditional celebrations. Instead, grab some popcorn and watch as the county literally blows taxpayer money into the sky. Because nothing says “Happy New Year” like a controlled demolition.
