This US State to 'blow-up' a 16 story-building to ring in 2025 | Here’s why

Macon, Georgia, is set to kick off 2025 with an extraordinary New Year’s Day spectacle: the controlled implosion of a 16-story hotel in the heart of downtown.

The event, scheduled for January 1 at 9 a.m. EST, has become a focal point of local anticipation, combining celebration with urban renewal, as mentioned in the New York Post.

Mayor Lester Miller, in a statement, emphasized the significance of this bold initiative:

“We acquired this property to blow it up. The way you start your new year is how you spend your entire year. We’re going big—removing a blighted structure, making way for economic development, and uniting the community to celebrate our future”

The iconic Hotel’s troubled past

The hotel, originally opened in 1970, once hosted luminaries such as Elvis Presley.

However, its glory days faded over decades. By 1991, the property was seized by the New York Banking Department due to its alleged connection to a fraud case.

Attempts to revitalize the building proved futile. The Ramada Plaza, its last occupant, ceased operations in 2017.

Despite multiple redevelopment efforts, the structure’s outdated design and failure to meet fire and safety codes rendered renovation impractical, as noted by Macon-Bibb County officials.

A Multi-Million Dollar Project

Macon-Bibb County purchased the building for $4.5 million during federal bankruptcy proceedings. To safely execute the demolition, the county allocated an additional $2.6 million for hiring a specialized demolition firm.

Local authorities see the implosion as a pivotal step toward reshaping downtown Macon.

“This initiative not only clears an eyesore but also creates opportunities for new economic and community projects,” Miller remarked.

Concerns from the Neighborhood

While the planned implosion has sparked excitement, some residents have expressed concerns about potential risks.

The historic Christ Episcopal Church, located nearby, voiced apprehensions about possible damage to its sanctuary.

Russ Henry, a member of the vestry overseeing the church, explained:

“It’s an eyesore to the whole community, and we would love to see something new in its place. However, we want assurances that our church, which is marking its bicentennial, remains unharmed during the demolition”, as quoted in the New York Post.

New Beginnings

Mayor Miller highlighted the symbolic nature of the event:

“This New Year’s Day, we are remembering the past while making way for the future. The demolition represents progress, clearing the path for revitalized community spaces and economic growth.”

FAQs

How do they celebrate New Year in Georgia?

Traditionally, family members gather around the supra (Georgian feast table) to celebrate and welcome the New Year together at midnight. Afterward, they head out to meet friends and continue the festivities well into the night.

What does Georgia drop for the New Year?

The Peach Drop draws more than 50,000 attendees, making it the most famous and widely celebrated New Year's Eve event in the Southeast.