Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1389428
2 RECENT HISTORY SHOWS US that downtown Macon is more than a success story in community placemaking. The reason we have a renaissance is because our downtown community is resilient, resourceful and creative, and can pivot, shift and continue upward, despite all odds. In 1989, the Peyton Anderson Foundation was established with our benefactor's final instructions: "Reward good-doers, instead of do-gooders." From there, visionary philanthropic investment began to bring downtown Macon back from a certain demise, where we questioned whether our main streets and city center would ever come back to life. Our Foundation's founding president, Juanita Jordan, who wouldn't accept the declaration of "downtown is dead," led the charge. When we lost Jordan in August 2021, NewTown Macon President Josh Rogers wrote, "Never one to be dissuaded, delayed or distracted ... she gathered a group of community leaders to form NewTown Macon in 1996 to take up two seemingly impossible challenges: creating a riverfront trail system and bringing downtown Macon back to life." The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail now stretches over 13 miles and has seen more walking, cycling and nature- embracing traffic than ever before. Downtown Macon pulses with nearly 700 lofts, 50 restaurants, 26 bars and music venues. This issue of New Downtown has personal and professional sentiment for me. As the current president of the Foundation, with the guidance of our Board of Trustees, we continue to support the economic development of Central Georgia through opportunities that strengthen community vitality, engage residents and encourage philanthropy. Through Juanita Jordan's foresight, downtown Macon remains a return on investment for Peyton Anderson's legacy. As her daughter, I couldn't be more proud. What you'll find in these pages is the tenacity and spirit of our small business owners, the dedication of community leaders, the civic pride of creative placemakers and a downtown Macon with limitless synergy. Success wasn't achieved overnight, but resilience doesn't skip a beat. It's here, in our downtown, where that "good doing" doesn't shut down. Thank you to all who are part of this issue and everyone who is part of this place we are so proud to call home. As Peyton Anderson would often sign his letters: Bestest, Karen Lambert President, Peyton Anderson Foundation DOWNTOWN MACON'S RETURN ON INVESTMENT STORIES BY RENÉE CORWINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAVE BJORKMAN