Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1479628
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 | maconmagazine.com 37 Medal of Honor for jumping on a grenade to save the lives of five fellow Marines during the Vietnam War. "Rosa Parks Square is a place to not only celebrate African-American history, but Macon's African-American history, and for everyone to feel proud of these people who lived in our community and accomplished world- changing successes," said Nancy Jo Cleveland, chair of the Friends of Rosa Parks Square Board. Design plans include a stage, shade structure, water wall, memorial wall, dedication tree and statue of Parks. The space is not only meant to attract more people, but to highlight and honor the only space in downtown Macon honoring a black leader, according to Cleveland. Although the Macon-Bibb County Commission approved redesigning Rosa Parks Square in 2017, the project has moved slower than most would like, but it is moving forward. Right now, the project is waiting for a buildable set of plans that can be used to complete renovation of the park per the original vision. The Friends of Rosa Parks Square is also working to raise money to fund the park's renovations. The last estimated cost of the project was about $3 million. So far, the board has secured about $900,000 from the sale of the former Willie C. Hill Annex Building, which is currently being turned into a hotel on the corner of Cherry and First streets. If you would like to donate, you can do so through the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. COTTON AVENUE PLAZA It's about to get easier to enjoy a cup of coffee or your favorite meal and do some shopping at Cotton Avenue Plaza, which is within walking distance of Rosa Parks Square. This fall, construction will begin at the corner of Second Street and Cotton Avenue as the plaza gets a makeover. This vision is part of the original Macon Action Plan and will allow people and businesses to enjoy more walkable space. Several businesses along Cotton Avenue are looking forward the change, as the space will become more inviting and, most importantly, safer for everyone. "When cars come down this way, they're not always looking for people crossing," said Rachel Keller, manager of Z Beans Coffee. "So, we're really looking forward to this renovation. It'll make it easier for people to walk around more and enjoy the shops around here." The plan includes closing the one-way Cotton Avenue Lane from Cherry Street to Second Street. Mulberry Street Lane will remain open. The portion closed will become outdoor seating and allow for more parking spaces to be created along the plaza. "It's going to make it an easy-to-use section of downtown without the awkward turns, and hopefully slow the traffic down in that area," said Alex Morrison, Urban Development Authority (UDA) executive director. "The goal is also to create a better space that is more emblematic of where Macon is and what we have to offer. It's about connectivity and bringing people together." Construction, which Morrison said will take about six months, will begin once designs are finalized and the Commission approves a contractor. 'THE GOAL IS ALSO TO CREATE A BETTER SPACE THAT IS MORE EMBLEMATIC OF WHERE MACON IS AND WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER. IT'S ABOUT CONNECTIVITY AND BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER.' — ALEX MORRISON ALEX MORRISON