PHOTOS BY JESSICA WHITLEY
Five U N D E R 40
T
his year, the spotlight is firmly
on Macon, and we're taking
our stage. As we grace the
pages of publications big and
small, major projects come
to fruition, and an influx of
tourists and residents arrive
to our bustling downtown, it's important to
remember the values that got us here.
The five stages that our young leaders are
pictured on – The Douglass Theatre, The
Grand Opera House, Macon City Auditorium,
Theatre Macon, and The Capitol Theatre –
are all restored historic buildings operated
by different entities. They represent our
collective dedication to historic preservation
and collaboration across institutions and
sectors, some of the same ideals that won
Macon the Great American Main Street Award
(see page 52). The Bibb Theatre, featured
on our cover, is a reminder that the work
is never done. It's the only historic theatre
downtown that awaits restoration, but its
iconic marquee on Third Street lights up
again, having been stabilized by NewTown
Macon. They're looking for a tenant who
could make it shine with a dazzling idea.
Get in touch with them if the next person
to help build up a piece of our city for the
better is you.
Trusting in young leadership, and the
innovation that it provides, is another way
Macon has evolved for the better and made
us ready for showtime. Since 2001, Macon
Magazine has highlighted peer-nominated
young leaders through our Five Under 40.
Among these pages, you'll find artists and
activists, educators and executive leaders.
We applaud their stories – and look forward
to the curtain rising on their next act.
August/September 2024 | maconmagazine.com 75
