FUNDING RESOURCES:

MBCAHF Loan Amount: 165,000

Leveraged Funding: 248,756(Historic Tax Credits & Knight Foundation)

Housing Type: Rental Housing

Units Delivered: 2 Rental Units

Projects Status: Active

The Macon Historic Project is a leading nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing communities by preserving historic architecture and sharing local history throughout Middle Georgia. Founded in 1964 through the merger of the Middle Georgia Historical Society and the Macon Heritage Foundation, the Foundation has grown into one of the nation’s most productive and innovative preservation organizations.

Historic Macon combines real estate restoration, education, and community engagement to transform neighborhoods and protect architectural heritage. Its work includes rehabilitating and selling historic structures, implementing low-interest loan programs for property improvements, and offering state and federal tax credit consulting to make preservation financially feasible for property owners.

A cornerstone of the Foundation’s work is neighborhood revitalization, particularly in areas like Beall’s Hill, where investment has attracted millions in public and private funds and restored dozens of houses to productive use. These efforts not only save significant buildings but also stabilize and strengthen local communities.

In addition to construction and restoration, Historic Macon hosts a variety of educational and cultural programs — from lectures and workshops to community events — aimed at promoting the value of preservation and Macon’s unique heritage. They also champion at-risk properties through initiatives like the Fading Five list, raising awareness and encouraging strategic restoration of endangered sites.

The Foundation’s headquarters itself — a beautifully restored historic fire hall — showcases its mission in action by preserving and adaptively reusing significant local architecture.

Overall, Historic Macon plays a central role in strengthening Macon’s economic, cultural, and social fabric by leveraging historic preservation as a community development tool that honors the past while making a positive impact today.