Each morning is different at NewTown Macon. At most offices, people file in from home more anxious for five o’clock escapes than their workload, but that’s hard to do when your workload is saving a city. At NewTown, we even envision a change (for some people) from this dreary system. Do you drive half an hour to an hour, fight for a place to park, and then rush in just before the clock strikes nine every morning? At NewTown Macon, we’re looking to change that in the Heart of Middle Georgia. Each day we’re looking to make lives more worth living!
At NewTown, we’re growing jobs. Most recently everyone in the office took a walk over to the Fickling Building to welcome Secure Health to their new offices downtown. This, along with places like the new Marriott Hotel and various new restaurants are creating jobs and reducing that recurring morning nightmare of a commute.
At NewTown, we’re gaining residents. Recent renovations on Cherry and Second Streets will add to the number of apartments downtown, contributing even more eager individuals to the Downtown area. This growing group of people can wake up, take a leisurely stroll to the local coffee shop (like Killian’s on Cherry St.) or grab a bite at an exceptional breakfast spot (like Market City Café). Then, with just a few steps they can be at work at a great job downtown.
At NewTown, we’re creating a sense of place. With efforts like graffiti removal (courtesy of Façade Squad, amongst others) and National Clean up Day (March 6th!), NewTown is created an area worthy of civic pride. Also, the recent renovation of the Terminal Station, the “Crown Jewel” of Downtown, adds character and dignity to such an elegant district of our city. Also, a day in the life at NewTown lately has featured the art exhibit “Angels of Virtue” by local artist Timothy Heeden. Come drop by and check them out! They were recently featured in the Atlanta Airport for the entire world to see.
Along with these three tenants of life here at NewTown, there are many more random and wonderful happenings worth noting. For example, recently while photographing some graffiti at an historic (yet slightly in disrepair) building in the Industrial area, intern Daniel Windham (that’s me!) fell off the side of a foundation and down a hill. I’m ok though, and I got my pictures. Also, Kris Hattaway met with locals to discuss a possible Caribbean festival downtown. Laura Schofield met with local volunteers to help with Clean-Up day. As those of you who get the e-blast know, Jesse Barth is doing great work at NewTown- a smiling face when you first walk in and a wealth of knowledge for your fun weekend! Keeping us all straight- Gail Mansfield keeps the books. Recently, Hal Baskin suffered a heart attack, but it’s likely he tried to work right after he left his hospital bed. He’s back though, and better than ever!
You never know what’s going to happen on any particular day at NewTown. Whether it’s President Underwood from Mercer or someone looking to open a business, anyone might walk in the door. There are two constants at NewTown- heart and hard work. It’s impossible not to get attached to this city and this Downtown. It’s been through a lot, as we all have in recent years. However, just as we must do with ourselves, a day in the life at NewTown is fighting as hard as we can for a better life. All of this is for you, Macon and especially Downtown. Whether you believe it or not, Downtown and Macon have a personality, and it’s our job to let it flourish. But hey, it’s just a day in the life.
Great work Daniel! Go NewTown!!!
Comment by Jill Isaac — February 21, 2010 @ 8:11 pm