ANNUAL REPORT

2013-14

STORIES
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College Hill Alliance

Click to see video video Since 2007, Mercer has partnered with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the City of Macon and other partners to bring new life to the Corridor, a two-square-mile area between Mercer’s main campus and Macon’s downtown business district. To date, more than $90 million in public and private funds have been invested in the College Hill Corridor.
the how
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THE HOW:

Begun as a Senior Capstone project by a group of graduating Mercer students, the College Hill Alliance is a highly successful revitalization effort. The initiative is funded by grants from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Together with the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Historic Macon Foundation and Macon Housing Authority, they have turned the once distressed neighborhood into a highly popular place to live, work and play and helped increase the local annual tax revenue by more than $1 million.
the what
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THE WHAT:

The College Hill Alliance has renovated public parks, historic homes, and office and retail space to transform the area into a walkable, bikeable neighborhood. With the surge in residents, retail shops, entrepreneurs and year-round events like free music concerts and movies in the park, the Corridor has become one of Macon’s most popular destinations. Success has led to Gold and Silver Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
the fun
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THE FUN:

Mercer Village plays home to block party celebrations like Christmas in the Corridor and Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day celebrations and parades. In addition to regular events, Mercer Village hosts community pep rallies and watch parties on the street when the Bears play away. The College Hill Corridor is also home to the Second Sunday Concert Series in Washington Park, the Magnolia Street Soap Box Derby and the Music Ambassadors: Macon house concerts. Tattnall Square Park is now hosting multiple festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Bearstock day-long concert that attracts thousands.