Georgia's First Urban AgriHOOD

We will repurpose 12 blighted parcels to 5 acres of fresh farmland--the region's first “agrihood”. As the county’s newest neighborhood, it consist of a multi-leveled mixed-use structure overlooking the farm house, a farm to fork open air restaurant, community kitchen for lessons,  a fitness center, and at least 20 low income/affordable apartments and other retail spaces all walking distance of Downtown Macon. Totaling 13.17 acres and nestled in a revitalization project for South Macon, we are converting mostly vacant, lightly occupied and abandoned homes and unused land into a vibrant community centerpiece where food alternatives, neighborhood pride, and commerce is desperately needed.

Once our project is complete, Southside will be transformed into Gateway Heights, an urban agrihood with community farms occupying spaces once blighted with decay and abandoned properties. More young adult millennials and their families will be inspired to move into the area. Community programming in culinary and visual arts will be readily available. 

Without a doubt, the greatest need for this community is the lack of access of healthy, plant-based food. As recent as 20 years ago, Southside was home to gardens and mini-farms, as well as multiple options to purchase fresh produce. Whether it was a grocery store or “Mr. Fruit Man” a roadside vendor, you knew where to find fresh produce. Unfortunately, those days are gone. The gardens have withered, the trucks no longer ride, and a community of elders are left in their final days remembering “what was.” Fortunately, Southside’s greatest gift is in its terrain: well tended land by residents of previous generations, who migrated to Macon from rural communities. Underneath the blight and overgrown brush occupying many vacated plots in the South, is well rested fertile soil ready to be developed into active farming and gardening space. We seek to make Southside the first “agrihood” in the region.