New Year, New Skyline
August 05, 2025
On Jan. 1, 2025, the skyline of downtown Macon, Georgia, changed forever as a relic of the past came crashing down. The old Ramada Hotel, a 16-story structure long abandoned and deteriorating, was demolished in a controlled implosion executed by NDA member Target Contractors LLC. The event was a significant milestone for the city’s downtown redevelopment, clearing the way for new economic opportunities and a fresh vision for the future.
A Once-Prominent Landmark Falls Into Disrepair
The building, originally opened in 1970 as the Macon Hilton, had a storied past. Designed by renowned architect Morris Lapidus, best known for Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau Hotel, the Hilton was once a premier destination, even hosting Elvis Presley in 1975. However, despite its early success, the property struggled financially.
By the early 2000s, the hotel’s fate was sealed. Attempts to repurpose it failed due to low ceiling heights, outdated infrastructure and severe structural deterioration. Mayor Lester Miller and the Macon-Bibb Urban Development Authority determined that demolition was the only viable path forward. The county acquired the 108 First St. property in early 2024 and awarded a contract to Target Contractors to safely bring the structure down.
Challenges and An Accelerated Timeline
Executing the project was no small feat. James “JJ” Martin, director of federal and special projects at Target Contractors, highlighted the biggest challenge they faced:
“The biggest challenge the project presented was the accelerated timeline and delayed turnover. There were only five weeks from the day the contract was signed by the mayor to the day of the implosion. That would have been challenging enough. With the turnover of the building being delayed, leaving only 14 days for Target to execute the preparation for the implosion unimpeded, it greatly increased the challenge. But as we do at Target, we pride ourselves on rising to the challenge and making way for new beginnings.”
Initially, the county had contracted another firm to complete the interior demolition and hazardous material removal before Target Contractors could begin. However, delays in their work meant Target was left with only two weeks to complete final preparations, a task that typically takes several months.
Strategic Execution and Demolition Approach
Despite the tight timeline, Target Contractors devised a meticulously planned demolition strategy, which included:
- Extensive community outreach: Meetings with business owners and residents ensured they understood the process and that necessary precautions were in place.
- Structural modifications: Workers removed concrete masonry walls (CMU), drilled columns, cut shear walls and exposed steel columns to allow for a controlled collapse.
- Protective measures: The team installed geotextile fabric and double layers of chain-link fencing around the structure to contain debris.
- Establishing an exclusion zone: Officials set up a public safety perimeter, coordinated emergency responders and created contingency plans in case of unexpected events.
On the morning of the implosion, crews arrived early to complete final safety checks.
A Spectacle for the City: The Moment of Demolition
Excitement built as spectators gathered to witness the historic event. Crowds formed at Coleman Hill and Riverside Drive, where hundreds of residents, business owners and city officials — including Mayor Miller — waited for the moment of impact. At exactly 9 a.m., a carefully sequenced implosion of 750 pounds of gelatin dynamite detonated, triggering a rapid but controlled collapse. Within seconds, the 16-story tower crumbled straight down, sending a thick cloud of dust billowing into the sky.
While the dust settled, Target Contractors and city officials swiftly moved in to assess the results. Utility companies inspected water, gas and power lines, confirming that they remained undamaged. By 11 a.m., cleanup crews began removing protective coverings from neighboring buildings and clearing roads.
Equipment, Cleanup And Recycling Efforts
Although the implosion marked the most dramatic moment, demolition efforts are ongoing. Crews are currently dismantling remaining ancillary structures using conventional methods with heavy equipment, including:
- Two Komatsu PC 490s (one with an MP50 processor, one with a bucket and thumb)
- CAT 320 with a bucket and thumb attachment
- Komatsu PC 360 with a grapple
One of the key priorities is sustainability. Target Contractors estimates that approximately 90% of the building’s materials will be recycled, diverting significant waste from landfills and contributing to future construction projects.
A Project That Defined Success
For David Evans, the president of Target Contractors, and his team, the Ramada demolition was more than just another project; it was a testament to their expertise, adaptability and commitment to excellence.
“The project was an overwhelming success,” Evans says. “The planning and preparation that went into the execution were extremely thorough, the support we received from Macon-Bibb County was exemplary, and with the community rallying behind us, we were able to perform operationally on a level which only a few get to experience.”
City officials share that optimism. With the old Ramada Hotel reduced to rubble, discussions are now underway about what comes next. Many expect the site to become a new hotel and convention center, aligning with Macon’s broader Renaissance on the River redevelopment project.
The Beginning of a New Era for Macon
For Macon residents, the demolition of the old Ramada Hotel was both a farewell to a troubled landmark and a celebration of the city’s progress. With a massive eyesore removed, the city now has an opportunity to redefine its downtown landscape — one that prioritizes economic growth, walkability and modernization.
For Target Contractors, the successful execution of this challenging project reinforces their reputation as one of the top demolition specialists in the industry. Against all odds, they delivered — on time, on budget and with precision.