In This Episode

In this episode, we explore what it means to preserve, restore, and create a place to call home in Macon. From protecting the historic architecture that gives the city its character to helping families build stability through homeownership, Historic Macon Foundation and Macon-Milledgeville Regional Habitat for Humanity are strengthening neighborhoods while ensuring Macon's sense of place continues for generations to come.

Featured Guest: Emily Hopkins

Executive Director, Historic Macon Foundation

Topics include:

• Macon's longstanding commitment to historic preservation
• The history and mission of Historic Macon Foundation
• How preservation and historic tax credits contribute to economic development
• Revitalizing neighborhoods while protecting affordability and homeownership
• Resources available to historic homeowners, including Historic Macon's Tool Library
• The role of preservation in tourism and Macon's distinctive sense of place
• Celebrating 50 years of the Historic Macon Flea Market
• Honoring Macon's past while carrying its stories forward for new generations

Featured Guest: Ivey Hall

Executive Director, Macon-Milledgeville Regional Habitat for Humanity

Topics include:

• Celebrating 40 years of Habitat for Humanity in the Macon area
• The organization's expansion into a regional Macon-Milledgeville Habitat affiliate
• Helping families achieve safe, stable, and affordable homeownership
• How Habitat homeowners invest in and help build their own homes
• Breaking misconceptions about Habitat for Humanity and homeownership
• The Habitat ReStore as a resource for affordable furniture, appliances, and building materials
• Supporting homeowners throughout their long-term homeownership journey
• How stable housing can create a legacy that carries from one generation to the next

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Macon's Preservation and Housing Initiatives
02:06 The History and Mission of Historic Macon Foundation
03:58 Emily Hopkins on Macon's Architectural Heritage
05:57 Economic Impact of Preservation and Tax Credits
07:54 Habitat for Humanity's Role in Middle Georgia
09:56 Homeowner Stories and Community Impact
11:59 Restoring and Reusing Historic Homes
13:58 The Future of Preservation and Housing in Macon
16:07 Supporting Local Organizations and Resources
18:13 Music and Cultural Identity in Macon
20:00 Closing Remarks and Support Opportunities

Featured Music

• "Southern Child" — Blackberry Smoke
• "Home" — Dolly Parton

Connect

Historic Macon Foundation - https://www.historicmacon.org/
Macon-Milledgeville Regional Habitat for Humanity - https://www.maconhabitat.org/
StreamTheCreek - https://streamthecreek.com

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Genuinely Southern Whether through writing, broadcasting, or word-of-mouth, stories have always forged a connection between people and places. Nowhere else is this truer than in The South. Southern artist, influencer, speaker, and author Mark Ballard will weave stories of life in Macon, Georgia, and stories of the South. Tales told as only Mark can, will be interwoven with guest interviews and listener questions and requests.