Milledgeville Braces for Hotel, Restaurant Development Boom

City Council considers multiple proposals for new hotels and mixed-use projects in downtown area

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The skyline of Milledgeville, Georgia could undergo a dramatic transformation in the coming years, as the city's council considers proposals for at least four new hotel projects, some with accompanying restaurants and other amenities. Construction is already underway on one high-rise hotel near Fouts Bros., expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027. The council heard first readings on several ordinances that would rezone properties and grant special use permits for additional hotel developments in the downtown area.

Why it matters

The potential influx of new hotels and mixed-use developments could significantly impact Milledgeville's economy, tourism industry, and urban landscape. While the projects could bring jobs and economic activity, there are also concerns about the scale of development and how it may affect the character of the historic downtown district.

The details

The proposed hotel projects would be located at several sites around downtown Milledgeville, including on North Elbert Street, North Jefferson Street, East McIntosh Street, and North Jefferson Street. The properties are currently zoned for commercial or residential use, and the owners are seeking to rezone the land and obtain special use permits to allow for hotel development. Two of the proposals also include plans for restaurants and other amenities. The city's Planning & Zoning Commission is scheduled to review the ordinances on March 1.

  • Construction on one hotel near Fouts Bros. on Robinson Mill Road is already underway and expected to be completed in late 2026 or early 2027.
  • Milledgeville City Council conducted first readings of the hotel development ordinances on February 26, 2026.
  • The Milledgeville Planning & Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet on March 1, 2026 to review the proposed ordinances.

The players

Duckworth Holdings

A real estate development company that owns properties at 120 N. Elbert St. and 151 N. Jefferson St., where they are seeking special use permits to build new hotels.

Adam Pabian

The owner of the property at 211 E. McIntosh St., where he is seeking a special use permit for a downtown hotel project.

William and Debbie Thompson

The owners of the property at 141 N. Jefferson St., where they are seeking a special use permit for a downtown hotel project.

Pendergast Properties

The owner of the property at 131 N. Jefferson St., where they are seeking to rezone the land from MR2 to CBC with a special use permit for a downtown hotel project.

Eagle Place Holdings, LLC

The owner of the properties at 200 N. Elbert St. and 230 E. McIntosh St., where they are seeking to rezone the land from SFR2 to CBC with special use permits for hotel projects.

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What they’re saying

“The skyline of Milledgeville could change drastically in the future with the possibility of at least four new hotels altering the landscape.”

— Billy Hobbs, Author (unionrecorder.com)

What’s next

The Milledgeville Planning & Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet on March 1, 2026 to review the proposed ordinances for the hotel and mixed-use development projects. If the commission approves the plans, they will then go back to the City Council for final consideration and a vote.

The takeaway

The potential influx of new hotels and mixed-use developments in Milledgeville's downtown area could significantly transform the city's economy, tourism industry, and urban landscape. While the projects could bring jobs and economic activity, there are concerns about the scale of development and its impact on the character of the historic district. The city's planning process will be crucial in balancing growth with preserving the community's identity.