Milledgeville City Council approved a series of property rezoning requests during its Tuesday regular meeting, thus clearing the way for the new Hilton hotel and conference center project along Jefferson and Elbert streets.
The vote by preceded by a tribute to Johnny Grant, Jr., the former Milledgeville mayor who passed away earlier this year. About a dozen of Grant's family members were on hand, as Mayor Mary Parham Copelan declared “April 14, 2026 as John William Grant, Jr. Day in the City of Milledgeville” and “encouraged all citizens to reflect on his service.”
The mayor previously asked the hotel development group to conduct a traffic impact study in the area and to present the findings to the city council. That study won't be completed until the later this month. However, the council decided to go ahead and approve the rezoning requests anyway.
Barring anything unforeseen, construction is expect to begin at some point this summer. Developers have finalized a deal with Hilton and are moving forward with “The Graduate by Hilton” hotel concept. On its website, Hilton describes its Graduate hotels as “always original and never boring.” Matt Roesling, an attorney representing the development group, told the city council on Tuesday that the hotel “lobby will use historic items from Milledgeville.”
The amenities are numerous, including a fifth-floor bar and grill with an open-air view of downtown. Also, the Thompson House at 141 N. Jefferson St. is slated to be converted into a restaurant and connected to the hotel by a backdoor and a breezeway. Down the hill, the old Duckworth Farm Supply building will be transformed into a conference center and event space.
Duckworth’s silo also will be preserved.
The conference center will be able to accomodate approximately 350 people for events.
The new hotel will have 120 rooms.
In terms of pricing, that’s to be determined, according to Mike Couch, one of the developers. Added Couch: “Depending on the time of year...probably in the 210 to the 230 dollar per night range.”