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A unique new airport terminal in Macon, Georgia, is set to blend architectural innovation with rich musical heritage as plans move forward for a guitar-shaped facility crafted primarily from locally sourced timber. A standout feature of the Middle Georgia Regional Airport redevelopment, the terminal will celebrate the city's famed musical roots while championing sustainability through its construction materials.
Leading the project is architect Chris Nardone of Passero Associates, who has designed a visually distinctive terminal shaped like a guitar when viewed from above. At ground level, the façade will resemble piano keys, adding another layer to the musical theme. The building will feature a second-storey restaurant with runway views, outdoor entertainment areas, and a fully equipped conference room.
Much of the structure will be constructed using Southern Yellow Pine (SYP), with more than 70% of the mass timber sourced from Georgia's forestry industry. A portion of this timber will come from the tree farm of Chuck Leavell, a Grammy-winning musician and renowned tree farmer. The airport's design and concept pay tribute to Macon's iconic musical figures, including Otis Redding, Little Richard, and the Allman Brothers, all of whom have strong ties to the region.
The £10.7 million (US $13.4 million) development will be funded entirely by the 2025 Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority Construction Fund. Sustainability is central to the project's ethos, and timber was chosen for its environmental advantages over traditional construction materials. Mass timber, in particular, produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to concrete or steel while also offering the benefits of quicker build times and fire resistance. Additionally, when sourced and processed locally, it reduces transportation-related emissions.
Georgia's forestry sector plays a crucial role in this initiative. Around 90% of the state's forests are privately owned, and there's growing support for using mass timber to promote responsible forest management. With a decline in demand for pulp and traditional lumber, mass timber offers new commercial opportunities for landowners. Managed forests help prevent wildfires and disease, making them more resilient, and Georgia's industry leads the nation in replanting efforts, with up to 300 million trees planted yearly.
While mass timber is still a relatively recent development in the Southern U.S., Georgia quickly becomes a hub for innovation. There are currently 26 mass timber projects in development across the state, as the American South emerges as a key growth market for sustainable construction.
Construction of the terminal is scheduled to begin soon. Macon's new airport will not only serve as a transportation hub but also stand as a testament to the region's musical legacy, environmental stewardship, and architectural ambition.
