Industrial/Warehouse occupancy for Middle Georgia increased slightly in 2011. Keep reading for a summary of key 2011 activity and the outlook for 2012.

During 2011, the Macon Georgia downtown office market vacancy was basically unchanged, but there were a few profile free standing buildings that became vacant during 2011. Occupancy in the suburban office market improved slightly in 2011. Click to read more.

According to my recent annual survey of over 8 million square feet in Bibb County, the overall retail market currently shows a 76% occupancy rate which is a slight improvement from 75% in 2010. The majority of the vacancies is attributed to aged big box buildings and poorly positioned centers with vacant anchor space.

Macon Mall Area - With the removal of the new section of the Macon Mall as well as added businesses such as Virginia College and the new Aldi Store, the retail occupancy in the Mall area has increased to about 78%.

During 2010 the Macon Georgia downtown office market remained stable with nominal absorption. The suburban office market incurred a slight increase in occupancy compared to 2009. New turn-key construction costs, including building and land, range from $125 to $180 per square foot for projects under 10,000 square feet. This represents a slight increase over the last 12 months due primarily to increases in key construction materials.