While attending Mercer University, Chris Kiker and Amy Abel not only fell in love with each other, but also with downtown Macon. Mercer’s focus on community service created an opportunity for Kiker and Abel to participate in student volunteer work in downtown Macon sprucing up vacant buildings, parking lots and grounds. As they learned more about the area, they became enthusiastic about its revitalization.

Now the recent graduates have found fulfilling jobs in Macon. Kiker is working on a Mercer diabetes-prevention program funded by the National Institutes of Health. Abel is the public relations director for Mid Georgia Ambulance. They plan to marry in the fall and are purchasing a home saved and rehabilitated by Historic Macon Foundation in the Beall’s Hill neighborhood near the Mercer campus.

“It really was a no-brainer financially and is where we want to be,” said Kiker, who plans to move into the circa 1865 two-bedroom, two-bath Maple Street house as soon as it closes. “We looked at the house on Friday and by Monday decided to buy it,” said Abel.

“The historic tax incentives and the Mercer down payment offer made it a great deal that we couldn’t pass up. Buying is cheaper than renting for us, plus we’re building equity in a home.”

Although Kiker is from Bremen and Abel is from Senoia, they feel they have roots in Macon now. “We love downtown,” said Kiker. “There are a lot of cool restaurants and art places. We feel great about the neighborhood and know a lot of people in the area.”

“We hope to be here for quite a while,” Abel added.