Mercer University is hoping to buy the downtown Macon building that once housed the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. The state-owned museum closed in June after the state eliminated its funding. University officials say they are prepared to pay market value for the property. They plan to use it to expand programs at the Macon campus of Mercer Medical School. Mercer is negotiating with the state to purchase the property. Any sale of surplus state property requires approval by state lawmakers. The resolution authorizing the sale has already passed the House and now heads to the Senate.