The Habersham County Board of Commissioners (BOC) Monday took the first step in the long-awaited redevelopment of the old county courthouse property on the downtown Clarkesville square.
HABERSHAM CO. NEWS RELEASE:
“The transfer of property to the Habersham County Development Authority…will allow for further review by the Development Authority, Habersham County, and the City of Clarkesville of a redevelopment proposal.
The Development Authority deal with proposed Atlanta-based redevelopment firm Parkside Partners will result in a $500,000 sale of the former courthouse and roughly 2.04 acres rather than taxpayers paying to demolish the old structure.
There are no concessions and no tax incentives in the deal, and the gazebo, Habersham County Killed In Action Memorial (also known as the Habersham County Veterans Memorial), and Habersham County Agriculture Services Building will remain under county ownership, with ample parking for offices and 4-H programs contained in that building.
Current plans call for the redevelopment of the existing structure to house retail, office, restaurant, and residential units for sale, including garage parking in the current basement.
Internal demolition is planned, along with upfitting the exterior for a much more aesthetic appearance.
Transfer of the property to the redevelopment firm would follow a standard due diligence period for a real estate transaction.
The project has not been named yet.
The agreement includes strict benchmarks that must be met concerning permits, plans, and construction.
All permits must be obtained by the developer through the appropriate permitting authorities.
The building has city utilities, including sewer.
“What a win this is for the taxpayers!” said Charlie Fiveash, economic development director for the Habersham County Development Authority. “Instead of the county having to outlay taxpayer funds, the developer is going to give us a market price for the building. In addition, the property will generate taxes for years to come.”
Parkside Partners has a strong portfolio of redevelopment projects for all uses, mostly in the Atlanta area, but also has worked with a number of municipalities around the state on redevelopment for residential, retail, restaurant, and commercial use.”
(Photo courtesy Habersham PIO Rob Moore)