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The old courthouse in Clarkesville has sat untouched for more than a decade.
Habersham County’s Board of Commissioners voted Monday night to transfer the old courthouse to the Development Authority and sell it to a developer for $500,000.
Parkside Partners will purchase the property and work with the Development Authority, the county and the City of Clarkesville on the long-awaited redevelopment proposal.
The sale will be done through a bond lease that will require the buyers to meet many deadlines and standards to complete the project, lest they face financial penalty.
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, the county said in a release.
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.
“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.”
Read more in the midweek edition of The Northeast Georgian.