'Ugliest courthouse in Georgia' to undergo redevelopment

An Atlanta developer plans to breathe new life into the old Habersham County Courthouse, dubbed the "ugliest courthouse in Georgia."Photo byDaniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com

Developers are one step closer to revitalizing the old Habersham County Courthouse after county commissioners voted Monday, April 15, to transfer the property to the Habersham County Development Authority.

The transfer will allow county and city of Clarkesville officials to review a proposed deal with Parkside Partners of Atlanta. The real estate development firm wants to purchase the 2.04-acre site for $500,000 and redevelop it into retail, office, restaurant, and residential space. Plans also call for garage parking in the 60-year-old building's existing basement.

Under this proposal, taxpayers will not have to pay to demolish the courthouse. The proposed redevelopment will return the building, which sits on a prime piece of real estate in downtown Clarkesville, to the county tax digest.

A “win” for county taxpayers

According to Habersham County officials, the agreement with Parkside Partners does not include any concessions or tax incentives. The deal requires the developer to maintain the existing gazebo, county war memorial, and agriculture services building.

A news release issued by the county following Monday night's commission meeting states that the sale of the property to the redevelopment firm would follow a standard due diligence period for real estate transactions. The agreement includes "strict benchmarks that must be met concerning permits, plans, and construction," the release states.

The building has city utilities, including sewer.

Officials have not yet named the project.

The old courthouse on the Clarkesville square was vacated in 2019 when the county moved its offices across town.Photo byMargie Williamson/NowHabersham.com

“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.”

Long-awaited facelift

The proposed redevelopment will include internal demolition and an exterior facelift for the building, which some have dubbed “the ugliest courthouse in Georgia.”

According to the county news release, Parkside Partners has a strong portfolio of redevelopment projects for all uses, mainly in the Atlanta area. However, the firm has worked with a number of municipalities around the state on redevelopment for residential, retail, restaurant, and commercial use.