Why are prisons on the Central State campus up for sale?
Why are prisons on the Central State campus up for sale?
The prisons – which haven’t been used for several years – account for 96 acres and over 96,000 square feet. There are more than seven buildings and a chapel.
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Three former prison buildings on the Central State campus in Milledgeville are now on the market – the Rivers prison, the Scott State prison and the Men’s State prison.
The prisons – which are all in various states of disuse, and have not been occupied for several years – total 96 acres in all, or more than 96,000 square feet. Their are more than seven buildings and a chapel among the properties.
Johnny Grant, a former political representative of Milledgeville, says the development authority is looking at several options to sell the prisons.
“I think it needs to be something that adheres to the neighborhood and communities and tries to be something that will help create additional activities,” Grant says.
He says potential buyers have come and visited the buildings, though it is hard to find a right fit. The buildings are old and damaged, and Grant says the buyer will need to finance the repairs.
“Finding the right combination with someone with a vision and someone with the capability of having the money or raising the money, sometimes is hard to find,” he says.
That’s why Patty Burns decided to advertise the properties by putting them online. She says she hopes for more traction.
She is a real estate agent for Fickling and Company and for Central State, and Burns says she has big dreams for these properties.
“I would love to see one of the buildings become a haunted house. I think that would be very exciting,” Burns said. “I think a brewery would be great out here and some condos, that sort of thing.”
She says she would love to see Milledgeville grow, and she says selling these buildings could make that happen.
“They would create jobs and housing and fun activities,” she says.
She says all they need is a buyer. If you are interested, you can contact Patty Burns at Fickling and Company.