eventually ASU and MCG are going to run out of room to expand.. if the commission won't consider it as a possible TEE center site.. schools should look into it as a possible satellite location..
One month since the National Science Center said its Fort Discovery riverfront property was for sale, there has been some interest, but no deal, officials said Wednesday.
Dennis Trotter, a commercial Realtor with Meybohm Commercial Properties and one of the Realtors handling the listing, said the length of time a commercial property stays on the market is dependent on factors such as price, location and the ability for buyers to get financing.
"But mainly price," he said.
The 128,000-square-foot facility is listed for $5.5 million.
Another factor is how specialized the property use is, Mr. Trotter said.
Fort Discovery's property -- facing the Savannah River with access from Reynolds Street -- is included in the Planned Development Riverfront zone, which permits uses that will enhance the aesthetic development of surrounding properties and businesses.
"It is a very specialized use, so there is only a small pool of businesses that can make use of that space," Mr. Trotter said.
Some potential uses for the space include a large corporate office, a museum or a gallery, he said.
"Ideally, we want to bring someone downtown who is going to bring a lot of foot traffic," he said. "It would be great for downtown and businesses there. That would be ideal for everyone."
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
FOR SALE
The National Science Center, which opened Fort Discovery in 1997, announced its plan to sell Oct. 2.
THE BUILDING: two-story, 128,000 square feet
THE PRICE: $5.5 million
>
Comments
eventually ASU and MCG are going to run out of room to expand.. if the commission won't consider it as a possible TEE center site.. schools should look into it as a possible satellite location..
Joe Bowles, now that your argument of converting Ft. Discovery to tax paying retail is gone, why not Ft. Discovery for a TEE center?
hummmmm -- I think the TEE Center should be built into a mobile home & moved around from location to location -- and let the voters decide where it will be put next -- since we don't care what the convention & exhibit people think I'm sure someone in Augusta politics can convince meeting attendees to accept this -- with our attitude being "The Customer Is Not Only Not Right -- He Is Also Stupid" we should be able to get visitors to spend their money here based on our wants and not his -- Yesssss -- the Augusta way may start a new trend -- "It's our way or the highway."
Wiz, for goodness sakes, you guys are talking about spending $100 million for the TEE-Laney Walker projects. Let's have an independent study of the feasibility of using Ft. Discovery before we do that. I see no reason it won't work at a cost of a few million.
Riverman, some business consolidations take time and won't take effect until Jan1. So I wouldn't say its dead............
As for the TEE ctr at Ft Discovery, you just don't get it.. We have the meeting room space and kitchen at the Mariott, so why would we not add to this???? You cannot successfully host a convention at multiple locations. If you can please tell me where...
Where is the World Congress Center exhibit hall in Atlanta located in conjunction with say the Omni Hotel? Across Centennial Park is where. Walking a bit down the Riverwalk is not a detriment.
RM - Why split up hospitality resources when you don't have to -- many cities have no choice but to put event destinations somewhere because the desired location is already occupied -- on our riverfront we have the unique opportunity to lay-out a hospitality destination that incorporates the best use of resources possible -- please don't handicap this effort by spreading things out unnecessarily and then later wondering why it didn't work as well as it should
Another thing -- don't give up on the Ft Discovery becoming a highly profitable retail location producing lots of taxes -- once a more credible Trade & Exhibit Center is in place to host larger mid-size meetings & conventions there will be more traffic to shop there -- had the meeting component been in place 10 years ago the Golf Hall of Fame, Ft Discovery & Springfield Village would be thriving destinations -- you have to have adequate space for people to gather & meet before you get the traffic you need to make such venues successful -- local people will only visit these destinations from time to time
Wiz, I, too, agree Augusta can draw lots of conventions because of the medical and Ft. Gordon complexes. For instance, MCG could draw various conferences for every speciality, nurses and so on. The Signal Corp at the fort has various disciplines that can sponsor conferences, too. I have been going to conferences/conventions for many years and believe it will work. I also know how the TEE's are used and they are usually built convenient to many hotels, not just one. As I pointed out to Joe about the World Congress Center, it is located across Centennial Park from the hotels. Okay, I've said my piece about Ft. Discovery. Joe and you politely listened and I appreciate it. Joe, keep an open mind as I know you will. I'll leave this alone now.
RM, I appreciate your point of view & my first thoughts about the Ft Discovery property was how it could be incorporated into the Trade & Exhibit program -- and it could and be a nice one -- but in my opinion it would limit future opportunities because of all the reasons previously discussed. And like I mentioned earlier, if our trade & convention operations are successful the facility is a natural for retail & other venues that will show up if the traffic is what is expected. Thanks for your lobbying for what you believe in -- all any of us can do is an honest discussion on any issue -- the last time I thought I was perfect I got married -- and was that an education.
At $42.00 a square foot, the place must have problems. When it was built they should have gold plated it like our $750.00 to $1000.00 a square foot TEE center. Now that is a building to last for eternity. But then again the SC does already have some parking which hasn't been costed out for the TEE yet.
How many conventions do Ft Gordon and MCG currently hold in the James Brown arena? People want to go to vacation destinations for conventions, and Augusta is not a vacation destination.
Corqimon - most home towns are not a vacation destination for the local residents - who would come to Augusta for a vacation? hummmm -- golfers, fishermen, hunters, history buffs, runners, bicyclists, horse riders, animal lovers, swimmers, and people interested in restful enjoyment --did I say people with intellectual curiosity.
The CSRA has always been a playground for the wealthy. This guy owns a horse farm close to my old family farm in Aiken County and he flies into the Columbia airport every Friday where his wife picks him up for a weekend at home. He and his wife ride on trails on my land and I've talked with him a few times when I was over there. He says the flight is well worth it to enjoy what some of us miss seeing.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
