Authority makes it official
Published 6:00 am Thursday, July 17, 2014
- Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority board member Roy Copeland acknowledges those involved in the development of the authority’s new office.
Approximately 75 people attended the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority ribbon cutting Wednesday at its new facility.
After the ribbon cutting, guests toured the new location at 103 Roosevelt Drive in an open house-type setting.
Local officials were thrilled to see the completion of this project.
“I think it’s a great day for the city. It’s a beautiful facility, and it will show people that the Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority is serious about attracting industry,” said Valdosta Mayor John Gayle. “It’s a beautiful place to bring prospects and clients, and I am happy for them.”
Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter said, “The positives that are going to come out of this building and its location is going to have a good impression on potential developers because they will see the investment that this community is willing to make into developing industry. Also the location is great because it is close to schools and a hospital, and that is going to make a good impression on those prospects. Overall, making an investment of ownership rather than being a tenant is the smart thing to do.”
Before the authority purchased this property, it leased office space at the intersection of Park Avenue and Patterson Street, for $4,200 per month. The need for a permanent home was first mentioned in a board meeting in 2008, and in 2013, the authority’s search came to fruition. After the search, the board unanimously voted to purchase the property.
“The 103 Roosevelt property was identified by the board as fitting all criteria. The building could be purchased at $510,000 with renovations coming in at $300,000, which included renovations, new addition construction, landscaping, furniture, fixtures and equipment,” said Andrea Schruijer, Development Authority executive director. “The building meets current staffing requirements, with additional office space located on the second floor. Temporary office space is often requested in prospect proposals and the second-floor space will meet this need as well.”
In addition to renovated offices, the authority constructed a 1,250 square-foot
addition to serve as a public meeting space.
At the ribbon cutting, Roy Copeland, a Development Authority board member, thanked Project Manager Allan Ricketts for keeping the project on schedule and under budget.
Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce members attended the ribbon cutting. In a speech to the crowd, Diane Mauldin, South Georgia Medical Center assistant director of human resources, said the Development Authority has the full support of the chamber.
More information on the Development Authority, visit the website BuildLowndes.com, or call the authority, (229) 259-9972.