The buildings at 1284 Washington Street in Clarkesville, former location of Church’s Funeral Home, are set to be demolished in the near future. The decision was made official during the Planning Commission’s meeting on Tuesday, May 13, clearing the way for future development on the property.
According to Clarkesville Zoning Administrator Caleb Gaines, the commission approved the removal of the existing structures. “The Planning Commission approved the demolition of the buildings on the lot,” said Gaines.
Because the request pertained only to demolition, it did not require action from the city council. “The demolition only has to be approved by the PC,” he added.
While no date has been given for when demolition will begin, Gaines noted that the contractor currently demolishing the old courthouse could potentially take on the project.
The site falls within Clarkesville’s preservation district, meaning that any future development plans will require additional approval. “Once final plans get submitted for the site, we’ll be sure to let everyone know since it’s in a preservation district and will need approval,” Gaines said.
According to public tax records, the property is now owned by Ava Vision, a new owner whose future plans for the site have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Possible townhome development
However, during a Clarkesville City Council work session on May 5, City Manager Keith Dickerson shared that a developer has expressed early interest in building a small townhome project on the site.
While no formal application has been submitted, the developer has provided conceptual renderings and is expected to meet with the Planning Commission in June for further discussions.
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“At this stage, the developer has primarily been asking questions and gathering information,” said Dickerson. “We anticipate a more formal conversation in the coming weeks.”
No timeline has been set for demolition or future construction, and the proposed development remains in the conceptual phase. Any project moving forward would require additional review and approval by the Planning Commission.
