After years of planning, setbacks, and near deals, the long-awaited demolition of the old Habersham County Courthouse in downtown Clarkesville is finally underway. City and county leaders gathered recently to reflect on the property’s past and share their vision for its future.
The demolition of the historic courthouse — located on Monroe Street — officially begins with abatement and interior work already in progress. Full structural demolition is set to start around April 28, with the process expected to last about 45 days, wrapping up by mid-June.
During a conversation with Now Habersham, Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock, City Councilman Brad Coppedge, and Habersham County Commissioner Ty Akins discussed the courthouse’s journey from government centerpiece to its pending transformation.
A long road to redevelopment
Akins explained that plans to sell the courthouse predate his time in office, but efforts ramped up during his tenure. The county and city worked together and a Request for Proposals (RFP) to ensure the site would be redeveloped with intention — not sold to sit idle or be flipped.
Initially, the only bid came from the City of Clarkesville, but that deal stalled. The county then moved toward demolition until Parkside, a private developer specializing in repurposing historic properties, stepped in at the last moment with a promising proposal.
“They were really ideal developers for this kind of project,” said Akins. “It seemed like this was it.”
But after a year of due diligence, Parkside backed out due to rising construction costs and concerns from subcontractors about the building’s deteriorated condition. “They didn’t want to walk away,” said Aycock ”“We respected that”
City steps in to secure the property
After several starts and stalls, the City of Clarkesville ultimately stepped up with a $1 million offer for the property. Aycock acknowledged the city could not have made such a move just a few years ago.
“We could not have done that back then. But the city’s economic outlook is stronger now,” Aycock said. City Councilwoman Angelia Kiker was credited by officials for her persistence in pushing the city to act. “She never let it go,” Aycock said. “She kept bringing it up.”
The city expects to take full ownership of the property by April 15.
What comes next?
Plans for the site are already taking shape. A new fire station is expected to be built at the rear of the property — not on Washington Street — to replace the aging facility currently located in a residential area. The new location offers better access and room to grow.
A USDA loan may help fund the new fire station, though the city must own the property before applying for federal assistance.
As for the front portion of the property where the courthouse currently stands, city leaders envision a commercial development, ideally a boutique hotel — not a chain, not a big box store, and not residential rentals.
“A boutique hotel would be ideal,” Aycock said. “With our location between Helen and the mountains, we need something more upscale — something unique to Clarkesville.”
Akins agreed: “A rooftop bar, a restaurant — that kind of development would be great for the city and the county.”
While no formal agreements are in place yet, city officials are confident that interest will follow once demolition is complete and the property becomes available for development.
A milestone moment
The redevelopment of the old courthouse site marks a major milestone for Clarkesville’s downtown revitalization — and for Aycock, who confirmed she does not plan to run for re-election.
She was asked, “Do you consider this your ultimate and final legacy of your time in office?” Aycock responded with a laugh, “You bet!”
