JDA taking steps toward construction of new spec building

Grady County Joint Development Authority officials are moving forward with plans to construct a new speculative building to be used in attracting a new employer to the community.
JDA Executive Director Julian Brown updated authority members last Tuesday of a meeting held recently with consulting engineer Stacy Watkins, and Zane and Randall Myrick of GFA Design Build to discuss plans for the spec. building project.
The proposed 40,000 square foot facility will be designed to be easily expanded and will be situated on vacant property at the Milestone Industrial Park addition next door to Performance Food Group on Alton Hall Road.
“It was a really good meeting. We are looking to design the building with a little nicer facade than just a regular metal building,” Brown said.
The authority is continuing to explore financing options and grant opportunities to help finance the construction.
During the JDA monthly meeting on July 17, Brown reported that twice this month he has been contacted by individuals interested in leasing some storage space at the Heritage Industrial Complex.
“It may not be job creation, but leasing the vacant space for storage might be something we consider in the future,” Brown said.
Brown is continuing to meet with existing industries and employers to evaluate their needs and to offer JDA assistance with maintaining and creating jobs in the community.
Archway Professional Betsy McGriff scheduled a meeting with Jim Glass of Southern Regional Technical College which she and Brown attended. The JDA executive director said that Glass would be a valuable resource for the JDA.
Brown shared with the Southern Regional Technical College official the demand for welders by local employers and efforts are underway to promote that need at upcoming job fairs.