Parkside Partners terminates MOU for old Habersham County Courthouse

An agreement that would have resulted in redevelopment of the former Habersham County Courthouse in downtown Clarkesville has been terminated by the prospective developer. Attorneys for Atlanta-based Parkside Partners LLC notified the Development Authority of Habersham County on Monday, September 30, of the firm’s election to terminate the agreement that had been in effect since May 31, 2024. The contract had provided that Parkside Partners would purchase the former courthouse and roughly 2.07 acres for $500,000 with plans to redevelop it for housing retail, office, restaurant, and residential units for sale, including garage parking in the current basement. In its notice of election to terminate the agreement, Parkside Partners LLC requested the release of the earnest money “due to unsatisfactory title conditions”. This request is currently under review of counsel. Jim Butterworth, chairman of the Habersham County Development Authority, said he is disappointed by Parkside’s decision. “Parkside unilaterally terminated the memorandum of understanding that would have led to the sale of the old courthouse,” Butterworth said. “We look forward to finding out their concerns as we move forward.” There were no concessions and no tax incentives in the deal, and the gazebo, Habersham County Killed in Action Memorial (also known as the Habersham County Veterans Memorial), and the Habersham County Agriculture Services Building were remaining under county ownership, with ample parking for offices and 4-H programs contained in that building. Speaking on behalf of the city, Clarkesville City Manager Keith Dickerson said, “We are disappointed that it didn’t work out, but we look forward to the next chapter in the story.” Alicia Vaughn, county manager for Habersham County, said all government parties were in agreement and approved a 15-day extension to the due diligence which was not accepted by Parkside. “I am proud of the collaboration between the county/development authority and the City of Clarkesville,” Vaughn said. “We are disappointed but will move forward and continue to work together as we determine next steps.”