New development director fields interest in leasing city-owned 218 West Commerce Street

Clint Williams, Lewisburg’s director for downtown and community development, updated the council on interest in the city-owned building at 218 West Commerce Street, adjacent to the Pregnancy Resource Center. Williams said a potential tenant has expressed interest in a 12-month lease option for a mixed coworking and small-office use and would be willing to present to the council at a future meeting.

Williams said he has reviewed the building with the potential tenant and confirmed the structure needs work: the building had a recent water leak, some systems were shut down and the upstairs heating/ventilation situation is unclear. He recommended an inspection and appraisal so the city understands repair costs and market value before pursuing lease or sale options.

Council discussed possible pathways: leasing directly, declaring the property surplus and soliciting bids, or transferring the asset to the Industrial Development Board (IDB) for sale or retention. Staff noted that if the city sells the property it would first need a surplus declaration and then a formal bid process; the IDB could also retain and sell the building with proceeds returning to the city.

Williams said he would pursue inspections and, if the council wants, will invite the prospective tenant to present at a future meeting. Council members expressed differing views: some favored leasing as-is to have repairs done by a tenant, while others preferred to preserve city ownership or use the IDB process.

Next steps: Williams will solicit an inspection and appraisal, continue discussions with the potential tenant and return with options and cost estimates at a future council meeting.