County redevelopment commission to issue RFP for 30,000 sq ft shell building, solicits salvage bids for 400 South property

Corey, speaking for the County Redevelopment Commission, told the Henry County Council that the commission will advertise a request for proposals for a new 30,000-square-foot shell building (expandable to 120,000 square feet) on roughly 40 acres near County Road 400 South. Proposals are due June 25, and the RDC intends to use a build–operate–transfer procurement model and to fund the project from RDC resources rather than asking the county to contribute, Corey said.

Corey said the RDC recently acquired an additional 94-acre tract after years of litigation and is moving through due diligence, including an asbestos-containing-materials study for structures on the site. Before demolition, the RDC will publish a notice of salvage opportunity for the 400 South property; salvage proposals are due May 29 and, if a winning bid is chosen, the salvager will have 30 days to remove salvageable materials without leaving debris behind.

"This is all an effort to move forward and be able to effectively market that property," Corey said, describing survey and geotechnical work planned along County Road 400 South. The commission expects to decide on the build–operate–transfer procurement and may adjust financing plans if bonding becomes necessary, Corey added.

The chair thanked Corey for the update and asked council members to expect construction‑readiness activities in the coming weeks. No formal council vote was required for the RDC's RFP schedule; council discussion focused on follow-up and public notifications.