EDA reviews incubator drawings

Published 1:28 pm Thursday, August 4, 2016

MOULTRIE, Ga. — The Colquitt County Economic Development Authority has begun viewing drawings for an “incubator” project for Citizens Business Park off Quitman Highway.

An incubator project is a shell concept of speculative buildings for which tenants (industry and business) can otherwise shape to meet their needs.

Earlier this year, EDA earmarked $1.5 million from SPLOST monies to finance such construction. And Moultrie architect Rand Wilson was chosen to design the project.

This week, EDA looked at one drawing that is a “U” shape just to the right of the entrance to the park. It would be visible from the driveway and the Quitman Highway. But there is a green space between the proposed structure and Quitman Highway. It is speculated the project could encompass some 30,000 to 50,000 square feet of business operating space. Inside the “U” shape would be loading docks and trash bins so that they would not be visible from Quitman Highway nor the driveway to the business park.

Bob Montgomery, who manages the SCORE project for Moultrie which gives business advice to people wanting to start up new businesses or expand existing ones, said he has already had two contacts from people who are considering leasing space. Darrell Moore, EDA president, said he has had a couple of inquiries as well.

Larry Franklin, EDA chairman, said in his experience, he’s found that in these kinds of projects it’s best to avoid “common spaces” such as receptionist and bathroom areas. He said there are settings where common spaces work, but in an incubator concept, he recommended “no common spaces.”

The board members were asked to look at this “first run” proposal and come back with concerns, questions and ideas.

This project would encompass from three to five acres at the business park, property already owned by the EDA. Currently, the EDA has 50 to 55 acres of usable property on the north end of the park and 60 to 65 usable acres on the south portion. The SPLOST monies come from the 2002 tax issue.

At the moment, EDA has a large building at Spence Field, formerly known as the Hurst Boiler Building. It is in short-term lease by U.S. Quality Steel Structures which is considering new facilities on Adel Highway adjacent to what has been known as the “turtle pond.” This company erects metal buildings, and by year’s end would have 15 to 20 employees.