THOMASVILLE — The 200-acre former Southwestern State Hospital site has shrunk to 140 acres.

The Georgia State Properties Commission has a new map of the 400 S. Pinetree Blvd. property, said Shelley Zorn,Thomasville Payroll Development Authority (PDA) executive director.

Southwestern was shut down by the state several years ago. Some state offices — providing 179 jobs — are housed in buildings on the campus.

The Loftiss Regional Youth Detention Center on the tract wants more land to provide for a barrier around the facility.

State probation offices also are on the property.

“Probation, now known as the Georgia Department of Surveillance, has carved out some (land),” Zorn said, resulting in about 140 acres remaining.

The state appraisal of the property several years ago was $22 million. A PDA appraisal five years ago was $16 million.

“The investors are waiting to see what the new appraisals are,” Zorn said.

Two proposals were made last week for use of the property — one as a residential care facility for people with special needs, the other to retain offices there and to offer space for community purposes.

The PDA will recommend one of the proposed uses to the state.

“Then we’ll start negotiations with the State Properties Commission on what the investor is willing to pay versus what the Properties Commission wants,” Zorn said. 

The property originally housed a World War II hospital to treat the military wounded. Through the decades, old buildings were replaced with modern structures for use as a mental hospital. Several World War II barracks buildings remain.

Zorn said the Department of Surveillance wants to rehabilitate several barracks buildings for use by the agency.

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Development Disabilities also occupy office space. 

“They’re serving the same clients who were residents when Southwestern State Hospital was open,” Zorn said.

The state commission is looking at market value, as well as the number of jobs to be provided, the amount of an investment and public benefit.

“I think all of that will be part of the negotiations,” Zorn said  

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820