Gilmer Chamber Provides Details on Parks Avenue Property Acquisition and Exchange
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ELLIJAY, GA — The Gilmer Chamber is committed to transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship in the decisions we make on behalf of our organization. Our Chamber Organization is providing details regarding its acquisition of property on Parks Avenue and a subsequent Purchase and Sale Agreement with Gilmer County involving the property at 10 Broad Street.
The Parks Avenue Property was originally listed on the open market by Keller Williams Realty Partners as two separate tracts: 312 Parks Ave, listed as 8.30 acres, and 00 Parks Ave, listed as 12.00 acres. The property was also listed on the Gilmer Tax Assessors office website as follows: 312 Parks Ave – Parcel 3080 124 – 8.30 acres and 00 Parks Ave – Parcel 1080125C – 12.00 acres.
Following approval from the Gilmer Chamber Board of Directors, the chamber and the sellers entered into a Lot Purchase and Sale Agreement with an effective date of February 13, 2026, for a flat purchase price of $812,000.
Survey and Appraisal
As part of the Chamber’s due diligence, the property was surveyed in March 2026 by a Professional Land Surveyor. The preliminary plat showed the actual acreage of the two combined tracts to be 32.35 acres. The final survey was received and recorded with the Gilmer County Clerk of Court on April 27, 2026, continuing to show the property area as 32.35 acres.
The Chamber also commissioned an appraisal by a Certified General Appraiser. With an effective valuation date of April 1, 2026, the property was appraised at $950,000.
The closing date of the transaction was April 30, 2026. The total cost of the transaction including the purchase of the property, survey costs, appraisal costs, and other closing fees totaled $841,389.40.
Agreement with Gilmer County
Following approval from the Gilmer Chamber Board of Directors, the Chamber entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Gilmer County for the purchase of the 32.35-acre Parks Ave property.
Under the Purchase Agreement, the county will satisfy the $841,389 purchase price by transferring the title of real property owned by the county, at 10 Broad Street, with any difference to be paid in cash.
The 10 Broad Street property was valued at $700,000 by a Certified General Appraiser with an effective valuation date of April 1, 2026. The $700,000 property credit combined with cash paid in the amount of $141,389.40 satisfies the sales price of $841,389.40.
The closing for the property exchange is currently scheduled for October 14, 2026.
The Chamber has consulted with legal counsel regarding the proposed property exchange and has been advised that the transaction is authorized under O.C.G.A. § 36-9-3(d).
About 10 Broad Street
The 10 Broad Street property, commonly known as the Watkins House property, was purchased by Gilmer County from the Bessie Watkins Estate and Ed Watkins Estate in 1975.
The Gilmer Chamber remains committed to making thoughtful, strategic decisions that support the organization’s long-term mission and its service to the Gilmer County community. Additional information regarding future plans for the properties will be shared as those plans develop.