Cherokee Commissioners Approve Sale of Jones Building

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The Cherokee County Commission on Tuesday approved a purchase and sale agreement that could pave the way for a new project to open up shop in downtown Canton.

Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement with Jones Mercantile LLC to sell the former Jones Building on East Main Street for $1.76 million. Commissioner Ray Gunnin was not present.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to pay down the principal balance related to the failed Ball Ground Recycling venture, County Manager Jerry Cooper said.

Jones Mercantile, LLC has plans to renovate the building to locate a movie studio and gaming business into the facility. According to a letter of intent presented to the county, Susan Ann Taylor of Jones Mercantile plans turn the building into a “21st Century marvel” that would “maintain charm of yesteryear, with the creative spaces of today.”

The proposal would also bring over 300 “high-tech” employees to downtown Canton, the letter states.

The building was occupied by the county government until late 2008 when it moved to its new administration building on Bluffs Parkway.

The building has been vacant ever since. Cherokee County in 2013 was set to consider an agreement with Westbridge Partners, but that deal fell through when the company said historic tax credits from the federal government did not materialize.

Commissioner Brian Poole said he was “glad” to see the county finally hand the keys to the Jones Building over to a private entity.

“I’m glad to see what’s coming in there,” said Commission Chairman Buzz Ahrens.

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