Why Camden?
Located in Georgia—ranked as America’s Top State for Business by Site Selection Magazine 12 years in a row—Camden County businesses receive the best in tax incentives, grants, and training. Our county’s business-friendly environment, combined with its strategic location, makes it the perfect destination for companies ready to thrive.
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Camden County Joint Development Authority Selects CBRE to Lead National Marketing Effort for former Gilman Paper property
The Camden County Joint Development Authority (JDA) announced Thursday the selection of CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, to serve as the exclusive national broker and advisor for the marketing and developer selection process of the former Gilman Paper Company property.
The selection follows an extensive, 4 month evaluation process that included the review of multiple nationally recognized firms, interviews with prospective teams, and detailed assessment of each firm’s experience, capabilities, market reach, and vision for waterfront master-planned communities.
This property represents one of the most unique waterfront redevelopment opportunities on the East Coast. The JDA’s vision is to create a thoughtfully planned, mixed-use destination centered around a live-work-play environment that celebrates Camden County’s coastal heritage while creating long-term economic value for residents and taxpayers.
The master-planned development concept includes opportunities for:
- A world-class marina
- Dry stack boat storage and marine services
- A vibrant town center with restaurants, retail, and entertainment
- Residential neighborhoods
- Hospitality and lodging opportunities
- Public gathering spaces and waterfront amenities
- Recreational and outdoor experiences that connect residents and
visitors to the area’s natural resources
“Our objective has never been simply to sell land,” said James Coughlin, Executive Director of the Camden County Joint Development Authority. “Our responsibility is to identify the right development partner who shares our vision for creating a transformational waterfront destination that will serve Camden County for generations to come.”
CBRE was selected based on its extensive national and international developer relationships, proven experience with large-scale waterfront and mixed-use developments, strategic marketing capabilities, and ability to attract qualified development teams capable of executing a project of this magnitude.
The JDA believes the property’s unique combination of waterfront access, proximity to Interstate 95, adjacency to historic St. Marys, and access to coastal recreational assets positions the property as one of the premier redevelopment opportunities in the southeastern United States.
“Selecting CBRE is an important milestone in moving this project from vision to reality,” said Robert Baird, JDA Chairman. “Their team brings unmatched market reach and expertise that will allow us to introduce this opportunity to the nation’s leading master developers. We are seeking a partner who understands the extraordinary potential of this property and is committed to creating a destination that reflects the character and values of Camden County.”
The JDA anticipates CBRE will immediately begin a national marketing effort targeting experienced master-planned community developers, marina operators, hospitality developers, and investment groups with demonstrated success in waterfront redevelopment projects. https://www.cbre.com/services/industries/public-sector
Throughout the process, the JDA will remain focused on ensuring any future development aligns with the community’s long-term economic development goals, protects the area’s environmental assets, expands the local tax base, creates quality jobs, and enhances quality of life for residents.
Additional information regarding the developer selection process and project updates will be provided as milestones are achieved.
About the Camden County Joint Development Authority:
The Camden County Joint Development Authority serves as the lead economic development organization for Camden County, Georgia, working to attract investment, create jobs, expand the tax base, and support sustainable economic growth throughout the region.
RFP Optional Pre-Bid Meeting
An optional pre-bid meeting is being made available on Friday, March 13th, and Monday, March 16th, from 9:00 – 2:00. These 1-hour appointments will allow interested parties to take photos, video, fly drones, etc.
Please email James Coughlin at jmcoughlin@camdencountyga.gov to schedule your 1-hour appointment slot. Please limit your group to 4 people or less.
All groups will meet at the Norris Street gate, which is close to Buccaneers Bait and Tackle, 290 Meeting St. East, St. Marys, GA 31558.
Master Developer & Broker RFP Questions and Answers
The Camden County Joint Development Authority (JDA) is seeking proposals from qualified, well-capitalized, and visionary master developers or brokers to design, plan, and develop waterfront parcel of the ~730 acres available.
Master Developer & Broker RFP Questions and Answers
Bidding Opportunities
Announcement/ Clarification concerning published Mandatory Development Milestones
The attached Framework Needs Assessment Section 6B: Mandatory Development Milestones is intended to convey an aspirational timeline for this site. The goal of this section is to convey the need for the chosen Master Developer to apply a sense of urgency to this project and to be willing to state his/her proposed schedule publicly. The JDA understands that the schedule serves as a goal and that actual progress toward that goal will ultimately be driven by market factors, costs and cooperation from state and federal agencies. The JDA welcomes proposals from qualified Master Developers who would diligently pursue development of this valuable coastal property.
ATTENTION: Addendum # 2
January 28, 2026
Change of Pre-Proposal Questions Due Date
Updated RFP for Master Land Developer
Updated RFP for RFP for Real Estate Broker
ATTENTION: Addendum #1
January 21, 2026
Change of Due Date
Updated RFP for Master Land Developer
Updated RFP for RFP for Real Estate Broker
The Camden County Joint Development Authority (JDA) is seeking proposals from qualified, well-capitalized, and visionary master developers or brokers to design, plan, and develop waterfront parcel of the ~730 acres available.
The Authority envisions a cohesive, phased, mixed-use Live • Work • Play destination that activates the waterfront, attracts year-round economic activity, and serves both residents and visitors.
The property in beautiful coastal Georgia was once the site of the former Gilman Paper Mill that was the economic engine for the region. Now, almost 25 years since the closure of the mill, the Joint Development Authority finally has possession of the property. We hold a permit to construct a marina on the site, issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The city of St. Marys has zoned the site mixed-use and created a Tax Allocation District and a Community Improvement District that covers the property. The mill structures have all been demolished. Much of the concrete rubble remains and could be utilized for roadbed, riprap etc. A great deal of environmental testing and investigation has been performed on the southernmost 50 acres of the site where the marina is permitted and the surrounding residential/commercial areas.
The proposed development is expected to include, at a minimum, a marina with dry stack storage, single-family and condominium residential homes, and supporting commercial, restaurant, recreational, and public infrastructure. The JDA places a strong emphasis on immediate momentum, timely execution, and demonstrated developer accountability.
JDA has included two (2) RFPs for your review; i) Master Land Developer, or ii) National Commercial Real Estate Broker. Please choose the appropriate RFP and we look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
The JDA
Supporting Documentation/Environmental Information Below
Due Diligence Site Investigation
St Marys Marina, St Marys Georgia
Memorandum of Understanding & Corrective Action Pursuant to 401 WQC
NEW: Coastal Georgia Commerce Park (Video)
Coastal Georgia Commerce Park, Camden County, GA
This exciting new development, happening less than 2 miles west of I-95 at Exit 7, will offer over 1400 acres of land zoned for industrial projects. The Park will feature rail service from First Coast Railroad, Water/Sewer from the City of Kingsland, and a brand new access road that will allow easy access to US Highway 17 and the nearby ports of Jacksonville and Brunswick. The Coastal Georgia Commerce Park represents a new era of industrial development that encourages businesses to find a home amongst nature, enjoying the privacy and security offered by large tracts of protected wetlands and forest. This site is Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Certified and will soon carry GRAD-Select status, placing it among the state’s most desirable and prepared sites for businesses valuing speed to market.
Grant Awards – December 2025
The Authority was awarded the State Economic Infrastructure Development Grant by the Southern Crescent Regional Commission for $1 Million to assist with the provision of water/sewer infrastructure to the new Coastal Georgia Commerce Park. Executive Director James Coughlin said, “This grant award allows us to deliver this critical infrastructure further into the park than we otherwise would be able to on our own. We’re grateful to SCRC for recognizing the potential of this new park to bring jobs and investment to Camden County.”
About Camden County Joint Development Authority
The Camden County Joint Development Authority serves as your resource to identify potential locations, provide you with economic and community data to help inform your decisions, and connect you with local, state, and federal agencies and partners to help your company succeed.
