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.