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Owners: Century’s Old Alger-Sullivan Building Still Available
October 10, 2011
Century Lumber and Land may have held a ribbon cutting for hundreds of jobs at the doors of the old Alger-Sullivan Lumber property in Century, but they never had any claim to the property. That’s according to the real estate agent for the owners, and he says the property is still on the market for a viable company looking for that perfect location.
James Leonard Craft, now 71, stood holding the arm of Century Mayor Freddie McCall in October 2010 as the mayor cut a symbolic ribbon for Century Lumber and Land. Community members, Century town council members, county government representatives and business officials stood behind a Century Area Chamber of Commerce sign as the yellow ribbon fell on what they were told was a venture that would bring up to 500 jobs to the struggling town.
But there was a tidbit very few of them knew — Craft or the company never had any legal claim the property where he was holding the ribbon cutting.
“It was never sold; it never even had a binder,” EXIT Realty NFI-Commerical agent Gary Watson said Friday on behalf of the property owners.
Fast forward to October 2011 — Craft is behind bars in Etowah County Alabama, on a list of local and state charges via the Alabama Securities Commission…two counts of being an unregistered agent, two counts of selling unregistered securities, four counts of misrepresentation, scheme to defraud, first degree theft and a charge of second degree theft. [Read more in a Saturday NorthEscambia.com story here...]
“We want people to know the building is on the market and available,” Watson said. “There are no claims on any legal connections to Mr. Craft. The property is available free and clear.”
Watson pointed out the property is “just big” with 330,200 square feet in eight buildings on 38 acres that is zoned commercial. CSX rail runs along the western boundary of the property, and CSX is willing to install a railroad spur. It’s within easy driving distance to I-65, and less than 60 miles to Pensacola and Mobile. There are financial incentives and tax breaks available as a Brownsfield and Enterprise Zone property.
“It’s just a great location, and we want people to know it’s available regardless of what might be going on with Mr. Craft,” Watson said.
List price on the former Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company property is $2.75 million, and it is, Watson said, available for sale, owner-financing or lease. “And we’ll even take cash,” he added.
Pictured top: The ribbon is cut in October 2010 for Century Lumber & Land’s announced venture in Century. Pictured inset: Booking photo of James Edward Craft. Pictured below: The former Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company property is back on the market. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlage.
Comments
5 Responses to “Owners: Century’s Old Alger-Sullivan Building Still Available”
Jeeper Man that would be great. I googled the property and the only things I saw was a historical society site and NE.COM. It did not show up on any realty or industrial trade sights. I would put Ms Century in the foreground of the above photo and enhance the for sale sign, and get this place on the world wide web.
The Wind turbine division of GE in Pensacola just awarded a $63 million contract to a Chinese company to build and deliver the wind turbine towers.
This would be an ideal facility with the rail service needed.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and maybe this time the right person will be listening. This place would make nice for a major distribution facility, weather it be a distribution center for Walmart, UPS, Fed-Ex, Windixe, etc.
If you are looking into buying this property, think twice.
Every time someone says they are adding more jobs to century with this property, something happens to them. (they get arrested, go out of business, go bankrupt).
I think the town of century doesn’t want anyone here. Maybe Jimmy Hoffa is buried there and they are afraid someone will find him.
Jail does not seem to agree, with old man Craft. Excellent!