Another reprieve for the Courthouse Inn developers

Oconee County Council has given the Courthouse Inn developers until next month to secure the elusive financial commitment that separates them from developing the old courthouse into a boutique hotel. Last night the council had hoped for such assurance in writing. Instead it heard developer Jim Carswell say he and his partner, John Powell, have the pieces in place, but they still lack that one financial commitment to make the project a go. Carswell outlined his and Powell’s approach to banks and investment groups, but said that while many had expressed interest in the project, he and Powell had no commitments from any. The businessmen approached the Oconee County Council about two years ago with the proposal to convert the 60-year-old former courthouse into a hotel with retail space, a restaurant and renovated office space.

The County Council approved the deal transferring the old courthouse to Powell’s and Carswell’s development company. The purchase agreement required the developers to invest at least $5 million in the project.The Council on Tuesday tabled the issue until the Council’s November meeting. According to Councilman Paul Cain, another developer has expressed interest in the building. And Cain said, “At a certain point, we have to give someone else an opportunity to see what they can do.” Council chairman Thrift indicated that November’s vote would be an “up or down vote n whether to with another venture.”