What form of deed will be provided by the Seller?
The State will convey title by a Limited Warranty Deed.
Can a portion of the property be purchased?
While all offers will be evaluated, it is the preference of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health [SCDMH] to convey the property in one transaction.
What is the status of the historic Mills Building located on the corner of Bull Street and Calhoun Street?
While inside the grounds of the campus, this portion of the property was sold to the Mills Partners in 1985 and re-conveyed to the State of South Carolina in 1999 for office use by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control [SCDHEC]. This 4.44 acre parcel and its two office buildings are not included in this offering.
What is the status of the parking lot north of the Bull Street main entrance?
It is currently under lease to SCDHEC and will need to be relocated by SCDMH prior to closing.
What entitlements for redevelopment have been granted for the Bull Street property?
At present, no entitlements have been issued. Those which will be required from the developer/owner will likely include:
- Zoning
- Subdivision Approval
- Demolition Permit
- Land Disturbance Permit
Since SCDMH is still utilizing portions of the property, what timing issues does a buyer need to take into consideration?
- The most significant move to occur is the relocation of clients from the Hall Institute Children and Adolescent Hospital. Funds from the sale of the Bull Street property will be an important element of funding construction of a replacement hospital which will take approximately three (3) years to achieve. The Energy Plant will also need to remain operational until Hall Institute is closed.
- The Byrnes Building has been kept operational as temporary housing for clients relocated to accommodate improvements at other SCDMH facilities. It is anticipated that work will be completed and clients transferred in the Third Quarter of 2009.
Will the SCDMH consider selling the excess property without the Hall Institute?
Yes. The SCDMH will consider offers that exclude Hall Institute. Funding is available to re-orient and buffer Hall Institute from the remainder of the site. It is estimated that approximately 18 acres of the 181-acre site would be needed if Hall Institute were to remain on campus.
Once a contract has been approved by the Commission of the Department of Mental Health, what additional approvals are needed and how long will these approvals take?
The process will take approximately four to six months. The Department must petition the Court for approval of the sale. The State’s Attorney General (and other appropriate parties) will be provided time to file responses to the Department’s petition for an ultimate ruling by the Circuit Court.
There are numerous buildings and improvements on the property, some containing asbestos. Will the seller be removing any of the asbestos or any of these improvements prior to closing?
It is currently anticipated that the purchaser will be responsible for all demolition and any remediation prior to demolition. Analysis and cost estimates are included on this website.
Other than the buildings with asbestos, are there any environmental issues with the property? How will they be handled prior to title passing to the new owner?
The SCDMH has entered into a “Responsible Party” agreement with SCDHEC, as included on this website. Accordingly, the buyer will be able to enter into a “Non-Responsible Party” agreement providing statutory liability protection while benefitting from tax credits and property tax abatement benefits of the environmental clean up.
What is the status and plans for the South Carolina Electric & Gas [SCE&G] substation site located on the property?
SCE&G currently leases this property [see the lease included on this website]. The utility company has indicated an interest in acquiring this parcel plus additional land for an expanded substation: SCDMH does not anticipate entering into a sales agreement with SCE&G prior to closing.
Will price be the sole consideration for selecting an offer?
Many factors will be considered, including timing of due diligence/closing; financial capacity and redevelopment experience of the offeror; time spent on-site; and contingencies.
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