The Statesboro Herald recently purchased the property commonly known as the Maxway center across Proctor Street from the Herald building and also property directly behind the center.
The acquisition announcement was made by Charles H. Morris, president and CEO of Morris Multimedia, which purchased the Herald in 1971 from the Coleman family.
"I think Statesboro is a special town and I've thought that since we acquired the Statesboro Herald," Morris said. "The Herald is committed to the community and telling its wonderful story in our publications and our websites. While we don't have specific plans yet in place for a future use of the area, we will study creating a space that benefits everyone in the community."
Currently, three businesses operate in the Maxway center - the Maxway store, Western Finance and Serv Pro. Including the vacant former Platinum Lounge property, the parking lot fronting Proctor Street and the areas behind and on the sides of the center, the total parcel is a little less than two acres.
The Herald also purchased the property directly behind the Maxway center that is adjacent to the Core Credit Union drive-thru windows. There are four buildings on the property of slightly more than half an acre.
Three of the buildings are vacant, while The Teal House serves as Statesboro's Regional Sexual Assault Center.
"Right now, we want to be good landlords to our tenants," Morris said. "In the near future, we will look at a long-term plan. There are lots of possibilities of uses for the property. I look forward to engaging folks in Statesboro in helping come up with a plan to really improve the space."
Morris said he has asked Joe McGlamery and Jim Healy with the Herald to work with members of the community in helping determine the best potential use of the property.
"The Blue Mile project and Statesboro being a finalist in the America's Best Communities competition are just two of the latest examples of people in this community looking to the future and always striving to make it better," Morris said. "We look forward to being part of the effort in making Statesboro a better place, as well."