The authority overseeing the redevelopment of Fort Gillem in Clayton County is expected to formally take control of about half of the sprawling former Army post this week.
A transfer to civilian control of more than 700 acres that had been planned for Tuesday was delayed by some minor “glitches,” said Fred Bryant, who heads the Forest Park/Fort Gillem Implementation Local Redevelopment Authority. The closing and the official unveiling of an anchor tenant in the planned logistics complex at Fort Gillem, should happen as soon as Wednesday, Bryant said Tuesday afternoon.
Bryant said officials will officially unveil “Project Jasper,” a distribution center for a Fortune 500 company, after closing. The project is expected to employ 750 to 1,000 people. Bryant declined to name the company.
The AJC has previously reported the company is grocery store giant Kroger.
“This is a different closing than when you buy a house. It’s a little more complicated,” Bryant said earlier Tuesday.
Officials also have had talks with other logistics firms about taking space at Fort Gillem.
The expected closing is the first phase in a total land transfer of 1,168 acres, with the rest going into civilian hands later this year once long-delayed environmental cleanup is completed.
Fort Gillem was founded in 1941 and later named for Lt. Gen. Alvan Gillem Jr. After the post’s 2011 closure, the Army kept more than 250 acres and a military forensic lab.
The pending announcement would be the second major jobs deal in Clayton in as many weeks. Last week, Clayton officials announced more than 1,100 call center jobs are coming to the county.
