Council OKs contract for sale of Threefoot Building

Published 4:05 am Wednesday, October 21, 2015

    The Meridian City Council approved a final agreement for the sale of the 16-story Threefoot Building at Tuesday’s meeting.

    Hotel developer John Tampa of Ascent Hospitality Management, LCC out of Buford, Ga., will buy the historic building, built in 1929, for $10,000, according to the agreement.

    Tampa plans to renovate the building and convert it into a Courtyard by Marriott hotel. The contract specifies Tampa must start the renovation within the next 12 months, provided he gets the plans approved by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

    Meridian Mayor Percy Bland thanked the council for approving the deal with Tampa.

    “We’re very excited,” Bland said. “This is a project we have worked for over two years. John Tampa’s group has a lot of experience doing large projects. We’re happy it’s going to be done in Meridian and transform this downtown region.”

    Bland said he thinks Tampa could have the Threefoot hotel ready by November of 2017, which is the expected completion date for the construction of the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience, a $50 million facility that will be dedicated to honoring the state’s musicians, actors, authors and artists.    

    “It’s going to take about nine to 15 months before we see something, but he wants to coordinate the opening with the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience,” Bland said. “That’s what we’re looking at. He is committed to putting $14-17 million into the project.”

    Bland said Tampa is doing another project similar to Threefoot by renovating the Empire Building in downtown Birmingham, Ala.

    In other city business the council:

    • Authorized the billets and salaries for an Animal Control officer, City Planner and Building Code Inspector for the Community Development Department.

    • Issued an order authorizing settlement of claim of damages to Fire Station No. 7. In 2012, a car hit the station causing damage. Progressive Insurance finally settled with the city and will pay for the repairs on the station, Fire Chief Anthony Clayton said.

    “This will fix the station,” Clayton told the council.

    • Authorized execution of lease agreement and maintenance agreement with Ben Nelson Golf & Utility Vehicles for golf carts at Lakeview Golf Course.