At his press conference on Tuesday, Mayor D.C. Reeves addressed the status of the Baptist Hospital “legacy” parcels, particularly focusing on the decision to list three additional properties for sale. The move, he explained, is a “prudent move for us business-wise to put it out on the market, see what the interest is and what types of industry want to go there.”
The listing of these three parcels—which were “additional donations that the Baptists gave because we saw this delta coming” in project funding—is a way to “test the market for what they’re worth”. This action is separate from the long-discussed main campus, 1000 West Moreno Street. Mayor Reeves clarified, “We are putting no sign in the yard of the long-conversed 38 acres, nothing to do with that.”
- The parcels were initially considered part of a deal with Escambia County that would have earmarked one parcel for a health care facility and the second for a community center.
In total, the mayor has recommended that the Pensacola City Council declare six parcels surplus, making them available for sale.
- Six parcels: 801 West Avery Street, 1720 North E Street, 1901 North E Street, 908 West Lakeview Street, 800 Block West Avery Street and 1900 Block North F Street. The parcels total approximately 1.95 acres and comprise two city-block halves, all zoned R-2 (Residential/Office). Most of the parcels are improved with buildings and parking areas. The total assessed value of all six parcels is approximately $1.5 million, based on data from the Escambia County Property Appraiser’s website.
The mayor emphasized that listing the parcels does not mean an immediate sale, nor does it override community or council input. He said, “We’re not under the obligation to absolutely sell anything because we listed it,” he stated.
- The goal is to gather information so that he and the council “can have real discussions about whether we go this direction or that direction.” Decisions will be made based on “what is the highest and best use anywhere from donation to full market value.” He fully expects a “hybrid approach,” where they might “sell one parcel and help close some of that delta, but then we also work with our partners”.
The “delta” he refers to is an approximate shortfall of $1.5 to $1.6 million due to not receiving expected funding from Escambia County. The three parcels were part of a plan with Baptist to address this expected shortage.
The mayor also touched on the county’s proposal for the community center and surrounding parking lots, noting a $510,000 offer but requesting five years to complete the deal, which he deemed “not doable” because “the whole idea of that was to do something quickly.” Discussions with the county are currently “frozen at that point”.
Mayor Reeves insisted that listing the parcels does not preempt community input. “All of that is going to be well beyond any of these community engagements that are going to happen.” He believes the public won’t be concerned about properties the city acquired only “90 days ago”.
“The simple presumption that putting a sign in the yard means that we’re going to sell to the highest bidder is inaccurate,” the Mayor concluded.