The Camden County Joint Development Authority has launched a formal search for a national commercial real estate brokerage firm to guide the future redevelopment of the former Gilman Paper Property, a coastal site of roughly 620 acres in Camden County, Georgia. The authority has issued a Request for Proposals to brokerage firms with the capacity to deliver advisory, marketing, and transaction services for what is envisioned as a long-term mixed-use destination.
According to the RFP, the mill that once operated on the property has been demolished and the site has undergone cleanup, positioning the land for a new development cycle. With direct waterfront access and large-scale acreage, the site is being positioned as a candidate for a comprehensive, phased master plan rather than a series of isolated projects.
The JDA outlines a broad potential program that could include residential neighborhoods, commercial space, recreation areas, and marina-related uses. The RFP emphasizes that any future plan should integrate these elements into a cohesive master-planned environment, rather than treating them as standalone components. This framework signals an ambition to create a multi-use waterfront district with both economic and community functions.
In selecting a brokerage partner, the JDA is seeking a firm with national market reach, deep institutional relationships, and technical expertise in large-scale development assignments. The successful firm is expected to advise the JDA on strategy, help position the site to the development community, and assist in identifying and evaluating qualified master developers and capital partners.
The RFP further specifies that the chosen brokerage team must have proven experience with large, master-planned mixed-use projects. Beyond marketing and outreach, the broker will help the JDA vet prospective partners based on their ability to execute complex, multi-phase waterfront developments and their track record in delivering projects that align economic objectives with design quality.
The JDA is explicit that long-term economic benefit to Camden County is a core objective of the redevelopment effort. At the same time, the authority highlights design standards, placemaking, and environmental stewardship as essential criteria for any future proposal. That balance suggests that prospective developers will be evaluated not only on financial capacity and deal structure, but also on their approach to sustainability and community outcomes.
While the RFP does not yet name a development team or timeline, it formalizes the county’s intent to move the former industrial site toward a new phase of planning and partner selection. The outcome of this brokerage process is expected to frame how the site is brought to market and how master developers and capital sources are ultimately engaged.
