MOULTRIE, Ga. — Plans for an industrial “incubator” project at Citizens Business Park on Quitman Highway are in the short rows with construction possible in the very near future.

 The Colquitt County Economic Development Authority began viewing drawings for this development this past summer.

An incubator project is a shell concept of speculative buildings for which tenants (industry and business) can otherwise shape to meet their needs.

Earlier this year, EDA earmarked $1.5 million from SPLOST monies to finance such construction. And Moultrie architect Jack R. Wilson was chosen to design the project.

 EDA looked at one drawing that is a “U” shape just to the right of the entrance to the park. It would be visible from the driveway and the Quitman Highway. But there is a green space between the proposed structure and Quitman Highway. It is speculated the project could encompass some 40,000 square feet of business operating space. Inside the “U” shape would be loading docks and trash bins so that they would not be visible from Quitman Highway nor the driveway to the business park.

Bob Montgomery, who manages the SCORE project for Moultrie which gives business advice to people wanting to start up new businesses or expand existing ones, said he has already had contacts from people who are considering leasing space. Darrell Moore, EDA president, said he has had a couple of inquiries as well.

Larry Franklin, EDA chairman, said in his experience, he’s found that in these kinds of projects it’s best to avoid “common spaces” such as receptionist and bathroom areas. He said there are settings where common spaces work, but in an incubator concept, he recommended “no common spaces.”

This project would encompass from three to five acres at the business park, property already owned by the EDA. Currently, the EDA has 50 to 55 acres of usable property on the north end of the park and 60 to 65 usable acres on the south portion. The SPLOST monies come from the 2002 tax issue.

Moore said the project would involve 20 to 25 bays and 10 to 12 office spaces.

“We’re trying to determine a rental rate structure at the moment,” Moore said. Plans are to have graduated rates for start-up businesses.

“We have had several people voicing interest in locating in this project,” Moore added.

Meanwhile, Citizens Business Park has been GRAD (Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development) certified, which means industries that might locate there face less risks because site due diligence has already been done.

Moore said there are only about 50 GRAD certified sites in the state.

“There are companies that will only look at GRAD certified sites,” Moore added. He said that certification enhances the chances of getting industries to expand or relocate to an area.

At the moment, EDA has a large building at Spence Field, formerly known as the Hurst Boiler Building, that is being viewed by a major industry. The authority is expecting action on this property right away.