Much of Fort McClellan in Anniston officially closed its doors in 1999, leaving many structures behind, like barracks known as the 'Starships.' The 117-acre property the barracks sit on has been up for sale since February.
The property with close to a million square feet of buildings is being sold for $1.5 million. The Luxe Group in Birmingham is representing the seller of the property and a potential buyer.
"Listing this property has allowed us to see the passion so many have for the area. So many have shared their stories with us about when they stayed here. The future for this property is very bright! We are currently working with some major names to make this place come alive again. My hope is the city of Anniston will thrive with the new owners and development. It’s very exciting, to say the least. We’re blessed to be a part of something bigger than just selling a property. My team and I are excited to put this property to good use so the many that did experience Ft. McClellan when in service can come back to visit with their families and share the many memories made here," said Steven Jacks, who's representing the seller.
Jordan Akin, representing a buyer for the property, could not reveal the identity of the buyer or their plan for the property but said it could benefit the area.
"The plans for the McClellan site would be a great start for the influx of development activity in the area. Attracting businesses and investors. Encouraging the establishment of new businesses and the expansion of existing ones. Create jobs and workforce opportunities, and just be beneficial for the city," said Akin.
Akin said they are nearing a deal. An inspection period and other tasks have to be completed before the property can be closed on.
Before coming to the market, the property was owned by Xtreme Concepts, a company providing "elite security service training" and canine training.
Robin Pool was visiting McClellan Monday. She is from Mobile, where she saw firsthand what happens after a base closes.
"My father was in the Air Force for 21 years. He was stationed originally in Mobile. That's how he met my mother. When they closed the base, we lost everything. There were some historic homes there that are gone," said Pool.
Pool saw the preservation of the structures at McClellan as important.
"It gives the community a sense of history. I think you could use the facility to help the community. Outreach programs. Maybe education things. Complex for kids to do different activities," she said. "If trying to preserve it would be too costly, then maybe repurpose it into something else that would be useful. Sports fields, entertainment complex, maybe shopping."
Hank Whitworth lives near the old barracks. He doesn't mind the growth.
"Anything that they can use this property for is great. We've got all this area out here. Anything that is good for the fort property is fine by me," said Whitworth. "It's been dormant for so long."
Whitworth has been in the area his entire life. He remembered what it was like when the Army post was open.
"Busy. You know, a lot of people, lots of jobs. People who could use the stores, malls, and everything. I miss it," said Whitworth.
He looked forward to seeing what the property ended up being, especially if it brings in new jobs.
Akin could not speak to the timeline of the remaining phases of the deal but said they were taking the process one step at a time.
The McClellan Development Authority has been working with The Luxe Group on the sale. Julie Moss, MDA Executive Director, explained the property is in the 'town center' area.
"It's a large piece of property. A lot could be done there for sure," said Moss. "It's just been sitting there."
Aside from a few months, Moss said there was no activity on the property under the prior ownership.
Recently, there's been more activity throughout the former fort property. More doctors have moved into the Medical Mall, Lake Yahou Park opened in 2022, and Creedmoor Sports moved its headquarters to McClellan. The company is also planning an expansion.
There's another potential project in the works with the National Guard.
"They are already out here. That is the only portion that is currently able to be called Fort McClellan. It's the Alabama National Guard Training Center. We've been working with them on an expansion project," said Moss. "It would definitely make a huge economic impact for this area."
Moss said they are looking for support and funding oppurtunities to bring that project to fruition.