The General Services Administration announced on September 10 that the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, located at 315 S. McDuffie St. in downtown Anderson, South Carolina, has been placed on the federal disposition list. The building, which sits on the National Register of Historic Places, is renowned for its 1940 New Deal mural by Arthur Sinclair Covey titled “Corn, Cotton and Tobacco Culture.”
Why the federal government is selling
According to the GSA, the listing is part of a broader strategy to evaluate under‑utilized assets and shrink the federal footprint across the nation. By removing the Anderson property from the inventory of federal holdings, the agency projects a reduction of $2.2 million in delinquent and annual maintenance costs.
What disposition could look like
The disposition process allows the property to be transferred, exchanged, or sold to a federal, state, local entity, or private member of the public. Interested parties will have the opportunity to submit proposals once the GSA completes its initial evaluation and public notice period.
Local impact and opportunities
For Anderson’s civic leaders and business community, the potential change in ownership presents both challenges and opportunities. The building’s historic status means any new owner must preserve its architectural integrity and the iconic Covey mural. At the same time, a private or municipal buyer could repurpose the space for offices, cultural events, or mixed‑use development, contributing to downtown revitalization.
City officials have not yet announced a formal response, but the prospect of acquiring a centrally located, historic structure aligns with ongoing efforts to boost downtown commerce and preserve Anderson’s heritage. Community members who value the building’s history may see this as a chance to keep the site in public hands.
Next steps
The GSA will issue a formal Notice of Proposed Disposition, outlining submission requirements, timelines, and evaluation criteria. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor the GSA website and local government announcements for updates.
As the process moves forward, Anderson residents can expect public meetings and comment periods, ensuring that any future use of the building reflects the community’s values and needs.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
