The Decatur Urban Redevelopment Authority (made up of city commission members) voted 4-0 Monday night to move ahead with the purchase of the Callaway Building and surrounding property from DeKalb County.

The authority voted on the sales agreement. The city plans to sell to Cousins Properties, which would demolish the building and convert the property into a mixed-use development, though that project wouldn't be finished for years. "That will put the property back on the tax rolls, which has been the objective from the beginning," Assistant City Manager Lyn Menne said.

Before signing a contract, the city has 90 days to perform due diligence on the Callaway Building and the surrounding five acres. If city buys the property, the county would lease the Callaway Building back from the city for up to two-and-a-half years so county departments will have a place to work, Menne said.

The sale agreement calls for the city to pay the county $5,089,300 or $25 per square foot, which ever is greater. While the Beacon Hill Complex is being renovated, the city municipal court is operating on the third floor of the Callaway Building.