For years, the Pratt-Pullman train yards have sat there dilapidated, a destination for the odd movie crew or a stream of graffiti artists.

During that time, several groups and developers have expressed interest in making something out of the 27-acre state-owned property, an east Atlanta site that includes numerous historic structures. The surrounding Kirkwood neighborhood is now a hot destination and the property was almost begging for something to happen.

Finally, the state put the land up for sale and this month went with a Hollywood producer’s offer of $8 million. He wants to go with a studio. And homes. And businesses. And green space.

Sounds cool, although two of the other developers — Atlanta-based firms — argue the state somehow was suddenly in a hurry to get rid of the property and even bent the process to help the moviemaker, costing state taxpayers a bunch of money. Why?

Read the full story on MyAJC.com.

About the Author

Featured

8/26/17 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, members of the King family, and Rep. Calvin Smyre,  were on hand for unveiling of the first statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the statehouse grounds, more than three years after Gov. Nathan Deal first announced the project.  During the hour-long ceremony leading to the unveiling of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the state Capitol on Monday, many speakers, including Gov. Nathan Deal, spoke of King's biography. The statue was unveiled on the anniversary of King's famed "I Have Dream" speech. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres