Next step in yearslong effort to develop a park focused on the historic Promised Land 

(Lawrenceville, Ga., April 5, 2023) – The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is taking the necessary steps to acquire two parcels of land necessary for the development of a park that will preserve and celebrate the history of the Promised Land community. Gwinnett County already owns four adjacent parcels of land, including the historic Maguire-Livsey Big House at the Promised Land.

The acquisition of these remaining parcels will be the culmination of years of work with the Livsey family, and in particular, Thomas Livsey Sr., to restore and preserve the area in and around the Maguire-Livsey Big House at the Promised Land. Gwinnett County purchased the house from the Livsey family in 2017, followed over the next two years by the purchase of three adjacent properties necessary for the park.

When combined with the properties already owned by the County, the two additional parcels will allow Gwinnett County to develop a park to preserve the Big House and adjacent land along with its 200-year history. The past century of the property’s history represents a time when descendants of slaves from the plantation that once occupied the area purchased land and created a thriving African American community.

Since 2019, discussions have taken place with the Livseys to acquire the two remaining properties required for the park. These properties were recently appraised and offers made to acquire the two additional parcels for the appraised fair market values.

To ensure the Livseys’ financial and legal interests will be protected, the County has determined the best course of action is to continue discussions through a process subject to court supervision.

The first step in this process will take place April 25 when the Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution at a public meeting.