Own the Downtown Waco Building Where the David Koresh Wrongful Death Trial Unfolded

Want to be Chip and Joanna Gaines’ neighbor? 

Downtown Waco Property for Sale 

If you love history, Waco, and the idea of being a landlord, I have an opportunity for you! A monumental property is for sale in downtown Waco and it just so happens to be next door to the downtown headquarters of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia. According to KWTX, the 103,500 square foot property that sits on 1.6 acres is being appraised, and a better idea of the price should be available next week. As of now, the courthouse is being used by the Waco division of the federal Western District of Texas and it will remain in the building after the sale. The new owner will basically be a landlord. The  McLennan County Appraisal District lists the appraised value at $9.8 million. 

A Piece of Waco History 

The U.S. Postal Service currently owns the depression era building that was built in 1936 with Treasury Department funds and has been in the media spotlight through the years. It was the site of the wrongful death civil trial against the federal government that was filed by surviving members of David Koresh’s Branch Davidian group. The plaintiffs argued that FBI agents shot at sect members trying to leave the building during the final hours of the siege at Waco, which prevented them from escaping the fire. The inferno followed FBI agents firing tear gas into the building which then caught fire.  Branch Davidian sect leader David Koresh and at least 80 of his followers died. The federal courthouse was also the site of a civil Title IX violation trial that led to former coach Art Briles and former Baylor President Ken Starr losing their jobs. 

After the Sale 

According to KWTX, the Postal Service is no longer in the building, so the buyer will need to negotiate a lease with the landlord of federal properties, the U.S. General Services Administration. The best scenario would involve someone who has experience with GSA leased properties.