Famed Summerville lawyer Bobby Lee Cook is now a Downtown Rome property owner. Cook confirmed Monday he had purchased the property at 510 and 512 Broad Street at auction Friday.

The property was once owned by Mario Armas, who pled guilty in Rome’s federal court in October 2007 to money laundering and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Cook said he did not have any dramatic plans for the property and said if the current tenants Harbin Clinic and Victorian Rose Tea Room & Cafe wanted to stay in the buildings, they could.

“I had a few bucks and it seemed to be a good investment in these difficult times,” Cook said. He said he would be interested in acquiring more property on Broad Street.

“Rome is a town that’s going to be there a long time,” said Cook.

“I’d be very interested in more properties on Broad Street.”

George Kastanias, owner of the Tea Room, said he has not yet had a chance to speak with Cook, but made it clear he’d like to stay in the location that has housed his business for almost six years.

Kastanias said if the rent goes up he might have to look elsewhere.

“Whatever happens, happens,” said Kastanias.

Armas was a major downtown property owner prior to his conviction, however the U.S. Marshals seized much of his properties. The government contends much of the property that Armas purchased was bought with ill-gotten drug money.

“I’m just glad somebody’s getting them so they’ll get back on the tax rolls,” said Floyd County Tax Commissioner Kevin Payne, referring to properties the government seized from Armas. The building was valued on the county’s tax rolls at $442,820.

Amanda Viles with Williams and Williams Real Estate Auctions said Cook’s high bid was for $475,000 and the U.S. Marshals Service has seven days to accept or reject the bid.