Apalachicola Armory considered as site for "destination weddings"

The armory in Apalachicola could be a draw for destination weddings if a private group is allowed to sub-lease the building from the county.

Business partners Steve Goodman and Carl Holliday have expressed an interest in leasing the armory and restoring it so that people from around the world can rent it for weddings or other events.

They’ve done similar work with an abandoned historic building in Indiana and said that last year they brought in 15 thousand guests.

They hope to do the same here and say that their business model could help bring 1.2 million dollars a year to the area.

The benefits, they believe, would impact all types of businesses from hotels and rental houses to florists and restaurants.

The group would restore the armory using local contractors and upgrade the building with air-conditioning and other amenities.

The county currently leases the armory from the National Guard, and leases its out to private groups for parties and weddings but the armory has proved to be a cash drain.

The building costs the county about 16 thousand dollars a year to maintain but only brings in about 6000 dollars a year.

The plan does have support from community members.

Seafood Grill owner Beverly Hewitt along with Ed Tiley and Larry Hale all spoke in favor of the project.

The county agreed to consider the request and said it will seek bids from all groups interested in sub-leasing the armory.

Commissioners said whoever subleases the armory will have to make sure the building maintains its historic integrity and the armory has to remain accessible to Franklin County residents for public and private functions.

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