Community in Ohio celebrates opening of new Athens Armory

ATHENS, O.H. (WOWK) — Community leaders in Athens, Ohio, gathered for a ribbon-cutting Tuesday for the opening of the newly renovated Athens Armory, according to a joint news release by the city, JobsOhio and OhioSE.

The $6.5 million revitalization project created much-needed office and coworking space and was done as part of a larger redevelopment project on the Stimson Avenue Corridor.

The now fully renovated space will be multi-use, able to accommodate a variety of events and people.

It was made possible by grants and other funding support from programs like the Appalachian Community Grant Program, the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council, the Appalachian Regional Commission and the JobsOhio Vibrant Community grant.

The impressive 111-year-old building has a deep history to Athens’ community. Constructed during WWI, it originally served as a home for the National Guard and was used for military purposes until the 1990s, when the final artillery units left.

In 1997, the City of Athens purchased the facility. Since then, the space has been used for various sorts of events and activities.

The revitalization project was first announced in 2023, and its completion represents a milestone in the City of Athens’ redevelopment plans.

“Giving new life to Ohio’s historic communities honors our past while paving the way for modernization and ingenuity,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. “By restoring the historic Athens Armory, we are boosting opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs while preserving our heritage in the Appalachian region.”

“The 111-year-old Athens Armory was both a bulwark supporting our national and state defense, as well as a centerpiece of Athens’ civic life for decades,” said Athens Mayor Steve Patterson. “Upon its closure, a wise previous mayor purchased it to save this prominent historic building from the wrecking ball. For nearly 30 years, the city cared for it and dreamed of what it could be. Now we’ve finally revitalized this landmark. It will once again serve the community’s civic and economic interests while celebrating the commitments of veterans from our area.”

The building’s first floor will house offices and coworking space, while the second floor will be a space for performances, conferences, concerts, and other events. The third floor will now house the Athens County Foundation.