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Athens celebrates the reopening of its Armory building following a $6.5 million renovation
By: WOUB News Team
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — The city of Athens unveiled its $6.5 million renovation of the Armory, which will provide small office spaces for remote workers and event space for local gatherings.
The project is part of a larger plan to redevelop the city’s Stimson Avenue corridor.
“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.
When the Armory closed, the city bought it to save the building from demolition. It’s been used mostly for storage since then.
“For nearly 30 years, the city cared for it and dreamed of what it could be,” Patterson said. “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 now houses co-working space, which includes private offices and desks as well as flex spaces. This is part of the city’s strategy to attract remote workers.
The event space is located on the second floor, suitable for musical performances, conferences, workshops, weddings, and other public and private events.
The Athens County Foundation will occupy the third floor.
The project received funding support from the Appalachian Community Grant Program ($2.5 million), the city of Athens’ ARPA fund ($500,000), the city of Athens’ general revenue fund ($900,000), the Ohio Capital Bill ($600,000), Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council ($350,00) and the Appalachian Regional Commission ($640,000).
The project was also supported by a JobsOhio Vibrant Community grant of $976,815. This program offers competitive grants for development projects that help transform areas within a distressed community.
“Renovating the iconic Athens Armory is both an economic and symbolic milestone, demonstrating our deep commitment to southeastern Ohio,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “This revitalized landmark will anchor the Stimson Avenue corridor, preserving the community’s past while bringing a modern workspace to attract new investment downtown.”