Athens city officials had big plans for the armory they bought from The National Guard 14 years ago-but now the landmark building on Carpenter Street is used to house old records.
In 1997, the city of Athens spent about $1.2 million on the building, said Mayor Paul Wiehl, adding that it was originally purchased to create a second Municipal Court.
But, Wiehl added that the expense to pursue this endeavor was too much for the city to bear at that time.
Currently, the armory is used to store public records, Wiehl said.
We're always running out of room for records
Wiehl said, adding that the space is used to store government records as well as records for area judges.
Although Athens residents do not have access to the armory, records are available to the public if they make a request, Wiehl added.
In 2003, there were plans to turn the building into a museum, a proposal that was projected to cost about $4 million-$1 million of which would be used to bring the building up to code, he said.
The electric, water and heating systems would all need to be updated, he said, adding that there is also no bathroom in the building.
Ohio University freshman Tommy Beith agreed that the building would be a good space for a history museum, but the location might not attract students
No one really wants to walk that far (unless it's for something worthwhile) Beith said.
OU freshman Carly Finton also said a cultural addition to uptown would be a good use for the building.
An art gallery would be pretty cool said Finton, who is studying exercise physiology.
About four years ago, the city planned to turn the basement of the armory into a haunted house for children, Wiehl said.
At that time
the fire marshal took one look at (the condition of the building) and said it wasn't satisfactory for a haunted house
Wiehl added. There have been many plans and ideas to put the building to better use
but it would cost a lot.
Although city officials want to use the building for something more than storing records, Wiehl said it is not possible at the time.
We don't have the funds to expand services
he added.
Currently, city officials have no future plans to renovate the building.
Until we have a goal about how we want to enhance it
we're just keeping it at the status quo as best we can
he said.
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