![The Milton Garden Club began leasing a city-owned building on Alabama Street in 1965. [ALICIA ADAMS | Press Gazette]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-616927ed-b1c0-5ff3-e053-0100007f4f73-f09749c0-scaled.jpeg)
MILTON — The city of Milton will begin using the Milton Garden Club building, located at 5256 Alabama St., as rentable event space come the new year.
The city and the garden club have entered an amended lease agreement for the city-owned building, which the club began leasing in 1965. The lease was last amended in 1989 for a period of 99 years.
Earlier this year, the club asked the city to abandon their lease and establish a new agreement in which the city is responsible for maintenance of the building. The city will assume all responsibility and liability for the property and all improvements, according to the agreement, and the building’s purpose will change.
Areas of the building not leased by the garden club will be used for library and senior programs, and as an event area available for rent by the public. The only other indoor space available to rent for events within the city is the Gracey Room at the Guy Thompson Community Center.
The garden club had the space available to rent for special events, but Milton’s Parks and Recreation Department will approve all future applications for use of the space.
The city of Milton plans to purchase $2,000 worth of supplies for the building to be used by those who rent the space. That includes 15 card tables, 17 rectangular folding tables, 15 round folding tables, 4 table-and-chair carts, 136 metal folding chairs, a refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, oven and coffee maker.
The new event area will be available to rent for $250 the first five hours and $25 each additional hour, and includes use of the tables and chairs. A PA system and a projector and screen will be available to rent for $50 per device.
The garden club will lease two rooms and two storage areas within the parcel for $1 per year for 25 years, starting Jan. 1, 2018. The spaces will be used by the members of the club from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first and second Tuesdays of each month.
The city will also allow the Milton Garden Club to use the facility for 10 additional days during the year for club functions, which are to be scheduled through the city and will come at no additional cost to the club.
The current signage on the building reads “Milton Garden Club, Inc.” but that will eventually change, according to Milton Public Information Officer Pamela Holt.
"The new sign in front of the building is in process. The building will be called the Milton Event Center," Holt said.
"The Milton Event Center is another venue to provide more opportunities for residents, groups and organizations to enjoy."
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: City expands event venue space