Foley Buys 2 Acres For Possible Civic Center, Museum

 The Foley City Council has approved the purchase of more than 2 acres on East Violet Avenue north of Heritage Park, a move city officials say will allow for expanded municipal services and new community facilities, Gulf Coast Media reports. Known as the Gatlin Property, the parcel sits east of the Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail and south of the current Foley Public Works Department. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the existing Public Works site will be repurposed as offices for the city’s parks and horticulture departments once the new Public Works campus opens in early 2026. City leaders are exploring several potential uses for the newly acquired land, including a new civic center and a museum honoring Foley’s designation as an American World War II Heritage City. The current Civic Center, built in the 1970s, no longer meets the city’s needs. Foley City Administrator Mike Thompson said the family that sold the Gatlin Property also donated an adjacent parcel south of East Violet Avenue east of Heritage Park, adding approximately one-third of an acre to the city’s holdings.