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Orman House Reopens After $16 Million Restoration

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 22:32 GMT by WJHG

Panama City, FL - A palpable sense of pride and history filled the air today, Saturday, January 10th, 2026, as the meticulously restored Orman House officially reopened its doors to the public. The culmination of a $16 million restoration project, the reopening signifies more than just the revitalization of a historic building; it represents the community's commitment to preserving its heritage and fostering a vibrant cultural hub.

The Orman House, a long-standing landmark in Panama City, had fallen into disrepair over the decades, prompting a comprehensive restoration effort that commenced several years ago. The project's scope was ambitious, encompassing both structural repairs and a sensitive reimagining of the interior, all while striving to maintain the building's original architectural character. Mayor Emily Carter, alongside local community leaders and representatives from the Orman family lineage, participated in a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the momentous occasion.

"The Orman House represents a connection to our past, a tangible link to the people and events that shaped Panama City," Mayor Carter remarked. "Its return to prominence embodies our dedication to honoring that legacy and ensuring future generations can experience and learn from it."

A Deep Dive into the Restoration:

The $16 million investment was carefully allocated to address a wide range of needs. The exterior saw extensive work, including a complete roof replacement, painstaking window restoration to match the original design, and stabilization of the foundation, which had suffered from years of weathering and potential storm damage. Modernizing the building's infrastructure was also a key priority, with updated electrical and plumbing systems now seamlessly integrated without compromising the historic aesthetic.

Inside, the restoration team embarked on a delicate balancing act. Their goal was to recreate the ambiance of the early 20th century, when the house was a hub of activity. This involved researching original paint colors, replicating period-appropriate fixtures, and carefully restoring original woodwork and detailing. Archival photographs and historical accounts were crucial in guiding these efforts, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. Detailed records kept by the Orman family provided invaluable insight into the house's original layout and furnishings.

From Residence to Cultural Center: A Legacy Continues:

The Orman House's story is intertwined with the history of Panama City itself. Built in 1912 by Elias Orman, a prominent local businessman and landowner, the house originally served as his family's residence. Over the years, it transitioned into a boarding house catering to traveling salesmen and workers, and subsequently became a valued community meeting space. It has witnessed pivotal moments in the city's development, silently observing the waves of progress and adversity that have shaped Panama City's identity.

Now, the restored Orman House is poised to embrace a new chapter as a dedicated cultural center. Plans are already underway for a diverse range of events and programs, including rotating art exhibits showcasing local talent, historical reenactments and lectures to educate the public about Panama City's past, and workshops aimed at fostering creativity and community engagement. The space will also be available for rent for private events, further contributing to its financial sustainability.

Funding and Community Support:

The ambitious restoration project was a collaborative effort, drawing upon both public and private funding sources. Contributions came from local businesses, private donors deeply invested in preserving Panama City's heritage, and state and federal grants dedicated to historic preservation initiatives. The overwhelming support from the community underscored the collective value placed on safeguarding this vital piece of local history. The project's success serves as a model for future preservation efforts, demonstrating the power of community collaboration to breathe new life into cherished landmarks.