Orman House Historic State Park, Chapman Botanical Gardens & Three Servicemen Memorial

The Orman House, a historic 1838 Federal and Greek Revival architectural gem, is undergoing a $1.6 million renovation to restore it to its 19th-century grandeur. The extensive work includes structural repairs, lead paint abatement, window and roof replacements, and refinishing hardwood floors, with the goal of reopening in October 2024. Once home to prominent cotton merchant Thomas Orman, the house sits on a bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River.

The stately Orman House, centerpiece of the Orman House Historic State Park, is currently closed for a massive $1.6 million renovation which will return the Federal and Greek Revival architectural gem to her 19^th century glory.

Almost no aspect of the 1838 structure will remain untouched.  After repairing exterior siding and stabilizing the building, lead based paint abatement will be initiated and the exterior will be repainted.

Windows will be replaced and new window shutters will be custom-built to place the original shutters which are beyond repair.

The house’s multiple roof levels suffered damage through the years, and they will be repaired or replaced. Gutters and downspouts will also be added.

The hardwood floors in the library, dining room and hallway will be refinished to their original luster.  HVAC ducts will be replaced, an ADA-compliant ramp will be added to the south side of the house, and worn non-period wallpaper will either be replaced or removed in favor of painted walls.

With renovation currently meeting timeframe targets, it is hoped that the house will re-open in October of 2024.

Situated on a bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River, the Orman House was home to one of Apalachicola’s most important merchant families for 156 years.  The house was built by Thomas Orman, a prominent cotton merchant, planter, and businessman when Apalachicola was a booming and prosperous cotton port.