Seth Johnson
The Manor on Main Street in Alachua officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday afternoon followed by a grand opening event 6-8 p.m. featuring food and live entertainment.
The three-story, 7,000-square foot house was originally completed in 1902 and served as the home for the Williams family. Over time, the building has held varying roles―most recently as the Ivy House restaurant.
Salvie Andreola, the current owner, renovated the house and the space will now serve as a venue for weddings, birthdays and other events.
Rance Cannon, the public relations director for The Manor, said the renovation process took seven months as workers had to pay special attention to the structure of such an old building.
He says the neatest feature of the house might be the pine floors that are still original from 1898, when the house first started construction.
“It’s not a task you take on lightly, that’s for sure,” Cannon said. “Because people’s special moments are sort of at stake.”
The Manor will also hold community events twice a month. The first will be a bourbon tasting and gourmet pairing with live music. Other events will include the Chinese New Year, Valentines Day, a St. Patrick’s Dinner and Mother’s Day Brunch.
“It would be very nice for people from the community to come and enjoy the occasions that we have set apart bi-weekly,” Cannon said.
You can find more information about The Manor on Main Street at its website.
