Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  A building that sheltered Foley's National Guard soldiers for more than half a century has found a new purpose as a community hub. The city of Foley dedicated its new Activity Center on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, in a ceremony honoring both the past and the future. Local officials, veterans, National Guard members, and Foley High School JROTC students gathered for the event. The dedication also marked the centennial of the National Guard's presence in the city.

The ceremony took place on Nov. 5 at the Foley Activity Center, 315 E. Jessamine Ave. The first National Guard unit in Foley was organized in 1926, marking a full 100 years of history to celebrate. The building served as the community's National Guard Armory from 1969 to 2023.

The armory was named for Sgt. William Smith, a Foley High School graduate who joined the National Guard at age 15. After the unit was activated for the Korean War, Smith was killed in action near Kumwah, Korea. At the dedication ceremony, the city unveiled a plaque in his honor.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich spoke about Smith's sacrifice at the event. "Sergeant Smith gave his life on that battlefield in November of 1951, just nine days shy of his 20th birthday," Hellmich said. "For his extraordinary heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by the United States government."

Hellmich continued, noting that the building's transformation does not diminish Smith's legacy. "While the bricks and mortar of the building have been transformed to serve our community in a new way, Sergeant Smith's name, courage, and sacrifice will remain anchored to this location in the soil, in the area in the time to come."

Hellmich presented Smith's family with a Key to the City. Smith's brother, Nick Jones, accepted the key and a City Council proclamation on the family's behalf.

The 16,000-square-foot building underwent a $1.97 million renovation before reopening as a municipal facility. Paul Carpenter Davis Architecture served as the project architect, and Del-Con LLC contracted for the renovation.

The Foley Activity Center now serves as both a recreational space and an administrative office area. It houses the offices of the city's Parks and Recreation Department, Communications Department, and Leisure Services Administration.

The building's new interior includes a classroom for recreational programs and senior citizen activities. It also features a sensory space for special-needs programming and events. The gymnasium can be configured for three pickleball courts, a basketball court, or a volleyball court.

The Foley National Guard unit has since relocated to a larger armory near the Beach Express. The city donated the land for the new armory and received the former armory property in return.