Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is officially moving to sell the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf, a city-owned venue that has hosted hundreds of conferences, banquets, and community events over the years. City leaders state this decision will free up funds and focus on developing new facilities that better align with the community’s future needs.

At the March 17 City Council meeting, members approved a resolution declaring the event center “unneeded” city property for municipal purposes and authorizing the mayor to negotiate a sale. The center is located within The Wharf entertainment district and has long hosted large regional events, from business conferences to Mardi Gras Balls.

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Officials have discussed using proceeds from a sale to help fund a new community or civic center focused on residents and city programs. The city is already studying locations and soils for a new civic center site and has hired engineers and environmental consultants to advance that planning.

The mayor and council members have not yet announced a final sale price or detailed terms, but they confirmed that The Wharf’s ownership group is likely the buyer. The Event Center currently hosts over 100 events annually, and city leaders say private ownership within the larger Wharf complex could enhance marketing and improve operational efficiency.

If the sale goes through, residents might see large regional events stay at The Wharf, while more city-sponsored programs and hometown gatherings move to a future civic center closer to other public facilities. City officials have promised to keep the public updated as negotiations progress and as plans for the new center become clearer.