A historic baptist church in downtown Ocala has been demolished to clear way for the city’s second parking garage, which should begin taking shape soon.

The demolition of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in downtown Ocala commenced on January 21.

Handled by A & A Trucking & Excavating, Ocala-News.com obtained photo and video of the demolition from Maven Photo and Film.

The Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in downtown Ocala was demolished to make room for the city's second parking garage.
The Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in downtown Ocala was demolished to make room for the city’s second parking garage. Credit: Maven Photo and Film

With the demolition complete, the city says it is currently nearing the end of its “design phase.” In an update provided by city officials at the end of January, site preparation and construction are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.

A rendering shows Ocala's second parking garage in downtown, the construction of which is estimated to cost around $18.5 million.
A rendering shows Ocala’s second parking garage in downtown, the construction of which is estimated to be complete by 2026.

The new parking garage will bring around 800 more parking spaces to downtown Ocala. During that update, city officials indicated that several amenities are proposed at the garage, including bike racks, benches, a monument to honor the former church, and even a photo opportunity spot with signage of the city’s name.

Potential signage proposed at the new parking garage
Potential signage proposed at the new parking garage

In December, Ocala City Council members approved the contract to demolish Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and an agreement to construct the new parking garage in downtown Ocala.

The location of the city's second parking garage, which is in design phase
The location of the city’s second parking garage, which is in design phase

The demolition was handled by Ocala-based Thomas F. Amodeo/A & A Trucking & Excavating.

SSC Construction Management, LLC, another Ocala-based company, will handle the construction and design of the city’s second downtown parking garage, which is estimated to cost approximately $17,481,485.70. That contract will include an additional $974,497.30 in contingencies for a grand total of $18,455,983.

According to officials, the city is currently in the midst of Phase 4 of the project, which should be complete by the Summer of 2026.

Screenshot
The different phases of construction for the development of the second parking garage in downtown Ocala.

According to the city, all of the roadway projects in downtown Ocala associated with the garage will be completed by 2027, with detours and closures planned through that time in various phases.

For more information on the parking garage, check back on Ocala-News.com in the coming weeks.

For more information on the photos or video used in this story, visit Maven Photo and Film online.

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