The Legacy Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Historic 1923 Church Transformed into Premier Event Venue in Tavares, Florida – Grand Opening Celebration Set for February 13

TAVARES, Fla. – February 9, 2026 – At 96 years old, Gene Smith has announced the grand opening of The Legacy at Church Hill Center. Smith spent two years personally working on the meticulous restoration of the 1923 church and its surrounding property, located in the heart of Tavares, to transform it into a stunning new event space. 

“This project has been a labor of love for our dad,” said Smith’s daughter, Cheryl Ritchie, adding that the two-year renovation has breathed new life into one of the city’s most important historical structures. Ritchie is the operations lead for weddings and other special events.

This family-driven project blends timeless architectural charm with modern amenities, offering a unique setting for weddings, corporate gatherings, community events, and more. Smith’s five children—Cheryl, Lee, Sammy, Jack, and Kirby—and several grandchildren were involved throughout the renovation process. Gene attended this church when he first moved to Florida in the 1950s. Several of his children also attended the church, adding a deeply personal layer to the transformation. Now, his five children will take the helm to run the new events business, ensuring the venue’s legacy continues for generations.

The grand opening event will kick off at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 13, 2026, with main activities from 2:00-3:00 PM and guided tours available until 6:00 PM at 311 N. Joanna Ave., Tavares, FL 32778. Attendees will enjoy guided tours of the restored church, showcasing preserved original features like vibrantly restored stained-glass windows in the Heirloom Chapel, rich stained-wood accents and gleaming floors in the Centennial Reception Hall, alongside contemporary upgrades including refined finishes, a large adjoining kitchen for caterers, personal suites in the Lineage Lounge, and the outdoor Palms Patio with towering palms, lush landscaping, and a serene fountain. Light refreshments and networking opportunities will highlight the afternoon, celebrating Tavares’ rich heritage and the venue’s role in fostering community connections.

For Gene Smith, preserving the historical integrity of the sanctuary went hand-in-hand with essential repairs to the century-old building. “We turned the original Sunday school rooms into professional offices, and that was the easy part. The church itself had a lot of structural damage. We replaced damaged wood, replaced all the plumbing, completely rewired the building, reroofed the entire structure, upgraded the air-conditioning, and restored the stained-glass windows and the original heart-pine floor in the sanctuary. It was a much bigger project than we expected. 

“From the day we bought this property, my family and I poured ourselves into every detail. It’s more than a venue—it’s a legacy, rooted in the church my family and I once attended. Now we are excited to open our doors and invite the community to experience how we’ve honored the past while creating a place for future memories.”

Originally built in 1923, the church has stood as a cornerstone of local history, witnessing generations of community milestones. The renovation accentuated the building’s enduring character with thoughtful, modern elegance, preserving its sacred essence while adapting it for today’s needs—aligning with Tavares’ ongoing efforts to revitalize historic sites and boost local tourism near Lake Dora.

Media and community members are invited to attend the grand opening for photo opportunities, interviews, and exclusive previews. RSVP is appreciated but not required.

For more information about the venue, visit www.thelegacytavares.com or call 352-932-8300.

About The Legacy at Church Hill Center

The Legacy at Church Hill Center is a premier event venue in Tavares, Florida, specializing in hosting memorable occasions in a beautifully restored 1923 church setting. Founded by the passionate 96-year-old Gene Smith, who bought and renovated the property with hands-on involvement from his five children and several grandchildren, the venue is now operated by his children. Committed to preserving local history while providing modern elegance, it offers customizable spaces for events of all sizes, including the intimate Heirloom Chapel, expansive Centennial Reception Hall, cozy Lineage Lounge, and scenic Palms Patio.

Media Contact:

Cheryl Ritchie

Daughter of Gene Smith and The Legacy Operations Lead

Phone: 352-267-5093 – clritchie700@gmail.com

Email: booking@thelegacytavares.com.