Molino Community Center, Library, Museum To Close Sept. 19-26 For Restoration of Vintage Floors

September 14, 2026

The Molino Community Center, including the Molino Library, will be closed from Saturday, September 19 through Saturday, September 26, for restoration of the building’s vintage floors.

The Molino Community Center was originally constructed as the Molino School in 1939. In 2012, the historic school building was renovated and repurposed as the Molino Community Center, which now also houses the Molino Library, an auditorium, meeting spaces, and the Molino Mid-County Historical Society Museum.

The building retains its original antique heart pine wood flooring, a defining historical feature. The last restoration date of the flooring is unknown, and its current condition reflects decades of wear and deterioration, according to Escambia County. Existing deficiencies include extensive surface wear, rusted nail heads protruding through the walking surface, inconsistent and deteriorated finish, and areas where the wood has become excessively worn and thinned, requiring selective replacement.

In July, the Escambia County Commission approved $31,872 in Local Option Sales Tax funds to Troendle Hardwood Floor Company to complete the repair and restoration of the floor.

The Molino Library will be closed during the process, along with the museum and rentals of the auditorium and meeting spaces.

The Escambia County Tax Collector and Escambia County Property Appraiser offices are in different buildings to the south of the main community center and will remain open, as will Escambia Head Start in a building to the north.

Other West Florida Public Library locations across Escambia County will remain open.

Pictured top: The Molino Community Center. Pictured inset: The original heart pine wood flooring the in library. Pictured below: A portion of the antique floor as seen during a public meeting in the auditorium. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Molino Community Center, Library, Museum To Close Sept. 19-26 For Restoration of Vintage Floors”

  1. Allene Pugh Gilmore on September 14th, 2026 1:19 pm

    This was an interesting article to me. I began first grade at this school in 1940, and continued there until my family moved to the north end of Escambia Co. in Dec., 1945. I have some very fond memories of my years attending school there, and I can still remember the names of all my Molino School teachers and the two principals while I was there. I am so glad that the Molino Community is taking such good care of it and using it for a good cause. The front of the school still looks exactly as I remember it.

  2. Snoozzisuuzzi on September 14th, 2026 12:31 pm

    A wonderful article anf very informative. Thanks





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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News