Palatka’s New Floating Bookstore: A Unique Transformation

News Summary

Palatka, Florida, is welcoming a unique floating bookstore named ‘The Archangel,’ a former wedding chapel that has been transformed into a cozy reading space. Previously known as the Chapel on the Bay, this remarkable vessel will serve as a community space while also inviting couples to relive their wedding memories. The journey to Palatka promises adventure, with the new owner planning to enrich the local literary scene and host wellness retreats.

Palatka Welcomes a Unique Floating Bookstore!

Exciting things are happening in the lovely city of Palatka, Florida! A special gem known as the Chapel on the Bay, which used to float gracefully as a wedding chapel, is embarking on a new voyage and transforming into a cozy floating bookstore. This charming vessel is on its way from west Florida to its new home in Palatka, bringing along a wave of nostalgia and innovation that locals can’t wait to embrace!

From Weddings to Books: A Fresh Transformation

Originally designed by talented naval architects, including the renowned Daniel J. Avoures and Associates, this floating chapel has made quite a name for itself, even gracing the pages of Architectural Digest. It made its home in Palmetto, Florida, where lovebirds tied the knot on its serene decks. The stunning structure is set to not only move locations but also engage in a remarkable metamorphosis into a livable houseboat that doubles as a bookstore.

Behind the Scenes of the Sale

The eye-catching property was recently listed for a hefty $699,000 but sold for a much more accessible $250,000. The original construction and modern conversion racked up an impressive $1.3 million. Along with the sale, the new owner will inherit delightful furnishings, including a sleek 65-inch flat-screen TV, leather seating, outdoor arrangements, and a kitchen that would make anyone feel like a gourmet chef!

Introducing The Archangel

The new owner, Mary Costello, plans to give this floating gem a new name: The Archangel. This exciting project isn’t just about creating a bookstore; it also aims to foster a community space that invites children for storytime and hosts rejuvenating wellness retreats. How wonderful does that sound?

A Unique Opportunity for Romance

renting out space for special events, particularly for those who want to relive their magical moments.

A Brave New Journey

Interestingly, while Mary isn’t an experienced boat handler, she felt a *calling* to this quirky property while assisting her pastor in finding a new church. The journey to Palatka promises to be quite an adventure! It is expected to take around 20 days and will cost approximately $20,000 to navigate through the waterways. With a chapel that weighs 33 tons and measures 30 by 60 feet, built on twin catamaran hulls, you can imagine that moving it requires a fair bit of planning and care!

Luxurious Features and Unique Design

The chapel offers a lovely living space, featuring an open-plan living room, two cozy bedrooms, and a modern kitchen totaling 1,050 square feet of indoor space and 1,800 square feet including the decks. It even has seven stained glass windows that are protected by hurricane-proof glass and topped with a charming 30-foot steeple—talk about eye-catching!

A Piece of Floating History

This one-of-a-kind Chapel on the Bay is special—being one of only two floating chapels globally! The other, located in Australia, inspired its creation as a breathtaking wedding venue. As it journeys to its new home in Palatka, it is sure to bring a wave of joy, inspiration, and community spirit along with it.

Palatka, get ready for a wave of whimsical stories and adventures as this magnificent floating chapel sets sail to become your new favorite spot!

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Additional Resources

• The Florida Times-Union
• Media: Florida Times-Union
• Florida Today
• Google Search: Florida Floating Chapel
• Visit Jacksonville
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Floating Bookstore
• My Journal Courier
• Google News: Chapel on the Bay