BON SECOUR — It's "been a long time coming" for the construction of the John Byard Swift Jr. Pavilion, which recently had its grand opening at Swift-Coles Historic Home.

Mike Bunn, chairman of the Baldwin County Historical Development Commission, said the project cost roughly $150,000 to $175,000. Funding was provided by dozens of sponsors from individuals to organizations.

The grand opening event was closed to the public and mainly served to thank sponsors for their donations.

"We've been working on this for quite a while," Bunn said. "We're real excited to have it. This is something the house has needed a long time for it to reach its full potential as a rental venue."

The new space has connected water outlets and running electricity for ceiling fans and lights. Bunn said the "hefty" pilings were professionally built and allow the structure to last for some time.

David Swift, a relative of the Swift family who once owned the house, spoke at the event on how special the place is to many in attendance. He said he would've built the pavilion differently but that he felt it was well built.

"Up in Escambia County, where I'm from, we could've done this five years ago and had a lot less stuff in it," he said. "But, I will say, if a category 4 [hurricane] or bigger comes through, come strap yourself to one of these posts and I think you'll be fine."

The space can be rented when the house is not open to the public, to prevent house visitors from wandering through a wedding. The pavilion can be used for a variety of community gatherings from family reunions to educational events.

Swift-Coles Historic Home is open Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. Some upcoming events at the location include an interactive "whodunnit" murder mystery and haunted tours later this month, Christmas teatime later this year and a Mardi Gras murder mystery next year in January.