The Salvation Army has closed on a purchase of a 12 acre property in North Port, its first-ever permanent home in the city.

The former church property at 14600 Tamiami Trail will eventually be the Army’s home once the building is restored.

The Army plans to renovate the nearly 5,000 square foot church and run a food pantry and distribute emergency funds from that location.

Army officials told the Herald-Tribune yesterday that with all the work that’s needed on the building, it’s not likely to open until next year.