Glen Currie, director of Gulf Coast operations for JBHM Architects, presented drawings of both buildings to Mayor Billy Skellie and the board.
City Hall will be rebuilt at its original location on Jeff Davis Avenue; it will be a two-story building with white columns. The drawing showed red brick, but Currie said they could discuss different colors.
"With all the goals for a walkable community, we felt comfortable with a traditional Coast building," he said. "It's pretty simple design, but we think it will work well."
The new City Hall, at 10,000 square feet, will cost about $4.4 million. The city will get a grant from the Community Development Block Grant fund. Currie said he hopes to also get money for impact-resistant windows and shutters.
The building will contain all city offices, including the water department, zoning and a board room. It also will house the municipal court.
The drawings for the two-story fire station on 2nd Street aren't as far along but Currie said construction on the $1.1 million building likely will begin at the same time as City Hall, in October or November.
The fire station also will be paid for with CDBG funds.
- SunHerald, July 2, 2008