Roanoke, VA – On Friday, Dec. 11, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Roanoke’s Municipal Building, the city re-opened the north entrance to the public. That part of the building had been closed since 1982 to accommodate office space for Social Services and later Human Resources.
“When I first visited the Municipal Building, I walked up the north entrance and saw a big chain blocking the steps. Re-opening this part of the building is not only convenient for citizens, but it shows that City Hall is a welcoming place for everyone,” said Roanoke City Manager Chris Morrill.
Along with refinished steps, new rails, and a new door, the entire lobby area has been renovated with many architectural features still in place from when the building first opened.
“There are so many beautiful aspects of the building that had been covered up for years,” Said Morrill. “Crews did a wonderful job peeling away previous renovations to bring life to the original design.”
City staff also renovated portions of the third floor. What was once a courtroom is now a training facility for employees. This room also features high ceilings and original molding.
Citizens can still enter the building on the south side, but are also encouraged to make use of the north entrance.
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