MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -
Monday is the first day of city operations in the newly restored Montgomery City Hall located at 103 North Perry Street.
"We're proud of it and we want the citizens to be proud," Montgomery Director of General Services Steve Jones said.
City Hall was temporarily located at One Dexter Plaza until renovations were complete.
Built in 1936, workers are putting the finishing touches on this building that still has it's original structure, but now with modern additions.
"We've gone to a much more energy efficient air conditioning system. One of our big pluses is we know all air conditioning vents in the halls of City Hall, whereas we never have before," Jones said.
It's day one in the office so there's still of boxes. Eight city departments with 55 employees are now operating here. Plus, city council members will now have offices.
"We have really taken a shell of what was here and maneuvered the space and make it much easier for people to get around and do business," Jones said.
The restored auditorium is the new location for city council meetings. Original auditorium seats that have been re-done will fill the room and seat all in attendance for the first meeting Tuesday, July 17th. Expect to view things on this projection screen and see council members using i-Pads.
But before you head there, there are some changes you should be aware of: The doors at North Perry will be the only entrance and exit for the public. The rest of the doors around the building will be locked. It's a part of the city's effort to beef up security for this newly renovated City Hall.
"Citizens will still have access. You will have to an ID to get in, your picture will be taken, you will be put in the system. You come back and visit again, they will pull your picture up, scan your badge for you and you're taken to wherever you need to go," Jones said.
The city is hoping to eventually line the walls of the lobby area of City Hall with historic pictures and old city archives.
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