 Tue, May 13, 2008 05:37 AM
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2007-12-28  Duluth | Dedicating Duluth's future
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| | by Scott Sowers | |  |
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| (SCOTT SOWERS/www.gwinnettherald.com)
Mayor Shirley Fanning-Lasseter (left) and councilmembers Jim Dugan, Doris Kirouac and Marsha Anderson Bomar pull the ribbons to unveil a plaque at the dedication of the Duluth City Hall Dec. 18. (click for larger version) |
January 04, 2008 | 03:14 PM
After more than a year of construction, Duluth was finally ready to unveil its new City Hall. This impressive building overlooking the Town Green now stands tall as the city continues the process of revitalizing its downtown.
The Dec. 18 dedication ceremony was smaller than originally planned because construction on the building was not entirely finished. Some final details still needed to be worked out, including furnishing the building, meaning that a larger ceremony and ribbon cutting are planned for Jan. 14. The city stuck to Dec. 18 for its dedication because it had ordered a plaque with that date etched into it.
The big ceremony will coincide with the date of the first City Council meeting in the building, the same day that new Mayor Nancy Harris and councilmember Greg Whitlock will be sworn-in to their new offices. Residents can take tours of the building before the meeting starts, with music and food provided.
"We have been talking about the new City Hall since 1986," said outgoing Mayor Shirley Fanning-Lasseter. "When you go inside this you will truly feel the love of Duluth, Georgia. This is a dream come true for the city and myself."
The brief ceremony was highlighted by the mayor and her five councilmembers each pulling a ribbon to reveal the dedication plaque. They also unveiled a time capsule that will be added to the building which contains relics from when the city was first founded as well as items from 2007.
"It's beyond words to describe this building. I'm blessed to work with a progressive City Council to help with this project," said city administrator Phil McLemore. "Not many city administrators get the chance to work on a development like this.
Everyone at the ceremony seemed to have the opinion that this new building will be something very special for the future of Duluth. Councilman Doug Mundrick called the building "gorgeous," while Councilwoman Marsha Bomar called it "really inviting and warm for the community."
"It's very humbling expecting to step into something that's been a dream for so long," Nancy Harris said. "I can't wait to move into my new office."
A mayor's office is something the city has not had in a while because Lasseter volunteered to give up her office in the old City Hall to make room for more staff.
This new building, built by Mathias Construction of Duluth, will feature an expanded council chambers, complete with video screens and all the latest technology. A boardroom off to the side will allow Council to hold work sessions before regular meetings.
The first floor will have the City Clerk's office and will be the place to pay fees and obtain permits, while the planning department and other offices will be located on the second floor.
- www.gwinnettherald.com
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