We will begin this update with pictures and comments from Troop 169. This group of Webelos received a tour of City Hall on Tuesday, January 25th. The tour started with an explanation of the design plans for the building, instructions on safety and after hard hats were issued the tour began. The boys received a tour of each area of the building comments from the boys included:
"Wow, this place sure is a mess!""You can see Lake Michigan from up in the Council Room.""City Hall is going to be cool when it is finished!"
Pictures of members of Troop 169 who toured City Hall.
The City is working diligently to restore the building back to its original design in all areas possible under this renovation project. This included the replacement of the vinyl windows with wood windows that have grids that match the original windows installed in the early 1900's. These windows provide better insulation against the elements as well as being very pleasing to the eye.
The Police Department has the drywall in place in most areas and you can visualize the new layout. With the removal of the old boiler (which monopolized about an eighth of the available space on this level) we were able to recover area for much needed office space.
The first floor has been divided into offices, storage and workspace and is almost ready for drywall. Great effort is being taken to restore the original feeling on this level of the building. The counter area will be restored to the original layout when the building was constructed as a Post Office.
The Second floor has received all of the structural changes needed to support the new Council Chambers that will be located on the top floor (former attic). One new stairwell will be installed and the original stairway will be extended to the top floor.
