Cedar Rapids to host open house for new City Hall next Tuesday

The City of Cedar Rapids will host a public open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new City Hall on Tuesday, June 26, between 2:00 and 6:00 p.m., at 101 First Street SE. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the first floor lobby. The regularly scheduled City Council meeting begins at 4:00 p.m.

Citizens are invited to this come-and-go event to take a self-guided tour and learn about the carefully preserved historical aspects of the building. From the original terrazzo floors and marble wall features to the historic vaults and limestone facade, the former federal courthouse and former post office has been preserved to honor the building's history and renovated to support city government functions for decades to come.

“The new City Hall is the epitome of sustainability,” said City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. “We've taken a 1928 federal government building, preserved its rich history and renovated it into a valuable landmark to serve the next generation and beyond.”

The new City Hall houses about 130 staff members from the offices of the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and City Council; Finance Department, including the Treasury, Purchasing and General Accounting Divisions; Community Development Department, including Land Development and Housing Services Divisions; and the Human Resources Department.

In the first floor lobby, residents will find convenient walk-up service windows and comfortable meeting spaces. The lower level of the facility features several conference rooms for public meetings. Free 30-minute parking spaces are available on First Street SE in front of City Hall. Convenient two-hour metered parking is available surrounding the building for those conducting longer business with the City.