ATHENS, Ala. - After years in the making, Athens city hall opened its doors to the public just a few months ago. On Sunday, the city hosted an open house to show off the building.
From their temporary home at Athens Utilities, right back to the same spot; where it all started in 1954. A four-year process many say they are proud to be part of. "We're proud of it, but we also recognize that this is not about us; it's not about us that come to work here. We have a privilege to come and serve the citizens. But it's a building we hope will be here for the next 60 to 80 years," said Mayor Ronnie Marks.
The 17,000 square-foot building houses all city offices and brings back some nostalgia for the ones who knew the original. "A former firefighter came through a little bit ago and said 'Oh the new city council room is right where the old fire department used to be' and I said 'Yes sir, it sure is,'" said Mayor Marks.
Mayor Marks says the construction of this building cost nearly $4 million; an investment he says looks well into the future. "We're looking at being the best quality city that we can be, and that means that we've got to be competitive," said Mayor Marks.