The new City Hall in Ocoee, FL is approaching the first anniversary of its completion. City staff moved into the building Sept. 8, 2022, and a ribbon cutting and open house was held that night for residents and staff. The new structure provides a more modern space for city business while also serving as the centerpiece of a downtown redevelopment plan.
A New and Modern Space
Ocoee’s new City Hall is a 46,000 square foot, three-story structure in the neoclassical style, made mostly of structural steel and brick. The first floor holds the city commission chambers and service departments, allowing residents to easily access these spaces. The city clerk’s office is on the second floor and the commissioner’s office and conference room are on the third floor. Most of the space on the top two floors is taken up by administrative offices. Each floor has its own kitchen and dining area, and its own conference room. The facility was built with growth in mind: there’s enough space to add up to 50 employees in the future.
Plans to build the new municipal building began several years ago. Prior to the construction, the city convened a group of citizens to share their input on what shape they thought the project should take on. City officials used those suggestions and their own input to work with Wharton-Smith Inc. Construction Group and HKS Architects to design and build the structure.
Conference rooms throughout City Hall are furnished with the latest video conferencing technology. Commission Chambers have the newest in broadcasting equipment so residents can watch meetings from home. The energy efficient building relies on LED and natural lighting, with almost every office having a window.
Health and Wellness
Ocoee City Hall was designed with health and wellness in mind. Offices have stand-up desks with stationary desk bikes. Each department has its own stationary bike shared among the staff. The building also features an outdoor eating area for employees, water bottle fillers on each floor to encourage reuse, and a wellness room for employees who are breastfeeding or have private health needs.
A Larger Vision
The new City Hall isn’t just a new building, it’s new location – downtown. This central location allows residents to more easily access the facility. The move is part of the city’s downtown redevelopment plan, which includes more than $44 million in capital projects that aim to revitalize the heart of the city.
At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the Ocoee City Hall. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.