City Hall repairs to finish in May

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Charlottesville City Hall lobby has been closed since July 2023 due to extensive water damage.

City Hall says there was a restroom malfunction on the second floor, which caused water damage to spread and create massive damage in the lobby.

But now, there is an end in sight for the renovations.

“We already had some renovations in the works for 2024, I guess you could say the positive outcome of this is that construction has been accelerated. The projects and the whole project will now finish May 2024,” Director of Communications and Public Engagement Afton Schneider said.

Schneider says the city, forced into these renovations by unexpected flooding in July a year ago, will use them to make things better for employees and the community.

“We will have ADA compliance service counters, including a DMV desk. We’ll be able to replace our lighting with energy efficient LED lighting. And we’ll have emergency exit improvements,” Schneider said.

These improvements and repairs come at a cost, but it is still under budget for the initial $1.5M that was initially allocated by city council, and right now they are under that number.

“The approximate budget for the flooding repairs was around $220,000. But we had already budgeted other funds for these renovations, so all together the package is around $840,000,” Schneider said.

Until then, the City Hall lobby will be closed until renovations are completed.

“We’re keeping City Hall closed to keep you guys safe. That’s our main priority, is the safety of our community,” Schneider said.

The damages from the water caused three offices to move out while renovations are taking place.

The Commissioner of Revenue, the Treasurer’s office, and the billing office will be back in their original location by May.

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