Author: Crystal Garcia
Publisher: Augusta Chronicle
10/09/2008
Email: crystal.garcia@augustachronicle.com
Website: http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/100908/met_478756.shtml
North Augusta residents are beginning to see what their new municipal building will look like as the structure nears completion.
The four-story edifice on Georgia Avenue is scheduled to be ready by May, officials say.
"They are putting the permanent roof on the building, and on the lower floors beginning to hang Sheetrock, so you can really begin to get a sense of feel for the building where offices will be," City Administrator Sam Bennett said.
Mayor Lark Jones said that although the nearly $20 million building is "still like a skeleton on the inside," he is pleased with the results so far.
"I would say the overwhelming response that I have received from citizens is they just think it looks great and they're very pleased with it," he said. "Especially people from Augusta, they just rave about it."
The space will combine city offices that are on opposite sides of Buena Vista Avenue into one building, making it easier for residents to have their needs met in one stop, Mr. Jones said.
The first floor will house the 7,600-square-foot Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, which will contain two exhibit areas, a gift shop, a reception area and classroom space. City offices will be on the first, second and third floors.
The building will provide more options for entertaining, with an auditorium/council chambers on the third floor and an event space with a kitchen for parties on the fourth floor, Mr. Jones said.
"It's going to be a nicer, more upscale option," he said, compared to the North Augusta Community Center where most events are held. "The room will seat about 250 people in tables and a lot more with chairs."
The auditorium will seat about 150, and Mr. Jones said he expects smaller events such as concerts to be held there.
"North Augusta does not have a signature building and this certainly is going to be it," Mr. Jones said. "When you have to build something that big, it certainly needs to have some presence and character to it and I think we accomplished it."