Since the first of the year, a great deal of work and upgrading has been done to the old First Citizens Bank building at 135 Laurens Street. Work culminates this month when our City Manager’s Office and Finance Department move from City Hall on Park Avenue. What will this mean for you? An improved drive-through area for payments. Customers will have handier off-street parking available. The more open public space features a larger payment area than what is in City Hall.

Our new Administration and Finance Building will have a number of money-saving and sustainable upgrades including an energy-efficient HVAC system, lighting, and windows. We are continuing our award-winning Green Infrastructure program with a porous asphalt parking lot that will slow stormwater runoff. Materials, including interior doors and security glass were reused from the existing building to contain costs.

The configuration of the building’s exterior allows for outdoor events, like our recent Trick or Treat Festival as well as smaller festivals.

Funding for the purchase and repurposing of the Administration and Finance Building was approved by county voters as part of the Capital Projects Sales Tax Referendum conducted in November 2010.