HARLINGEN — After 66 years, the city is looking for a new home.
Since 1950, the city has headquartered its operations in a two-story brick building at 118 E. Tyler Ave.
In the early 1990s, the city expanded its offices in the Lon C. Hill building, just down the street at 502 E. Tyler.
As part of the city’s new 10-year plan, consultants Halff & Associates recommended a “one-stop” city hall.
Now, city commissioners have placed a new city hall on their list of top priorities.
“It’s in a very preliminary stage of discussion,” Mayor Chris Boswell said yesterday. “We know we need to do something to make City Hall more attractive and more functional. There are a lot of different possibilities, all of which will be considered.”
City Manager Dan Serna said an option includes revamping City Hall.
“We’re looking at options of renovating the existing City Hall to make it more functional. We have certain departments scattered,” Serna said. “I don’t know if that’s even feasible.”
Serna said other options include “relocation.”
Bill DeBrooke, chairman of the Downtown Improvement District, has called on city officials to allow the community to help plan for the city’s next home.
“I would like a select committee put together so we have a community voice,” DeBrooke said.
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