Belleville officially unveils $5 million City Hall renovations

City Hall was rededicated Saturday afternoon and formally revealed its $5 million facelift.

Mayor Mark Eckert said the renovations improved safety and accessibility, although it wasn’t always a smooth process.

“As you remodel — whether remodeling at home or remodeling your business, or a community building — every time you open up a wall, there’s something new to find,” Eckert said. He thanked the members of the city council for their dedication in making the building safe and accessible.

Lynn Hatfield, executive director of the Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois (LINC, Inc.), said the accessibility ramp is up to code and that seating to accommodate wheelchairs is “seamless” in how it is dispersed throughout meeting room areas, rather than being clumped together.

The inclusion is “really just the right thing to do,” she said.

According to its website, LINC, Inc. promotes accessibility and works to help those with disabilities live independently.

City Hall was originally designed by Charles King and was completed in 1957.

The $5 million in improvements include new lighting and energy-efficient glass on the lobby windows. Most noticeable to passersby is the added lighted trellis that mimics the arches, originally designed by King, facing Illinois Street.

King designed several homes in the Belleville area, all adhering to the mid-century modern style.

This story was originally published October 21, 2017 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Belleville officially unveils $5 million City Hall renovations."