After several delays, Fort Thomas city staff have settled into their new office spaces in the remodeled city building. They celebrated by holding an open house for the public on May 9 and again just prior to the May council meeting.
After over two years off site in the Tower Park Armory, the city building opened for council meetings a few months ago. However, staff could not move in immediately until a missing electric part for the HVAC system was installed. Work on the project also had been stalled due to supply shortages and other issues brought on by the pandemic.
The back entrance includes two-story windows, and public facing offices have large glass service windows.
Most public offices face a large atrium with a wood slat ceiling. Thanks to donations from city residents, the space features a large vertical plant wall. An art piece donated by resident and nationally known artist Beverly Erschel graces the second-floor seating area. Planners had both the public and staff in mind when they added an outdoor patio and several smaller meeting and conference rooms.
City staff praised Shari Thompson of Wow, I Love It Interior Designs, who served as lead design consultant for the project. She is responsible for much of the furnishings, floor and wall coverings, color schemes and artwork in the building. Architects on the project were MA Design and REH Architects.
The building is open to the public until 4:30 p.m. each day (as well as during evening council meetings). For more information, see the city website at ftthomas.org.