Original Construction
1882
Completion Date
1990

Originally constructed in 1882 as a fire station, Lapeer City Hall is a historic civic building that has served as an enduring symbol of the community’s heritage. In 1984, the City of Lapeer sought to evaluate the reuse potential of its existing U.S. Post Office and City Hall buildings to determine how they could better accommodate municipal operations and future needs. Following a feasibility study, the city elected to restore and renovate the former fire station for continued use as City Hall, prioritizing the preservation of its historic exterior while modernizing its interior to support evolving civic functions.

SmithGroup, the predecessor of HopkinsBurns, prepared the initial feasibility study and subsequently developed the restoration and renovation plans for City Hall. The feasibility study documented the building’s history and existing conditions, evaluated code requirements, and analyzed space utilization. Working closely with city government departments, the team assessed operational needs, developed a building program, and designed improvements to support the municipality’s long-term requirements. The project included a north-side addition and new entrance adjacent to the parking lot, a complete interior renovation and reorganization, accessibility improvements, upgraded mechanical and electrical systems, and restoration of the exterior. The resulting design balanced contemporary municipal functionality with the preservation of the building’s historic character and its role as a recognizable landmark within the community.