Location
Lapeer, MI
Original Construction
1882
Cost
$800,000
Completion Date
1990

In 1984, SmithGroup, precursor to HopkinsBurns, prepared a feasibility study for the reuse of Lapeer’s U.S. Post Office and City Hall addressing building history, existing conditions, code analysis, and space use. 

Based on the recommendations in the feasibility study, the city decided to restore and renovate City Hall (originally built in 1882 as a fire station) for continued and future use.  Work included an addition and new entrance on the north, adjacent to a parking lot, and complete renovation and reorganization of the interior in order to make the building fully accessible to people with disabilities.  The renovation also included new mechanical and electrical systems and restoration of the exterior. 

The team worked closely with all departments of city government to analyze spatial needs, prepare a program, and design a building that would fulfill the city’s needs for years to come while allowing the exterior to remain as an easily recognizable symbol of the community’s heritage.