Dunedin City Staff, Leaders Have New Home At Last: Video

DUNEDIN, FL — More than 2,000 people were on hand for the grand opening ceremonies of the new Dunedin City Hall May 19 where the celebration included live entertainment, food and drinks provided by Dunedin restaurants, remarks by city leaders and a tour of the new facility.

"The event was a resounding success, with community members, distinguished guests and local officials coming together to commemorate this significant milestone," said Dunedin Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski. "It was an unforgettable day filled with excitement, pride and anticipation for the bright future of our city. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this momentous occasion."

Years in the planning, the new building, located at 737 Louden Ave., is now the official hub of the city's municipal operations, government and city services.

“We are so excited to open this beautiful new building for our community," said Bujalski. “We hope that it will serve as a symbol of progress and pride in our city for many years to come."

The last municipal services building in Dunedin was built in 1966. This building has been designed and constructed to have an estimated lifespan of 75 to 100 years.

The new 39,000-square-foot city hall is home to more than 80 city employees who were previously working out of five different buildings. Departments and divisions at the new city hall include: city clerk, communications, community development, which includes planning, code compliance and the building divisions, economic and housing development, engineering, finance, human resources and risk management, information technology, utility billing, the office of city manager and the city commission.

Related:

• New Dunedin City Hall Officially Opens Doors Tuesday: Video
• Dunedin To Host May 19 Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony For New City Hall
• City Commission Settles On Design For New Dunedin City Hall
• Construction Of New Dunedin City Hall To Begin In May
• Dunedin To Dedicate Public Art Sculpture At New City Hall Friday

"We have already experienced the efficiencies and the synergies resulting from bringing these departments and divisions together," said City Manager Jennifer Bramley. "Many city services have been consolidated into one location. We call it the 'one-stop shop' for providing residents convenient access to frequently requested services like paying utility bills, applying for permits or a job."

She said the new facility is where the city commission and the city's boards and committees will meet to conduct city business, with enough space for the public to attend.

"This is a momentous occasion for our city," she said.

The city's commitment to public art can be seen in the sculpture, "The See," by artist Heath Satow outside the building and artwork like the painting, "The Sun Will Rise Again," by Christopher Still inside.

Construction of the new city hall was delayed slightly due to supply chain issues and labor shortages.

Nevertheless, the building came in on budget by general contractor Manhattan Construction at $22.8 million, primarily funded by the Penny for Pinellas Fund sales tax from tourism, which is reinvested into capital projects, with additional contributions from enterprise and revenue sources such as the community redevelopment association, utilities and building permits.

The new parking lot and adjacent angled street parking provide 218 parking spaces for public use in the evenings and weekends when parking is in high demand.

The building was designed to include solar power and a standby emergency generator, along with energy efficiencies consistent with the City’s EPIC! Goal of environmental sustainability.