Friday, October 3, 2014

Back Where They Belong


Lancaster's grand burghers gathered Thursday to formally dedicate the newly renovated and expanded City Hall.  The historic 1888 Duke Street structure -- originally built for use as the main Post Office until its acquisition by the city in 1930 -- has been remodeled, modernized and joined at the hip with a new, complimentary annex behind it on Marion Street.

It is a visual delight that is -- to give a new twist to an old saying -- not bad for government work.

Ribbons were cut, of course
The new City Council chambers
The Council Chambers lobby doubles as an art gallery


The juxtaposition of old and new creates some delightful geometries.
Here, a porthole window in the northeast staircase
And here, the main stairway of the new wing
 rises up to greet what once was the rear
exterior of the original building


The center of the old building has been opened up on the first floor, revealing a
grove of squared columns with ornate capitals
Worth a visit, if only to
pick up a yard-waste bag...
...or to pop into the Mayor's office

Art everywhere.  Here, Bill Hutson's Lancaster Series on the 2d Floor
The grand main entry, back in service

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