Amarillo’s downtown took a major step forward Tuesday with the grand opening of the city’s new $35 million City Hall, a project that repurposes the historic Amarillo Hardware Building to create a more modern, accessible, and efficient hub for local government.
In a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley and former Councilmember Freda Powell led the official unveiling, marking the completion of a project designed to serve the city’s growing population while preserving a significant piece of its past.
From an Aging City Hall to a Future-Focused Facility
The decision to move City Hall was driven by serious infrastructure issues in the previous facility, which had been in use since 1966.
“Water infiltration and failing cast iron pipes had caused sewage to accumulate in the basement,” explained Jerry Danforth, director of facilities and capital projects for the City of Amarillo. “It was no longer just a maintenance issue—it was becoming a real risk for city employees and operations.”
Rather than demolish and rebuild from scratch, officials opted to renovate the existing Amarillo Hardware Building, a choice that saved the city nearly $30 million while minimizing service disruptions.
However, not everyone was immediately convinced. Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper admitted that when he first heard the idea, he was skeptical.
“I thought Jerry had lost his mind,” Hooper said, laughing. “I mean, I thought he needed to check himself into somewhere.”
Now, after seeing the transformation, Hooper says the decision was the right one.
“Citizens coming into the new City Hall will find that over 95% of their interactions happen right on the first floor,” he said. “They don’t have to wander around looking for departments—the services they need are available and accessible.”
The remaining 5% of citizen interactions take place on the third floor, where the council chamber and city manager’s office are located.
A City Hall Designed for Accessibility and Engagement
The new city council chamber is a centerpiece of the facility, built with public engagement in mind. It doubles the seating capacity of the old chamber and features:
Two digital podiums for public comments and official presentations.
Three digital cameras to enhance live broadcasts of city council meetings.
State-of-the-art audio and visual technology for better accessibility and public transparency.
The facility also incorporates modern technology upgrades throughout, ensuring streamlined operations and increased efficiency.
Accessibility was a top priority in the design. The new City Hall includes:
Four ADA-accessible ramps at exterior entrances.
Restrooms on every floor to accommodate visitors.
Potential future drive-up options for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and parents with young children.
Powell, who supported funding the project, emphasized its long-term benefits.
“This project preserves a piece of Amarillo’s history while creating a facility that will serve our growing community for decades,” she said. “It feels great to see it come together so quickly, giving both our citizens and city employees a safe, accessible place to work and conduct day-to-day business.”
Honoring Amarillo’s History While Preparing for Growth
Beyond its function as a modern government facility, the new City Hall pays tribute to its roots as the former Amarillo Hardware Building, a staple of the community’s industrial and commercial past.
J. Charles Short, who worked at the Amarillo Hardware store since 1969 and retired as its CEO and president in 2010, recalled how much the building meant to the city.
“I started at the receiving door and worked my way through various roles,” Short said. “This structure was so well-built that tearing it down would have cost millions. Instead, it’s been revived, and they’ve done a great job preserving its history.”
Historical elements that have been retained include:
The original safe doors and scales from the hardware store.
A history kiosk with memorabilia showcasing the building’s legacy.
The old freight chute from 1937, once used to move cartons between floors.
Building for the Future
The new City Hall isn’t just an upgrade from the old building—it’s a foundation for the future. While 80,000 square feet of the building have been developed for immediate use, another 60,000 square feet remain available for future expansion.
“We hope Amarillo reaches 250,000 to 300,000 people someday,” Hooper said. “Whether I’m here for that or not, we needed a City Hall that could withstand that growth, and we’ve built in areas of expansion to support it.”
The project, which was approved in December 2021 by a 3-to-1 city council vote, utilized a revised funding mechanism that streamlined financing despite post-pandemic market volatility. The funding included approximately $11.2 million in American Rescue Plan funds alongside revenue and tax notes.
Mayor Stanley, who was the lone dissenting vote when the project was approved, acknowledged his initial concerns but ultimately praised the outcome.
“While I had reservations about the long-term fiscal impacts, I now appreciate the many upgrades this building offers,” he said. “Western Builders exceeded my expectations—the industrial modern Art Deco design really captures the original spirit of the facility. Plus, they delivered on budget and on time, which is impressive in today’s market.”
A Celebration with Calls for Accountability
While Tuesday’s grand opening was largely celebratory, not everyone in attendance was there to applaud. Local homeless advocate Kip Billups and a small group of protesters used the event as an opportunity to call for greater accountability from city officials regarding an alleged incident last year in which a church was accused of macing homeless individuals.
“Our community deserves accountability and swift action on this issue,” Billups said, holding a sign near the stage. His presence underscored ongoing tensions in the city regarding homelessness and public safety.
A New Era for Amarillo’s City Government
Despite the protest, city leaders remain hopeful that the new City Hall will serve as a cornerstone for public engagement and continued downtown revitalization.
Residents were invited to explore the facility after the ribbon-cutting, with many taking the opportunity to admire the historical displays and modern design elements that blend old and new.
Amarillo’s first city council meeting in the new building was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, marking the official start of a new chapter for the city’s government.
Danforth summed up the significance of the project:
“The new City Hall is not just a building—it’s a symbol of Amarillo’s resilience and vision for the future,” he said. “We’re proud to have delivered a facility that balances historic preservation with modern functionality, all while being fiscally responsible to our community.”
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