New Huntsville City Hall now open for business

A much-anticipated day in Huntsville history arrived Tuesday, as city officials cut the ribbon for the new Huntsville City Hall building.

The new facility, at 305 Fountain Cir SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, is nearly twice the size of the current Municipal Complex, which has been the home of city government for more than half a century now.

New Huntsville City Hall

The plan for this new building has been in motion since at least 2017, when architectural firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood began working on a site study of the old complex. 

For several years now, departments have been scattered across the city in five different buildings. This new building brings them all back under one roof with room to grow in the years to come.

“Today, we are turning a page in municipal government. We are proud to present the citizens of Huntsville a municipal building that will last us for the next 100 years. This is a building that is worthy of this community and our reputation as a modern, forward-thinking smart city.”

Mayor Tommy Battle

Here are a few quick facts about the new Huntsville City Hall building:

• The new building includes 175,000 square feet of administrative space to be occupied by about 370 employees.
• Next to the building is a seven-floor, 195,000-square-foot parking deck.
• The primary public entrance to the building near the intersection of Fountain Circle and Madison Street brings you onto the second floor, housing the HR Department and City Council chambers where most public meetings are conducted.
• The new building includes artwork by local artists commissioned to decorate the interior.
• Grouping interrelated departments will make it easier for residents and business owners to renew licenses, pay taxes, get building permits or conduct any other City-related business.
• The ground floor is occupied by the Fire Marshal and Inspection departments, as well as the Finance Departments
• A larger and more accessible City Council Chambers is located on the first floor.
• The sixth floor is occupied by City Council offices, but also includes public meeting space.
• The Office of the Mayor — as well as Communications and the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion — is on the seventh floor.

Moving in

The move-in process will happen in phases, with different city departments moving into the new building each week. Officials said employees will gradually move into the building with their respective departments, with the final department scheduled to move in mid-June.

Departments previously scattered across the city that will be brought into the new building include:

• Engineering: previously at 320 Fountain Circle SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Fire Marshal: previously at 2110 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
• Inspection: Previously at 320 Fountain Circle SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

Other departments with a guaranteed spot in City Hall include

• Clerk Treasurer
• City Council
• Communications
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Office of the Mayor
• Planning

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