At its November 9 meeting, the Montgomery City Council gave the green light to a $16.6 million municipal complex that will house the city’s new City Hall and police department. The project will convert the former Jim’s Hardware building on Liberty Street—closed in 2025—into a 32,000‑square‑foot facility capable of accommodating more than 100 city employees.
Renovation scope and timeline
The city’s contractor, Tellepsen, outlined that the budget includes a full interior renovation, an expanded parking lot and a new detention pond to address drainage concerns. Construction is expected to begin by March and take roughly one year to complete.
Mayor’s focus on drainage and property values
Mayor Sara Countryman emphasized the need to protect neighboring properties from additional runoff. “The people down the hill from this property do not need to take on the additional water and the dissipation of their property values,” Countryman said. She called for improved drainage solutions to prevent any negative impact on surrounding homes.
Related escrow agreement for emergency services
During the same session, council members approved an escrow agreement with Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 2. The district will build a new fire‑service hub off Plez Morgan Drive on nine acres it recently acquired. The facility will serve as an administration, training, logistics and support center for the Montgomery County Fire Department.
Engineering consultant Zachary Timms of WGA confirmed that a detention pond will be incorporated into the development to manage storm‑water runoff. He noted that the city is closely monitoring drainage improvements as the project moves forward.
Financial details
The escrow agreement is valued at $10,000 and will reimburse the city for expenses incurred while overseeing the fire‑service hub’s development. The $16.6 million price tag for the City Hall renovation reflects the combined costs of building upgrades, parking expansion and necessary drainage infrastructure.
Impact on the community
Residents can expect a modernized municipal center that consolidates city administration and public‑safety services under one roof. The project aligns with Montgomery’s broader effort to revitalize downtown spaces while preserving the historic character of the former hardware store.
City officials anticipate that the new complex will improve efficiency for city staff and provide a more accessible location for citizens seeking municipal services. The council will continue to monitor construction progress and keep the public informed of any schedule adjustments.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
