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Cedar Park has no interest in old bank building

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Trying to locate one of the offices at City Hall in Cedar Park can be a tricky proposition. The building, originally designed for First National Bank in the '80s, blends into its surroundings on North Bell, making it difficult to locate from the street without having to double back. There is no clear front entrance for visitors, and once inside, navigation can feel a bit like the office space version of a hedge maze.

“It was originally built as a bank and has had to be remodeled several times over the years,” said Melanie Kliebert, communications director for Cedar Park. Some argue the building, located at 600 N. Bell Blvd., is no longer fit to house the growing city's government. This November, voters will decide if the weaknesses are worth spending almost $20 million on a new building.

Prop 2 of the Cedar Park bond package would allow for the construction of a 65,000 square foot building to house city operations, including new council chambers for meetings. The current building is approximately 22,000 square feet, and the municipal hall is located off-site - in the library.

Proponents say the new building could eventually pay for itself by saving costs for housing certain departments in other locations. Currently, the city is paying rent and janitorial expenses for the parks and recreation department, the fire marshall and storage - costing the city an additional $78,000 annually.

Also, the current building is deteriorating. Kliebert said more repairs - on the parking lot, roof and ventilation systems especially - would be needed within five to seven years if city hall stays in the current location.

City Hall first moved to its current location in 1990 from its original building on Commercial Parkway. Nancy Faulkner, who was city secretary at the time, said the building was well-suited for the 1990s city government.

“It was fine when we first moved in, but then they had to keep adding more offices,” she said. “I'm sure they must be needing more office space.” She said she didn't really know if the bond was necessary because she hasn't been back to city hall much in the eight and a half years since she retired.

If approved, the new building would be located in Town Center and would have enough room to house all city departments. Kliebert said one advantage to having council chambers in the same building would be convenience - it would make meetings easier to fit into schedules and make it easier for people to find.

According to Kliebert, no design or plans have been made beyond initial size requirements and budget. Everything else, including building design and other amenities, will be decided when and if the bond is approved.

E-mail amy@hillcountrynews.com

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