Most folks know Milton as a fairly new city with nice houses sitting on the northern edge of Fulton County.
But it might soon be known for its fancy city hall.
The new Milton City Hall was unveiled to the public and had its grand opening on April 29 in the downtown Crabapple area, and what people saw on tours was a government building that embraced a workplace of the future using technology and design.
The outside looks sort of like a farmhouse, but the inside has high ceilings, glass walls, interactive kiosks, flat-panel displays, team tables, comfy couches and plenty of places to choose from where work can be done. In simpler terms, this is no ordinary city hall.
Designed by Cooper Carry, a firm based in Atlanta, the 33,500-square-foot building’s design was intended to blend Milton’s heritage with a modern workplace.
“Every design decision ran through the funnel of what it would mean for the people of Milton,” Sean McLendon, principal in Cooper Cary’s Corporate and Government studios, said in a statement. “They wanted their city hall to be different. It is a celebration of what they’ve accomplished, and emulates how they want to serve their constituents. It’s a very modern, high-tech building that speaks to the history of this area, and addresses a determined approach to connect to the community.”
Located at 2006 Heritage Walk in Milton’s historic Crabapple district, the new building’s emphasis on collaboration can be found in the administrative wing that houses city employees.
Some spaces are designed to “foster impromptu meetings and brainstorming sessions” for those working nearby, city officials say. An “innovation hub” area near the mayor’s office will accommodate presentations with companies looking to relocate while also spotlighting stories of employers that moved to Milton.
“The interiors throughout Milton City Hall incorporate high-tech and flexible space,” Brian Parker, associate principal in Cooper Carry’s corporate studio, said in a statement.
Also included on the grounds of the city hall is a detached single story building with green space that will serve as a community center for public events. It includes public bathrooms and a community meeting room.
The building houses most of Milton’s government offices, along with council chambers and meeting areas, but the Milton Police Department and Municipal Court will remain at 13000 Deerfield Parkway.
Milton broke ground on this building in December 2015, more than a year after the council approved a $10 million revenue bond to fund construction in May 2014.
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