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Government building in Athens closed this week for roof replacement

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 18:44 GMT by WSB-TV
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Athens City Hall Roof Replacement: Closure, Costs, and Community Impact

The Athens City Hall in Clarke County, Georgia, was closed for an entire week last week to allow a full replacement of its aging roof. The work, which began on Monday, Thursday, and Friday of the same week, is part of a broader effort to modernize the county’s infrastructure and ensure the long‑term safety and functionality of the county’s most important public building. City officials say the roof replacement will improve the building’s resilience against the region’s unpredictable weather, and it will also reduce maintenance costs and energy usage over the next decade.

Why the Roof Needed Replacing

The current roof, which dates back to the 1970s, has shown extensive signs of wear and tear. Multiple leaks and water damage have been reported in recent months, leading to increased humidity and mold concerns inside the building’s historic lobby. After an inspection by the city’s facilities management team, the decision was made to replace the entire roof rather than attempt to patch it. The new roof will be a composite metal system that is both lighter and more durable, providing better resistance against wind, rain, and hail.

According to a city statement posted on the Athens City Hall page, “The roof replacement is a critical part of our ongoing capital improvement plan. By investing in this project now, we are preventing future leaks, improving energy efficiency, and preserving the historic character of our city’s central building.”

The Project’s Scope and Budget

The replacement work is expected to take approximately six weeks, with the building closed for a brief period each week during the most intensive phases of the project. The project has a budget of $1.2 million, which is covered by a bond issued in 2023 specifically for public building upgrades. The city’s finance committee approved the bond after a vote in the council, and it was signed into law by the governor the following month.

Construction services were awarded to ABC Roofing and Construction, a local firm with a long history of working on public buildings across the state. The company’s CEO, Linda Morales, stated in an interview that the new roof system would reduce maintenance costs by up to 40% compared to the previous shingle system and would cut the building’s heating and cooling energy usage by an estimated 15%.

Impact on City Operations

The temporary closure of City Hall affected a wide range of city services, from public records to permit applications. To minimize disruption, city officials arranged for alternate service locations at the Clarke County Administration Building and the Athens Library. Many city employees worked from home during the closure, and the city’s customer service hotline was extended to accommodate the increased volume of inquiries. Residents were encouraged to use the city’s online portal to submit requests, which remained fully operational throughout the week.

Mayor Johnathan Lee issued a statement acknowledging the inconvenience to the public but stressing the long‑term benefits. “We understand that closing the city hall is not ideal for our citizens, but the roof replacement is essential for the safety of our building and the people who work and visit it,” Lee said. “We are committed to completing this project quickly and transparently, and we appreciate your patience and support.”

Community Involvement and Transparency

As part of the project, the city held a public hearing on the Friday before the roof replacement began. The hearing, held at the Athens Civic Center, allowed community members to hear about the project’s details, ask questions, and express concerns. City officials took notes on the public’s feedback, particularly regarding the potential for noise and traffic disruptions during the construction period. The hearing was recorded and posted on the city’s official website for later reference.

In addition to the public hearing, the city has posted a weekly progress update on the Clarke County Capital Improvements page of the city’s website. These updates include photographs of the demolition of the old roof, the installation of the new metal panels, and the ongoing inspection and quality control checks performed by the city’s facilities team. The updates provide transparency and reassure residents that the project is proceeding on schedule and within budget.

Future Plans and Expected Outcomes

Once the roof replacement is complete, the building will reopen on the first business day after the final inspection is approved by the county’s structural engineer, Dr. Michael Tran. The new roof will not only protect the building’s interior but also enhance its aesthetic appeal. The metal panels are designed to reflect sunlight, reducing the building’s heat absorption and thereby lowering cooling costs during the hot Georgia summers.

The city also plans to leverage the new roof as a platform for additional upgrades. City officials have identified potential areas for future improvement, such as installing solar panels on the roof to offset electricity usage and implementing a rainwater harvesting system that would collect runoff for landscaping and irrigation.

Conclusion

The roof replacement at Athens City Hall is a pivotal project that showcases the city’s commitment to preserving its historic public buildings while embracing modern technology and sustainability. While the closure caused temporary disruptions, city officials emphasized that the benefits of the new roof—including improved safety, reduced maintenance costs, and better energy efficiency—will serve the community for decades to come. Residents and businesses in Clarke County are encouraged to stay informed through the city’s official communications channels and to participate in upcoming community meetings that will outline the next phases of the building’s transformation.