After 71 years, Cleveland City Hall closes as city moves to new complex

CLEVELAND, Ga. — After 71 years at 85 South Main Street, Cleveland City Hall closed its doors Thursday afternoon as the city prepares to open its new Municipal Complex across town.

City Hall and the Cleveland Police Department closed at 2 p.m. Aug. 6 as employees complete the move to 55 Cantrell Road, off Helen Highway. Both will reopen to the public there Monday, Aug. 10.

For generations, the South Main Street building served as the center of Cleveland’s municipal government, where residents paid utility bills, attended council meetings, obtained permits and conducted other city business. It was also expanded over the years to house the Fire Department.

As Cleveland grew, city officials said the building could no longer meet the space and operational needs of the city.

“The opening of the Cleveland Municipal Complex represents an investment in the future of our city,” Mayor Josh Turner said. “While we celebrate this exciting milestone, we also recognize and appreciate the history of the buildings that have served our community so well. Our goal has always been to improve the services we provide while honoring the legacy that brought us here.”

The move follows the opening of Cleveland’s new fire station on East Underwood Street last October. The Police Department is also leaving its offices at 342 Campbell Street to join City Hall at the new complex.

“We appreciate everyone’s support throughout this process,” City Manager Kevin Harris said. “Our employees have worked tirelessly to make this transition as seamless as possible, and we look forward to serving our residents from a facility designed to meet Cleveland’s needs for decades to come.”

Old buildings get new uses

The city plans to convert the former Police Department building on Campbell Street into a community center. The former City Hall building will revert to White County under a long-term lease agreement that required the property to be used as City Hall.

“The City is grateful for the outstanding partnership and positive working relationship we have enjoyed with White County over the years,” Turner said. “We appreciate their support and are pleased the County will now have the opportunity to repurpose the former City Hall property.”

As the new Cleveland Municipal Complex opens, city officials said residents may experience minor delays during the first few days as employees finalize the transition. Residents can continue paying water and sanitation bills online through the city’s website while offices are closed.