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The one-story, $450,000 structure resembles a single-family dwelling with its pitched roof and traditional siding, but it features all the modern conveniences expected of a government building: offices, a board room and a drive-through window where residents can pay bills.
Twenty-five percent of the project cost will be offset with a non-matching Small Municipalities Grant from the Mississippi Development Authority.
"I have worked with the state for several years to secure funding towards this project," said Mayor Ronnie Hallmark in a written statement. "I appreciate the partnership we have with MDA and our state officials who have helped to make this opportunity available. The town is also grateful for the continued support that we receive from the Lee County Board of Supervisors. Our leaders make a difference. That is why we can see progress like a new Town Hall."
Maddox Construction submitted the winning bid for the project, located near the Shannon exit off U.S. Highway 45, and crews began ground work about one month ago, said Miriam Hallmark, the mayor's wife. A grand opening is tentatively set for early spring, she said.
The 3,500-square-foot building was designed by Chris Root of Tek 1 Studio.
It will replace the current Town Hall, a 1950s-era structure on the corner of Boyd and North streets that originally housed a post office. The town had acquired it in the late 1980s but quickly outgrew the facility, according to a news release from the Council of Governments.
The Shannon Police Department will occupy the old building when the new one opens. A separate energy grant through MDA will help upgrade existing facilities there.
emily.lecoz@journalinc.com