Madison City Hall

Madison City Hall, Madison, MS

Madison City Hall is a transformational rehabilitation of the City’s historic High School in the heart of their downtown. The project was restored to its original character with sensitive modifications to meet the current code and environmental requirements as well as functional needs for current City Hall use. During the historic research/building investigation it became clear that the school was constructed in two phases with the earliest portion being the rear of the building. The second-floor auditorium space was divided between the two phases and over time the original proscenium opening had been enclosed and the stage removed. To regain historic character the stage and proscenium opening were reconstructed, and the classroom spaces were restored. Due to the nature of city hall functions the new partition walls for offices were detailed with a panel and transom to clearly delineate between original plaster classroom walls and new partition walls. The original wood double hung windows were fully restored and the non-original windows at the rear were replaced with new historically compatible units. The original stairwells were restored, and a new elevator was installed for second floor access to the restored auditorium which also serves as the city boardroom. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History reviewed and continued this project and met the requests of the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation.