City’s new digs: North Las Vegas government building able to offer residents one-stop shopping

North Las Vegas' City Hall has entered literal and figurative new territory.

Employees began working, and visitors were welcomed to the new nine-story, $127 million building at 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North on Nov. 21.

The building was completed in May, and its 12-acre lot boasts a civic plaza for community events, City Council chambers twice the size of its former space and a service center that condenses five departments for one-stop shopping for North Las Vegans.

City Hall is also North Las Vegas' first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, -certified building. It has a Silver Certification distinction.

The city expects to save about 12 percent on energy costs thanks to rooftop solar panels. Large windows, open floor plans and motion sensor lighting also add to the energy saving, city spokeswoman Juliet Casey said.

The building replaces a group of buildings used for city services for the past 40-plus years. North Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Pamela Goynes-Brown said she had bittersweet feelings at the last City Council meeting in the old chambers Nov. 16.

She said she had fond memories of being in chambers -- which is half the size and seating capacity of the new room -- when her father, former Councilman Theron Goynes, held a council seat. Goynes-Brown followed in her father's footsteps to join the council.

"My father and I share in that," she said.

Goynes-Brown said she looked forward to her new civic home.

"I'm moving into a new milestone, and my dad and I are excited this is something that's my own," she said.

City Manager Tim Hacker called the former buildings "inefficient temporary buildings" and said there is no definite plan for their replacement tenants.

The new City Hall will house most government services in one building.

Services at the new City Hall include: Administrative Services, Business License, Building Safety, City Attorney's Office, City Clerk's Office, City Manager's Office, Community Services and Development, Economic Development, Finance, Human Resources, Mayor and Council Offices, Permit Application Center, Public Works, Real Property Services and Utilities.

Public Works Director Qiong Liu said the new Development Service Center will be a hub for visitors to conduct official business ranging from paying utilities or applying for a business license. The center's layout is mirrored like some Department of Motor Vehicles buildings, she said.

Hacker said the city has great potential to grow, and the new building better equips entrepreneurs to take necessary steps toward that.

"Our concept is it has to be customer-driven, customer-oriented," Hacker said.

The new City Council chambers are also equipped for live web streaming and seating for 344, Liu said.

An overflow room and TVs in the hallway also are provided.

The outdoor Civic Center includes a grassy knoll, seating, an energy-efficient splash pad for children and capabilities for a farmers market, Liu added.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.