Surprise, AZ News blog

It is an historic day in Surprise as the city’s first-ever dedicated City Hall building opens to the public at 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza.

“Relocating City Hall to the Surprise Civic Center Complex has transformed this area into the heart of the city,” says City Manager Randy Oliver. “From City Hall you are within walking distance to the Public Safety Building, Rio Salado College’s Communiversity (opens in late August), Heard Museum West and a score of recreation amenities such as the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex and DreamCatcher Park.”

The design of the nearly 136,000 square foot building is all about helping staff provide quality customer service. As soon as you enter the four-story building it is easy to spot the Development Services Center- a one-stop shop for annexation proposals, zone changes, conditional use permits, grading and drainage, paving, new building construction, single family homes, and landscaping.

The new Council Chambers, located in the east wing of the first floor, hold more than double the attendees of the former council chambers, with a 170 seat capacity. Before entering chambers visitors will be required to pass through security.

The City Store, offering Surprise-branded merchandise, is also conveniently located on the first floor.

Visitors to any of the departments located on the building’s second – fourth floors will be required to check in at the lobby Welcome Desk and receive a visitor’s badge. And Visitor Parking is located on the parking garage’s first floor, south bay.

The city hall, parking garage and the shell of the south building, which will house Rio Salado’s Communiversity, totaled $48.2 million and was paid for in cash by the city.