Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Justin Hunter
The City of Jasper celebrated the grand opening of its new City Hall on Thursday, August 7, with a ribbon cutting and tours of the renovated facility. Residents gathered to explore the building and hear from city leaders about its history, transformation, and significance to the community.
The $7 million project converted the former Sherer Auditorium—built in 1938 through the Works Progress Administration—into a modern home for city government. Renovations included removing the 1970s-era façade to restore the original stone exterior, adding accessibility features, and updating the interior to house Garbage Billing, Business License, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Human Resources, Purchasing, and Administration offices. Jasper Municipal Court remains at the former City Hall location on 19th Street.
Much of the ceremony reflected on the role of the late Mayor David P. O’Mary, whose four-point plan for city improvements included transforming the auditorium into City Hall. Jack Allen, O’Mary’s longtime friend and colleague, remembered the day O’Mary shared his vision:
“I told him it was ugly and had been vacant for years,” Allen laughed. “He just smiled and explained that underneath was beautiful WPA stone and that the building was large enough to serve the city for generations. He could see what I couldn’t, and he was right.”
Jack’s son, Jud Allen, added: “Promises made, promises kept – that was David O’Mary. This building, and the community gathered here, are a testament to his legacy.”
Councilmember Jenny Brown Short noted that the Sherer Auditorium name holds personal meaning to her, as its namesake, Harry Sherer, was a relative of hers. Her father also worked on improvements to the building in later years.
“This project is about more than bricks and mortar,” she said. “It’s a reflection of how we care for our city, preserve what matters, and prepare for the future.”
The $7 million project included removing the solid-color façade added in the 1970s, restoring the original stone exterior, and fully renovating the interior for government operations. Designed by CCR Architecture & Interiors and carried out by Coston Construction, the work officially began in late 2022.
Architect Tammy Cohen, President of CCR Architecture & Interiors, said the renovation was as much about rediscovery as it was about modernization.
“We removed stucco panels to reveal the original stone, opened up ceilings to create a spacious city council chamber and multi-purpose room, and added a new stair and elevator for accessibility,” she explained.
Mayor Gary Cowen emphasized the building’s role in serving the people of Jasper.
“This facility embodies our dedication to delivering outstanding services to our residents and serves as a center for community engagement and collaboration,” he said.
Located at 121 17th Street West, the new City Hall is now open to the public. The Jasper City Council held its first meeting in the building in mid-July.
For more information, visit jaspercity.com. WL
