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Landmark building gives way to change Eagle Point to gain parking, restrooms EAGLE POINT � A building that served the city as a police station, jail, offices and a library over a 60-year lifespan is gone. Crews demolished old city hall last week to make room for what downtown Eagle Point needs most � parking and public restrooms. Coy Reed of Reed Family construction company salvaged valuable trusses that supported the roof of the building, some plywood pieces, telephone equipment, desks and cement blocks. But a backhoe and a dump truck took out the rest of the building. Eagle Point decided to tear down old city hall because the electrical wiring, plumbing and the foundation no longer met state building codes. "There was a jumble of old wires and open junction boxes in the attic," said Dave Hussell, city administrator. "It was a fire waiting to happen." Furthermore, the wall where the police station was located was shifting and cracking, causing the doors leading into the building to jam shut. The building was also too small for a growing city staff. The city vacated it nearly two years ago when voters approved the purchase and remodel of a nearby supermarket. The city now enjoys 8,000 square feet of office space and 4,000 square feet for a public meeting hall. "It was a big change and gave us the capability to handle the future developments of our community," Hussell said. For Eagle Point resident Laura McFall, her years in the old building as city recorder and council member motivated her to become chairwoman of the committee to find a new city hall. McFall, who used to live right behind old city hall, remembers one particular day at work when the fire department�s telephone rang. "I answered the fire call and realized it was my house that was on fire," McFall said. "I ran out of city hall to my house and didn�t even shut off the fire alarm." McFall was city recorder from 1957-59 and served on the city council from 1960-64, during the years the council met in the library that used to be located in the old city hall. "I was a little nostalgic to see that building go," she said. "It was a part of our city. But I�m sure we can use the parking and restrooms." Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.