Bonham -- It was a crisp Monday morning, January 24, 2011 when City of Bonham officials and proud residents gathered for what Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd called a "momentous occasion" -- the ceremonial groundbreaking for Bonham City Hall.
As City of Bonham employees move into the new Bonham City Hall this week, perhaps this is a timely opportunity for a virtual tour of the new facility.
After spending the past 50 years sharing a 5,700 square foot building with the Bonham Police Department, the city will now have 11,090 square feet at its disposal. Once city employees have vacated the former city hall, that building will be renovated to better serve Bonham Police Department.
The new Bonham City Hall features a litany of energy-efficient concepts as well as vastly improved security.
The building's LED lights are estimated to be 60% more efficient than conventional lighting. A programmable air conditioning system, coupled with an Exterior Finishing Insulation System (EFIS), will conserve electricity.
A camera system will monitor the entire building. When residents step into the spacious foyer, a receptionist will greet them and accommodate access to appropriate city employees.
Several competitive local contractors were employed during the construction of the first new Bonham City Hall in half a century.
J.B. Commercial Millwork in Trenton supplied countertops throughout the building. All concrete was purchased locally. Audio/visual equipment was installed by local contractors.
An impressive oak conference table was custom built by local craftsman Mike Richardson at a significant cost savings over similar tables available elsewhere.
Hope Plantation Turf donated the turf.
This building began to take shape at a special called meeting of the Bonham City Council December 31, 2010, when the Bonham City Council unanimously voted to award a contract to The Ridgemont Company of Irving, Texas for the construction of the new Bonham City Hall. The Ridgemont Company had the lowest bid of $1,081,311.
"We've never had a City Hall that was fitting for the fine City of Bonham," remarked Mayor Floyd at that fateful meeting.
A combination of low interest rates coupled with a period of aggressive bids allowed the City of Bonham to restructure its financial package and build the new Bonham City Hall without increasing taxes.
"This is an investment in our city and we are spending money on it [city hall] because we need it," said Bonham City Manager Corby Alexander. "We can't ask businesses and individuals to invest in this city unless we are willing to invest in it."
