- Emmaus Borough Hall is returning to 28 S. 4th St. after more than $5 million in extensive renovations that began in December 2021.
- The building was constructed in the 1930s, and required significant infrastructure upgrades to bring it up to date
- Borough Manager Shane Pepe said staff is excited to return to the space with its security, HVAC and other upgrades
EMMAUS, Pa. — After a long stint at alternative offices, Emmaus borough government is set to move back to closer to downtown this week.
That's because $5.2 million in renovations that began in late 2021 are done.
Borough Hall will be closed until Sept. 6 while facilities and offices are relocated back to 28 S. 4th St., with operations will resume at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.
Tuesday's Borough Council meeting, scheduled that day because Monday was Labor Day, was to be the first held in the renovated Fourth Street building.
The administration for months rented and occupied the former Rodale complex building at South 10th Street.
"We're back near the rest of the community, that's always a bonus."Emmaus Borough Manager Shane Pepe
Emmaus Borough Manager Shane Pepe said the borough was very lucky it was available, but it will be nice for meetings to return to a place designed for that purpose.
Pepe said officials are sorting out last issues related to the elevator and other things related to finishing up
"I think our staff is excited," Pepe said, noting security and utility improvements.
"And we're back near the rest of the community, that's always a bonus."
According to the borough's website, water, sewer and trash payments can be made by drop-box at the 420 S. 10th St. location or by mail while the office is closed.
Various improvements and upgrades
The building, first constructed in the 1930s, required lengthy and intensive renovations to bring the building up to current-day standards.
Pepe said in June that the building had to be gutted to fit new electric, plumbing and HVAC infrastructure, along with installing fire alarms and a sprinkler system.
He said more than $2 million went into utility renovations alone.
The borough decided to renovate its hall after abandoning plans to move the municipality's offices and police to the former Rodale Press offices at 33 E. Minor St., now occupied by Seven Generations Charter School.
There will be changes for residents, who now will have to enter the building via the front lobby, with garages having moved to the rear of the building, where parking and other doors existed prior.
The lobby gives visitors direct access to the elevator and stairs to take them directly to the council chambers, payment offices, tax collector and other services.
"It's right on the downtown, it's easy to get to for everybody."Emmaus Borough Manager Shane Pepe
Increased security measures throughout the building mean doors to offices now require key fobs, and residents won't simply be able to walk into them without permission.
Plans allow for residents making payments to the borough in person to be able to see transactions on a screen and be able to manage the handling of their cards themselves to increase trust and comfort, Pepe said.
Part of the former garage space also has been converted for office space for community organizations, accessed directly from the lobby.
The stone look of the building remains, along with many doors and windows of the original, while much of the inside and façade of the entrance have changed.
Council chambers retained and preserved the flag, tapestry and mural that were present prior to the renovations, while ensuring the chamber is camera ready for live streaming meetings.
"It's right on the downtown, it's easy to get to for everybody," Pepe said.
"At the end of the day, we're able to keep this historic building in the downtown and run our local government out of it, and it's a more appropriate space than it was."
