City Council approves $26.5M renovation plan for City Hall and Huffman Complex

The Irving City Council Work Session on July 10, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding the renovations of City Hall and the Jack D. Huffman building. The meeting highlighted the need for strategic expansion due to the current capacity constraints of the City Hall complex.

City officials reported that renovations began in 2023, starting with the Parks and Recreation Department moving into newly created office space in the Jack D. Huffman building. This move allowed the Housing and Redevelopment Department to occupy the vacated space in City Hall, followed by the Economic Development Department in February 2025. A master plan for the city complex, completed in August 2022, guided these changes.

The first phase of renovations includes relocating the Human Resources and Communications departments to the second floor of the Huffman building. The design for this space was completed in June 2025, with construction expected to finish by early 2026. The Human Resources Department will expand from 6,200 square feet to 9,100 square feet, while the Communications Department will increase its space from 2,100 square feet to 4,800 square feet.

In addition to these departmental moves, the city plans to enhance the lobby area with a break space and conference room. Further renovations will target the basement, second, third, and fourth floors of City Hall, with construction slated to begin after the Human Resources and Communications departments relocate in 2026. The total renovation project encompasses approximately 70,000 square feet at an estimated cost of $26.5 million, which is considered reasonable compared to current market rates.

Funding for the renovations will come from various bond sources, including $7.75 million in non-bond funds and $18.7 million from the Building Repair Fund. Additionally, a supplemental budget request for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs was discussed, aimed at maximizing efficiency by conducting these repairs alongside the ongoing renovations.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving its facilities to better serve the community and accommodate growing departmental needs.