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Council approves five-year lease at Iris Building for overflow City Hall offices after debate
Summary
The council approved leasing overflow office space at 449 Thames St (Iris Building) for short-term staff needs after debating a possible library repurposing and whether a three-year term would be preferable; council asked staff to negotiate lease-term flexibility and exit clauses.
The Newport City Council approved a lease for overflow office space at 449 Thames Street (the Iris Building) to house city staff while City Hall space is reconfigured. The lease term in the agenda was 12/01/2024 through 12/31/2029; councilors debated whether to delay the vote while exploring city-owned alternatives, such as repurposing library space or rehabilitating the Maha/James Almar Center.
City staff described the Iris space as accessible, able to accommodate roughly 8–10 staff, and available with one free month’s rent; the administration said not finding another suitable nearby location risked losing the opportunity. Councilors raised concerns about a five-year obligation and asked staff to seek an exit clause or shorten the lease. One amendment to continue was proposed; another to reduce the term to three years failed in committee. Administration said it would approach the landlord about a shorter term but noted the offered price may be tied to the length of the lease.
Council approved the lease by voice vote. Members asked the city solicitor to review terms and directed administration to explore the library basement and other municipal options for future needs.
What’s next: staff will negotiate lease terms (including possible three-year term or exit clauses), provide solicitor-reviewed lease language, and report back to the council on alternatives.
