Lawrence formally reopened the William X. Wall Council Chambers on Tuesday with officials, former councilors and residents gathered to mark the end of a months-long renovation and to reaffirm the chamber’s role as a public forum.

City Council President Giovanni Rodriguez, who led the renovation effort, said the project was about more than new furniture and lighting. “Thank you for being here as we officially reopen the city council chambers following, this important renovation tonight,” Rodriguez said, adding the space will continue to be where residents bring concerns and debate public policy.

The ceremony included a prayer from Pastor Barranco and remarks from longtime preservation advocate David Meehan, who praised the restored room’s design and urged officials to incorporate historic portraits and artifacts into the renovated chamber. “It’s amazingly beautiful,” Meehan said of the refurbished space.

Mayor Brian A. De Pena thanked public workers and volunteers who worked on the project, acknowledged Department of Public Works staff for much of the in-house labor and called for renewed civic engagement. He described the reopening as a moment to reaffirm transparency, respectful dialogue and service quality to residents.

Former councilors at the event reflected on the chamber’s history and the work of past administrations. Former councilor Stephen Kafoury recalled early, difficult votes and the long-term satisfaction of attracting businesses and improving the city’s finances. Julia Silverio, another former councilor, highlighted past projects the council advanced, including a new South Lawrence high school and local development efforts.

Officials publicly recognized Jorge Jaime, director of Lawrence Public Works, and asked DPW workers who contributed to the renovation to stand. Council President Rodriguez also noted the new furnishings were produced through partnerships with outside organizations and local programs, a detail officials said reflected community involvement in the project.

The program closed with the host reading the names of 65 former councilors to honor their service, distribution of small commemorative gifts to invited former and current councilors, and a reminder that refreshments were available in the hallway but allowed outside the chamber.

The city did not announce a project cost or a full procurement breakdown during the event; officials said some work and furnishings were completed in-house or in partnership with community programs. No formal votes or ordinance actions were taken at the ceremony; it was a commemorative reopening rather than a policy meeting.