Doraville council unanimously approves schematic design for new 'people's building' city hall and library

Doraville City Council voted unanimously Aug. 20 to approve the schematic (30% design) for a new multi‑use city hall — described in council materials as the "people's building" — that pairs municipal offices and council chambers with an expanded library, maker and recording spaces, flexible event rooms and retail/café frontage around a public green.

Will Bryant, project manager and civic team leader for McMillan Pasden Smith, walked the council through the proposed program and massing, explaining circulation, level uses and how the building would activate the city green. He described the first floor as public and library space, a second level for city hall functions and a top level with convertible council chambers that could serve as an event venue. Bryant said the building is about 31,000 square feet (not including outdoor patios).

Council members questioned materials and maintenance (including a glazed white brick option), roof drainage and rooftop pedestrian surfaces, accessibility and how the new street grid would connect to existing blocks. Staff and the design team said the project includes removable bollards to allow street closures for events and a new street grid to improve connectivity.

Council Member Henshaw noted a rough cost estimate, saying in council remarks that his back‑of‑the‑envelope calculation placed the project in the $15–20 million range; council discussion emphasized efficient design and flexibility to support community use and future growth.

After discussion and questions about executive‑session adjacencies and operational detail (restrooms, HVAC and cleaning/maintenance), the council voted in favor of the schematic design, clearing the project to advance to the next phase of design and permitting.

The approval triggers subsequent design stages, coordination on grading and environmental remediation at the site, and continued public outreach and permitting.