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Council approves Iris Building lease for overflow City Hall offices after debate over library alternative
Summary
After debate over repurposing library space and lease length, the council approved leasing overflow office space at 449 Fame St. (Iris Building) for immediate staff needs and directed staff to negotiate a shorter (three‑year) term where possible.
The Newport City Council approved leasing office space at the Iris Building (449 Fame St.) to provide immediate overflow office space for city staff, but the council asked staff to negotiate a shorter term than the proposed five years.
City staff said City Hall is crowded and the selected Iris space can accommodate 8–10 employees immediately, includes five parking spaces and one free month of rent to facilitate a quick move. City staff emphasized the need for proximity to City Hall and reported prior searches had found few suitable alternatives. One councilor urged pausing the lease to study whether the public library building could supply space the city already owns; the council heard that the library’s above‑grade square footage is larger than City Hall’s and that the idea merited review.
After spirited debate — covering parking, exit clauses, and whether a three‑year lease would be more prudent — the council approved the lease and an amendment directing staff to pursue a three‑year term where feasible. Councilors stressed the need for flexibility and asked the administration and city solicitor to review termination rights and negotiation points.
