After two years of construction, Signal Hill unveiled its newly renovated City Hall on April 16, featuring much-needed improvements to the nearly century-old building.
The project is the latest addition to the City’s Civic Center Master Plan, passed in 2024. The City considered expanding the building to add space, but received feedback from the community to preserve the building as is due to its historic significance. The building has stood in the same spot since 1934 and was the former home of Signal Hill’s first mayor Jessie Nelson.
Renovations to City Hall began in November 2024 and were overseen by the Department of Public Works. This decision saved the City a “considerable amount of money” as well as ensuring “the project reflected the attention to detail and pride of ownership” the project warranted, according to City Manager Carlo Tomaino.
Estate Design and Construction was the prime contractor on the project, which totaled $3.5 million.
The renovations included:
- New energy-efficient windows
- New flooring and interior finishes
- Fully renovated restrooms, breakrooms and common areas
- New lighting and electrical systems throughout the building
The building also received new workstations for City employees, seven offices, a conference room, monitors and a new layout. The City Council Chambers have updated acoustics, furnishings and audio-visual systems. Additional improvements include a new fire alarm and security system, accessibility upgrades and technology enhancements such as room scheduling systems and integrated display monitors.
With the City Hall renovations complete, Signal Hill is now focusing on the new amphitheater within Signal Hill Park, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in the fall.
The amphitheater will include approximately 600 seats, a 1,000 square foot stage, audio-visual enhancements and back-of-house facilities for performers. The improvements also include a new parking lot along 21st Street to better guest access to the amphitheater during performances, especially for those with mobility issues. Additionally, there will be further accessibility and landscape improvements throughout the park.
The Civic Center Master Plan also includes enhanced active recreational elements that will be determined as part of a future community engagement effort.
Plus, Signal Hill plans to build a new Community Center that will host programs for children, seniors and the entire community. There is no immediate timetable for the Community Center, but a project timeline will be set based on funding availability.
