Millcreek holds first council meeting in newly established ‘heart’ of city
Jan 05, 2024 10:56AM ● By Sara Milano
A photo of the new Millcreek City Council meeting room. (Millcreek City)
In a momentous event, the City of Millcreek celebrated the grand opening of its new City Hall building on Nov. 16, 2023. Preceding the public unveiling, the Millcreek City Council convened for its inaugural meeting in the state-of-the-art facility on Nov. 13, marking a significant milestone for the growing community.
Mayor Jeff Silvestrini welcomed attendees to the historic occasion during the first city council meeting, expressing the city’s transition from a cramped and windowless space to the spacious and modern new City Hall. Situated in a strip mall on the corner of 3300 South and 1300 East, the former location offered limited space and parking.
The completion of the new City Hall building signifies the conclusion of phase one construction for Millcreek Common, a park and community center located off of Highland Drive. Phase one encompassed the construction of a plaza featuring a skate ribbon, splash pad and the much-anticipated City Hall building. Phase two will focus on mixed-use development, an outdoor amphitheater and landscaping to accentuate Millcreek’s natural beauty.
The six-story City Hall boasts a dynamic interior. The first floor is home to a cafe and public market with rotating vendors, offering a bustling hub for local businesses. The second floor houses the Community Forum, a versatile space for public gatherings and events. The third floor features a new precinct for the Unified Police Department, enhancing public safety and community engagement. The top floor will house a community room and outdoor balcony.
Mayor Silvestrini expressed gratitude to the architects, MHTN Architects, and the contractor, Okland Construction, for their contributions to the realization of the new City Hall.
During the grand opening on Nov. 16, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official launch of the facility. Local leaders delivered remarks, and the festivities culminated with a fireworks show. Silvestrini enthusiastically declared, “We did it!”
The young city, incorporated in 2016, has now found its “heart” in the new community center, offering a centralized space for government offices, outdoor recreation, and a public market—all under one roof.
This winter, Millcreek Common is set to offer year-round ice and roller skating at the skate ribbon, including lessons and rental packages, providing the community with even more opportunities for recreation and enjoyment.
Millcreek residents, including Andrew Gruber, expressed their pride in the city’s accomplishments. Gruber said, “You’ve created a sense of place for our city, a heart for our city that all of us can be proud of.” λ