Renovation set for American Fork icon

AMERICAN FORK (AP)— Work should begin by October on a renovation project for the 102-year-old City Hall.

The building will be remodeled and expanded with a new structure on the west side, said architect Mike Leishman.

A small theater with seating for about 170 will be added, as well as space for classrooms, an art gallery and offices.

Money for the $1.6 million project will come from state funds earmarked for communities that had previous redevelopment projects and want to enhance their arts and recreation programs, he said.

The city's arts council will have offices on the first floor and there will be storage in the basement, he said.

"We want to restore some of the architectural character of the building," he said.

The original ceiling was made of pressed metal, and the new ceiling will be made to match the historic one. Two stairways also will be modeled after historical photographs, he said.

If the budget permits, the city also wants to restore the building's bell tower.