Riverdale Park Presents Youth and Community Wing Design

Preliminary design plans for the proposed Riverdale Park town hall redesign, including the addition of a youth and community wing, were presented to residents Wednesday in the first of two community meetings about the project. 

The two-story design is intended to promote civic pride, to provide flexible spaces, to be sustainable, and to be open and inviting to everyone, said town architect Paul Mortensen. 

The plan would expand the size of the current building from 5,796 square feet to 11,300 square feet. The entrance area would be expanded to be more welcoming to visitors, and increase space for the town offices.

Also proposed are two classrooms and a smaller council chambers. The current council chambers would be expanded and re-purposed as a general meeting space for larger town meetings. 

The exterior of the town hall would also be improved under Mortensen's design plan. The street directly in front of the building would be re-purposed as a town plaza to add to the exterior's appeal and could be used for outdoor events, said Mortensen. This would also allow for an additional seven parking spaces bringing the total number of spaces up to 29. 

“We really want this to be central to our community," said Riverdale Park Mayor Vernon Archer. 

Currently, the town has state funding for the engineering phase of the project, and it is requesting more state funds for construction, according to Council Member Jonathan Ebbeler (Ward 1). 

The second community meeting on the redesign will be held 7 p.m., Jan. 28 in the town hall. Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions and give feedback on the design. 

What do you think of the proposed redesign of the town hall and the addition of the youth and community wing? Tell Patch in the comments.