By Corey Ohlenkamp, Director of Communications, City of Muncie—
Muncie, IN – Construction work has begun on a new front lobby for Muncie City Hall. The construction will last approximately three weeks and will also upgrade security measures within city hall.
Planned changes will alter building access procedures so they are more in line with those in place at other government buildings.
“Security is something that we are constantly reviewing,” said Muncie Police Department Chief Nathan Sloan about the planned updates to the lobby. “We take that responsibility very seriously considering recent events.”
Sloan referenced incidents across the country including the fatal shooting of Detective Greg Ferency at the FBI Indianapolis Resident Agency in Terre Haute on July 7 as a reason for the changes. The police chief added that multiple security issues at city hall over the past year have shown the shortfalls of the current layout when it comes to safety.
Muncie City Hall was evacuated in March, 2020 after two individuals spread a white powder in one of the building’s elevators and on the second and third floors. While that incident didn’t result in any harm, it showed a clear need for revised plans.
The new lobby layout will help control foot traffic within the building to better protect city employees and the public. The new layout will allow security for procedures that could not be fully implemented under the current layout.
The new front desk area will be remodeled into a secure gateway for the first floor of the building. Members of the public visiting city hall will need to enter through the north parking lot and then check in with the front desk about their business at city hall.
After that process, the public will then be admitted through a secure doorway either to the east wing, which houses the city clerk and records wing of city hall or the west wing, which houses the Muncie Sanitary District offices. Public entry to city hall from the two other entrances will not be permitted except for employees going forward.
During construction there will be a temporary front desk set up to assist the public during renovations, as they always have. We ask for patience and understanding from the public as the construction is underway.
The new lobby infrastructure is paid through grant funding, as well as additional money through the Muncie Police Department.
About Muncie, Indiana
Incorporated in 1865, the City of Muncie is a welcoming and ambitions community. The municipality has a population of approximately 70,085 residents, and is located in the heart of East-Central Indiana. Muncie prides itself as being a central hub for commerce, recreation, and development. Home to quality education, technology driven development, and a friendly populous. Muncie is proud to be “The Capital of East-Central Indiana.”
