City of Thomasville contractors are scheduled to begin work on Phase I of the Municipal Building and Auditorium Renovation Project on July 1, 2026. The project, identified by Thomasville City Council as a 2026 strategic priority, will address life safety & operational concerns, balance historic preservation & modernization, and support a cohesive renovation strategy for future phases. The renovation project is scheduled to last approximately 14 months.
According to City Manager Chris White, a multi-year Market Study and Comprehensive Facility Plan, conducted by consultants, revealed critical life safety deficiencies, environmental concerns, and accessibility issues due to decades of deferred maintenance and aging infrastructure. “We are extremely excited to embark upon a phased renovation strategy to revitalize the historic Municipal Building and Auditorium. Addressing these urgent needs will enhance the visitor and performer experience while assuring that this historic facility continues to serve as a cultural and civic hub for generations to come.”
The scope of work includes:
- ADA modifications
- Auditorium ceiling repairs
- Auditorium lighting upgrades
- Entry sequence improvements
- Exterior/façade repairs
- Facility fire alarm system replacement
- Facility and structural repairs
- Fire suppression system installation
- Production equipment replacement
- Rigging system modifications and replacement
- Water intrusion remediation
Due to the start of the renovation project, the Municipal Building will close to the public beginning Wednesday, July 1 and remain closed during the 14-month construction period. City staff offices and the Thomasville Visitors Center will temporarily relocate. The Visitors Center will be closed July 1-7 while staff pack and move to their temporary location at 122 East Jackson Street, reopening at this new location on Wednesday, July 8.
Beginning August 1, all public meetings normally held at the Municipal Building will be held at alternate locations. Thomasville City Council Workshops and Meetings will take place in the Flipper Room at the Thomas County Public Library.
Other public meetings will be held in the following locations:
- Architectural Review & Zoning Appeals Board (ARZA) - Thomas County Public Library
- City Council Meetings - Thomas County Public Library
- City Council Workshops - Thomas County Public Library
- Destination Thomasville Tourism Authority (DTTA) - Thomas County Public Library
- Downtown Development Authority (DDA) - City of Thomasville Administration Building
- Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) - Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce
- Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) - Thomas County Public Library
- Land Bank Authority - Thomas County Public Library
- Main Street Advisory Board - City of Thomasville Tom Berry Building
- Pension Board - City of Thomasville Tom Berry Building
- Planning & Zoning Commission - Thomas County Public Library
- Public Safety Committee - R. Carlton Powell Public Safety Complex
- Recreation Board - Thomas County Public Library
- Utilities Commission – City of Thomasville Tom Berry Building
Meeting locations, dates, and times are subject to change, so citizens are encouraged to visit the Public Meetings & Events Calendar located on the City of Thomasville’s website, Thomasville.org.
Phase I funding for the Municipal Building and Auditorium Renovation Project includes nearly $6.5 million allocated in the 2026 Capital Budget, supplemented by a $500,000 multiyear grant the City received from Fox Gives. “This project is not possible without the support of our City Council who understand the memories that have been built in this cultural venue and the essential role it plays in Thomasville’s identity,” said White. “We are also extremely appreciative of the support from our community stakeholders whose vital roles, during the study and comprehensive planning stages, are helping to shape the future of this cherished community venue.”
For more information about this project, please visit Thomasville.org/MunicipalBuilding or email City of Thomasville Public Information Manager Ricky Zambrano at ricky.zambrano@thomasville.org.