City Hall's gala debut

Several hundred people packed the atrium Sunday and spilled out into the parking lot for the grand opening of the new North Charleston City Hall.

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Grand opening ceremony of North Charleston City Hall

North Charleston City Hall celebrated its Grand Opening on Sunday.

It's a modern space, with dark laminated walls and shiny metal staircases with glass sides. Artwork that the city bought over the years, such as during the annual art shows, adorns the walls.

Officials hailed the $37 million building as a symbol of the city's progress and a place where citizens will get better service.

"This is your City Hall," Mayor Keith Summey said from a microphone mounted behind the city seal etched in glass above the crowd. "You are the backbone of America."

Eleanor Sullivan, 84, a lifetime resident, was thrilled by the spectacle. She said she remembers when Rivers Avenue was a two-lane thoroughfare and Dorchester Road was a dirt road with farms on either side.

"I am thrilled," she said. "I sit on my porch and think back what all has taken place in my lifetime, and it amazes me. We've had good leadership. That's what it takes."

She has several relatives who work in the building, including two police officers.

Summey spoke after the Royal Baptist Church Male Choir performed a spirited rendition of "God Bless America" and several pastors offered prayers.

"If we're ever going to change society today, it's not going to be done by government," Summey said. "It's going to be done by how we change people's hearts and lives."

U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, R-1st District, promised to deliver a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.

Fire Chief Greg Bulanow tore off brown paper to unveil a plaque marking the date just inside the entrance.

Designers and council members cut a silver ribbon strung above the city seal. A white-lettered greeting below the seal says, "Welcome to North Charleston, a great place to live, work, or play."

An ice sculpture of the city seal sat against a window on the other side of the atrium. Live musicians and food and beverage tables were set up on all three floors.

Reach Dave Munday at 937-5553 or dmunday@postandcourier.com.