Charleston’s seat of government is in the midst of a full-body makeover, and Mayor Sedrick Smith Sr. said he is “overjoyed.”
Using a $250,000 earmark appropriation secured a few years ago by City Attorney Tommy Reynolds while he was serving in the state House of Representatives, the renovation of Charleston City Hall “entails the totality of the building,” Smith explained Monday.
“There’s quite a bit of work that’s going on, and they’re doing it in phases,” he added.
Using plans drawn up by Belinda Stewart Architects of Eupora, Timbo’s Construction of Cleveland is the contractor for the project.
The work includes some demolition as well as new construction. Some areas will be reconfigured to better utilize available space, Smith explained. Flooring, ceiling tile, lighting, furnishings, fixtures and more will be upgraded and "modernized."
Already visible to the public is fresh new paint in a lighter hue on the front of the building, and on exterior window frames and shutters, doors, door frames and columns in the courtyard area.
On the east exterior wall adjacent to South Panola Street has been painted a 37-foot-wide and 11-foot-tall mural proclaiming, “Welcome to Historic Downtown Charleston, Mississippi: The Gateway to the Delta.”
In the courtroom, the elevated judge’s bench is being replaced to include a zig-zagging council chambers desk, 17 feet wide, to accommodate forward-facing seating for the mayor and Board of Aldermen. The aldermen previously sat at folding tables off to the side of the judge's bench and at an angle to the crowd.
Pictured is the front of the council chambers desk under construction now in the courtroom at Charleston City Hall. (Photo by Clay McFerrin, Copyright 2025, Emmerich Newspapers Inc.)
The mayor said the project grew from discussions about roof leaks and other physical problems with the aging building, which had not seen extensive improvements in more than two decades.
"I’m excited about the project and impressed with it," said Smith. "I think it’s going to be a plus and a good look for the city.”
Once work is completed, within a year, an open house is planned for the public, Smith noted.
