Photo: Drew Angerer / Getty Images News / Getty Images
The Troy City Council voted 4 to 3 on Thursday (August 7) to relocate the city hall to the historic Proctors Theater. This decision marks a significant step in Mayor Carmella Mantello's initiative to establish a permanent and modernized home for city offices while preserving a piece of Troy's architectural history. Currently, the city rents office space on the fifth floor of the Hedley Building on River Street.
Mayor Mantello described the move as a "fiscally responsible, forward-thinking solution" that will save taxpayer dollars, stimulate economic development along the 4th Street corridor, and strengthen civic pride. The Proctors Theater building, once a vibrant center of entertainment, will be repurposed to include city offices, a new assembly hall, and community spaces, blending historic preservation with modern functionality.
However, not everyone supports the move. Some residents expressed concerns about potential renovation costs and the suitability of Proctors as office space during the council meeting. Additionally, First Columbia, the landlord of the Hedley Building, has filed a $1.6 million notice of claim against the city, alleging breach of contract. The city maintains that it exited the lease before the June 1 deadline.
To inform the public and showcase the plans, the city has scheduled an open house at Proctors Theater on Wednesday (August 13) at 6 p.m. City officials and developers will be present to give tours, share plans, and answer questions.