Cedar Falls City Hall Remodel | Civic Building Renovation

Project Overview

As the City of Cedar Falls reviewed the condition of its City Hall, leaders quickly recognized that the building no longer supported efficient operations or positive public experiences. Departments were spread throughout the facility, circulation confused visitors, and accessibility gaps limited use. Therefore, the City partnered with Emergent Architecture to transform City Hall into a modern, welcoming, and highly functional civic facility.

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The Project Team

Nick Hildebrandt

CEO, Principal Architect

Jesse Lizer

Managing Principal, Principal Architect

Open office workspace with cubicles and improved circulation, showing a staff member walking through the remodeled Cedar Falls City Hall.

Renovated City Hall reception area with information counter, improved lighting, and clear wayfinding at Cedar Falls City Hall.

38,000 SF

Size
Municipal Building Renovation

Project Type
$5,000,000

Project Cost

A Phased Renovation Strategy for Long-Term Civic Efficiency

Planning and Assessment

First, Emergent conducted a detailed assessment of existing conditions, space utilization, and departmental adjacencies. The team evaluated how staff and visitors moved through the building and identified opportunities to improve efficiency. Rather than pursue new construction, the City chose a full-building renovation. As a result, the project preserved the existing structure while delivering significant cost savings and minimizing disruption.

Design Approach

Next, Emergent worked closely with City representatives to reorganize departments and consolidate services. This approach improved workflow while strengthening collaboration between teams. In addition, the design introduced clear wayfinding and intuitive circulation, helping visitors navigate the building with confidence.

At the same time, accessibility guided every design decision. The renovation integrated barrier-free paths, upgraded public restrooms, and improved access to key services. Meanwhile, the team created open and flexible workspaces that support collaboration while allowing departments to adapt over time.

A More Accessible Civic Facility

Beyond layout improvements, the project modernized building systems to enhance performance and long-term reliability. Mechanical upgrades improved comfort and efficiency, while streamlined public access points reduced confusion and wait times. Consequently, the renovated City Hall now supports both staff productivity and positive community engagement.

Ultimately, the Cedar Falls City Hall Remodel delivers a future-ready civic building that reflects the City’s commitment to accessibility, transparency, and responsible stewardship. Through thoughtful planning and strategic renovation, Emergent Architecture transformed an outdated facility into a welcoming hub for civic life.