Hiawatha City Hall

Project Overview

Planning a Centralized Civic Facility

To better serve residents and support long-term growth, the City of Hiawatha set out to consolidate key municipal services into a single, accessible facility. Previously, departments operated from separate locations, which limited efficiency and made public access more difficult. Emergent Architecture partnered with the City to design a new City Hall that would streamline operations while creating a clear civic presence for the community.

From the start, planning focused on functionality, flexibility, and ease of use. The design needed to accommodate multiple departments under one roof while allowing for future expansion as city services evolved.

We’d love to meet you

The Project Team

Gary Landhauser

Principal Architect

Jim Novak

Principal Architect

Exterior view of Hiawatha City Hall showing a modern civic building with glass curtain wall, metal panels, and landscaped site.

Exterior view of Hiawatha City Hall showing a three-story civic building with light masonry walls, horizontal sunshades, large glass windows, and landscaped grounds under a clear blue sky.

Curved glass façade of Hiawatha City Hall highlighting transparent public spaces and contemporary architectural detailing.

29,000 SF

Size
$5,500,000

Cost
City of Hiawatha

Client

Integrated Design for Efficient, Accessible City Services

Design Approach

The new Hiawatha City Hall brings administration, the water department, the police department, and community functions together within one integrated facility. Clear circulation, intuitive wayfinding, and accessible public spaces ensure residents can easily navigate the building and connect with city services.

In addition, the layout promotes collaboration among staff by placing related departments in close proximity. Shared spaces and efficient adjacencies support daily operations while strengthening communication across teams. The building was also designed with growth in mind, allowing the City to adapt and expand services without disruption.

A Community-Focused Outcome

Since opening in 2008, Hiawatha City Hall has had a lasting positive impact on both staff and residents. By centralizing services, the facility improves efficiency, enhances accessibility, and strengthens the relationship between city government and the community it serves.

Today, the building stands as a durable, future-ready civic asset that reflects Hiawatha’s commitment to responsive public service and thoughtful planning.