By Leslie Black
Whitehouse City Manager
WHITEHOUSE — If you’ve driven past 109 E. Main recently, you may have noticed the City Center exterior still appears unfinished—and you’d be right. While progress continues, delays in exterior stone materials have slowed visible work.
Inside the facility, however, construction is moving forward. The next major step—climatizing the building—is expected next week. Once the HVAC systems are operational, key interior features such as flooring, ceilings, and final finishes will follow quickly. Punch-list walkthroughs and furniture deliveries are already scheduled.
While the city has not finalized an opening date, officials are aiming for mid-September.
A Community Investment—Not a New City Hall
There has been some public confusion regarding the purpose of the City Center. This is not a new City Hall. The center is designed as a flexible space for public events, meetings, trainings, and banquets. It will also serve as the home of the Whitehouse Economic Development Corporation and the Whitehouse Area Chamber of Commerce.
The facility was envisioned in the city’s first Strategic Plan, adopted in 2018, as a way to create a central gathering space. Since then, the city has made key investments downtown—including property acquisition and improvements—that helped spark initiatives like the Whitehouse Farmers Market and supported youth soccer and other community events.
Built With Purpose
The project is part of a long-term capital investment strategy funded through the 2022 Certificates of Obligation. That initiative also includes infrastructure, park improvements, and public safety enhancements. Despite these investments, the city has continued to reduce the property tax rate over the past several years while maintaining core services.
City leaders believe the new facility will provide long-term value by supporting economic development and offering a dedicated space for the community to gather.
“We look forward to welcoming you inside soon,” Black said.
In the meantime, residents can view concept walkthroughs here:
Video 1: City Center Exterior Walkthrough Video 2: City Center Interior Walkthrough
