As Erie continues to grow, the town’s home base is keeping up and growing with it. Residents were invited to tour the new expansion to town hall, with some construction still underway.

Dozens of residents toured the new town hall building, 645 Holbrock St., and had the opportunity to speak with staff and council members about the expansion during the Tuesday open house.

Construction for the new building began in November 2023, with staff moving into the new building early this year.

The older town hall building is currently under renovation to make the building more accessible and energy efficient. It’s closed to staff and residents. The old building will maintain its exterior and the renovations are anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.

City Manager Malcolm Fleming previously said the cost of the expansion project is approximately $20 million.

Gabi Rae, communications and community engagement director, said 78 staff members are currently using the new building and about 140 will be in the building once construction is completed.

Fleming said that while staff have only been in the building for two weeks, he is glad to see the them using its space effectively and efficiently.

Staff used to have to work from home or be cramped into small office spaces. He said he’s happy to see staff be able to have their own office space now.

The town recently reported a population of 40,183 residents as of Dec. 31 or a 9.1% growth since the end of 2023, according to a town newsletter. Fleming said a growing town means hiring more staff members to help operations, which means a larger building.

“We hope we created a place where residents feel welcome,” Fleming said.

Part of the expansion project included a larger and more accessible council chambers, which he hopes invites residents to attend town council meetings and engage in their community.