Dover takes ownership of former First Federal Bank
DOVER (November 20, 2024) – The city has taken ownership of the former First Federal Bank and is months away from moving in.
Mayor Shane Gunnoe on Monday said the city has retained architect Bruce Widder to design an interior makeover to turn the bank into a city hall. The plan includes adding offices and improving accessibility. That would involve adding an elevator to the lower level, which will house Council chambers.
Gunnoe roughly estimates he and several city departments will move into their new digs in the middle of next year.
In the meantime, downtown visitors are welcome to park in that parking lot. Gunnoe says downtown visitors and employees are welcome to park there.
The city will use the bank’s ATM drive-through lane for residents to make utility payments. The offices of the auditor and treasurer will move to the building behind the bank, which presently houses a title company. The city would like to keep using the bank’s signs to display time and temperature and upcoming events.
The city bought the former bank at the corner of North Wooster Avenue and East 4th Street for $1 million. Dover took out $3 million in bonds to pay for the purchase and renovations to that and other city buildings.
The current city hall and other nearby city buildings will be converted into more space for the police and fire departments.