City officials and employees gathered Tuesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the newly renovated Public Works Complex and DORA office building, the city of Orangeburg's latest addition to a revitalized downtown.

The converted 5,000-square-foot building, located behind Stevenson Auditorium on Market Street, had been an old concrete jail and police facility. Then, later it was used for storage.

"This is another great day in Orangeburg," Mayor Paul Miller said. "This is another example of the things we continue to do in the city of Orangeburg to improve and revitalize our downtown."

Noting that city officials needed to begin the revitalization project with their own home, the mayor emphasized there is still much work to do.

"We'll continue to revitalize the downtown. We'll try to find a little money to do some things down Market Street," he said. "The next phase is (some work) along Middleton Street in front of city hall."

Bernice Tribble, executive director of the Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association, expressed gratitude for DORA's permanent office space.

In addition, she said, the renovation project is a very likely a candidate for a statewide award.

After Tribble had enumerated the city's recent awards, Miller said the "tremendous statewide publicity" the city has received is something he's most proud of.

In earlier remarks, City Administrator John Yow explained the unique dual benefit of the renovation project. The update of the old building not only provides needed space, he said, but also adds to the downtown beautification effort.

"Obviously, we needed new office space. We've known we needed new office space for some time," Yow said. "We wanted to try to restore an existing downtown building. This is a natural choice, with its proximity to town hall. Also, it fits into our plans with downtown revitalization."

Another plus, Yow said, is the availability of parking. The building is only a half block from the city's new parking lot on Broughton Street, and after the one-way Market Street on the side is redesigned, there will be room for a couple of parking spaces.

"I think it's going to be an addition to the downtown and improve the appearance of yet another building," said Yow. "And, this project does include some storage for Stevenson Auditorium."

But, the primary function will be for the Department of Public Works, headed by Durwood Bowden. In addition to offices for Bowden and his administrative staff, there will also be room for the building inspector and code enforcers.

The old public works offices, located upstairs at city hall, will be used for some of the city's existing staff, as well as the soon-to-be-added position of human resources officer.

The approximately $350,000 renovation project was done by the local firm of Cleckley & McGee. J. West Summers was the architect.

A reception was held following the ribbon cutting.

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached by e-mail at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5545.

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