By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – The corner of town at what used to be Schleisman Road and Hamner Avenue was once the home of Al’s Corner, a watering hole of Eastvale’s days gone by.  The little tavern is long gone, but the battle for the land it sat on was a bone of contention for the City, the County and the owner up until last year.

The vacant land – now at the redesigned corner of Riverboat Drive and Hamner Avenue – will be the home of Eastvale’s future City Hall.  After years of litigation, the County of Riverside seized the property through Eminent Domain, and deeded it over to the City of Eastvale last year.

For some time now, Eastvale has occupied space in the Gateway Shopping Center near the movie theater.  And while this location has served its purpose, the City has outgrown the offices, finding themselves in a more-than-cozy atmosphere, with some employees even sharing cubicles.

On July 15, the City of Eastvale held a meeting inviting members of the community to hear about the plans for the new City Hall, and contribute their ideas to the mix.

Situated on one of the main arteries into the City within close proximity to Cal Fire Station 27, the new City Hall will be a municipal beacon leading residents and visitors into Eastvale.  The hope for the design will be conservative and welcoming.  The 20,000 square foot, two-story building will include public access, Council Chambers and conference rooms on the ground floor, and City Staff offices upstairs.  Just outside will be an Emergency Operations Center, and approximately 80 parking spaces, all within ecologically-friendly landscaping.

An update on the final designs and construction of the City Hall project is set to be completed this December, with the expectation that the building will be completed by March 2017.