Conroe Acquires Building for New Municipal Campus

**Conroe Greenlights $6.75 Million Acquisition for Future City Hall Campus**

**CONROE, TX –** The Conroe City Council has given its definitive approval to acquire the long-vacant Dailey Oil Tool building, located at 200 Simonton Street, a pivotal move slated to transform the city’s municipal future with a new City Hall campus. The unanimous decision, made during a special meeting on Thursday, October 12th, 2023, authorizes the purchase agreement for $6.75 million, marking a significant investment in Conroe’s rapidly growing administrative needs.

This strategic acquisition addresses pressing issues with the city’s current municipal complex, which was constructed in 1993. For years, city officials have grappled with an increasingly inadequate facility plagued by limited parking, cramped office spaces that hinder operational efficiency, and significant challenges in meeting modern Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards across the board. The current building’s infrastructure makes comprehensive upgrades for accessibility, such as wider doorways, accessible restrooms, and proper ramp systems, a complex and costly endeavor.

“This is truly a monumental day for the city of Conroe,” stated Mayor Jody Czajkoski following the vote. “This acquisition is a critical component of a long-range plan to not only better serve our residents today but to build the infrastructure necessary for Conroe’s projected growth over the next several decades. We’re investing in our future.” Councilman Howard Wood echoed the sentiment, describing the acquisition as “a win-win for our community, providing much-needed space and flexibility.”

The Dailey Oil Tool facility, a recognizable landmark just north of downtown, has sat empty since 2017 after ceasing operations. Originally built in 1969, the structure itself spans an impressive 77,500 square feet and sits on a substantial 6.13-acre tract. This ample acreage provides unprecedented room for future expansion, improved public access, and the potential for a thoughtfully designed campus environment, moving beyond the limitations of the current downtown footprint. The site’s history as an oilfield service provider also subtly nods to Conroe’s rich industrial heritage.

With the closing of the property anticipated by the end of October, City Administrator Gary Scott and his team are already focused on developing a comprehensive master plan for the site. This extensive planning process will involve evaluating the existing structure for renovation potential, identifying needs for new construction, and envisioning public spaces, expanded parking, and state-of-the-art technological infrastructure.

While the exact timeline for renovations, potential new construction, and a full relocation is still being mapped out, initial estimates suggest the comprehensive development could span anywhere from two to five years. The project will likely involve phases, potentially allowing some city departments to transition before others. Funding for the initial purchase is anticipated to come from existing city reserves, with future development costs potentially supported by a combination of bond initiatives and ongoing capital improvement budgets.

The long-term goal is to transform this abandoned industrial site into a modern, accessible, and expanded hub for Conroe’s municipal operations, designed to efficiently accommodate the city’s burgeoning population and administrative needs well into the 21st century. The move is also seen as a catalyst for revitalization in the northern downtown corridor, potentially attracting further development and enhancing connectivity within the city.

The city plans to engage the community in various stages of the master planning process, offering opportunities for public input on the vision for the new municipal campus. Details regarding future public meetings and proposals will be made available on the City of Conroe’s official website at www.cityofconroe.org.