Conroe Buys Historic Dailey Building for New City Hall

**Conroe City Council Approves Purchase of Historic Dailey Building for Future City Hall**

**Conroe, TX** – The City of Conroe is poised for a significant transformation of its downtown core and municipal operations, following the City Council’s unanimous approval last Thursday, May 23, 2024, to acquire the historic Dailey building. Located at 207 N. Main Street, the 10,000-square-foot property was purchased for $1.4 million and is earmarked to become the city’s new City Hall.

The strategic acquisition comes as Conroe’s current City Hall, situated at 300 W. Davis St. and built in 1999, is nearing capacity, necessitating additional space for the city’s expanding administrative needs.

The Dailey building carries a rich legacy within the community. It famously housed Dailey’s Department Store, an iconic local institution that opened in the 1930s and served Conroe residents for four generations before closing its doors in the 1990s. More recently, the building had been utilized for storage by the Conroe Courier.

David Dailey, representing the family, shared that the sale was a “bittersweet” moment, acknowledging the deep historical ties his family has to the property. The building stands as a tangible link to Conroe’s past, and its repurposing aims to honor that heritage while paving the way for the city’s future.

City officials emphasize that the choice of the Dailey building extends beyond its $1.4 million price tag and 10,000 square feet. Mayor Jody Czajkoski and City Administrator Gary Scott highlighted the purchase as a cornerstone for ongoing downtown revitalization efforts and a commitment to historic preservation.

Architects from PGAL, who conducted a comprehensive feasibility study, found the building to possess “solid bones,” indicating excellent structural integrity. Their assessment also noted the significant potential for vertical expansion, envisioning a future City Hall that could rise to possibly three stories high, providing ample room for projected growth and departments.

The building’s prime location further solidified its appeal. Situated in the heart of downtown, it offers close proximity to the Conroe Tower, the Conroe Police Department, and the Montgomery County Courthouse. Convenient parking facilities located behind the property also contribute to its functional advantage for both city staff and the public.

While the purchase received a swift and unanimous 5-0 vote from the City Council, residents should not anticipate an immediate grand opening. The transformation of the Dailey building into the new Conroe City Hall is projected to be a multi-year endeavor, requiring extensive architectural design work, detailed planning, and substantial renovations. This long-term project represents a strategic investment by the City of Conroe, blending an appreciation for its historical roots with forward-thinking development to accommodate its flourishing future.