Rededication of Borough Hall

2019 marks the 90th anniversary of the completion and rededication of the Fort Lee Memorial Municipal Building at 309 Main Street. 

Most commonly referred to as “Borough Hall,” the building was named in 1929 by Borough Clerk William S. Corker and dedicated to the residents who died in World War I. There is an eternal flame lantern atop the roof in honor of the war’s fallen. The architect was Granville W. Dexter and the builder was Frank W. Bogert. This building is one of the state’s outstanding examples of the Art Deco mode.  During the years 1928-1929, it was a time of local optimism due to the construction of the George Washington Bridge, and this building, along with Fort Lee High School, was constructed to meet the needs of a growing municipality. The building today houses the Courtroom/Council Chambers, the Mayor’s office, Administration, the Borough Clerk, Tax and Finance, and the Zoning and Planning Board. At one time, the building housed the Fort Lee Police Department and Fort Lee Public Library. 

A distinctive landmark in the heart of the Borough, the goal for the Municipal Building has always been to keep it maintained to retain the architectural integrity of the building, while keep it concurrent with the needs of the Borough.

The Municipal Building has undergone various renovations through the years, most noted in 1990s, while still retaining the physical features and historical qualities that make the building worthy of thoughtful planning, preservation and rehabilitation. This past year saw the renovation of the interior of the building including a renovation and restoration of the courtroom.  This project was led on behalf of Mayor Sokolich and the Council by Borough Administrator Alfred R. Restaino and much of the work was done in house by the General Services Department led by Mike Maresca.