In February 1896 the Salisbury City Council purchased what was then known as the “Tracy lot” on West church Street for $1,000 from George C. Hill and in a July 4th ceremony that year the cornerstone was laid for the new City Hall and Firehouse. The municipal services building is one of the most distinctive public buildings erected during the late 19th century, designed by Thomas H. Mitchell, with its multi-faceted brick exterior accented with rusticated stone trim reflects Victorian eclecticism. An unusual, two-tiered pyramidal spire that incorporates babbled dormers as well as louvered vents distinguishes the four-story tower. The tower stands as the building’s signature architectural feature but it had a practical use as well. The interior of the tower above the first floor was left open so that hoses could be hung on racks to dry. The fire department left in 1928.
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