City Hall

Ashland City Hall, located at 20 East Main Street, has served the community for more than a century. Originally constructed in 1891, the building has undergone two major additions, one in 1913 and another in 1995, resulting in a total building size of 7,745 square feet.

The property was deeded to the City of Ashland in 1884 by John R. and Mary Helman with specific conditions governing how the land may be used. Over time, changes in City operations, aging infrastructure and evolving community needs have created legal, structural and operational challenges that limit the City’s ability to reinvest in or repurpose the building.

Today, City Hall houses a small number of employees while requiring significant ongoing maintenance and operating costs. City staff and services are distributed across multiple buildings throughout Ashland, prompting continued discussion about efficiency, accessibility, safety and long-term sustainability.

The City Council has reviewed City Hall many times over several decades and continues to evaluate options through the Facilities Master Plan. The pages below provide background information, current conditions, cost data, historical records and future options to help the community understand the issues and participate in shaping next steps.

Current Status of City Hall Title 

The City of Ashland owns City Hall; however, the property deed includes a reversionary clause stating that if City Hall and the adjoining Plaza cease to be used as a public square, town hall and jail, ownership of the property may revert to the Helman heirs. As a result, the title is encumbered, limiting the City’s flexibility to use, renovate or sell the building. Legal risks exist whether the City takes action or leaves the building in its current condition.

View stipulations in the 1884 deed (PDF) 

Although City Hall contains a historic jail, it has not been used as a jail since the 1970s. This non-use is potentially misaligned with the conditions outlined in the deed. For this reason, a lawsuit has been initiated and the City Attorney’s Office has been in communication with the Helman heirs and is working with their legal counsel to resolve the title issue. Clearing the title would eliminate the associated deed risk and allow the City to consider infrastructure investments or program changes with greater certainty and flexibility.

Updates will be posted here as they become available.