City receptionist Margie Sparks answers a citizen's call on Monday morning.

Over the past few months, "city hall" has undergone a major transformation. It not only looks better, it's way more user friendly and inviting. Even paying a traffic ticket isn't the cold-hearted affair it once was. 

The catering crew from Mere Bulles treated Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber members and city staff to a full breakfast Monday.

On Monday, the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber hosted an early-morning Open House for its members to see the renovations and updates. The chamber leases its own 3,576 square feet of office space at building's west end.

Sparks moved into her new digs – the circular reception desk that is now the centerpiece of the building's main lobby that prior to the renovation really served no purpose. New entrances – a turnstile door on the Maryland Way side and a double door system with a vestibule on the back parking lot side – were designed to keep the lobby's temperature stable and more energy efficient, said Mike Harris, city engineer. New carpet warms the area and helps keep down sounds – something the old tile floor never did.

A former flight attendant, Sparks said she feels like she's back at her old job. She said residents coming in seem truly appreciative of having a real person there to greet them, and more importantly, help them get where they need to go – which for most isn't very far, thanks to other much-needed improvements.

The lobby has two customer-service windows. At one, city residents can pay their water bills and take care of other city business. At another, traffic tickets can be paid, driver's licenses can be returned and other business with the police department conducted.

There's also a comfortable seating area. Artwork and additional signage are on their way, Harris said.

In the chamber offices, a two-year plan designed by IDS is finally being realized. "The city granted us money in their budget for renovations," said chamber president Cindi Parmenter. Business and lifestyle photos provided by Journal Communications, oversized graphics provided by Speed Pro Imaging and maps provided keep the focus on the area the chamber serves.

How long you have been there (chamber, in the building) since 1990

"The chamber's relationship with the city has never been better," Parmenter said. "The city has supported economic and community development financially through the chamber for a number of years. We have a mutually respectful and supportive working relationship with the commissioners, Mike Walker and the outstanding city staff." The city and the chamber have been neighbors since 1990.

Monday's open house drew a healthy crowd of chamber members, who were surprised with a full breakfast buffet hosted by Mere Bulles restaurant.

"It was a fun and informative breakfast meeting with a lot of networking and touring of the newly renovated spaces -- both ours and the city's," Parmenter said, offering kudos to the chamber's Member Appreciation Committee and Mere Bulles.

"I loved having this event in city hall. I think it helped to raise awareness of our strong partnership with the city," she said.

Harris explained that the current renovations are only a small part of the work being done to update the Municipal Building, which has not had any major updates since 1987.

"We're about a third of the way finished," Harris said Monday. Coming next will be a relocation of the police department's administration area, which will open up room for a new "next generation" 911 center.