I never had too many reasons to visit Sacramento’s venerable City Hall, erected in 1911 and already nearing its 15th birthday when I was born. Oh, I’d always check the clock in the tower when passing by, if only to see whether its hands coincided in position with those on my watch, but that was about it.

It was, I recall, a popular spot for group pictures. One I remember being in was of the Columbian Squires, a youth group sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Another, taken in 1942 or 1943, was on the entire personnel of state Selective Service headquarters when I worked there as a mail room clerk under Sgt. Glen Lehmann.

But as for business inside? Except for buying dog and bike licenses when our kids were small, the only time I spent more than mere minutes in the civic landmark was, of all times, the early hours of one January 1.

It was about 40 years ago, maybe a few more, that for the first time in decades fireworks – the “safe and sane” kind – were being allowed in the city. Licenses to nonprofit organizations were limited in number, awarded on the first day of the year. It was strictly first come, first served, and I was prevailed upon to obtain one for the River Park Little League.

As I recall, the city’s offices opened at 8, and if one didn’t get in line by midnight or shortly after, your group was out of luck. I have no recollection of whether I was drafted or volunteered, but there I was while everyone knew I was out partying.

There was no place to sit except the floor, but at least we were allowed in out of the cold. Still, it was about the worst New Year’s Eve non-celebration in my memory. And without any doubt at all the driest, too.

It had been years since I’d given much thought to City Hall, except to take note that it was undergoing a complete rehabilitation and that a splendid annex was going up behind it. When a grand opening of both structures was announced, we decided we had to go.

It was a rewarding day. The 94-year-old original City Hall looked splendid, the paint all fresh and the brass all shined and, as far as I could tell, the clock high above indicating the correct time. City staff were all over the place, smiling proudly and handing out brochures and souvenir pins.

From the lower level – please, don’t call it the basement – we emerged into a spacious esplanade and walked across to the brand new structure. It’s something of which all Sacramentans can be proud. There’s a really handsome meeting room, with comfortable seating for a sizable audience. It’s a worthy match for the county supervisors’ corresponding facility.

In addition to various offices on the upper levels, there are private offices for the nine City Council members, with an exceptionally handsome space for Mayor Heather Fargo.

Because we had not joined one of the escorted groups, we did not see – and so I cannot report on – Her Honor’s private bathroom.

I guess I could say we failed to see the seat of municipal power in Sacramento.

There was continuous entertainment across I Street in Cesar Chavez Plaza and – a real touch of class, I thought – complimentary water dispensers both around the buildings and in the Plaza.

And in case anyone needs more incentive to pay a visit, there is a wealth of first-class art to be seen all over the new building. Go. You won’t be disappointed.