Lilburn, GA — In the early 1990s, the City of Lilburn made a defining investment in its future with the construction of the Calvin Fitchett Memorial City Hall Complex. Named in honor of longtime civic leader Calvin Fitchett, the facility became the city’s primary municipal anchor—housing both the police department and municipal court—and marked a major step in revitalizing Old Town Lilburn.
Strategically located adjacent to Lilburn City Park, the complex was designed to serve not just practical needs, but also to reinforce a sense of civic identity. The building’s pitched rooflines, traditional red-brick construction, and a distinctive clock tower conveyed a timeless town hall aesthetic that complemented the historic setting.
The design was led by architectural firm Pieper, O’Brien and Herr, with Anthony Turpin serving as lead architect. Their expertise in municipal and civic structures helped bring a distinctive character and functionality to the facility. Working closely with the firm was Brian Patton, Lilburn’s first-ever full-time city planner. Patton played a key role as part of the original design concept team, helping to shape a vision that emphasized walkability, community accessibility, and architectural character—all tailored to Lilburn’s evolving identity.
“This was more than a building—it was a turning point for Old Town,” said a former city official. “With Brian Patton’s planning insight and the architectural leadership of Anthony Turpin, the complex set a new standard for what civic space could mean for a growing city.”
The complex quickly became a focal point for city operations and public life, solidifying Lilburn’s commitment to centralizing essential services in a way that fostered both efficiency and community pride. Its presence also helped attract private development interest and laid the groundwork for further investment in the surrounding area.
Brian Patton, CCIM, is a commercial real estate broker, land specialist, and investment property expert with over 30 years of experience. A former zoning official and city planner, Brian has helped thousands of landowners and investors navigate the complexities of development, permitting, and investment analysis. He is the author of Mailbox Moo-la and Land Moo-la, both practical guides for generating income and maximizing land value. Brian has taught real estate courses, lectured at the University of Alabama, and hosted real estate radio shows and podcasts. He lives in Georgia, where he remains active in his community and local church.
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