In a ceremony attended by Gov . M . Jodi Rell , among other dignitaries , the third floor of the historic Memorial Town Hall in Vernon was officially unveiled after several yearsof extensive renovations and technological modifications .

“ Community pride is very evident in this beautiful public building , ” Rell said . “ I am pleased we are able to help the town restore and preserve a valuable part of its heritage . ”

A $ 1 . 2 million grant from the State Commission on Culture and Tourism contributed to the funding necessary for the building’s renovations .

“ These renovations , using an object of our previous historical past , are contributing to the economic vitality of this town in the future , ” said Karen Senich , executive director of the commission . “ This project is evidence of the idea that the greenest buildings are those that are already built , ” she said .

With the renovations complete , Vernon has earned the certified local government designation , an honor bestowed to only 36 other municipalities in the state of Connecticut , meaning that town has a greater chance of having future grants and state funding directed to it .

“ You have a lot to be thankful for and proud of because youdid it together , ” Rell said .

Other speakers included Vernon Mayor Jason L . McCoy , Dorothy Grady from U . S . Rep . Joe Courtney’s office , state Rep . Claire Janowski , state Rep . Joan Lewis and state Rep . Pam Sawyer . Numerous other current and former members of the Vernon Town Council were also present .

“ This renovation exemplifies the good things that are here in town for people , the message is that this will allow us to provide better access to the community and the community to have better access to their government , ” McCoy said .

“ This is a great day because the building is now open for all of the public to enjoy , and it is a rewarding and bipartisan experience , ” Janowski said .

The renovations occurred in a building , the Memorial Town Hall , which is rich in local history . The building is one of only three buildings in the state dedicated to the Grand Army of the Republic , with the others located in Madison and Meriden . The original tin ceiling of the Vernon Memorial Building was preserved during the renovation .

“ To those of us who believe in preservation , this building stands as a shining example , ” Lewis said , noting that the dedication occurs in the yearwhen Vernon is celebrating its bicentennial .

“ It gives yougoose bumps to stand here in the ballroom of a time gone by , ” Sawyer said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony , alluding to the historical past of the area outside of the new mayor’s office .

The public is welcome to view the renovations on the third floor at anytime after Aug . 19 , from 8 : 30 a . m . – 4 : 30 p . m . Monday through Wednesday , 8 : 30 a . m . – 7 p . m . on Thursdays , and 8 : 30 a . m . – 1 p . m . on Fridays .