The City of Lubbock transformed the long-vacant Citizens Bank building at 14th Street and Avenue K into Citizens Tower, a modern civic center that now serves as the heart of city government. This comprehensive redevelopment project included demolition of an adjacent parking garage to create surface parking, renovation of the 11-story tower and annex for City Hall departments, and construction of a new single-story structure above a second basement to house the Utility Customer Services Center.
Originally a deteriorating and environmentally contaminated structure, the building sat unused for 20 years before the City’s acquisition. Following extensive demolition—leaving only the concrete frame and basement—the building was reconstructed with high-performance materials, environmentally responsive façades, and a transparent, welcoming ground level that engages the public and revitalizes the surrounding urban space.
The renovated tower includes stacked departmental offices from floors 3–10, a second-floor conference center and terrace, and the 11th floor houses executive offices for city leadership. Designed with long-term durability and future flexibility in mind, the facility anchors a new civic plaza that fosters community engagement and symbolizes investment in downtown redevelopment.
Completed in June 2020, Citizens Tower is more than a government headquarters—it is a “civic lantern,” an iconic beacon of progress and a catalyst for Lubbock’s continued downtown revitalization.