Former Clarkston City Hall & Police Station

The former Clarkston City Hall and Police Station is a distinctive municipal complex that captures the essence of 20th-century civic architecture. Following the city’s transition to its new headquarters in July 2025, this site has become a premier “blank canvas” for productions needing authentic government interiors. It offers a unique combination of high-ceilinged council chambers, dense administrative office clusters, and the gritty, functional texture of a legacy police station—all within a single, controllable footprint.

Clarkston itself adds a powerful contextual layer for storytelling. Widely recognized as the most diverse square mile in America, Clarkston is home to residents from more than 50 countries across six continents, with roughly half of the population being foreign-born. The city proudly refers to itself as “the Ellis Island of the South,” reflecting its long-standing role as a welcoming place for refugees and immigrants. The presence of an active railroad running through Clarkston further reinforces themes of movement, arrival, and connection—past and present.

Production-Ready Features

• The Council Chambers: A classic, wood-paneled or brick-accented assembly room (depending on the wing) that perfectly replicates a small-town court, city council dais, or public hearing room. It features built-in tiered seating and a formal atmosphere that requires minimal dressing for legal or political scenes.
• Legacy Police Wing: The former police department area provides a “lived-in” law enforcement aesthetic. This includes:
  • The Lobby: A secure, glass-partitioned reception area typical of precinct houses.
  • Interrogation/Processing Rooms: Functional, utilitarian spaces with period-appropriate linoleum and stark lighting.
  • Administrative Bullpens: Open-plan office spaces that can easily be dressed as a detective’s squad room or a busy government bureau.
• Architectural Character: The exterior features a mix of traditional brickwork and mid-to-late 20th-century design. Its “unassuming” look makes it a perfect double for any generic US municipality, from the Midwest to the Eastern Seaboard.
• City Hall Annex Proximity: This site is just blocks away from the historic 1055 Rowland St annex, allowing a production to film both modern government interiors and 19th-century period scenes within the same “unit move.”

Logistics & Accessibility

• Parking & Staging: The property sits on nearly an acre of land and includes a substantial paved parking lot. This is a major asset for scouts, as it can accommodate a full basecamp, including honeywagons, grip trucks, and catering, without the need for off-site shuttling.
• Control & Sound: As a former government hub, the building is built with thick walls and sound-dampening materials in the chambers, providing a relatively controlled environment for sync sound.
• Permitting: Being a city-owned property, the “Camera Ready” Clarkston Film Office has a direct interest in facilitating shoots here. Permitting is streamlined, and because the building is no longer the primary active seat of government (now a “hub” for Municipal Court and secondary services), there is much more flexibility for “lock-downs” and multi-day shoots.
• ITP Location: Situated conveniently Inside The Perimeter (ITP), it offers easy access for Atlanta-based crews while maintaining a “small-town” feel that is hard to find so close to the city center.