COEUR d’ALENE — Beginning Monday, visitors to Coeur d’Alene City Hall must use the newly-completed downstairs entrance.

In an effort to start refurbishing the second floor of City Hall as part of the structure’s $1.9 million remodel, the city this week began relocating its staff downstairs.

The timely move comes five months after staffers moved upstairs from the first floor as construction crews began rebuilding the south side of the building, its downstairs, the elevator to make it ADA compliant and the building’s facade.

That completed, work on the upstairs will begin Monday, Oct. 23, which requires closing the entrance to City Hall from the library parking lot, Sam Taylor, assistant city administrator, said.

The good news is City Hall customers can park in the lower parking lot at 710 E. Mullan Ave. that faces McEuen Park when entering City Hall through the downstairs entrance. The lot has less traffic and also allows access to the library from its back door.

“This is a permanent change to accessing City Hall,” Taylor said.

The upstairs construction phase at City Hall will include renovation of the upper floor, upgrading the building’s HVAC system, as well as its security systems and ADA-compliant restrooms.

“Improvements … are focused on improving the experience for visitors, including a new customer service center ... and security upgrades for public and staff safety,” Taylor said.

Fencing will be placed around the east parking lot behind City Hall so contractor Ginno Construction can use the area.

To avoid getting stuck in the construction melee, Taylor encouraged customers to pay bills using the city’s website, cdaid.org. There is a $1.50 additional fee charged for online utility bill payments. Contractors can also use cdaid.org to apply for permits, submit plans or schedule inspections.