The City Hall stands on the shore of Lake Tjornin in the city center. The idea of a City Hall had been discussed for many years but the concept was finally approved by the city council in 1987 and a competition was held to find the perfect design. The building was completed and inaugurated in 1992. The building's ground floor is designed so it is an extension of the street connecting the town center and the west. Passers-by are drawn into the building where they can be enticed by cultural exhibits and activities. Visitors can also enjoy the view of the lake from the City Hall Café Ondin. The highlight of a visit to the City Hall is the scale 3D model of the whole of Iceland. Also on the ground floor is an information desk and Internet access.  On the upper floors of the building there are municipal offices and the Mayor's office. The building has two blocks each lit from above by a roof light over a central open space.  The design uses local materials and is created to illustrate the connection between the lake and environment to the city.