NORTH AUGUSTA --- Mayor Lark Jones unveiled 100 Georgia Ave. as the new "heart and soul" of North Augusta on Sunday.

Mr. Jones and city officials welcomed guests to a tour of the four-story, $20 million municipal center.

"We wanted a building of architectural significance," Mr. Jones told the crowd during a presentation.

He said the city now has a defined entrance and everyone would come to know North Augusta as more than a bedroom community or a place with great recreational facilities.

Nothing was off limits to the more than 1,200 visitors, who peeked into closets and even sat in Mr. Jones' official chair in city council chambers.

"This isn't Mayberry anymore," said Ronald Smith, a resident since 2003.

"This makes North Augusta more of a city," he said.

While sweeping views of Georgia Avenue and Augusta from the Palmetto Terrace on the fourth-floor were the main draw, the Arts and Heritage Center on the first floor quickly became another favorite spot.

Residents viewed works by local and budding student artists and learned about the city's pottery legacy.

"After looking at the architectural rendering, there will be a lot of flexibility with that space," said Michael Fowler. "I see it being around for a long time."

The center's main attraction was a wooden bench with chipped, light blue paint from the city's old roller rink. Many baby boomers sat and recalled carving their own names in the benches.

The center will open for business July 7. The municipal building will open for business July 13.

Reach Julia Sellers at (706) 823-3424 or julia.sellers@augustachronicle.com.