The town of Quantico has been operating out of 337 5th Ave. since August, but a Dec. 6 open house was the first time some residents had stepped inside the new seat of the town government.

The event celebrated the first town-owned office since Quantico was incorporated in 1927.

“It’s a good location, and I think it’s going to be a good deal,” said Mayor Kevin Brown, as residents and town officials, past and present, began streaming into the little building across from the post office that evening. “People are pleased with it and think it was a good investment.”

Until last summer, the town of Quantico had always used rented or donated space to conduct its business, but when the sale of the building where it had resided for about 20 years pushed the office into the town’s community center, officials decided it was time to make a purchase.

The building they chose has a history with both the town and the surrounding Marine Corps base, as it formerly housed the law offices of the town attorney and, more recently, a contractor for Marine Corps Systems Command.

At a little under 1,000 square feet, the little building has just enough room for three offices, a bathroom and a multipurpose conference/copy/kitchenette room. The three office desks belong to Brown, Town Clerk Rita Frazier and Treasurer Debra Kidwell.

“It was set up to be a contracting support office, so we just had to paint,” Brown said. “Everything was wired.”

As always, hours for walk-in business are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with appointments available until the office closes at 4 p.m.

Following tours of the building, the crowd headed next door for refreshments at Harry O’s Bakery and Deli.

— Writer: mdicicco@quanticosentryonline.com