In 1927, a new city hall was designed by the prominent Fort Worth architectural firm Van Slyke and Woodruff in the Spanish Renaissance style, a very popular style in the Southwest during the twenties. Reminiscent of South Texas missions, the white brick building with ornamental stone embellishments, arched windows and tiled roof has two stories and a basement. The original plan included a belfry to hold the fire alarm bell because the fire station occupied the rear area of the building. This arrangement lasted through the 1970s until a new fire station was built near the city hall.  In 1969, city offices moved and in 1970, the Denton Community Theatre moved into the old city hall and used the auditorium for performances. This facility was called the "Firehouse Theatre" and occupied the space until 1981 when the city decided to move the police department into the building. Interior renovations began in 1982.