Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker was joined by State Department of Health and Family Services Helene Nelson, County Board Chairman Lee Holloway, Supervisor Elizabeth Coggs-Jones, Mayor Marvin Pratt, and County Department of Health and Human Services Director Paula Lucey, as he officially reopened the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center, 1220 W. Vliet Street.

Close to 500 guests and family members of the Coggs’ family were in attendance, as local leaders spoke of what the newly remodeled facility will offer clients in Milwaukee area.

"We’re excited to officially unveil this newly remodeled building, which will now serve as a flagship facility for health and human services in our county," said County Executive Walker

This health and human services center was closed 18 months ago for renovations.

The roughly $12 million redesign and rebuilding initiative—which has roughly 200,000 square feet of office space—included major changes to the building’s infrastructure, utilities and mechanical systems that were the process of deterioration.

The new remodeled center will continue to provide economic maintenance services, food stamps, Medicaid, childcare and energy assistance.

The department’s Disability Services Division will move its resources and client services into this facility. More highlights include a new drop-off daycare center, a convenience store, and a new verification center for clients.

"This building has been redesigned to be flexible, so we can adjust and easily adapt to better serve our clients," said Paula Lucey, DHHS director.

In January, Walker officially renamed the county health facility after civil rights leader Marcia P. Coggs, who passed away last fall.

"We are elated to have this facility named after my mother," said Supervisor Elizabeth Coggs-Jones. "We have family in from across the country today to celebrate in this opening, and I know my mom would be proud to be a part of this facility that helps so many lives in our community."