The move into the new Auburn Hall begins today.

By Friday, city government will have abandoned its offices on Spring Street, with its work beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, at the downtown Court Street location. The School Department is expected to begin the move into its new offices there in November.

After Columbus Day, city government will have a new phone number, 333-6600. It’s a good idea to make a note of it now, before the move is complete.

Much has been made of the building and its costs. But for a project of this size, the city should be commended. According to City Manager Pat Finnigan, the renovation is within 2 percent of its estimated budget, with a final price tag of about $8.7 million.

That’s a hefty sum, no doubt, but residents have a city building they can be proud of. And if promised savings materialize from the consolidation of city and school administration to this single, central location, residents will benefit financially in the long run.