County leaders unveiled the building's new signage Friday morning before a crowd gathered to honor former Mayor William V. Bell, whose name now appears on the county government structure previously known as Administration II. Cheers broke out as the covering dropped to reveal the new lettering.
"Well, you can't help but feel good," Bell told ABC11. "But, you know, as I said today, they're recognizing me but... you really are honoring the people that supported me over the years."
Bell, who said he never pursued public service with expectations of having a building named after him, added that he hopes the recognition inspires others.
"I hope it will encourage others, especially young African American males and females, to try to be involved in the community and not necessarily to get their name on a building, but to be able to make a contribution," he said. "That's what I like about Durham. People can make contributions in various ways. You don't have to be the mayor or the chairman or the county commissioners judge."
Bell's public service career spans more than five decades. He was first elected to the Durham County Board of Commissioners in 1972, later becoming chair, before being elected mayor in 2001. He went on to serve 16 years, making him the longestserving mayor in the city's history.
County officials said the renaming represents more than a symbolic gesture and reflects Bell's leadership, integrity and longstanding commitment to Durham's future.
"I'm grateful to the county commissioners who had the courage to make this a reality," Mayor Leo Williams said. "This is the impact that we will never forget. Your impact will be everlasting because 50 years from now, there's going to be a kid who's going to walk right through here. They're going to look up and see that name and they just might say, 'Let me Google who that is.' And that's the everlasting impact."
Bell's family, including his grandchildren, attended the ceremony. He said sharing the moment with them made the honor even more meaningful.