Safford City Hall began as the North Ward School, for which bids were opened in February 1898 and the contract awarded to R. A. Smith Jr. and John Morris. Ready for the fall term in September at a cost of $5,400, the brick building had 18-inch walls on the lower level and 13-inch walls on the top floor, a galvanized roof with iron detailing, a large bell tower, two 24 by 35 foot rooms on each floor separated by a wide hallway, and single seats for 250 students. In February 1940, Safford approved a $40,000 bond issue to acquire block 42 from Safford Schools, purchasing the grounds and building for $24,000 and reserving the balance for a new town hall. Tucson architect H. O. Jaasted completed renovation plans in December 1941, but World War II delayed the work indefinitely. While vacant, the building housed the Red Cross, Rationing Board, Jr. Chamber of Commerce, the Welfare Office, and other functions, and during this period offices for utility companies acquired by Safford were located in the Municipal Utility building. After the city sold the town hall and fire station at 612 5th Avenue to J. Green for $11,000 in July 1951 and built a new fire station on block 42, the fire department moved into its new facility in November 1951. The town clerk, city building inspector, police, and judge then moved into the first floor of the Municipal Utility building, which became the new City Hall. Its exterior remodel, designed by H. O. Jested with Talley and Sons as general contractor, was completed by September 1957 and added a new flat roof, windows, door repairs, plaster, paint, and decorative front pilasters for $18,500. Because of these significant renovations, the structure is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places.