Prefectica
The Prefectural Complex is built in the same location as the Prefectoral Palace and fulfils much of the same functions. The Prefectoral Palace had burned down during the Year of the Four Kaisers and the site had been rubble until this latest project was approved for construction. The remains of the previous structure were cleared and the site was excavated down to the bedrock and rebuilt with an extensive substructure. It has not been officially confirmed, but anonymous sources indicate that the new Prefectural Complex connects to the old IAC underground tunnels, suggesting that these too are being refurbished for the discrete transportation of government notables throughout Shirekeep. The construction of the complex from scratch has allowed the city government to include features that would not have been available had the old palace simply been rebuilt. These include a defensive perimeter which, during a moment of crisis, can raise a hardened barrier all the way around the complex and protect those inside from virtually anything below armoured vehicles.
Prefectoral Palace
On 4290 ASC, with Imperial Decree 482, in which the function of Lord Mayor of Shirekeep became Prefect, the Prefectoral Palace was built to house the Prefect of Shirekeep and Skyla. The palace was located in the Boreal Quarter. As a result several Elwynnese and Hyperborean houses which has stood there for centuries were broken down and replaced by a palace.
The palace was surrounded by walls, just like Raynor's Keep, which have the purpose to protect the Prefect and citizens during an attack of the city. Besides that, the location of both the Prefectoral Palace as Raynor's Keep give the defenders the chance to help each other by bombarding the enemy forces from two sides (the palace has its own artillery and guards).
The palace was burnt to the ground during the Year of the Four Kaisers (1644 AN), and a new site for its was selected by the Steward Daniyal Dravot.
The government of the City of Shirekeep quietly relocated into its new central administrative building. The building, dubbed the Prefectica, after the Prefect of Shirekeep, served as a hub for a new complex still under construction at the site of the old Prefectoral Palace. The Prefect's residence, city courts, open-air market, park space, and city archival facilities were added in subsequent iterations.
The Prefectica had its official opening and completion postponed until 1651 AN, to avoid a celebratory atmosphere during the period of mourning decreed for the late Kaiseress Noor.
The Prefectural Complex covers 6.51 hectares, with much of that space given over to barracks for the Scholae Apollonae, the Prefect's personal legion. Four permanent structures occupy the complex: the central Prefectica -- where the majority of city administration is housed along with several public spaces for events, the Prefect's Residence, the Central Court Building, and the Hall of Records. Phase II construction plans remained on hold as of 1658.
