Needham-based Nauset Construction on Tuesday began the $8 million restoration of Quincy’s 169-year-old city hall. The building is believed to be the oldest functioning city hall in the country.

The project includes a full restoration of the 1844 building’s granite façade and a complete renovation of its long-deteriorating interior. The space’s "great hall," will be restored to its original stature and layout. New meeting space will be created for the city’s boards and commissions, as will exhibition space for any number of historic artifacts, including letters from John Adams, John Quincy Adams and John Hancock.

Quincy-based Holmes & Edwards, Inc. is the architect. Work is expected to be completed by fall 2014.