JACINTO CITY – Workers have erected the steel frame for the new two story police station, and last week poured the concrete for the second floor. Utility lines are now being installed, and the exterior skin of the building will be next.
The new building replaces the existing 50 year old station, which has had major electrical and roof problems in the last few years. It will be demolished after the new station is complete.
The new station will meet modern life safety codes and will be very energy efficient. In addition to areas for general police work, there will be several holding cells, offices, a workout room, fingerprint lab and a large conference room that will also serve as the Emergency Operations Center during disasters. In addition there will be 9 holding cells, 6 for men and 3 for women.
Architect Ed Gant stated that the building will be a two story brick design with aluminum framed windows, and a metal standing seam roof. Area of the first floor is 10,710 square feet, with a “Sally port” of an additional 1830 s.f. The second floor is 8,966 s.f., and total building size is 21,506. The second story will allow expansion for future needs. Cost is budgeted at just over $2 million.
In the parking lot will be space for a “Safe Trade Zone” where security cameras will focus on individuals as they trade items bought or sold online. City Manager Squyres said he expects the building to host regional training activities, and local law enforcement initiatives.