Challenge: The police department of the City of Lawrence had outgrown its current facility and needed a space that would allow for future departmental growth while meeting current operational efficiency and public safety needs.

Solution: RQAW worked with the City of Lawrence and the Police Department to complete a feasibility study that assessed not only their current facilities but also their current and future space needs. The result of the study was a proposed facility that would maximize operational efficiency, enhance public safety, and be tailored to the department’s needs. The resulting project is a 3-story (including basement) 37,000-sf facility designed to complement the architecture of Fort Benjamin Harrison (located just north of the facility) by incorporating red brick, a front “porch,” and columns. The state-of-the-art facility includes a 911/dispatch center with its own break room, restrooms, offices, and conference areas. Each department was designed to accommodate immediate and future space needs. Other design highlights include a community training room with tiered seating for up to 112, a fitness area with locker rooms, and a secure vehicular sally port.