Serving as architect of record as part of the design-build team, Architects Design Group updated the design-build criteria package and completed full design services for the new Orlando Police Department Headquarters. As the design-build team began developing the project to its greatest potential, it became readily apparent that the needs of the department far exceeded the city’s development budget. Working together, the design team and general contractor prepared four development options to allow for 450 sworn officers to operate out of the new headquarters. Of the four options, only one fit the construction budget while meeting all program needs. This option included the adaptive reuse of an off-site warehouse for property and evidence, crime scene, and a portion of the training unit program.
The 100,000-SF facility serves as a major catalyst for urban growth while integrating itself into the historic neighborhood, the Parramore District. The entrance plaza is located at the most prominent corner of the site and welcomes public visitors through the north public entrance. The building features a community meeting room for up to 320 people, a 4,500-SF gymnasium, real-time crime center, and over 35,000 SF of office space for every bureau within the police department. The meeting room is a multi-purpose space with an adjacent warming kitchen and chair storage space offering the flexibility to accommodate a full range of uses from graduation banquets for the police academy and other community meetings.
This project was featured in the International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP) Police Facilities Planning Guidelines as a case study. It received the AIA Award of Excellence in 2018 and the AIA Orlando Chapter Award of Excellence in 2015. This facility is also LEED Silver Certified.
For more information, please visit: OPD Tour and OPD Grand Opening
