Architects Design Group, in association with PWA Architects, was selected for the programming, master planning, and design of the new 21,836-SF Columbia Police Department Molly Thomas Bowden Neighborhood Policing Center. The program consists of the Operations Bureau and the Criminal Investigations Division with interview rooms, SWAT, K-9 unit, community services, and special operations, as well as the associated offices. The precinct will also include a secure vehicle sally port, vehicle evidence processing, storage, and facility support functions. A separate rolling assets storage building is located within the secure compound.
Community engagement is an important aspect to the Columbia Police Department. As such, the site is designed with a public plaza and the facility is designed to welcome and encourage public use of the community meeting room. The new neighborhood policing center is designed to be a compatible with the surrounding commercial zoning, but also provide an open façade to the surrounding communities and the adjacent community at the east end of International Drive. The site is designed to the local development code and the building is designed to essential facility survivability codes which include a tornado shelter.
Unique to this project, local artist Beth Nybeck, created a geometric sculpture as part of the city’s Percent for Art program. The program seeks to enhance the public environment, increase civic pride, and promote economic development. The inspiration for the geometric sculpture of the seedpod is to represent the symbolic relationship of community and family.
The building is named for Officer Molly Thomas Bowden. Officer Bowden was killed while conducting a traffic stop on Jan. 10, 2005. ADG is proud to play a small part in the legacy of the building’s namesake and to honor her sacrifice.
