The existing Palmetto Police Department, built in the 1960s, is in a state of deterioration and is woefully undersized to appropriately serve the community and the police department. ADG was selected by the City of Palmetto to design a new facility for the Palmetto Police Department (PPD). Prior to working with the city and police department on the new headquarters design, ADG was contracted by the City of Palmetto to determine the current and future growth needs to accommodate a modern police facility, including 911 dispatch, to serve the citizens of the City of Palmetto. The culmination of this effort resulted in the spatial needs assessment prepared in 2018.
The new PPD headquarters was designed to withstand high winds and tidal surge associated with storms like those that previously damaged the existing facility. The new design allows the facility to withstand windspeeds of 162 miles per hour (3-second gust) and will enhance impact protection of glazing and openings in the building envelope. The building’s footprint has been lifted 36” above the existing site elevation to provide protection from projected storm surge resulting from up to a Category 3 hurricane. The raised facility also provides protection from man-made risks including ramming vehicles and site lines from the street to the interior of the building’s secure areas. Also included are secured outdoor spaces for gathering / training which maintain social distancing and the use of natural lighting for the building occupants while providing security and avoiding line of sight issues.
Additionally, the facility has been designed to enhance the quality of the City of Palmetto’s Downtown built environment. The design provides for a modern Police Headquarters while paying homage to the materials, colors, and texture within the existing City’s fabric including the historic Carnegie Library and adjacent brick materials.
