Construction of New Police Department Headquarters Planned in Eden Prairie

The city council of Eden Prairie has taken a crucial step towards the construction of a modern police department headquarters by approving the hiring of Boarman Kroos Vogel Group (BKV Group) for planning and architectural services. The contract, valued at $988,300, will provide the city with design concepts, schematics, and project oversight for the remodeling of the west end of city hall, ultimately relocating the Police Department to the vacant west side of the Eden Prairie City Center.

After inviting architectural proposals and receiving two options, the city chose BKV Group as the more cost-effective choice, with a difference of $200,700 compared to the other proposal. This decision comes as the Police Department requires a larger space to accommodate its growing staff size. Furthermore, the new headquarters will offer indoor parking for 68 police vehicles.

The project has been in the works for approximately seven years as part of the city’s long-range capital plan. With a rough budget estimate of $13.6 million, the city believes that the project can be executed successfully without a significant increase in property taxes, thanks to the retirement of older capital project debts.

The remodeled area, expected to be approximately 100,000 square feet, will include a 25,000-square-foot indoor garage. This space has remained vacant since the departure of tenants such as United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) and the Eden Prairie School District. The remodeling process poses unique challenges, particularly regarding the addition of security features like holding cells.

Once the Police Department has relocated, approximately 50,000 square feet of space in the east end of the building will be available for lease to other users.

BKV Group, a reputable Minneapolis-based firm specializing in law enforcement projects, has been contracted for this project. With over 100 similar projects completed throughout the country, the group’s expertise is well-established. Eden Prairie officials will also be touring a police station and public works building designed by BKV Group for the City of Rosemount, which is currently under construction. Additionally, BKV Group is involved in the Chanhassen Civic Campus project, which includes the construction of a new city hall and senior center.

The source of the article is from the blog aovotice.cz