This facility received the Law Enforcement Facilities II Gold Award in the 2023 Officer Station Design Awards.
Official Project Name: City of Weatherford Public Safety Facility
Project City/State: Weatherford, Texas
Date Completed: September 15, 2022
Chief/Director: Police Chief Lance Arnold
Project Area (sq. ft.): 33,970
Total Cost: $19,000,000
Cost Per Square Foot: $560.00
Architect/Firm Name: BRW Architects
City/State: Dallas, Texas
Phone: (214) 528-8704
Website: brwarch.com
Design Team: BRW Architects: Mark Watford, FAIA - Architect of Record; Fred Clifford, AIA - Project Principal; Chris Sano, AIA - Project Designer; 720-Design: Don Wertzberger, AIA - Public Safety Kimley Horn – Civil; JQ Engineering – Structural; MEPCE – MEP; SMR Landscape - Landscape
Project Description
Positioned as a new landmark and gateway into the historic City of Weatherford, the Public Safety Facility functions as a symbol of strength, safety, and the community’s civic pride. Meeting the demands of a growing city with ever-evolving safety and security concerns, the city understood it was essential for the Police Department to expand into a new facility.
Relocating the department also allowed for a reconnection to the historic downtown square and county courthouse just down the street. The heart of the interior features warm finishes, natural lighting, and outdoor views providing the police, staff, and visitors with a welcoming working environment. Incorporating health, safety, and wellness as integral components, the design balances daylight penetration with security and visual privacy. The interplay of light and space is skillfully controlled, creating a secure environment without compromising on openness.
Promoting holistic well-being for building occupants, the movement-friendly floor plan encourages physical activity and social interaction. Connection nodes offer opportunities for the building users to collaborate and mingle as they go about their day. A feature stair, located at the core of the design, promotes activity throughout the workday, while longer exercise can be completed inside or out with an indoor gym, outdoor fitness courtyard, and quarter-mile track along the site's perimeter. For moments of rest, a decompression courtyard offers time for reflection and relaxation while quiet/wellness rooms allow for private respite.
Rooted in a deep commitment to the community, this design harmonizes security, functionality, culture, and user well-being, to ensure the Department and the City of Weatherford will be able to continue to thrive for many decades to come.