Northglenn approves design plans for new 169000 square foot police facility

The Broomfield City Council convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the construction of a new police department building, a project aimed at addressing the growing needs of the community. The council unanimously acknowledged the necessity for a new facility, as the current police department is operating in a space that is inadequate for its needs.

Katie Allen, the Director of Community Development, presented the proposal for architectural and engineering design services from Anderson Mason Dale Architects. The current police department occupies 35,424 square feet, but projections indicate that a modern facility should be between 70,000 and 75,000 square feet to accommodate future growth. The proposed new building is expected to be approximately 169,000 square feet, allowing for expansion and improved functionality.

The selected site for the new building is located at the northwest corner of Combs Drive and Third Avenue, an area that has been evaluated for its capacity to support necessary parking and infrastructure. The design will incorporate features essential for a police facility, including secure parking, energy-efficient systems, and areas for evidence processing.

The estimated cost for the design services is approximately $4.7 million, with total construction costs projected at around $73.5 million. The council anticipates that a general obligation bond will be issued in early 2026 to fund the project, which is expected to take about 12 to 14 months for design and permitting, followed by 17 to 18 months of construction.

During the meeting, council members raised questions regarding the integration of the new police facility with the existing court system. While the police department will relocate to the new building by the end of 2027, discussions about expanding the court facilities are ongoing, with plans to utilize part of the current police building for court functions once the police move out.

The council emphasized the importance of energy efficiency in the new design, aligning with Colorado's low energy and low carbon code. However, it was noted that the project will not pursue LEED certification, as the focus will be on practical energy-efficient solutions rather than additional costs associated with certification.

As the city moves forward with this project, the council remains committed to ensuring that the new facility meets the needs of the community while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The next steps will involve further design phases and continued discussions about the future of the court system in relation to the new police building.