City plans $34M renovation for Service Center to enhance public works operations

Lafayette City officials are pushing for significant renovations to the aging Service Center, originally built in 1973, to address critical infrastructure and operational challenges. During a community meeting on April 2, 2025, city leaders highlighted the urgent need for upgrades to the facility, which serves as the hub for public works operations, including maintenance for fire trucks, police vehicles, and snowplows.

The current building struggles with outdated technology and inadequate space, making it difficult to accommodate larger equipment. "Our biggest equipment, like our ladder trucks for our fire department, do not fit in there to be maintained," a city representative explained, emphasizing the need for better design and functionality. The facility also suffers from poor insulation and climate control, leading to issues like frozen pipes and flooding.

Plans for the renovation include enhancing security, improving energy efficiency, and expanding maintenance bays. The proposed upgrades are estimated to cost around $6 million, part of a larger $74 million investment across three major city projects, including the Civic Center and Recreation Center. City officials are exploring funding options, including a potential 20-year bond issuance, which would require generating approximately $6 million annually for debt service.

As the city prepares for the next steps, community members expressed support for the renovations, recognizing the importance of protecting valuable equipment and ensuring a safe working environment for staff. The anticipated design phase will take 6 to 8 months, followed by a year of construction, marking a significant step toward modernizing Lafayette's public works infrastructure.