Council OKs $1.79 million renovation of police regional training center at former armory site
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Summary
The council awarded a $1,793,000 contract to Watson Commercial Construction to renovate a training center and related facilities on the armory property, creating classroom space, a gym and upgraded restrooms and security for regional police training and a substation role.
The Tyler City Council approved a $1,793,000 contract to renovate space at the former armory site into a regional police training center and substation.
Police and city staff outlined a multi‑year effort to develop regional training capacity and expand the department’s academy. The planned renovation covers approximately 10,000 square feet—about 6,000 square feet of interior training space plus gym, locker rooms and upgraded restrooms—along with parking‑lot restriping, security fencing and site improvements. The project will allow the department to host additional academies and regional training and create a more permanent local training footprint.
City Engineer Darren Jennings said the project attracted eight bids; the selection committee recommended Watson Commercial Construction, a local contractor. The contract includes an alternate to replace 16 upper windows in the large training room for energy and efficiency reasons. Funding was approved by the half‑cent sales tax board at its May 13 meeting.
Police officials noted the broader public safety and community benefits of local training capacity and a substation presence. Council approved the contract by motion; Watson Commercial Construction will begin work according to the project schedule provided by the city.
