Commission approves up to $80,000 agreement with MCD Architects for police department renovations

The Birmingham City Commission on Oct. 6 approved an agreement with MCD Architects for design services related to renovations and targeted expansions at the police department, not to exceed $80,000.

Chief (Police) and staff described four design projects: an interview room in the clerical area to reduce prisoner movement through public spaces; a garage expansion at the Department of Public Services (DPS) yard for vehicle and evidence storage; a sally port to improve secure prisoner transport; and an expansion of the dispatch center to accommodate equipment and operations. Staff said the projects stem in part from accreditation assessors’ noted safety and security concerns and from long‑standing space constraints.

MCD Architects was selected following a July RFP and pre‑bid attendance; staff noted MCD’s local references, including recent work on the Baldwin Public Library, as a factor. The commission discussed long‑term facility needs and whether a future consolidated police station would alter priorities. Staff said the design contract covers all four projects and that the interview room and garage had funding in the current fiscal year, with the sally port and dispatch expansion budgeted in later years; examples discussed included a sally port budget line shown in the package and a $250,000 garage figure noted in budget materials.

A motion to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement and to fund $72,000 from account 403.0‑901.301‑977.0000 and $8,000 from account 101.0‑301.000‑971.0100 passed by roll call vote.

Why it matters: The designs respond to accreditation recommendations and address security and evidence storage; designs are the next step before construction budgeting and scheduling.

Next steps: MCD will proceed with design work; staff will return with construction costs and schedule for individual projects when available.