Richard Johnson outlines Quail Creek police precinct plan; staff say construction could be budgeted in 2027

Richard Johnson presented plans for a proposed new police precinct at Quail Creek during the Fairhope City Council work session, walking council members through an architecturally detailed floor plan and operational features.

Johnson described an approximately 80x80 pre-engineered building with a public lobby, public restrooms, a 1,000-square-foot training room with an adjacent kitchen that can be secured or used for events, administrative offices with a secure portal to the lobby, and a 675-square-foot muster room for shift roll call. He said the plan includes eight hot‑seated sergeant offices, two lieutenant/management offices, a training officer space with secure storage, staff restrooms and lockers, and private showering facilities intended to support officers working extended shifts or emergency operations.

The design also calls for a large covered porch on the north side for servicing police vehicles and secure equipment storage, and Johnson said staff want the building to read residentially — with craftsman‑style columns, brick wainscoting and lap siding — so it fits with the neighborhood across from the clubhouse on Quail Creek Drive. He noted the main conditioned area is roughly 6,000 square feet (6,400 square feet including an enclosed porch).

On siting and connectivity, Johnson said staff and the architect are evaluating a possible single-lane access road from Quail Creek to Windmill to improve low-speed vehicle access for residents and officer routing, but the alignment and final scope remain under review.

On cost and schedule, Johnson said plans could be ready to go to bid by Oct. 1 and that the chief is likely to discuss construction budgeting during the 2027 budget process; he cautioned that final cost estimates were not provided and that total cost could run into “a few more millions” than preliminary expectations.

Councilmembers raised circulation and accessibility questions — particularly bathroom access for staff offices — and Johnson said the chief and architect will revisit floor‑plan details (noting an earlier door had been removed to create additional office space). The presentation concluded with staff asking for council feedback as drawings are finalized.

The presentation did not include a formal vote; staff asked for input and said refinements would be made before returning with final drawings and budget figures.