Published: February 07, 2008 11:19 pm      

Police station design OK'd

Commission votes to move forward on new building

ASHLAND — After decades of waiting, the Ashland Police Department is poised to have a home of their very own.

Last night, the Ashland Board of City Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward on a design to build a two-story police station at the corner of 17th Street and Greenup Avenue. The station would be located directly across the street from City Hall. It would be constructed with cast stone and jumbo bricks but imitate the appearance of other buildings in the area, architects said Thursday night.

Brandstetter Carroll Inc., which has offices in Lexington, Louisville, Cincinnati and Cleveland, was selected by city leaders last fall to design the building. The firm has been working closely with a committee of APD and city officials to ensure the design meets the department’s priorities.

Architect Bernie Zofcin said some key elements of the design had to be modified in order to stay in line with the city’s $4.5 million budget. Plans changed from an elevated single story building with enclosed parking underneath to a two story building with a sally port for police vehicles and outdoor parking.

The building’s size was also shrunk because of budget constraints. The size decreased from approximately 21,000 square feet to about 17,000 square feet but it will be designed to allow for future expansion, Zofcin said.

The building is still in danger of being over budget, Zofcin said, adding the sally port will be bid as an alternative package once the project reaches its construction phase just in case. He told commissioners, however, that he sees the secure sally port as a security necessity. “A police station really needs a sally port,” he said.

The entire building has been designed with security in mind, he said. Amenities such as secured corridors, separate entrances for the public and police personnel, private interview offices and secure storage and records areas have all been included to ensure the highest level of safety, Zofcin said.

Police Chief Rob Ratliff said the department is pleased with the design despite the changes. “I think it’s a move ahead for us,” he said. “It’s something we’ve needed for many many years.”

For that reason, Ratliff said he would like to see construction begin as quickly as possible.

Zofcin told city officials he thinks it will take another four to five months to reach construction. He said at the earliest ground will be broken near the middle of summer. The building will take 12 to 14 months to construct, he said.

CARRIE KIRSCHNER can be reach at ckirschner@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.