Austin Moves Forward with New Public Safety Headquarters to Replace Aging Facilities

Austin Prepares for New Public Safety Headquarters

AUSTIN, Texas — City leaders in Austin have determined that it is time for a change in the facilities used by the police, fire, and EMS departments. Mayor Kirk Watson did not hold back when describing the current buildings, calling them “crummy,” “pathetic,” and even “dirt sorry.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern over the aging infrastructure that these crucial services operate out of.

New Location and Renovations

On Friday, officials announced that the city is close to finalizing the purchase of a new facility located in South Austin near Zilker Park. This new property is set to serve as a consolidated headquarters for the police, fire, and EMS agencies. The city plans to spend $107.6 million to buy the building and an additional $13 million on renovations. The City Manager, T.C. Broadnax, mentioned that this option is actually more economical than constructing a new building, as it costs less than half the price of building something new from scratch.

Addressing Current Challenges

Mayor Watson outlined various issues with the current settings. City agencies, including the Austin Police Department (APD), have been struggling with outdated facilities that lead to high maintenance costs. Problems range from failing mechanical systems and lack of parking to crumbling foundations and inadequate restroom facilities. New Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis noted serious shortcomings at the department’s current downtown headquarters on Eighth Street, citing the absence of hot water, facilities for new mothers to breastfeed, and space for community gatherings as major concerns.

Future Plans for Current Locations

Despite the upcoming move, APD will maintain a downtown precinct to keep some presence in the area. Watson remarked on the value of the current APD headquarters, stating, “It’s a property owned by the city in a pretty good location,” hinting at the potential for this property to generate revenue in the future once it is no longer used as a headquarters. The present headquarters on Ed Bluestein Boulevard has been deemed “woefully insufficient.” It suffers from a faulty foundation, cracked walls and ceilings, and significant accessibility challenges for individuals with disabilities.

EMS Current Operations and Future Needs

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) currently operate out of the RBJ Public Health Center located on Waller Street, near Lady Bird Lake. Originally a nursing home, this building doesn’t meet modern standards and needs new fire protection and sanitary systems. Additionally, numerous issues related to mechanical system failures affect its ability to function effectively. According to Broadnax, the effort to centralize all public safety services under one roof has been discussed for more than 20 years.

Next Steps

The Austin City Council is set to vote on October 24 to approve the acquisition and renovation of the new facility on Barton Skyway. City leaders believe this decision will not only improve the conditions in which these public safety agencies operate but will ultimately provide a more sustainable solution compared to leasing or remodeling the old properties. If the vote passes, this will mark a significant milestone in Austin’s endeavor to modernize its public safety infrastructure.

As plans move forward, residents can expect to see improvements in how their public safety services are provided, along with a better equipped and more efficient environment for those serving the community.