The Lancaster PSB reflects contemporary thinking in civic interdisciplinary design, combining functioning police and fire stations, administrative headquarters, fire marshal’s offices, an emergency operations center, and 911 dispatch functions under one “roof”. Sited as a gateway into a community park with a material palette (smooth and corrugated metal, stucco, CMU) that relates to yet distinguishes from existing structures, the facility creates a striking image pointing to the future while connected conceptually to a unique cherished town square.

Flooded with natural daylight and featuring soaring angled ceilings, a dramatic cantilevered roof frame is reflected in a water feature fronting on the access highway. Interiors are designed carefully to encourage interaction and facilitate communication and collaboration between the police and fire departments within the shared fitness facilities, lobby and public areas, dispatch, training facilities, break rooms and other support spaces. The combined Police and Fire facility created a gateway building, evoking a feeling of unity and pride for the users and the community.