“Everybody absolutely loves the facility when they come through for a tour and I couldn’t be happier. I was so impressed with RSA’s knowledge when it comes to police facilities in that they go room by room...they were always there to provide their expertise.”

—Commander Greg Reeves, Thornton Police Department

The City of Thornton Fire Station #6 and Police Substation, also known as the Fossil Ridge Public Safety Facility, is a synthesis of programmatic efficiency and elegant simplicity. The facility embraces the project parameters of budget and function, and celebrates the innate simplicity found in designing a building from the inside out.

The concept for the design was a thoughtful approach to ‘protection’. The site design supports the notion of refuge by creating a distinct separation between the public and the secure areas of the building. We understand the importance of creating a building that is welcoming to the community, and yet protected for officers and staff. The departments housed within the facility face threatening factors as they perform their daily duties in protecting the citizens of Thornton. This facility is meant to be a shield against outside hazards, creating a safe, functional shelter for the building users.

The reception desk marks the threshold between the public and secure sides of the building and the concrete below the desk extends through the lobby and vestibule and continues to the exterior, becoming the site wall demarcating a secure entry. Ballistic glazing above the concrete enhances both safety and direct lines of sight.

During the day, the multi-functional Community Room views outward to the frontage road and main entry remains clear and unhindered. In the evening, the room glows like a lantern when members of the community gather within. And when used for police trainings, the perforated metal screen adds a sense of security for those inside.