“Our goal to improve public safety is seen in this beautiful new state-of-the-art community including a 112-person public community meeting room where civic clubs and community PIPs can meet and address public safety issues in their neighborhoods... facilities of this kind demonstrate that public safety is still very much a high priority.”

—Sylvester Turner, Houston Mayor

The station in a park. That is how Houston Police Department describes its Southwest substation given its location within a neighborhood park. The goals for this station were to enhance service to this underserved area of the city, while also fostering the relationship with the citizens who reside there.

The facility provides the Houston Police Department with a state-of-the-art facility that exceeded the required minimum operational standards and is an example of how civic design and the well-being of a community can coalesce through one unified approach. An in-depth space needs analysis and architectural program were completed to ensure the building would accommodate the Police Department’s current needs while also allowing for predicted growth.

The design is a thoughtful combination of the police department’s operational needs and spaces required for the department’s interaction with the community. Areas available to the public, such as the lobby, front desk, and meeting room, are located along the south side of the building, nearest the park and public entrance to the site. The building promotes ‘community policing’ by using its welcoming public spaces to create partnerships and build trust.

The 52,000 SF Substation also includes a fleet maintenance shop, fleet fueling station, and a helistop.