LAPD Unveils New Headquarters

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Police Department recently opened its new $437 million headquarters, designed to achieve LEED Silver certification.

The 500,000-square-foot facility incorporates several sustainability measures, including energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems, natural daylighting strategies, that use high-performance glass, low-flow and low-volume plumbing fixtures and recycled or renewable building materials, and is designed to achieve Silver LEED certification.

Denver-based firm Roth + Sheppard Architects designed the 10-story structure, which was constructed by Tutor-Saliba Corporation, in collaboration with the Los Angeles office of AECOM. Construction started in 2006.

The LAPD headquarters houses a top-secret operations room for secure communications with federal agencies and will support department operations with modern technology and systems, including a data center with fiber-optic server connectors, video conferencing facilities and a television studio with live stream capabilities.

Security plays an important role in the design of the facility, which includes secure underground parking, with public access and circulation limited primarily to the first floor and areas of the basement level. Circulation throughout other areas of the facility is monitored and controlled, with keycards required to open almost every hallway door.

The site integrates security measures that also contribute to the sustainability of the project, including vegetated areas with drought-resistant plants.

The design team also incorporated green space for occupants and visitors into the areas surrounding the building. A 400-seat civic auditorium, a fitness center and a café are among the facility’s amenities.

A meditative garden and memorial sculpture, situated on the top tier of the headquarters’ plaza area, was developed pro bono by local architectural firm Gensler in honor of the 202 Los Angeles police officers who have died in action.

Located across the street from the iconic City Hall building, the new headquarters provides workspace for 2,300 employees.

The building is one of 11 new police facilities developed using funds from a $600 million bond measure passed by voters in 2002. The public safety bond measure also provides funding to renovate 12 police stations citywide.