Central Area Police Substation and Community Services Center

These community-based facilities are sited on important neighborhood intersections, as well as near public transportation (trolley station), to create connections within the community and a strong street presence. The entries of both facilities are placed directly on the corners of main thoroughfares as “beacons and welcoming signs”, and symbols of community based policing. Inside, the arrangements of the rooms and windows establish a dialogue with the outside.

The police substation successfully incorporates mission style architecture with modern lines, contributing to the site’s aesthetic value. The building includes a plaza and traditional tower element, which defines the entrance and is reminiscent of the original station. The community services center is a fun, contemporary building, accentuated with a curved wall that addresses the intersection and an inviting functional public space. A vertical element that includes a clock tower visible to pedestrians and trolley riders marks the center’s entrance.