Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I access information about the City of Lafayette's Public Safety Center and Parking Garage?

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What is the vision of the Public Safety Center and Parking Garage?

The Public Safety Center and Parking Garage is more than a building, it is a community gathering space where relationships can be built. It is the intersection where law enforcement and police officers, the community, people who need help, and people who want to help build the future can come together with the right type of technology and the right kinds of amenities to make that possible.

What is the purpose of the Public Safety Center and Parking Garage?

First it gives our police officers every tool they need to go home safe each night to their families. Secondly, to keep us all safe here in this community and to serve our constituents better, it provides an opportunity to understand how we police and to improve the policing dynamic. Finally, it welcomes community members to meet and gather in spaces like a Community Meeting Room and an outdoor terraced Plaza.

Why is the Public Safety Center and Parking Garage important?

It is anticipated that 50% of current administrative work performed by police officers will be reduced by new technology and improved flow in our future building. This will allow our police officers time to work differently in the community - partnering with schools, non-profit organizations, and mental health facilities as a resource - serving the community in ways beyond just enforcement, but as cornerstones to strong relationships that are part of the solution to keeping Lafayette safe.

Why do we need a building? Can't we just use the current Police Department Building?

In 1995, an expansion to City Hall was completed in order to accomodate the growing number of personnel in all departments. Space was dedicated to LPD who had 80 sworn officers at the time. Now, 25 years later, the City has expanded and in order to provide services to our larger population, LPD has doubled the number of officers. There is simply not enough space and City Hall was not originally designed properly for policing functionality.

The existing building is compartmentalized, lacks the necessary number of offices and square footage for evidence processing and storage, and has no natural light in much of the building which creates an inconducive work environment for many personnel.

What are the benefits of the new Public Safety Center and Parking Garage?

This new facility will serve as a downtown Lafayette centerpiece that is welcoming and accessible. The four-floor, 70,000 square foot building will allow natural light on every level. As the City of Lafayette grows and service calls increase commensurately, the new facility and new technology will aid in recruiting new officers, a nationwide struggle.

Why is the Public Safety Center and Parking Garage important?

It is anticipated that 50% of current administrative work performed by police officers will be reduced by new technology and improved flow in our future building. This will allow our police officers time to work differently in the community - partnering with schools, non-profit organizations, and mental health facilities as a resource - serving the community in ways beyond just enforcement, but as cornerstones to strong relationships that are part of the solution to keeping Lafayette safe.

Where will this new building be located?

The Public Safety Center and Parking Garage will be built in the existing LPD parking lot at the southeast corner of 6th & Columbia Streets.

How long is construction expected to take?

Groundwork for the project starts in May 2021. The anticipated completion date is the first part of 2023.

What are normal construction hours, and will any night or weekend work occur?

Typical construction hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday‐Friday. Depending on weather and other factors impacting schedule, there may be crews working on weekends during these same hours.

Where will construction workers park during the project?

Contractors will likely park in public facilities and spaces, but we are also reviewing transporting contractors in from remote lots. The parking plan will evolve as more workers are needed on site.

Where will the Construction Manager’s office be located?

The construction manager, Kettelhut/Wilhelm, will have an office at the corner of South and 7th streets in the former Tempest Homes office. Staff from Kettelhut/Wilhelm will begin working at this location in mid‐May.

What changes to parking and traffic are expected?

We have placed high priority on minimizing the impact to traffic flow and parking for the duration of the project. Please see this map for details.

Who do I call if I have a question or concern about construction?

Please contact Tom Morlan 765‐476‐1266 tpm@kettelhut.com (Senior Project Manager) or Brian Devine 765‐404‐7590 bmd@kettelhut.com (onsite Job Superintendent) with any questions or issues that may arise during demolition or construction.