Great Bend, Kansas, a city rich in history, has recently embarked on a transformative journey to revitalize its infrastructure. The focal point of this revitalization effort is the construction of a state-of-the-art Police and Courts Facility. In collaboration with GLMV architecture, the city is embracing change to meet the evolving needs of its community.
The existing facility, a relic built in 1938, had served its purpose but was well beyond its useful life. Recognizing the need for a modern and efficient space, GLMV commenced a comprehensive programming process. This involved understanding the operational needs of the police department and municipal courts division, with an eye towards accommodating at least two decades of growth.
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- Front Entry
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- Lobby
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- Great Bend Courts
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- Great Bend Courts
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- Conference Room
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- Larger Conference Room
City Vision and Stakeholder Collaboration:
With programming completed, GLMV engaged stakeholders to shape the City’s vision for the future. The project wasn’t just about constructing a building; it was an opportunity to reinforce how Great Bend would grow and evolve over time. Vision meetings, collaboration sessions, and careful consideration of the community’s aspirations laid the foundation for the project’s next phases.
Design and Development:
Securing funding marked a significant milestone, enabling the design team to refine plans, develop technical documents, and support the City throughout the construction phase. The project’s design incorporated separate public lobbies for the police and courts, secure records and court clerks office areas, a courtroom with a capacity of 50, administrative and investigative offices, a briefing/squad room doubling as a storm shelter, locker and fitness areas, secure evidence storage, and a police garage.
Site Challenges:
Selecting a site for the new facility came with its own set of challenges. The chosen location was limited in size and included a municipal well water pump station house that needed to remain in place. The design team navigated these constraints with precision, ensuring the building and required parking seamlessly integrated into the existing space.
Construction Management Excellence:
Opting for the Construction Management delivery method, the project involved construction professionals from the onset. This approach provided valuable insights on budget, constructability, and schedule. Recently, the project reached a significant milestone with the Guaranteed Maximum Price set at $9,200,000 for the 20,000 SF facility.
The Great Bend Police and Courts Facility project stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to progress. Beyond bricks and mortar, it symbolizes the community’s dedication to providing its police force and judicial system with the tools and environment they need to serve effectively. As construction nears completion, Great Bend eagerly awaits the dawn of a new era, where a modern, purpose-built facility will safeguard the city and its residents for decades to come.
