The City of Lafayette, American Structurepoint, and Kettelhut Construction have earned the Public Works Project of the Year Award for the Lafayette Public Safety Center from the Indiana Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).

The 70,000-sft public safety center’s design incorporates several state-of-the-art technology features and community policing concepts. Design team partners included Architects Design Group (ADG), a national firm specializing in public safety facilities, MKSK landscape architects who designed a public plaza and greenspace, and Kettelhut, who served as general contractor and construction manager.

City officials and the design team partnered to create a cutting-edge space for the Lafayette Police Department that would house gathering spaces where police officers and the public can build better relationships.

A high-tech Analysis and Response Center (ARC) serves as the police department’s special operations and criminal intelligence hub. The ARC contains 16 monitors and an 86-inch interactive smart board that can tap into a live feed of every surveillance camera and body camera across Lafayette.

Other security elements include bullet-resistant glazing in key areas and a safe room where victims of crime can seek immediate assistance from police officers.

The center also has renewable energy sources, such as solar power and energy-efficient technologies, to deliver a sustainable and environmentally friendly operation. An array of over 200 solar panels is estimated to offset energy usage by up to 40%, and strategic use of glazing allows the building to reduce artificial lighting loads. EV charging stations are located throughout the parking structure.

The public safety center’s emphasis on community engagement is evident. A second-floor community room can accommodate up to 100 guests. The community room adjoins an outdoor plaza featuring a pergola and seating area for live entertainment and movie screenings. A large 2-story lobby, connected by a monumental staircase, further enhances public access.

“We are honored to share this recognition with the City of Lafayette and our design partners,” said Brandon Hoopingarner, American Structurepoint’s architecture principal. “The center provides the Lafayette Police Department with a modern facility featuring accessible public spaces for many future community interactions.”