A 20-acre public safety campus and police headquarters will provide vital law enforcement and public safety services to the Pima and Maricopa tribes within the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). Features include a main building housing dispatch, evidence storage, locker rooms, a fitness area and a community room, while a support building houses a vehicle bay, vehicle inspection and K-9 kennels.

A crucial design element on this $34-million project was dual redundancy for all mechanical and electrical systems to ensure emergency dispatch reliability. Low voltage systems, such as radio systems and radio amplification, further improve communication capabilities. Crews also installed additional main distribution frame racks in the 911 server room to accommodate future expansion and technological advancements.

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The structures are composed of a foundation of slab on grade with continuous spread footings and integral color CMU with steel beams, along with an exterior skin of masonry, metal wall panels and foam roofing. Native influences, historical visuals and artistic elements were woven into the project’s design as well.

Developed in collaboration with community representatives, the project has a minimalist aesthetic that blends with the natural surroundings. Split-face blocks and rusted steel reflect the nearby mountains and desert landscape.

The project team delivered the facility within budget and on time in April 2024