Welcome back to our Architectural Blog Series. Today on the blog, we take a look at improvements – including windows, sunlight, view and security – that our team of architects incorporated in the design of the replacement York Regional Police Division 2 Headquarters, located in Richmond Hill.
About York Regional Police Division 2 Headquarters
Constructed in 1964, the original York Regional Police Division 2 Headquarters could no longer support expanding police services. Upgrades would have been required to meet increased demands and modernize the structure. While York Regional Police originally intended to renovate and extend the facility, an audit performed by our team revealed that, given the cost and interruption of services resulting from the need for lead remediation of the basement firing range, a new building would prove far more cost-effective. The new plans also allowed for inclusion of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS), 6 bay ambulance station.
Project Details
- Project Scope: New building
- Size: 47,000 sq. ft.
- Construction cost: $9.1 million
Our comprehensive approach to the new Headquarters design addresses the diverse requirements of staff, detainees and the public. The design focused on staff safety and comfort, while creating non-threatening public areas, and maximizing overall security.
One of our goals was to ensure that administrative areas would be non-institutional and designed to resemble modern, corporate offices. Located on the second floor to enhance staff safety, the lunchroom is lined with windows to provide open views to the exterior.
The locker rooms, also permeated with natural light, are designed to be easily modified to allow for increasing staff levels and changes in male/female ratios. All non-public areas are reached through state-of-the-art, electronically-controlled access.
The two-storey, sky-lit lobby and community room are welcoming, easily accessible and accommodating to public needs. To lessen feelings of vulnerability, witness- and child-interview rooms are made comfortable through features such as soft seating, acoustic wall coverings and subdued lighting.
Holding cells meet strict containment standards and our team applied its knowledge of maximum-security prison design on every detail, from the reinforcement of the concrete-block walls to the placement of secure light fixtures and security cameras.
The facilities include a six-bay ambulance garage with separate access provided for EMS staff, as well as office space, locker rooms and crew facilities. Durable, easy-to-clean materials, such as ceramic tiles, provide for efficient and cost effective maintenance.