AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- In an effort to replace "suboptimal" facilities for all three of Austin's public safety departments, city leaders say they're close to finalizing a deal that would create a consolidated headquarters for Austin Police, Austin Fire, and Austin-Travis County EMS.
Mayor Kirk Watson made the announcement on Friday. The 386,000 square foot facility in Southwest Austin - off of MoPac Boulevard near Zilker Park - carries a purchase price of $107.6 million. The city says building a comparable facility from the ground up would cost $234 million; plans call for about $13 million in design and renovation costs to ensure the facility meets specific public safety needs.
“This purchase represents a historic opportunity to co-locate our public safety administrative and strategic functions, allowing for unprecedented collaboration and efficiencies,” Watson said. “All three agencies have been housed in aging, outdated facilities with costly problems ranging from failing mechanical systems and lack of parking to crumbling foundations and inadequate restroom facilities.
All three of Austin's public safety departments are currently operating in headquarters facilities that were built in 1970 or earlier. All of the facilities have experienced mechanical failures due to their age, and other needs that would be extensive and costly to repair.
“This vision of a co-located public safety headquarters has been in the works for more than 20 years, and we are excited it is so close to becoming a reality,” Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax said. “These critical public safety efforts under one roof will create a shared space that supports training, streamlines information sharing, and promotes a cohesive operational strategy, leading to improved service and stronger public safety outcomes for all Austinites.”
Council's Public Safety Committee will hear a presentation on the proposed acquisition during its meeting on Monday, Oct. 14; Council will vote on the proposal on Oct. 24.
