A Public Safety Safety Center With Room To Grow
Exterior photo of the new Public Safety Center in the Village of McFarland
In 2017, the Village of McFarland embarked on a comprehensive assessment of their existing municipal infrastructure and properties, envisioning the future growth and requirements of the community. On October 5th, this forward-thinking approach materialized with the grand unveiling of the new Public Safety Center—a testament to meticulous planning and diligent execution.
Spanning an impressive 56,000 square feet, the new Public Safety Center now houses crucial community services, including the Police Department, Fire Department, and Municipal Court. Within its walls you’ll find amenities such as multiple kitchens, living spaces, upgraded offices, spacious conference rooms, purpose-built apparatus bays, locker areas, inviting break rooms, and an emergency operations center. This facility was meticulously designed to accommodate growth, addressing a pressing concern from the previous municipal structures. Specifically, the Fire and EMS departments now boast ample space to expand their workforce by up to twelve employees as needed.
Setting a remarkable precedent, this shared facility is one of Wisconsin's first net zero public safety centers. With a commitment to sustainability, the center will be producing as much energy as it consumes. This impressive feat is made possible by the installation of 1,150 solar panels and a geothermal system comprising 53 wells. Furthermore, the surrounding landscape showcases a thoughtful integration of native plants and strategic bioretention areas, effectively minimizing maintenance needs and water consumption.
Throughout the journey of this ambitious project, challenges were met with resilience and innovation on all sides. The collaborative efforts of Huffman Keel Partners, JP Cullen, Bray Architects, and the Village of McFarland's visionary leaders, were instrumental in transforming this vision into a tangible reality. As we celebrate this momentous achievement, we extend our congratulations to the Village of McFarland. We invite everyone to visit and experience the new space firsthand.
