As designs for the new Lenexa Justice Center begin moving through the City’s planning approval process, the public is getting a closer look at what the new building will look like and how this facility will benefit the community.

The City Council endorsed the latest exterior concepts for the new facility during a recent committee of the whole meeting. The staff project team and architects from Finkle-Williams have been working for several months on an exterior design that utilizes the topography of the site while addressing project goals of security and approachability for the public.

“The building’s design will make community members feel welcome and will serve our police officers and professional staff extremely well,” said Police Chief Dawn Layman. “The design exudes our philosophy and culture inside and out. This is an exciting time for the Lenexa Police Department, and we can’t wait for shovels to be in the ground on this important project.”

The 97,000-square-foot police and court building and 23,500-square-foot training facility are designed to fit into the landscape of the southwest corner of Prairie Star Parkway and Britton Road. The main building’s unique shape helps it fit into the site’s topography and add visual appeal. The building sits on a low point near the intersection, and several sloped rooflines will create interesting views from the street.

Many existing mature trees will be preserved, and there will be plenty of green space left around the buildings on the 36-acre site. This will also allow room to expand the facility to meet future needs.

The exterior is largely glass and stone, materials that will be resilient and convey civic presence. The limestone-veneered lower walls are designed to look as if they’ve risen from the mines below the site. The band of windows that wraps around the top of the building add welcoming natural light during the day and glow like a beacon at night.

The public will enter via a parking lot on Britton Street into an open plaza with seating and landscaping. Wood elements around the glass entrance are designed to make the entrance feel warm and inviting.

Public visitors to both police and court will enter the same light-filled lobby, designed to be welcoming and secure. The layout will allow clear sightlines throughout the space and into the parking lot for public service officers. A public meeting room off the lobby will be a dedicated space for public programs and community events.

The secure area of the public safety building is set up for maximum efficiency, security and flexibility. A state-of-the-art communications center for dispatchers will be able to withstand critical weather events and incorporate critical emergency management technology.

Lenexa strives to be at the forefront of modern policing, and the building will help enhance community-based policing programs. Appropriate spaces will be provided for mental health co-responders to conduct outreach and follow up with citizens in crisis. In addition, victims will be able to meet detectives in safe, comforting dedicated spaces instead of standard interview rooms.

The separate training facility behind the main building will allow Lenexa to develop new officers on-site and offer continuous training opportunities for current staff. Staff believes it will be a valuable recruiting tool as we continue to seek high-quality officers who embody the department’s values and culture.

The Justice Center will need to go through several rounds of review before construction can start. At its June 27 meeting, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the rezoning and preliminary plan for the site. The City Council will vote on the Planning Commission’s recommendation at its July 19 meeting.

A groundbreaking is tentatively planned for mid-September. Construction is expected to begin soon after this event and last 18 to 24 months.