City leaders in Austin are in the process of acquiring a new building off of South Mopac Expressway and Barton Skyway to serve as a joint headquarters for the police, fire, and EMS departments. Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his dissatisfaction with the current headquarters, referring to them as suboptimal, crummy, pathetic, and dirty. The chiefs of each public safety department also highlighted the structural issues present in their existing buildings.
The purchase price for the new property is approximately $108 million, with an additional $13 million estimated for renovations to meet the needs of public safety personnel. Austin’s deputy CFO, Kimberly Olivares, described this as an “incredible” price point compared to alternative options such as renovating the current buildings, leasing a new space, or constructing a new facility. City Manager T.C. Broadnax emphasized that the cost of the new headquarters is significantly lower than building a new one from scratch.
Before moving forward with the acquisition, City Council approval is required. The matter will be discussed at the upcoming Public Safety Committee meeting and presented to the full council on Oct. 24. If approved, Olivares anticipates a six-month closing process followed by renovations. While there is no definitive timeline for when the facility will be operational, city staff are committed to a swift process, considering it a top priority.
The consolidation of all public safety departments into one space will bring leadership together and foster collaboration among the departments. EMS Chief Rob Luckritz emphasized the benefits of working alongside other public safety partners. Police Chief Lisa Davis highlighted the current lack of meeting space at APD’s headquarters for engaging with community members, underscoring the importance of community engagement.
Assistant Fire Chief Rob Vires expressed concerns about the structural integrity of the current AFD headquarters, noting issues such as shifting buildings leading to cracked walls and ceilings. Despite the joint headquarters, there will still be precincts and satellite/field facilities across the city for police, fire, and EMS services to ensure comprehensive coverage.
The move to a joint headquarters reflects a strategic decision to improve operational efficiency and enhance collaboration among public safety departments in Austin. By consolidating resources and leadership under one roof, the city aims to better serve its residents and respond effectively to emergency situations. The investment in a new facility underscores the commitment to providing high-quality public safety services while addressing the shortcomings of the current headquarters buildings.