| The new LAPD Hollenbeck Replacement Station, in the heart of Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights community, was part of the voter sponsored Prop. Q Safety Bond Program. The architect was selected by the Los Angeles Police Department to design a welcoming and artistic station, that exemplifies the LAPD’s efforts to create a more open, community-serving police force.
The architect’s intent was to strengthen the neighborhood’s civic center by reconnecting the station to the surrounding neighborhood. The Boyle Heights community has a rich history, with a distinct tradition of artistic expression. Local murals, brightly colored houses, and lush gardens speak to the area’s creative spirit. The new facility sits on the former site of the 1958 station, at First St. between St. Louis St. and Chicago St.
Significantly larger than the original facility, the new 54,000 SF station is composed of three rectangular two-story volumes that include a community multipurpose room, offices, temporary holding cells, lobby, and support areas. The project also include a 7,000 SF vehicle maintenance facility, a fueling station, car wash, and a 115,000 SF parking structure for 330 vehicles. The replacement station’s internal organization provides a more efficient and enjoyable environment for more than 200 officers and staff. Clear pathways maximize the daylight in the hallways, and provide a cohesive sense of space.
The modern design communicates the department’s philosophies of cultivating community relations, encouraging public interaction, and creating a beneficial work environment. The exterior walls are highlighted by a staccato rhythm of rectangular windows and insets that allow light into the building while recognizing the station’s privacy and safety needs. An open plaza sets off the striking public entrance – a dynamic wall of layered translucent glass panels.
The station’s innovative layered-glass wall adds an artistic focal point to the community, while creating a welcoming public entrance. The glass façade allows light and diffused views into the lobby by day, becoming a glowing beacon by night. This beautiful and complex layering of glass is strategic, as well as artistic. Through the art-architecture connection, the station responds to the police department’s emphasis on creating close ties to the community by engaging public interaction. The design and engineering of the glass panels was developed to provide the necessary visual and physical security while maintaining a sense of transparency, openness, and energy.
The station is an excellent model of sustainability, achieving a LEED® Silver certification. Energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems, along with water wise plumbing and irrigation, have reduced the building’s dependence on natural resources. |
