What's happening here?

$118 million project is slated for completion in the fall

by Katherine Lin

The sound of trucks and power tools have become a common feature on the corner of Park Boulevard and Sherman Avenue near California Avenue in Palo Alto. Pedestrians have to cross the street to walk around the massive building being constructed there and may wonder what's under construction. It's the new Public Safety Building, which is the top priority project in the city's Infrastructure Plan, and it is set to be completed later this year.

Where: 250 Sherman Ave., Palo Alto

What: Construction of Public Safety Building (PSB), a three-story building that will house Police Department, Fire Department administration and Emergency Services.

When: March 2021 to Fall 2023

Who: City of Palo Alto; Architect RossDrulisCusenbery; General contractor Swinerton Builders; Construction manager Nova Partners.

Cost: $118.1 million

Impact: The fourth floor of the California Avenue parking garage is closed until October 2023 for the installation of solar panels, which will help power the Public Safety Building. The new Public Safety Building will replace the old police department at 270 Forest Ave., which is no longer up to code. Based on the city's traffic-impact analysis, the new building will not have a significant impact on the surrounding area's traffic.

"What's happening here?" is an occasional Palo Alto Online feature that highlights and explains construction projects around Palo Alto. If you have a candidate for "What's happening here?," please email the address, and a photo if possible, to [email protected]

Comments

Posted by Online Name
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on May 17, 2023 at 11:19 am
Online Name is a registered user.

Gee, for all that money will we get timely police reports? Guess not since PA thinks hiring a part-time "community outreach" member for the failed but costly Junior Museum and Zoo is a more worthwhile expenditure.

Ah, priorities.

Report Objectionable Content

Email Town Square Moderator

Posted by Beryl Phillips
a resident of Charleston Meadows
on May 17, 2023 at 11:24 am
Beryl Phillips is a registered user.

This is a good location for the police headquarters because it is within close proximity to the SC County courthouse and besides, there isn't much going on in the California Avenue shopping district anyway. All of the good stores are long gone.

Report Objectionable Content

Email Town Square Moderator

Posted by Mayfielder
a resident of Mayfield
on May 17, 2023 at 11:55 am
Mayfielder is a registered user.

According to the recent City email newsletter about the project, the garage is getting solar panels installed. It said:

“The top floor of the parking garage located at 350 Sherman Avenue will be closed to the public due to solar panel installation work, including contractor mobilization and installation of the PV system on the top of the parking garage. A temporary fence line will be set up at the bottom of the ramp leading to the fourth floor, and elevators will not allow access to the fourth floor. The top floor garage closure is anticipated through October 2023.”

Report Objectionable Content

Email Town Square Moderator

Posted by Environmentalist
a resident of Crescent Park
on May 17, 2023 at 9:38 pm
Environmentalist is a registered user.

I like hearing about those solar panels!

Report Objectionable Content

Email Town Square Moderator

Don't miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to be notified of new comments on this topic.

Palo Alto Weekly

What's happening here?

$118 million project is slated for completion in the fall

Stay informed.

Index