The Gainesville City Commission approved a possible new design for the Gainesville Police Department Headquarters and Physical Training Facility during a meeting Thursday.
Joe Frisco, project executive for Mills Gilbane, and Jack Williams, design project manager for Harvard Jolly, presented three options to the City Commission for consideration.
One model featured a contemporary design, which showcased a modern building with an open entrance and large windows. The other model employed a more traditional design with a red brick building.
City spokesman Bob Woods said the commission rejected both options.
Frisco and Williams then presented the commission with a third design.
Woods said the commission realized the alternative option was the most appealing because it captured elements of both the contemporary and traditional buildings.
Commissioner Susan Bottcher said GPD employee input would be invaluable in the commission’s choosing a final design.
“It wouldn’t be just a new building but a point of pride for them as well,” she said.
GPD Chief Tony Jones agreed to gather opinions on the models from law enforcement officials and to report back to the commission in a future meeting.
Although the commission voted on a possible design, it is not finalized, Woods said.
“The design team will come back with a revised design,” he said.
The above photo shows one of the models of the new Gainesville Police Department that was presented to the City Commission on Thursday afternoon.