The Architecture Studio of TSW completed the design of the dramatic new police substation for the City of Suwanee, which is now under construction.  The 7,100-square-foot facility will serve as a highly visible police presence for the public as well as a training facility that can accommodate traditional police department classes along with indoor firearms practice.

Jerry Spangler, TSW’s architectural director, has served as Town Architect to the city of Suwanee as it has expanded and revitalized its central business district, and has helped officials mold more regionally-appropriate designs for many new retail and mixed-use buildings.

“Because the new police substation will be located on a busy highway intersection just off I-85, our main design challenge involved creating a dignified civic building in a location where there was little civic urban fabric,” said Spangler.  “TSW Architecture focused on creating a building that will be an enjoyable training and gathering center for the police staff, while also making a striking visual statement for its Suwanee Gateway location.  At the same time, the facility had to meet stringent ventilation, acoustic and technical requirements for an indoor firing range within a public building.”

The resulting design is intentionally civic in nature, and enhances the streetscape with a small pedestrian plaza featuring public art.  Because parking is located in the rear, the front of the building is welcoming, accessible, and inviting.  The structure will feature clean lines in brick and a lofty glazed entrance, and will link visually to the new City Hall recently completed at the nearby Suwanee Town Center.

According to Spangler, “City officials are excited about the building’s contextual modern character, since the contemporary statement it makes matches Suwanee’s forward-thinking attitude.  They are also pleased that due to careful construction cost monitoring, the facility is on track to be finished within its established budget and timeframe.”

The new building is located at 2996 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road. Construction began in January 2011 and is expected to be completed this fall.