The new Public Safety Complex is a key component to the revitalization of the city of Hartford. Mayor Eddie A. Perez says, "This building centralizes our Homeland Security effort by putting our first line of defense in an area to better respond to the community it serves--- the entire city."
The facility on High and Atlantic Streets will house police, fire administration, fire marshals, emergency services, emergency management and central dispatch. This $77 million dollar investment is significant because it blends Hartford's proud and historic past with its innovative plans for the future. It preserves an historic building (Circa 1891 Board of Education building) yet also will use a central fuel cell system to heat, cool, and provide electricity to the complex.
Mayor Perez says, "Simply put, Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Historic Preservation are all priceless. We held the line on costs and if the original estimates prior to my administration had gone through, the building would have cost millions more."
The new facility will also have the capability to serve as a regional emergency operations center in the event of a major public safety incident in the region.
The complex will consist of the following:
35,000 square feet to Fire Administration, Fire Marshals, and Central Dispatch
100,000 square feet for Police
Sheltered space for police cars
Gated parking for employees
Streetscape to include new sidewalks, lighting, and fencing
Mayor Perez says, "9/11 changed the way we respond to emergencies. This new facility will demonstrate that Hartford is prepared to serve the community of the 21st Century."
