Construction begins on Brookhaven’s $18M public safety complex

Local and state officials gathered for a groundbreaking on Friday.

Credit: City of Brookhaven

Credit: City of Brookhaven

Local and state officials gathered for a groundbreaking on Friday.

Construction is underway on Brookhaven’s new $18 million public safety and municipal court complex, heralded as the city’s first municipal building constructed in its seven-year history.

Local and state officials gathered Friday for a groundbreaking at the site, located along a stretch of the Peachtree Creek Greenway off Briarwood Road.

The complex is expected to be completed in 2021 and will bring the city’s police department, municipal court and emergency operations center under one roof. At 33,000 square feet, the new building will be twice the size of the current facility, which is a crowded, rented building on Buford Highway.

A rendering of the new building.

Credit: Rosser International Inc., via city of Brookhaven

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Credit: Rosser International Inc., via city of Brookhaven

Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst said employees at the current facility are “packed together like sardines,” according to a statement from the city.

“The location of the new facility at the signature trailhead for the (Peachtree Creek Greenway) will provide enhanced security for the area for walkers, joggers and pet lovers who will soon be able to enjoy the greenway,” Ernst said.

The construction of the building is expected to cost $15 million, with an additional $3 million for  furnishings, fixtures equipment and other move-in expenses. The project is funded by SPLOST proceeds approved by voters in 2017, the city said.

The new building will also have some outside portions. (Photo: Rosser via city of Brookhaven)

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The city announced earlier this summer that the Braselton-based firm BM&K Construction & Engineering was selected to build the new facility on the 19-acre tract of land, which the city owns.

Renderings of the building show that it will be a multi-story structure with a modern design and several outdoor areas overlooking the greenway. It will also have several energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features.

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