Public Safety Building and California Avenue Parking Garage Project
Project Description
The existing Public Safety Building (PSB) at 275 Forest Avenue opened in 1970 and is approximately 25,000 square feet. Due to the growth of public safety services and changes in regulations, the existing building no longer meets current seismic, accessibility, or regulatory code requirements that are required to meet the Essential Services Buildings Seismic Safety Act (ESBSSA). The new PSB will house the Police Department, 911 Emergency Dispatch Center, the Emergency Operations Center, the Office of Emergency Services, and the administration needs of the Fire Department. The new Public Safety Building and California Avenue Parking Garage are both part of the 2014 Council Infrastructure Plan. The new PSB will be located at 250 Sherman Avenue, and the new public parking garage will be located at 350 Sherman Avenue. Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), these are considered as a single project because the garage will mitigate for the loss of approximately 310 existing public surface parking spaces on both sites. The garage will be constructed before the PSB. PSB construction will begin once the garage is operational.
Public Safety Building Rendering
California Avenue Parking Garage rendering
Scope of Work
Public Safety Building Concept Summary:
A three-story 50’ high maximum Public Safety Building over an operational basement and associated below grade parking for staff. Parking for large public safety vehicles is provided in the secured operations yard. Public parking for the PSB is located in the California Avenue Parking Garage.
The PSB main entrance is located on Birch Street with a public plaza in front.
PSB design includes a 135 foot high communications monopole antennae attached to the building.
California Avenue Parking Garage Concept Summary:
The proposed parking structure is four levels above grade and two levels below grade. The parking structure will provide approximately 636 parking spaces.
A photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof deck is also planned.
Upcoming Meetings
December 6 - Informational Community Meeting on Public Art
Join Public Art staff and artist Peter Wegner to learn about the proposed public art concepts. Wegner will discuss concepts for the site developed from previous stakeholder and community input. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and leave comments.
Thursday, December 6 - 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Palo Alto Central HOA Community Room
122 Sherman Avenue
December 10 - City Council Meeting
City staff will be recommending Council approve and authorize a construction contract for the New California Avenue Area Parking Garage, in addition to other agreements related to the project. The staff report is available to the public.
Monday, December 10 - tentatively scheduled for 8 - 9 p.m.
City Hall
Council Chambers
250 Hamilton Avenue
Previous Meetings
November 5 - City Council Meeting
Staff recommended that Council approve an Architectural Review application for a new public safety building and related facilities that includes modifications to development standards related to setbacks and height and adopt an associated Record of Land Use Action.
September 20 - Architectural Review Board Meeting
The Public Safety Building project was presented to ARB on Thursday, September 20. The meeting focused on landscape, building materials, and proposed signage locations.
September 17 - City Council Study Session on the Public Safety Building Design and Project Status The Public Safety Building project status was presented to City Council on Monday, September 17.
September 12 - Community Meeting The City of Palo Alto hosted a Community Meeting for the new Public Safety Building and Parking Garage.
August 2 - Architectural Review Board Meeting
The Public Safety Building project was presented at the August 2 ARB meeting.
June 18th - PSB Art Input Meeting with Artist Peter Wegner
Public Safety Building artist Peter Wegner received input to help acquaint him with the vibrant California Avenue community to help him with the design development.
Project Status
On September 12th Public Works held a Community Meeting about the upcoming construction for the New California Avenue Area Parking Garage that will be built on Parking Lot 7 at 350 Sherman Avenue.
The new garage is currently awaiting construction bids that are due on October 15, 2018.
On September 17th City Council held a study session for the Public Safety Building (PSB).
On September 20th the Architectural Review Board (ARB) unanimously recommended approval of the Public Safety Building on Parking Lot 6 at 250 Sherman Avenue. The design now includes new bike racks and a bike repair station on Park Boulevard near Jacaranda Lane. The project will soon go to Council for consideration of formal approval and Record of Land Use Action. Construction of the PSB will follow completion of the new parking garage.
The City intends to complete the California Avenue Parking Garage prior to construction of the Public Safety Building. The Parking Garage construction is estimated to be completed in early 2020. The Public Safety Building construction is estimated to be completed in fall 2021.
