HOLLENBECK REPLACEMENT POLICE STATION
Boyle Heights, Los Angeles
This new facility was constructed on the site of the existing 1958 station. The surrounding neighborhood has a rich and layered history that has infused it with a distinct tradition of artistic expression. Local murals and brightly colored houses and gardens speak to the area's creative spirit, and ultimately played a major role in the design of the new facility. It was important to the community that the building maintain its central location and that the new design help transform it into part of the neighborhood's creative fabric. The project's art program includes a large mural that reflects the history of the neighborhood and physically bridges the station to an adjacent public park area.
The station's innovative layered-glass wall adds an artistic focal point to the community, while creating a welcoming public entrance. The glass fade allows light and diffused views into the lobby during the day, and becomes a glowing beacon at night. This beautiful and complex layering of glass is strategic as well as artistic.
Through the art/architecture connection, it responds to the police department?s emphasis on creating close ties to the community by engaging public interaction. The design and engineering of the glass panels were developed to provide the necessary visual and physical security while maintaining a sense of transparency, openness, and energy.
*Certified LEED Gold