Wooster Safety Service Center

Collaborating with distinct users to find efficiencies in a shared facility

Bowen teamed with J. G. Johnson Construction Company for the design-build of a new combined Police and Fire Safety Center for the City of Wooster. Working closely with the City and the users, Bowen developed a detailed program of spaces and floor plans which provided distinct Police and Fire sections of the facility, but still capitalized on shared functions, such as locker rooms and training spaces, achieving space and budget efficiencies. Additionally, the building was strategically positioned on the sloping site to best accommodate fire engine maneuverability limitations out of the apparatus drive and to provide areas for on-site stormwater retention ponds to comply with the City’s zoning requirements.

The two-story building and site include the following areas:

• Offices for Police Administration, Detectives, Patrol, and Fire Administration
• Fire Department Crew’s Quarters
• Vehicle apparatus bays
• Classroom and Training areas
• Evidence Processing suite
• K9 Unit Interview rooms
• Public lobby and parking area
• Secure Police and Fire parking