Police Chief Michael Wynn explained the space program architects developed for a new police station.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Architects say the police department needs about three times the space it currently occupies.

 

And the William Stanley Business Park is looking to be the best location.

 

Architecture firm Kaestle Boos is finishing up a feasibility study on the needs and potential locations for a new police station. After surveying and meeting with department members, the group has determined a new police station should be 38,000 square feet. 

 

"Our entire operation could fit into one floor of what they are recommending," said Police Chief Michael Wynn on Monday. 

 

Parcels on Woodlawn and Kellogg avenues appear to be front-runners for the new station's location. Other parcels include on Dalton Avenue, downtown and on East Street, but some of those are already eyed for other uses by private entities.

 

The company identified locations that would fit the size needs, and three of those were in the Morningside neighborhood on land owned by the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority. Wynn said neither the architects nor the internal working group has talked to any of the parcel owners.

 

The company used the size requirements for the various units within the department to craft mockups of a footprint to fit the various parcels as well as an ideal layout for the best work flow. Two floors and a basement can be reconfigured in various ways to fit the parcels.

 

"These are not architectural renderings. These are not floor plans," Wynn emphasized.

 

Wynn said the company is still finishing the final draft of the report and the next step would be to get cost estimates. 

 

"Based on that final report we can do some cost estimating and then look for funding sources," Wynn said, which he anticipates will be the most difficult.

 

Kaestle Boos was one of four companies to bid on the $30,000 contract for the feasibility study. 

 

The effort to replace the 74-year-old Allen Street station ramped up last year with the funds allocated for the study. For years police officials have cited numerous deficiencies in the building.

 

Wynn presented the mockups to the Police Advisory Committee on Monday.