At a time when safety and security issues were firmly rooted in the American conscience, Erie County embarked on an initiative to update and consolidate its public safety facilities on a prominent site in downtown Buffalo. The ambitious project houses 20 public safety agencies and implements cutting-edge security measures for community preparedness while maintaining an appropriate degree of openness to the community.

Prominently located at the terminus of an interstate off-ramp, the buildings acts as an important gateway to the city of Buffalo. Taking its design cue from the urban context, the building reflects the nature of the evolving cityscape — harnessing modern architecture and clean lines to symbolize the city’s ongoing renaissance.

By its very nature, the facility places a strong emphasis on safety and security. Contained within the complex is an expansive forensic science laboratory, a consolidated communication call/dispatch center, a unified City and County emergency operations center, and a training academy with classroom space for the multiple law enforcement agencies housed in the building. Designed to stay fully operational during a natural disaster or terrorist threat, the mechanical and electrical systems are configured with high redundancy levels — ensuring operations and communications channels never go down.