University Heights Selects Architect for New Police and Fire Station

This article reports on University Heights City Council’s decision to hire a Cleveland-based firm as architect of record for a new police and fire station complex on the city hall campus. It details the project scope, funding strategy, site plans, and governance measures that will shape design and delivery over the coming years.

Project scope and design approach

DLR Group, a firm known for institutional projects, will lead the design of a combined police and fire station complex on the city hall grounds. The project aims to consolidate operations into a modern, secure, and multi-functional civic facility while fitting in with the surrounding campus.

The planned construction budget is $17 million, and DLR Group will serve as the architect of record. The city plans to stage design and construction to match budget realities and a 2027-start timeline, focusing on workflow, safety, and public access.

Architect of record: DLR Group

DLR Group will oversee design, technical coordination, code compliance, and work with consultants. With a 7 percent fee of the total project cost, the firm’s compensation would be about $1.19 million if the budget stays on track.

This arrangement sets up an integrated approach for a public-safety retrofit, where design choices impact efficiency, security, and resilience on the civic campus.

Funding, budget, and financing strategy

The City has requested federal discretionary funding of about $12 million from Representative Shontel Brown. A decision on awards is expected by year-end.

Officials also plan to issue bonds and seek additional grants if federal funds do not cover the full cost. If funding is insufficient, construction may be limited to a new police station.

Cost breakdown and fee alignment

The project budget is $17 million for construction, with a design fee of 7 percent, or about $1.19 million. The city is positioning the contract to prioritize value, schedule, and scope control.

If costs rise or the scope changes, the contract may be adjusted through change management and value-engineering reviews.

Site plans and construction timeline

The police station will be rebuilt on its current site, with officers temporarily working from City Hall during construction. The fire station is planned for the former YABI property at 2308 Warrensville Center Road, which the city bought in February 2024 for $1.05 million.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027. The city will plan site logistics and temporary facilities to keep public safety services running during the project.

Key milestones and phasing

Milestones include completing design documents, securing funding, preparing the site, demolition, and starting construction. The schedule will be supported by risk management and ongoing coordination with city departments.

Risk management and governance

The City Council approved seeking proposals for a risk manager to strengthen budget, schedule, safety, and quality controls. This role will help identify and address threats to cost, timeline, and performance, working with the architect, construction team, and city staff.

The risk manager will support transparency, ensure funding compliance, and help maintain strong project governance during design and construction.

Governance and accountability

The governance plan calls for clear reporting, milestone reviews, and thorough documentation of decisions. By adding risk management to contracts and procurement, the city aims to uphold safety, quality, and budget discipline.

Additional developments

University Heights will lease a new 500-ton salt storage dome behind Bell Tower Center, paying $1 per year after previously sharing facilities with Cleveland Heights.

This move improves winter maintenance operations and inventory, while the city continues to review shared-services options as part of its modernization strategy.

Salt dome specifics

The dome expansion supports regional street maintenance and emergency response readiness. It reduces downtime and equipment constraints during peak winter seasons.

This arrangement shows how infrastructure strategies, like storage optimization, can support civic facility projects. It helps improve daily operational reliability.

 
Here is the source article for this story: University Heights hires architectural firm to design new police and fire station