search

City of Akron Seeking Proposals for New Police Station Sites and Qualifications from Architectural/Engineering Firms

Akron, Ohio, Feb. 28, 2024  — Today, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik is announcing two new requests issued by the city relating to the Akron Police Station, currently located at the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center (217 S. High St.). The City of Akron has explored the option of renovating the Stubbs Justice Center and keeping Police Headquarters in place and is now looking into the possibility of relocating in order to determine the best future for the Police Station. The city has not yet decided whether the headquarters will be moved or remain at Stubbs and this process will help make that determination.

The City of Akron is considering relocating the Akron Police Department Headquarters to a new permanent location in either a new facility on an undeveloped site, a previously developed site cleared of any existing buildings and structures, or an existing building to be renovated to meet the needs of the Akron Police Department. The city has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for detailed site information from property owners, developers, and/or their broker/agent representatives wishing to submit sale/development properties for the city’s consideration.  Additionally, the city has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified Architectural/Engineering firms to conduct an analysis of the sites identified for their feasibility in meeting the needs of the Akron Police Department.

“I’ve been very upfront about the need to decide the future of our Akron Police Department headquarters,” said Mayor Malik. “In our 100 Day Plan, I’ve committed to determining the future of those headquarters by the end of June 2024. Issuing today’s RFP and RFQ is the next step in the process in deciding whether we ultimately renovate the current structure and stay in the Harold K. Stubbs Building or whether we pursue a new permanent home for our Akron Police Department elsewhere. I look forward to seeing the opportunities presented from these two requests.”

Police Headquarters Requirements

  • All Proposals are to take into consideration the space needs and interdepartmental relationships of the Akron Police. Proposers are welcome to submit properties they believe would accommodate these requirements for consideration through the Bonfire portal. To register via Bonfire, login to: https://akronohio.bonfirehub.com/opportunities.
  • Sites must have or accommodate a building of approximately 80,000 to 120,000 square feet in one or multiple floors laid out appropriately for office staff and law enforcement needs such as private offices, public space, cubicle workspaces, interview rooms, classrooms, exercise room, conference rooms, locker rooms, etc.
  • Site must be located in the City of Akron within a 1.5-mile radius of the H.K. Stubbs Justice Center, 217 S. High Street, Akron, Ohio 44308.
  • Akron Police need not be the sole occupant of the building and is open to co-locating with other public safety related organizations or other civic organizations that would promote community policing.
  • In addition to the building, the site must accommodate or be adjacent to parking for a minimum of 80 passenger cars with a preference for some secured and onsite parking.
  • Site must accommodate a clean, healthy workplace environment, free of harmful contaminants and excessive noise, with access to quality air, light and utilities.

Proposals are to be submitted through the city's Bonfire portal and are due by April 4, 2024.

In addition to the Request for Proposals, the city is also seeking qualified Architectural/Engineering firms to conduct a site analysis for a variety of sites for the potential relocation of the Akron Police Department Headquarters. Sites will include City owned properties as well as privately owned sites. Sites may include open/green space or contain an existing structure to be renovated.

Qualifications

The successful firm is to have extensive experience in new police station design and understand the unique role and functions performed by police and their special facility needs. A full understanding of police operations and procedures will be required as well as an understanding of the space needs and interdepartmental relationships currently in use by the Akron Police.

All responses are to be submitted via the city’s Bonfire portal.  To register via Bonfire, login to:  https://akronohio.bonfirehub.com/opportunities. A Letter of Interest (LoI) with qualifications is due by March 25, 2024.

Contact:
Stephanie Marsh, Director of Communications
press@akronohio.gov or 330-256-1191