Public Safety Complex Opens

The Gainesville Public Safety Complex opened Tuesday, November 30, 2010. The 13-acre complex houses the new Gainesville Justice Center (Police Department and Municipal Court) and Fire Station #1. During ribbon cutting ceremonies, City Manager Kip Padgett commented on the addition to Midtown. "Locating this complex in Midtown Gainesville shows the City Council's committment to the redevelopment of this area and increases the City's presence. This advanced Public Safety facility was designed for our first responders to meet the safety needs of our citizens and businesses," Padgett said. "The project was completed under budget," Padgett added.

The Gainesville Justice Center occupies 52,000 square feet and is open Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm. Municipal Court is held on Monday and Thursday from 11:30am until court adjourns.

Gainesville Fire Station #1 is a 26,000 square foot facility housing a new state-of-the-art slide for firefighters and a 4-engine bay.

The complex also includes a 2+ acre Storm Water Detention and Biodetention pond. The pond was constructed to always hold around 7 feet of water or up to 14 feet during the rainy season.

A planning and space needs analysis for the complex started in the summer of 2007. Construction began in the winter of 2009.

A community-wide celebration is being planned for Saturday, May 7 from 10am-2pm.