SRBL Leads Duluth Police Project

DEERFIELD, IL, March 30, 2010 – SRBL Architects announced today that the firm will take the lead on the design of a new police headquarters in Duluth, MN. SRBL will partner with the Minnesota architecture firm LHB on the project.

SRBL is a nationally recognized expert with more than two decades of experience designing police stations in the Chicago area. The firm has successfully completed 35 police projects including the first LEED Gold Police Station in the United States (Orland Park, IL). This is the first out-of-state assignment for the firm.

The new 64,398 sq. ft, $17.5 million Duluth Police Station will be an addition to the County Public Safety Building, optimizing space efficiency between the county and city. The new building will provide a 21^st century work environment, promote greater collaboration, offer a more comfortable, efficient work space, create a flexible and adaptable space for future use and incorporate sustainable design whenever possible. The project is scheduled for completion in 2011.

“We are very excited to partner with David Bjerkness and LHB on this project,” said Ray Lee, SRBL Architect’s Chief Operating Office and police station expert. “Thanks to years of studying and working with police officers, SRBL understands the many challenges police officers face on a daily basis, and we know the questions to ask to determine the unique demands of each new station. Our strength is designing police stations that allow police officers to perform their duties more efficiently and safely, while creating a piece of architecture that will instill pride in the community.”

“With LHB providing its in-depth knowledge of local planning requirements, politics and construction costs, we believe this partnership will ensure a very successful project for Duluth.

Working with SRBL’s Lee will be Jake Davis, Project Manager and Louise Kowalczyk, Project Designer. Joining LHB’s Bjerkness will be Cynthia Poirier, Project Manager.

SRBL Architects is a mid-sized architectural firm that specializes in public architecture. Founded in 1971, the firm has built a respected reputation for its exciting, functional and sustainable design. In fact, 100 percent of its architectural staff is LEED AP and sustainable design is incorporated in all of its projects. To date, more than 100 municipalities and districts in the Midwest have SRBL designed Police Stations, Fire Stations, Community and Recreation Centers, Aquatic Facilities, Public Works Buildings, and Village Halls helping to protect and shape their community. Learn more at srblarchitects.com

With offices in both Duluth and Minneapolis, LHB offers extensive experience in education, government, and public works. Founded in 1966, the firm’s team includes architects, engineers, interior designers and surveyors.

# # #