For years, LOVE has been reporting that Oro Valley Police Department facilities are substantially undersized. The department operates in 42,500 square feet of space across four locations, which has not been enough to support all police activities. In our 2021 report, we noted that Chief Riley felt the need for more space would become critical by 2026–27. Town Council anticipated this by including a “placeholder” $27 million amount in the capital expenditure plan for a future date.
Council approves purchase of building that will fill the need
Last week, the town council approved a $3.8 million purchase of a 50,000+ square foot building located north of Harbor Freight on Oracle Road. The police will use approximately 32,000 feet of that facility. Renovation costs are estimated at almost $20 million. The total cost for the purchase and renovation is $23.6 million.
Project will be funded over three years
The $3.8 million purchase price is built into the 2026 budget. We reported on this last-minute addition in June. There is no specifically identified funding source for the $20 million renovation. Those funds will have to come from town revenues or possible grants. The anticipated renovation period is about 2½ years, spreading costs across three fiscal years.
Funds left from purchase authorization could jump start renovation
There is a remaining amount of about $700,000 from a $4.5 million June appropriation. This is because the negotiated purchase price came in lower than the total appropriated amount. With council approval, these remaining funds can be used to start immediate renovation. According to Town Public Works Director Paul Keesler, early work will include roof replacement, electrical upgrades, and interior reconfiguration to prepare the space for police use.
Council felt this was the best of four options
Town staff presented four other options to the council for solving the police space problem. Two of these were more costly than the selected option. One alternative not fully discussed at the meeting was adding a second story to the existing headquarters at the town complex on La Cañada. That would cost approximately $20 million, including a 30% contingency, and would keep most operations in one facility. However, construction and occupancy time would be about twice as long, it would be highly disruptive to daily operations, and parking availability would be insufficient.
Added space give opportunity for expanded operations and training
The police department intends to use the building to meet several operational needs. It will provide room for a growing Criminal Investigations Unit, allow for better proximity between work groups, and create large meeting and training spaces that the department currently lacks. The facility will also give the department the capacity to host large-scale training events locally, reducing the need to travel and enabling more officers to participate.
Visibility and proximity to GRFD headquarters an added benefit
While the new building is away from the main town campus, police leaders noted they are accustomed to working throughout the community and will adapt. The location offers opportunities to make the new facility more visible and welcoming to the public than the current station, which some residents have difficulty finding. Proximity to Golder Ranch Fire headquarters may also foster closer collaboration.
Police department and Council enthusiastic
Police command staff expressed strong support for acquiring the building, calling it a long-awaited opportunity to address long-term space shortages. They emphasized that the size and flexibility of the facility will allow for phased renovations and expansions as needs arise and funding allows, ensuring that it can evolve with the department’s requirements. Council approval of the purchase was unanimous. Councilmember Nicolson summed up Council's excitement: “This is an investment in public safety and in our community’s future.”
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Note:
The new facility is located at 12955 N. Oracle Road. It is north of the intersection of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Oracle Road.
The new facility is located at 12955 N. Oracle Road. It is north of the intersection of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Oracle Road.