Police headquarters may be set for a face lift

The Public Safety Commission requested an update on the status of Austin Police Department headquarters on Eighth Street at its Jan. 7 meeting after Commissioner Rebecca Webber explained that the building’s condition resembled that of the 1970s-era Municipal Court, “which is basically falling down as we speak.” APD Chief of Staff Troy Gay acknowledged that the patrol building had issues, and that while the department is working with city management and Real Estate Services to determine if there is an alternative building suitable for headquarters, there are some cosmetic repairs underway. “This building was built in 1976. If you went into it you would know it was built in 1976,” he said. “I do think the (improvements) are overdue.” One recently completed improvement was a repair to the building’s sewer pipes, which were leaking gas. “We have repaired those sewer pipes as well as all the bathrooms on the second, third and fourth floor (which) are being updated,” Gay explained. He said the department was considering updating the locker rooms at headquarters, but that decision has not yet been finalized.