Today was the day many in the city of Clayton have been waiting for, the first look at the new police station on Brentwood just across from Shaw Park. The building which now houses the police was once a commercial building with residence rooms on the third floor. Interestingly, the third floor remains a rental unit residence and the city will be receiving market value in rent each month. The other 3 floors-basement, first and second are all set up for everything a modern department needs.
The original structure was built as a residence and commercial building in the 1950's by Sidney and Jane Studt who modeled it after the famous Williamsburg Virginia Governor's Palace constructed by the British in the Colonial era. The Palace was the residence of 7 British governors and 2 American governors, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. After Jefferson the state capitol was moved to Richmond. The exterior of the Clayton building does look much like the palace although on a smaller scale.
Governors Palace in Williamsburg.
Clayton building (The Heritage Building)
The Studt's lived on the top two floor for over two decades. The middle portion of the Palace is remarkably like the Brentwood building. The daughter of the Studt's was in attendance-Janey Symington wife of Stuart Symington Jr. son of the former Missouri senator.
The renovation includes the introduction of the most energy efficient materials and infrastructure including rooftop solar arrays which is a machine used to generate EU from the sun and is the equivalent of many normal solar panels.
The community was invited to the ribbon cutting and tours this morning and many took advantage of the opportunity.
Here the ribbon is cut with members of the Board of Aldermen and Mayor along with the Symingtons, Police Chief, Director of Public Works, Parks and Recreation and others who worked on the building as architects or construction.
Chief Thomas Byrne, Mayor Goldstein, former alderman, Judy Goodman and Parks director Patty DeForrest.
Then the tours began and if you'll notice the incredible woodwork which is throughout the main floor and is original. Everything possible was done to save it while getting out all the old heating, cooling, electric and plumbing.
On the first floor off the main entrance is the municipal court.
Going to the right from the main doors will take you to the hallway and receptionist.
Most of the offices have windows which is a wonderful change.
The Chief's office
Stairway between floors, original woodwork and terrazzo floors.
The Sally Port for unloading prisoners. The first time I ever heard of a Sally Port was when I went on a tour of Collinsville's new police station.
The lock up area where prisoners are put in modern day cells which are mostly concrete and very stark.
A cell
Also there is a room they call the sympathy room where witnesses or victims can find a restful place to recover, maybe meet family.
No window but peaceful
The disaster task force meeting room.
Then my favorite because you so seldom get to see this,
Various department weapons and protective armor were explained.
And last the exercise room
Beautifully equiped and paid for by...
Then on to a quick look at the basement where all the machinery is purring away.
This was very impressive and informative a morning.
Great perspective, Diane. I'd like to talk to you about your post if you have a chance. You can contact me by filling out our web site contact form here.
http://www.policearchitects.com/contact-wilson-estes/
Thanks!
--Paul J. Michell
--Wilson Estes Police Architects
Posted by: Pjmkc | January 31, 2013 at 11:54 AM