Avondale Police Detention, Substation & K9 Training
This facility received the Law Enforcement Facilities III Gold Award in the 2025 Officer Station Design Awards.
Official Project Name: Avondale Police Detention, Substation & K9 Training
Project City/State: Avondale, AZ
Date Completed: October 30, 2024
Chief/Director: Chief of Police Memo Espinoza
Project Area (sq. ft.): 17,658
Total Cost: $18,000,000
Cost Per Square Foot: $1,019.38
Architect/Firm Name: Perlman Architects
City/State: Phoenix, AZ
Phone: (480) 951-5900
Website: perlmanaz.com
Design Team: Perlman Architects: Ken Powers, Architect of Record; Juan Rivas, Designer; Gerrald Adams, PM Dibble Engineering: Shannon Mauck, Civil Simply Structural: David Schott, Structural Associated Mechanical Engineers: George Josephs, M&P Akribis Engineers: Sheldon McInelly, Electrical EJ Engineering: John Echeverri, Fire Protection NV5: Tom Aldridge, Technology HP+D: Jason Harrington, Landscape
Project Description
The Avondale Police Detention Center is located on nearly four acres at the northeast corner of 10th Street and Western Avenue in Old Town Avondale. This modern facility replaces the former detention center located at 5th Street and Western, enhancing public safety services in coordination with the Neighborhood and Family Services Department, which is situated nearby at the Marie Lopez Rogers Complex – Resource Center.
The project includes a 17,658-square-foot police facility, featuring an 8,528-square-foot state-of-the-art Detention Center and a 9,130-square-foot Police Substation.
The facility supports public safety operations with secure staff parking, a public entry, public parking, an emergency backup generator, and a drive-thru sally port. Additionally, the site hosts a 4,774-square-foot K-9 Training Facility and includes major site improvements such as a retention basin, flood protection with a FEMA-certified levee and CLOMR, and street improvements along Eliseo C. Felix Jr. Way.
Designed with a contemporary southwest aesthetic, the facility reflects the city’s architectural identity. It is constructed from high-quality, durable materials, including ground-faced concrete masonry block in two neutral tones, high-performance glazing, and vertical metal siding. Blue accents—an Avondale signature—are featured at entry points, signage, and throughout the interiors, including blue walls, carpet, and furniture in office spaces. The detention area features secure, penal-grade white finishes and is designed to hold up to 34 detainees for periods ranging from 24 hours up to 20 days. Cells house no more than two individuals, increasing staff safety in the event of altercations.