Carlton Civic Center
This facility received the Public Safety Centers Bronze Award in the 2025 Officer Station Design Awards.
Official Project Name: Carlton Civic Center
Project City/State: Carlton, OR
Date Completed: June 22, 2024
Chief/Director: Police Chief Kevin Martinez
Project Area (sq. ft.): 12,824
Total Cost: $7,000,000
Cost Per Square Foot: $545.75
Architect/Firm Name: Holst Architecture
City/State: Portland, OR
Phone: (503) 233-9856
Website: holstarc.com/
Design Team: Holst Architecture - Mark Schmidt, Principal
Project Description
The City of Carlton proudly submits this nomination for the Carlton Police Department Facility Project, recognizing its thoughtful design, long-term community benefit, and integration of public safety, sustainability, and accessibility.
One of the most transformative aspects of the project is the co-location of the Police Department with City Hall. This shared space goes beyond practicality — it symbolizes unity, accountability, transparency and partnership between law enforcement and the community
The facility’s design prioritizes community engagement. Public areas, including meeting rooms and various event spaces for community gatherings, and public safety presentations. The building serves not only as a hub for law enforcement, but also as a resource for building relationships, fostering dialogue, and welcoming the public.
The previous Police/City Hall, built in the 1970s, was outdated and unsafe due to hazardous materials. It lacked adequate space for public interaction, forcing events to be held elsewhere, which hindered community cohesion.
Designed to meet Carlton’s projected needs for the next 50 years, the new Civic Center already serves multiple roles. It functions as a warming and cooling center during extreme weather, and its Community Room hosts joint law enforcement trainings, public town hall meetings and acts as an Emergency Operations Center.
The facility also includes a citizen safety after-hours lockdown vestibule, a welcoming ADA-accessible lobby with public seating and restrooms, expanded workspaces for staff and council, and modern security features. Its architecture ref lects Carlton’s historic character, incorporating Main Street-style brickwork to blend with the surrounding environment.
This project exemplifies how a civic facility can enhance public safety, foster community trust, and reflect local identity. More than a building, it is a long-term investment in Carlton’s future — offering a safe, inclusive, and functional space that strengthens the connection between government, law enforcement, and the community it serves for generations to come.