Allen City Council gave the green light on Nov. 10 for a $227,550 contract with engineering firm Huitt‑Zollars, Inc. to redesign the former Allen Police Department headquarters. The project will convert the 1988‑era building at 205 W. McDermott Drive into a functional home for the city’s finance and engineering staff.

Scope of the remodel

The contract covers planning, design and engineering services needed to accommodate 61 workstations. Planned improvements include modifications to office areas, demolition of the former jail, accessibility upgrades, replacement of aging heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning equipment, and a new roof over the second‑floor addition. City documents say the upgrades will “extend the useful life of the facility, improve building performance and reliability, and position the former police headquarters as a functional and cost‑effective workspace for city operations well into the future.”

Why the change matters for Allen families

Repurposing the building keeps valuable municipal space in use while supporting the city’s growing administrative needs. By locating finance and engineering functions in a central, renovated facility, the city aims to improve service delivery for residents and businesses alike, reinforcing Allen’s commitment to efficient, taxpayer‑friendly government.

Background on the new police headquarters

Allen voters approved an $83 million bond in 2023 to fund a new $97.1 million police headquarters. The three‑story, 103,000‑square‑foot complex will sit on Century Parkway between City Hall and the post office. Assistant Police Chief Kyle Taliaferro explained that the department outgrew its current home years ago, prompting the move.

The new facility will feature a large community room for public events, expanded property and evidence storage, a larger crime‑scene lab, secure parking, organized workspaces, a human‑performance center for officer wellness, and a spacious training room. Director of Engineering Chris Flanigan confirmed the construction is on schedule and on budget, with a move planned for March 2027.

Looking ahead

Once the police department vacates the old headquarters, the city will begin the remodel for finance and engineering. The project reflects Allen’s broader strategy of using voter‑approved bonds to upgrade critical infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Residents can expect a modern, accessible building that supports essential city services for years to come.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Allen — read the source article.