Plano residents will soon see a modernized police training campus after the City Council voted on Nov. 9 to approve a $42 million construction‑manager‑at‑risk contract. The agreement will fund the design, planning and construction of a new 33,000‑square‑foot training center, replacing the existing 21,904‑square‑foot facility on 14th Street.
Key features of the new center
The expanded campus is designed to support a full range of law‑enforcement training needs. Planned amenities include dedicated cadet classrooms, a tactical training facility, an indoor 25‑lane firing range, a gym with locker rooms, and a classroom for Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) instruction. In addition, a concrete pad will be built to support the EVOC classroom, giving officers realistic practice with emergency‑vehicle maneuvers.
Funding and contract details
According to city documents, the $42 million figure represents the maximum budget for the entire project. The contract is structured as a construction‑manager‑at‑risk (CMAR) arrangement, meaning the manager will oversee pre‑construction services—such as design reviews, planning and permitting—while assuming responsibility for delivering the project within the agreed budget.
Director of Special Projects Peter Braster clarified that only $42,000 has been approved so far for the pre‑construction phase. This initial amount will cover the essential early‑stage work that sets the foundation for the larger build‑out.
Why the upgrade matters
City officials say the new facility will better equip Plano police officers with the training resources needed to protect the community effectively. The larger footprint allows for more comprehensive instruction, especially in areas like tactical response and emergency vehicle operation, which are critical for public safety in a growing city.
Community members have expressed support for the investment, noting that a modern training environment can improve officer readiness and, ultimately, enhance safety for families throughout Plano.
Next steps
The city will now move forward with the pre‑construction phase, during which architects and engineers will finalize designs and secure necessary permits. Once those steps are complete, the construction manager will begin the build‑out, with an anticipated timeline that will be shared with the public as the project progresses.
Plano’s commitment to upgrading its police training infrastructure reflects a broader focus on public‑safety excellence and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Plano — read the source article.
