AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik has announced that the city is considering relocating the Akron Police Department Headquarters to a new, permanent location.
Officials say that the city has explored the option of renovating the Stubbs Justice Center and keeping the Police Headquarters in place, but is also looking into the possibility of relocating. Currently, the Akron Police Station is located at the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center on South High Street.
As a result, the city has issued a request for proposals for detailed site information from property owners, developers, and/or their broker/agent representatives wishing to submit sale/development properties for the city’s consideration. Additionally, the city has issued a request for qualifications seeking qualified architectural/engineering firms to conduct an analysis of the sites identified for their feasibility in meeting the needs of the Akron Police Department.
“I’ve been very upfront about the need to decide the future of our Akron Police Department headquarters,” said Mayor Malik. “In our 100-Day Plan, I’ve committed to determining the future of those headquarters by the end of June 2024. Issuing today’s RFP and RFQ is the next step in the process in deciding whether we ultimately renovate the current structure and stay in the Harold K. Stubbs Building or whether we pursue a new permanent home for our Akron Police Department elsewhere. I look forward to seeing the opportunities presented from these two requests.”
If the decision is made to relocate, the Akron Police Department headquarters will move to a new permanent location in either a new facility on an undeveloped site, a previously developed site cleared of any existing buildings and structures or an existing building that is renovated.
Below are the police headquarters requirements per Mayor Malik's Office:
- All Proposals are to take into consideration the space needs and interdepartmental relationships of the Akron Police
- Proposers are welcome to submit properties they believe would accommodate these requirements for consideration through the Bonfire portal
- Sites must have or accommodate a building of approximately 80,000 to 120,000 square feet in one or multiple floors laid out appropriately for office staff and law enforcement needs such as private offices, public space, cubicle workspaces, interview rooms, classrooms, exercise room, conference rooms, locker rooms, etc
- Site must be located in the City of Akron within a 1.5-mile radius of the H.K. Stubbs Justice Center, 217 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308
- Akron Police need not be the sole occupant of the building and is open to co-locating with other public safety related organizations or other civic organizations that would promote community policing
- In addition to the building, the site must accommodate or be adjacent to parking for a minimum of 80 passenger cars with a preference for some secured and onsite parking
- Site must accommodate a clean, healthy workplace environment, free of harmful contaminants and excessive noise, with access to quality air, light and utilities
At this time, the city has not yet decided whether the headquarters will be moved or remain at Stubbs, but officials hope that this process will help make that determination.
