Midlothian Public Safety & Courts

The City of Midlothian has a growing population, nearly doubling since 2010, and was in need of a new public facitly facility. The new public safety building program contains patrol operations, investigations, fire administration, police administration, dispatch, IT, booking & holding, property, locker rooms and supporting spaces. Equipped with independent mechanical and structural systems, a new EOC facility/storm shelter is also located in the building. Exterior to the building, new enclosures contain vehicle operations and storage of large property items, as well as protected shelters for the emergency generator sets.

Accessible from the complex’s entry plaza, the municipal court has a separate and secured entrance. Its large wood-paneled courtroom doubles as a multifunctional assembly space when used for jury pooling or not being used by the courts at all. The court's staff is segregated into its own administrative workspace, and transaction windows are located adjacent to the secure lobby for ease of use.

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Midlothian is known for its concrete and brick industries, which are reflected in the façade’s patterning and texture. The use of Texas limestone masonry on the exterior and landscape features relates to the more rural agrarian nature of the surrounding community. Breaking down the overall building mass and providing internal daylighting, the extensive use of glass and an expansive outdoor shaded terrace off the second-floor break room offer health and wellness benefits.