One advantage of working for a large firm with deep expertise in markets such as education, libraries, and law enforcement is having the opportunity to design projects that are in other parts of the country. Even though I’m currently based in Illinois, I had lived and worked in Phoenix and was familiar with designing in the southwest climate and environment. The opportunity to work on the Tolleson Police and Court Center project, just west of Phoenix, Arizona, seemed like a natural fit. Teamed with HDA Architects, we were selected as a result of our experience in police and court buildings, including co-located facilities that are welcoming to the public.
As a third generation Tolleson resident, the police chief cared deeply about the role and perception of the police force and criminal justice system in the community. From the beginning, we knew that this building would be a highly visible civic emblem of the commitment to serve and protect the citizens of Tolleson. The facility would be the first phase of a new municipal campus master plan, which we also created.
Incorporating Elements of a Community into Architectural Design
Tolleson has an interesting history as a southwestern agricultural center. The community is set in the Salt River Valley, and prospered in part due to a series of canals—lined with pecan trees—that irrigated vegetable crops. These iconic, linear elements, still used to bring water to the community today, helped shape our site planning and design approach.
Tolleson is largely a Hispanic community, and residents are particularly proud of the oldest building in town—the Tolleson Union High School. Built in 1927, the school features a distinctive Spanish colonial style of architecture, with terracotta tiles and white stucco walls. We took design cues from this mission-style vernacular, using a similar palette for the new police and court center. The form of the building echoes the vol symbol—a pair of outstretched wings symbolizing justice, protection, and speed. The wings take the shape of butterfly roofed pavilions housing most of the departments, with the center space serving as a public lobby and support space leading to a light-filled inner courtyard.
The Tolleson Police and Court Center opened more than a year ago, but I think often of this project. It began with a strong and productive relationship with the client. There was careful research and a thoughtful approach to the context—including history, culture, ecology, and climate. We studied the program and various functions that were to be housed within the building, and we focused on the client’s goal of engaging and welcoming the community.
Used by various local groups, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Women’s League One, the community room represents the area’s history and culture. Another welcoming detail occurs in the public lobby which features a local collection of Native American Kachina dolls, prominently displayed to reference the proud past of many community members.
Reflecting on the Tolleson Police and Court Center Project
A few months ago, I heard from Tolleson Police Chief Larry Rodriguez, whom I now consider a good friend after working closely together for four years. He was kind enough to offer some reflections now that he’s worked in the building for the past year. I thank him for this valuable feedback and look forward to another project like this—close to home or far away.
“Dewberry did not just come to Tolleson to design a building. They took the time to understand our community and incorporated our uniqueness as a city into the building design. Brian Meade researched and learned about our agrarian history, our diverse culture, our methodical transition from an agricultural community to an industrial/commercial center, and our plans for the future. Dewberry engaged our entire police staff during the early planning process. They never discounted any ideas, and as a result, every member of the police department carries a sense of pride and accomplishment that they contributed in their own way to the building. The design reflects our community policing philosophy. The overall sense of pride, work attitude, and productivity is tremendously positive.”
