Medford to break ground on new police station

After months of planning and discussion, Medford is set to move forward with construction of a new police station.

The city in March awarded CTA Construction of Waltham a $17.9 million contract to build the new station, and plans to formally break ground on the project on April 26. The 35,000-square-foot facility will be built to the left of the existing station on Main Street.

The City Council in January approved Mayor Stephanie M. Burke’s request to borrow up to $24 million to build the station and install a new two-way radio and dispatch system. City officials say the existing station, built in 1960, has significant facility issues and does not meet the current needs of the department.

Officials said the annual debt costs for the police station will be paid through the city’s regular budget.

The new station will include offices and conference room spaces, a combined police and fire dispatch center; extensive storage for evidence; a fitness center; and modern detention facilities.

Its highly energy efficient design and the inclusion of rooftop solar panels will enable the building to operate without burning fossil fuels, saving the city money and contributing to its goal of having net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, officials said.

The project team also includes Context Architecture and Daedalus Projects, which will manage the construction process in conjunction with the city.

“I’m excited for the construction to begin. The ground is prepped, the bid is complete, and now it’s time to put the shovels to work,” Burke said in a statement. The groundbreaking will be held at 11 a.m. at the site.