The new Police Headquarters for the City of Ankeny, Iowa serves a community currently experiencing rapid population growth. The new facility will become a critical part of a new mixed-use development which will eventually be geographically centered within the city limits of Ankeny. The 75,000 square foot facility is designed to accommodate department growth over a 20-year period.

The prairie-style character of the facility's exterior is in response to the intended design criteria of the surrounding development and also addresses the City's desire to incorporate environment- and energy-friendly features. The utilization of generous expanses of exterior glazing allows for natural-daylighting to assist in contribution to energy savings. The use of large overhangs help to shade the facility in the summer, but allow heat-gain in the winter when the sun is lower in the sky.

Inviting public lobby areas include all necessary public contact points for Police Records, Administration, Investigations, Evidence and Detention personnel which provides for greater security for staff by eliminating the need for public to be brought into staff areas. A full-featured facility security system was designed for the new facility, which includes both electronic access control and surveillance camera systems. Through the use of both functional facility layout and appropriate facility security systems, the safety and security of both police department personnel and the public can be protected.

Site features include a large public plaza area which incorporates a police officer's memorial to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty as well as adequate green space adjacent to the building to allow for facility expansion beyond the 20-year planning horizon.