Sandy Springs, GA Space Needs Study

Sandy Springs was one of the State of Georgia’s newest incorporated municipalities. Nestled in the northern reaches of Fulton County, Georgia, Sandy Springs stands as a vibrant tapestry of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. The city’s allure lies in its harmonious blend of modern sensibilities and a deep appreciation for its rich history. Towering skyscrapers adorned with glass and steel share the skyline with charming neighborhoods lined with stately homes and manicured lawns. This seamless juxtaposition of the old and the new creates a unique urban landscape that is both dynamic and inviting. Under state law, the new city had to select three municipal services and law enforcement and a municipal court were chosen. The police department, as it grew, moved several times settling into an office complex. The municipal court occupied other nearby space in the same office complex. 

The court quickly outgrew its space as the police department did as more officers were trained and hired. Designed as office space, neither the police nor the court had adequate security measures. Security bollards were installed after a vehicle crashed through the back of the police facility. None of the glass in the complex was security glazing and consequently all offices kept blinds and shades shut permanently creating a less than inviting work environment. 

As the department aged, it quickly ran out of space for records, evidence and there was no secure way to handle and process impound vehicles of those for evidence reasons. Vehicles were vandalized and there was no security for officers as the entered or exited their spaces. Physical training was at a secondary location in the city in rented space. Weapons certification and training was in a private range space and training had to be arranged around the facility’s scheduling creating difficulties. 

Additional training and special units were housed at yet another rented location in the city. The city desired to have an understanding of current and future spatial needs in order to consolidate these spaces into a police and court designed facility that would provide efficient space use, cost the city less funds on a yearly basis and provide staff and visitors a safe, secure and functional environment.