Boomerang Design led a comprehensive facilities assessment, programming study, and master plan for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Police-Fire Academy, the Special Operations Bureau, and the Special Investigations Bureau. Working closely with the City of Charlotte’s project leadership, owner representatives, and user groups, the team evaluated the aging Police Academy building to understand current conditions, operational challenges, and long-term space needs.

Through an intensive collaborative process, our architects met frequently with stakeholders to explore whether to renovate and expand the existing facility or construct a new one. Each option was analyzed for logistics, phasing, constructability, life-cycle operations, capital cost, security, and flexibility. The study concluded that renovation would be cost-prohibitive and limiting. Instead, the master plan recommended demolishing the existing building and replacing it with a new, state-of-the-art, 37,065-square-foot, two-story facility tailored to the current and future needs of CMPD Special Operations and Investigations.

The master plan was carefully phased to maintain ongoing operations throughout construction. The new facility would be completed first, followed by demolition of the existing building and completion of site support amenities. The result is a more secure, efficient, and sustainable campus with advanced technology and modern building systems—positioning CMPD for improved training, readiness, and long-term operational success.