Wicomico County Public Safety Building – New Construction

Gipe Associates is providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design for the new Wicomico Public Safety Building. Phase 1 of the project includes a single story 54,600 public safety facility to house the sheriff’s office and supporting garage. Portions of the facility will operate 24/7 such as patrol areas, detention areas, and the dispatch center. The new public safety facility will host a wide range of specialty spaces such as training facilities, an armory, evidence and firearms storage, VR lab, interview & holding cells, staff areas and kitchen, secured storage, crime analysis labs, and supporting fleet garage with vehicle storage bays, K9 storage, dog runs, kennels, and wash area. Natural gas serves much of the domestic water equipment as well as the heating equipment in the garage area. Air distribution systems are unique to each area, with specific air change requirements per space. Heating and cooling requirements for the overall building are met by energy efficient chilled water/heating water central plants serving variable air volume rooftop air handling units with Energy Recovery wheels. Space conditions in the UPS rooms are maintained by chilled water environmental control units equipped with infrared humidifiers and reheat options to maintain both space temperature and humidity requirements.

Electrical systems design included power distribution, standby power systems, lighting, and fire alarm system. The facility is provided with 480Y/277V, 3 phase, 4 wire solid neutral electrical service via pad-mounted transformer. Electrical loads were calculated and also incorporated the anticipated Phase II EOC Building and EOC Garage. Coordination with the local utility company was required. UPS was provided for receptacle loads in the dispatch center and emergency power is provided via diesel engine generator sets.

Mechanical and electrical systems were designed to meet all the seismic requirements associated with a Risk Category IV structure.
Interior lighting is provided via LED fixtures and controlled locally in most areas to avoid system-wide failures. Occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting sensors were provided where it made sense. Exterior lighting was designed in compliance with International Dark-Sky Association recommendations and controlled by both photocell and the Building Management System.
Gipe designed a state-of-the-art fire alarm system, card access readers for secured entrances, and provisions for security and telecom systems and wiring.

Project Type: Public Safety,