Windermere Police Department Gets a New Station
If you have driven through the heart of Windermere in the last few months. You may have noticed all of the construction happening in and around the Windermere Police Station. The original, 100 plus year-old building, was completely demolished. Now, months after demolition, the big reveal of the new Windermere Police Station is in the near future.
The History of the Original Building
With this new revitalization of the town’s headquarters. It marks a new time in the Windermere Police Station Chapter. The previous station they were using up until October 2020, was used for around twenty years. It was actually built in 1916 and originally used as a school house. Fast forward to the year 2000. The buildings were converted into the Police Station, Public Works Supervisor Office and Storage, Town Administration, Clerk and Finance Department. It even offered commercial rental space.
The Decision to Rebuild
While the town officials had discussed for years what exactly to do with the Police Station, whether to tear it down and start over. Or renovate the old building, it was decided in 2019 to start from scratch and to rebuild. With an approval of up to $5.2 million to spend on the municipal complex project, plans were drawn up.
As the Town Manager Robert Smith stated earlier in the year, “These buildings weren’t meant to be for government facilities. They’re not in the best condition.” Besides the fact the buildings were old and not in great shape, the specific location of the former Windermere Police Department was not ideal. Connected to a dance studio, with thin wall and no actual holding cells, the charm and history of the former buildings were just too much to overcome.
Police Chief, Dave Ogden
After approval, demolition was scheduled to begin the week of Monday, October 20, 2020. Police Chief, Dave Ogden, had the honors of being the first to use demo equipment. He took the first swing at some of the former offices. Making the initial hole in what was once the ceiling of the police department’s former home.
Police Chief Dave Ogden said, “I was thrilled to take down the first section of the old police department in this monster machine.” And really, who wouldn’t be thrilled, talk about a fun day at work. Getting to use demolition equipment at your former work space, a great stress reliever at the least. Chief Ogden also said, “For seven and a half years, this team has rebuilt the police department, and this moment in time buries the past as we forge ahead building a new facility while we continue our pursuit of police accreditation commensurate to that build out.”
Let the Construction Begin!
Once demolition was done and the land was cleared to make way for the new state of the art complex. Construction was able to begin. While the 104-year-old school house will be missed. It is time to revitalize the home that houses Windermere’s government facilities. This new complex is said by Windermere Officials to be a 11, 000 square foot, one story complex. It will keep in line with the character of their charming town.
Windermere Police Station
In the new complex that is currently underway. The police department is planned to take up most of the space, using 5,445 square feet in their building. Included in their plan is space for: patrol, records, a community and training room, lockers, evidence storage, multipurpose and weapons storage, a break area, and lockers. The space will also include offices for the chief and deputy chief. Workstations will also be assigned for detectives and sergeants.
The Town of Windermere Admin Offices
The town’s admin offices will consist of a building with 3,000 square feet and will be interconnected to the to the police building. Space wise, there will be more than enough room for all their various needs. This includes offices, workstations, as well as storage. It will house the town manager, human resources, town clerk, and financial directors. A conference room will also be incorporated into the space.
Windermere’s Public Work Department
The public work department’s building will be 2,554 square feet. It will include open work areas, offices for the director and foreman, a break room as well as space for mechanical and electrical. This area will also be home to a 5,180 square foot public works yard. Currently, per Chief Ogden, the Windermere Police Station is working on getting accreditation within a year’s time of operating out of the new space. After the completion of this complex, it will serve as a safe place for its staff during hurricanes and other sever weather advisories.
The New Complex will Benefit The Community for Years to Come!
The new complex and plans were a culmination of a minimum of five years of work. Windermere looks forward to investing in their community and providing better structured homes for the town’s administration and Windermere police department. Jim O’Brian, the Mayor of Windermere said the decision to move forward with their facilities will be beneficial not just today, but 50 years down the road. He also said, “It’s about setting ourselves up and making sure we have the right tools and the right facilities and we can attract the right staff for the future of Windermere.”
Temporary Location of the Windermere Police Department
While construction is underway, the Windermere Police Department has relocated temporarily to 501 Forest St. Until their new home is completed. There is definitely a level of excitement around town. Especially within the police department as everyone waits for the big reveal. Stay tuned for details of a completion date.
Regardless of where the Windermere Police Department’s address may be located, they are as always “dedicated to providing a high level of service to our community” and use the latest in profession policing standards, while maintaining integrity in all they do. They “strive to be an exemplary police department that achieves all aspects” of their mission while earning the trust of their community.
The Windermere Police Department will continue to do their best at preventing crime. As well as the fear of crime while they pursue justice for all. Protecting everyone’s civil rights and liberties is also at the forefront of all that they do. They believe “everything matters,” and strive to provide a level service to the community that sets new standards in police practices.
A Dedicated Department
As the Chief of Police, David Ogden says, “Leadership is service, not your title.” He pledges to stand firm to their values while maintaining a high standard of ethics, abide by all laws and to hold themselves accountable. The Chief takes his role very seriously and believes setting the example for others is imperative while inspiring and encouraging his team.
With a great team in place, the Windermere Police department and city offices are ready for their next chapter as they move into the future. By the Police Station getting accredited. This will only help to ensure that the best practices are maintained and kept. An outside agency will ensure all standards are met or exceeded. These programs are state accredited with the goal is to help law enforcement agencies establish standards and maintain them.
A Dedicated Community
As the city of Windermere continues to grow, so does the soul of the community. At the heart of it is a brand-new complex set to house the police department, town administration, and the public works team. The new complex is just what the town needed! From small cramped quarters with ballet music playing in the background and no holding cells. It was time to rebuild their home.
As sad as some were to see the old school houses demolished. It is truly a momentous occasion to see the years of planning for the new facilities take shape. With Windermere looked upon as a luxury community. Home to Isleworth, Keenes Point, Lake Butler Estates, Bellaria, Aladar on Lake Butler, the Reserve at Lake Butler Sound and many more exclusive neighborhoods. It is only fitting that their police station and town administration get an upgrade in order to best serve the community it is in.
All eyes are on Windermere as they complete this renovation and we truly can’t wait to see the finished project! We know it is going to be spectacular and perfectly in line with the charming character of the downtown area of Windermere.
The Erica Diaz Team – Windermere Police Department Gets a New Station
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