Third public safety project breaks ground in Gainesville
Published on July 31, 2026
For the third time in as many months, the City of Gainesville has broken ground on a public safety facility. The latest project is the Southwest Public Safety Center, a hurricane-hardened complex under construction near Archer Road and Interstate 75. The center will include a fire station with four engine bays, a dedicated Public Works warehouse and a community meeting room.
In mid-July, city leaders broke ground on the new Fire Station #3. In April, they celebrated the start of construction on the Gainesville Police Department Property and Evidence Building. Together, the three represent a $60 million public safety infrastructure investment known as the Safe By Design Initiative.
The projects are funded through Streets, Stations and Strong Foundations, the infrastructure half of the voter-approved one-cent sales surtax, which complements the Wild Spaces Public Places program by funding road repairs, fire stations, public facilities and affordable housing.
“I am thrilled to see buildings come out of the ground as part of our Safe By Design Initiative, and they’re all funded by local sources,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward. “This will set a course for future generations of Gainesville neighbors to see this city’s commitment to public safety.”
The 29,754-square-foot public safety center will expand emergency resources available to southwest Gainesville and improve the city’s ability to strategically deploy response teams following natural disasters.
“The Public Safety Center has been designed to remain operational when conditions are at their worst. During a major storm, this is where personnel, equipment and resources will be organized, waiting on standby until it’s safe to head back out onto the roads,” said Interim Chief Operating Officer Brian Singleton.
Once construction is complete in late 2027, Fire Station #9 will relocate from its modular building in Butler Plaza North to the new facility.
“The Southwest Public Safety Center isn't simply replacing an existing fire station. It's creating a permanent public safety campus designed around what we need today and what we expect to need tomorrow—and for many tomorrows to come,” said Mayor Pro Tem and District III City Commissioner Casey Willits.
A future construction phase at the site includes a Gainesville Police Department annex with offices, briefing and interview rooms, and support space.
“Bringing these services together creates opportunities for stronger coordination and better outcomes for our neighbors,” said Mayor Ward.
The Gainesville City Commission approved the project in 2023. Commissioners approved a site work agreement in April and a construction agreement in June. The estimated project cost of the Southwest Public Safety Center is $22.2 million. Grant support was provided by Alachua County.
Investing in city infrastructure and facilities advances the goals of the city’s strategic plan.