Operations temporarily set up in City Hall
By Daily Press staff
The new public safety facility will officially open for business on Monday, officials said.
Personnel from the Santa Monica Police Department spent most of this week packing up their offices. They plan to report to work in the new building next week. Movers will begin hauling boxes and furniture this weekend.
While the SMPD moves, police operations that require 24-hour services — like the watch commander, records section and front desk — will be moved to the lobby of City Hall over the weekend so no service will be interrupted, said SMPD Lt. Frank Fabrega.
“It’ll be business as usual,” he said.
“It’ll be business as usual.” — — LT. FRANK FABREGA SMPD
However, not all of the new building will be open — the jail will remain empty for a couple of more weeks while the SMPD waits for the Department of Justice to formally sign off on the new accommodations. During that time, prisoners will remain in the old jail, Fabrega said.
Close to 500 city employees will occupy the new building, which cost about $66 million. The grand opening and community celebration for the facility was held on Aug. 27.
The complex behind City Hall will replace the 50-year-old police building, which will allow all of the city’s emergency personnel to operate under one roof. Both the police and fire departments have expanded significantly over the past five decades, which has forced employees to work in crowded spaces or in satellite offices throughout the city, officials say.
What’s to become of the old building, which is attached to City Hall, remains unclear. Some have suggested that it be demolished and replaced with open space.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 19, 2003. Read the original PDF.