MOLALLA, Ore.—Molalla marked a historic milestone last week with the grand opening of its first dedicated police station; a project more than a decade in the making and one that city leaders say will reshape how public safety services are delivered for years to come. Members of Mackenzie’s design team joined city officials, residents, and project partners for the celebration, which included remarks, a ribbon‑cutting, and public tours of the new facility.
The station, located on the former bowling alley property on Grange Avenue, represents a major civic investment for the growing community. Beyond serving as the new home for the Molalla Police Department, the building is designed to function as an emergency operations center, giving the city a centralized hub for coordinating crisis response during wildfires, severe weather, or other regional emergencies.
A Vision Years in the Making
The project’s origins stretch back to early discussions in 2012, when Molalla’s leadership began acknowledging the limitations of the department’s aging and undersized facilities. By 2015, the city had begun setting aside funds, and in 2021 it purchased the Grange Avenue site. The decisive moment came in November 2023, when voters approved a bond measure to finance construction.
Work progressed steadily through 2024 and 2025, with the project team reporting in mid‑2025 that construction was on schedule and potentially under budget — a rare achievement for municipal capital projects. The station reached completion in late 2025, setting the stage for its January 2026 opening.
Designing a Civic Anchor
Mackenzie, the project’s lead design firm, emphasized that the building was conceived not just as a workplace for officers but as a civic resource meant to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
“The organization of the facility and site was designed to create a more civically engaging relationship with the community,” said Thomas Peck, Mackenzie’s Design Director, in an interview with the Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon last year. “It will reinforce the presence of law enforcement and the public safety building as a resource for everyone in Molalla.”
The design reflects that philosophy: a welcoming public lobby, clear sightlines, community‑facing spaces, and durable materials intended to serve the city for generations. The emergency operations center is integrated into the building’s core, ensuring rapid coordination during critical events.
A Collaborative Effort
The project brought together a broad team of specialists. In addition to Mackenzie, the design and construction partners included Interface Engineering, Otak, P&C Construction, and Ward‑Henshaw Construction. Technical systems were supported by manufacturers such as Biamp and Verkada, with low‑voltage integration by Cache Valley Electric.
Together, these partners delivered a facility that blends modern policing needs with community‑centered design — a balance that Molalla officials have long sought.
A New Chapter for Public Safety
As residents toured the building during the grand opening, many expressed pride in seeing a long‑promised project finally realized. The station stands as a symbol of Molalla’s growth, resilience, and commitment to public safety.
With its doors now open, the new police station begins its service as both a functional headquarters and a civic anchor — a place designed for the community as much as for the officers who protect it.
