OMAHA, Neb.—The City of Omaha has officially revealed the design for its new Public Safety Headquarters, a state-of-the-art joint facility for police and fire departments designed by architecture and engineering firm LEO A DALY. Positioned near the vital Crossroads area, the purpose-built campus aims to modernize critical emergency services while serving as a vibrant public anchor for the community.
The multi-departmental hub will bring over 350 civic professionals under one roof. Designed as a long-term investment in the city’s future, the campus is tailored to boost recruitment, improve staff retention, and prioritize the overall well-being of first responders.
Streamlined Operations & Advanced Facilities
By consolidating administrative and specialized services, the complex will house:
- Law Enforcement & Forensic Facilities: Advanced investigative units, a modernized forensic laboratory, and a real-time crime center.
- Fire & Emergency Services: Operational support for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) along with dedicated fire prevention and public education spaces.
The layout emphasizes operational efficiency, seamless workflow integration, and adaptable infrastructure capable of evolving alongside future technologies and city growth.
A Civic Asset Built for Community Engagement
Beyond its operational mission, the headquarters prioritizes accessibility and transparency. A sunlit concourse welcomes the public into flexible multi-use areas, including an adaptable auditorium built for public meetings, educational initiatives, and community gatherings. Surrounding outdoor plazas further invite daily public use, civic events, and commemorations.
The facility will also honor local history through integrated displays featuring historic emergency vehicles, equipment, and artifacts—visible from both inside and outside the campus to build a stronger connection with residents.
“This project demonstrates how public safety buildings can also function as civic assets and placemakers for an entire community,” said Chris Rupert, LEO A DALY market sector leader. “The Omaha Public Safety Headquarters brings together critical police and fire functions while creating new opportunities for public engagement through welcoming indoor and outdoor community spaces. It’s a once-in-a-generation investment that reflects Omaha’s commitment to safety, transparency, and civic pride.”
Strategic Partnerships
LEO A DALY has collaborated with city officials since 2023 on site selection, project definition, and success metrics, and will lead the project through its final design phases. Key partners on the development team include:
- McClaren, Wilson & Lawrie Inc.: Law enforcement and forensic sciences architecture
- Lamp Rynearson: Civil engineering and landscape design
- Protection Engineering Consultants: Specialized structural engineering and blast protection
