Demolition work is moving full steam ahead at the old police headquarters in Shreveport at 1234 Texas Avenue.
KEEL News asked city leaders for an update on this massive project. Here are our questions and the response we got from SPAR Director Shelly Ragle:

Can I get an update on the status of the construction of the new police station?
Construction continues to move forward on schedule. Demolition of the former jail building has been completed, renovation work within the existing building is progressing, and preparations are underway to begin foundation work for the new addition. Approximately 68 workers are currently on site, with significant progress being made on framing, mechanical systems, roofing, and other building components.

How far along is the demolition?
Demolition has reached a significant milestone. Earlier phases included environmental abatement, demolition of Building B, and exterior demolition of the B-wing while crews simultaneously began framing, electrical, HVAC, and masonry restoration work within the existing facility. As of the latest progress meeting, the former jail building has now been fully demolished, debris removal is nearing completion, and the existing slab will be removed next in preparation for grading and construction of the new addition.

Credit: Erin McCarty
Credit: Erin McCarty

When do they expect to begin construction on the new building?
Construction is already well underway on the overall Police Headquarters project. Renovation of the existing building has been progressing for several weeks while demolition activities continued. The project is now transitioning into the next major phase with construction of the new addition. Following demolition cleanup and slab removal, site grading is scheduled to begin immediately, with foundation concrete for the addition targeted for the week of August 3, 2026.

Have they run into some problems in getting the building ready for the rebuild?
As with most projects of this size and complexity, the contractor has encountered a few routine issues. There have been normal coordination items and contractor submittal reviews, all of which are being addressed through the project's standard construction management process. Previously identified electrical rough-in questions have already been addressed. At this time, there is no indication that these items have affected the overall project schedule.

What is the current estimated time for completion?
The current projected date for Substantial Completion is August 27, 2028.

Hand Construction won the bid on this project at $22,152,000 million. Estimates from the designers put the price tag at $24,750,000.00. So this bid will save the city about 10%.
Money for this project comes from the 2021 bond election. Voters approved money for a new police station and 3 police substations across the city. All 3 substations are now open.
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The entire building is not being torn down. The main four-story structure along Texas Avenue is being stripped down to its iron frame so it can be completely rebuilt and modernized.

Demolition Work Moves into High Gear at Shreveport Police HQ

Crews busy with demolition work at 1234 Texas Street where new police station will be built.

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