When most people imagine police buildings, they don't picture public plazas, solar panels, lush landscaping or a green roof.

But all that and more are planned for Salt Lake City's $125-million public safety headquarters, designed to transform the block just east of Library Square.

The airy, angular and inviting blueprint marks a startling contrast from the city's existing police complex — a 50-year-old rectangle box at 315 E. 200 South that leaks, creaks and uncomfortably confines the officers.

Besides the modern design, the new headquarters has a goal — directed by Mayor Ralph Becker — to be "green." Foremost on that front, designers are striving for "net zero," meaning the building must generate as much energy as it uses.

"Sustainability has been a big driver for the building," says project manager David Hart, noting the architectural team is focusing on features that passively and actively conserve energy use.

Builders plan to tap solar energy with panels on and around the building, and perhaps at an off-site location. The plan calls for setting aside $2 million for a so-called "Power Purchase Agreement" in which an investor would help fund the panels in exchange for tax credits.

Green roofs will both mitigate storm drainage and provide better aesthetics, planners say. Roof access and planting still are being studied.

At minimum, the police-fire administration center — made possible by voters in November 2009 who overwhelmingly approved the $125 million bond — must meet the city's required silver status under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

The open, four-story complex will be lined with trees, include underground parking and won't spoil mountain views. Designers expect to narrow 300 East as a security buffer and as "event" space connected to Library Square. And the midblock Blair Street will serve as a public corridor rather than an alley for service deliveries.

City Council members have embraced the plan during multiple presentations, though some are pushing for the "walkability" along 500 South to be preserved.

The complex primarily will be crafted as a functional space for the city's Police, Fire and Emergency Management departments. But it also will house a police-and-fire museum, public-meeting room and event space.

djensen@sltrib.com —

Construction schedule

Demolition to begin Feb. 1.

Final design to be presented Feb. 22.

Work on foundation and parking to start July 18.

Base building begins Nov. 4.

Completion is scheduled for March 31, 2013.