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The City of Toppenish is planning a second phase of renovations to its police department facility on First Avenue, with improvements potentially including a new roof, fire sprinklers, windows and bathroom upgrades.

The city completed the first phase of renovations with help from $500,000 in state funding after the department previously operated out of a temporary facility at Pioneer Park.

Renovating an existing downtown building proved more cost-effective than constructing a new police station, which would have cost approximately $13 million.

TOPPENISH, WASHINGTON — The City of Toppenish is moving forward with the second phase of renovations to its police department facility, with improvements planned for next year as the city continues to enhance the downtown building that now houses the department.

The city is working to make more improvements to its police department's current home on First Avenue. City Manager Adam Vaughn said the department previously operated out of a temporary facility at Pioneer Park before moving into its current building.

The city completed the first phase of renovations with help from $500,000 in state funding. Now, with additional federal grant support, the city is planning a second phase that could include a new roof, fire sprinklers, windows and bathroom improvements.

Vaughn said renovating an existing downtown building was a more affordable option than constructing an entirely new police station.

"We could build a brand new facility for about $13 million, or we could look at what we could do if we could rehabilitate one of our properties in town, to be able to put to a suitable use for a police department," Vaughn said.

The decision to renovate rather than build new reflects fiscal responsibility and a commitment to utilizing existing downtown infrastructure. By rehabilitating the existing building, the city avoided the substantial expense of new construction while still providing the police department with an improved facility.

The second phase of renovations addresses critical facility needs. A new roof will protect the building from weather damage. Fire sprinklers will enhance safety for officers and visitors. New windows will improve energy efficiency and building appearance. Bathroom improvements will enhance functionality and comfort.

The city is now seeking an architect to design the second phase, with construction expected sometime in 2027, depending on federal approvals. The timeline reflects the need to secure federal funding and complete the design process before construction can begin.

For Toppenish residents, the police department renovations represent an investment in public safety infrastructure and downtown revitalization. By improving the police facility, the city is supporting the department's ability to serve the community effectively while maintaining a presence in the downtown area.

The combination of state and federal funding support demonstrates the city's ability to leverage multiple funding sources to accomplish infrastructure improvements that might otherwise strain the municipal budget.