Residents get first look at police station, courthouse design

MILLIKEN -- Expansive community space, buildings closer to the street and ample room for growth are just a few of the plans architect Jeff Sheppard presented Thursday afternoon for the new police department and courthouse building.

Sheppard, with Roth Sheppard Architects of Denver, used a three-dimensional model with interchangeable parts to show Milliken residents three different options for the new police station to be built next summer.

In what Sheppard called "new urbanism," he said the schemes hearken back to a classic small-town feel, where residents can gather and meet.

"We are not just thinking about a building. We are thinking about the impact we can make on the town," Sheppard said. "The impact is not just on the site, but the whole downtown."

The new 20,000 square-foot building will be located one block east of the current police station and town hall at 1101 Broad St. About 20 residents attended the meeting at town hall to provide feedback on the project.

"We don't just want four walls and a roof," said Milt Tokunaga, 57, who is on the town board. "We have a huge opportunity here to be able to establish something that is an actual attraction."

Milliken Mayor Linda Measner, who has been part of the project from the start, said she expects the new building design to attract more people to town.

"When people see we are moving in a progressive direction, I think more people will be motivated to get involved," Measner said.

Sheppard said the designs are intended to use existing structures to save money, as well as leave room for future expansion in the future.

Bev West, 54, a Milliken resident for six years, said her first impression of the plans is very positive. While looking over drawings of the new building, she said the plan could help enhance businesses and homes in the area.

Milliken Police Chief Jim Burack said he was happy to see so many people attended the meeting. Burack's current police station is 80 years old and no longer provides the room or technology his staff needs.

Walking through the cluttered office Thursday night, Burack noted his jail is a pair of handcuffs bolted to a bench. The door to jail has no lock because police kicked it open when a witness locked himself in the room.

"We see this as an opportunity to look at the bigger picture of how does a police station fit in as a focus for downtown," Burack said. "And to see if we can redevelop downtown and Milliken."