The San Gabriel Public Works Department hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Aug. 31 to commemorate the completion of the brand new Public Works Facility at 917 E Grand Ave.
The $11.2 million, 23,000 square foot facility marks the city’s first major investment in a new public building since the 1990s and the first all new facility since 1962. It is a big step forward in modernizing the department and will increase productivity and efficiency, as well as enhance the department’s ability to take care of city parks, streets, sidewalks, trees, signals, sewers and storm drains.
In addition, the facility’s completion clears the way for the long-awaited construction of the new Police Department headquarters, which will be built on the old Public Works site located behind the current Police Department building. Initial work is scheduled to begin on the new $27.6 million Police Department facility this fiscal year.
The new Public Works Facility will bring the majority of the Public Works divisions together under one roof, housing Administration, Fleet Maintenance, Engineering and Field Operations. It has many upgraded features that will improve operations in the department, including:
-Larger and improved fleet maintenance shop that can now fit large apparatus such as fire engine.
-Warehouse space for supplies inventory for day-to-day operations as well as emergency reserves.
-Advanced building security, including key-access gate.
-On-site dumpsters to eliminate extra trips.
-In-house fueling station, storage for back-up fuel for emergencies.
-Office space for Administration, Fleet Maintenance, Engineering and Field Operations Divisions to be together under one roof.
The facility design and function is also sustainable, including green features such as:
-Bicycle parking and shower/changing rooms, plus one designated parking space for Clean Air Vehicles.
-Energy efficient, dual glazed windows to keep heat out and LED fixtures and high performance skylights to reduce energy use.
-Drought tolerant and native plants, high efficiency irrigation and weather-based irrigation controls in landscaping.
-Low-flow toilets, sinks and shower heads as well as waterless urinals to minimize water consumption.
The facility marks a significant milestone in the Public Works Department's history. Read more about that history by clicking the link below.
For more information on Public Works, contact Public Works Director Daren Grilley at 626.308.2825.