Bringing multiple agencies under one roof isn’t simple, but it’s often mutually beneficial. While public safety, public works and civic services are increasingly interconnected, many agencies still operate in siloed, outdated facilities. At the same time, today’s residents expect coordinated emergency response, one-stop access to services and greater transparency, all of which are driving a national shift toward co-located, community-centric government hubs.
As communities evolve, so do expectations for local and regional governments. Wold’s architects and engineers have partnered with law enforcement, fire/EMS, emergency management, public works and municipal leaders nationwide to design facilities that are flexible, efficient and deeply rooted in the community. These projects show how integrated planning can produce buildings that serve both staff and the public equally.
Why multi-agency design matters now
Today’s public safety and government operations are more complex than ever. Agencies are expected to train together, communicate seamlessly and share resources efficiently, yet many lack the right spaces to support these functions. At the same time, evolving technologies, emerging threats, staffing challenges and the public’s demand for instant communication have raised the bar for coordinated response and service delivery.
To meet these demands, municipalities are rethinking how and where services are delivered. Shared, multi-tenant facilities provide a way to modernize infrastructure, stretch budgets and strengthen community identity. When designed with purpose, these spaces can improve access and encourage collaboration to create long-term operational sustainability.
Design strategies that bring agencies together
Designing multi-tenant facilities isn’t just about maximizing square footage; it’s about maximizing connection. Each department brings unique strengths, operations and community roles to the table. The design process must create opportunities for collaboration without forcing uniformity. When done right, these facilities foster efficient service delivery, enhance public access and support long-term adaptability.
Below are four strategies Wold uses to guide successful co-located buildings:
1. Understand agency culture and operational differences
Every agency has its own identity, protocols and pressures. Some departments operate around-the-clock; others keep typical business hours. Some prioritize secure zones and tactical response; others focus on community interaction. Early engagement with staff and leadership is critical to understanding these nuances and to building trust across departments. These insights lay the groundwork for design decisions that reflect both independence and collaboration.
2. Balance shared spaces with functional separation
Simply placing agencies under one roof doesn’t guarantee collaboration. Thoughtful adjacencies, shared resources and programming are key. Facilities benefit when departments share training areas, breakrooms, meeting spaces or technology infrastructure, yet also have the privacy and control needed to do their jobs effectively. Flexible layouts, scalable systems and multi-use rooms help ensure no space goes underutilized.
3. Design intuitive circulation and layered security
Public buildings must be welcoming without compromising safety. Multi-tenant facilities often include separate zones for the public, staff and secure operations. These layers should be clearly defined but seamless in flow, especially when visitors are moving between functions like city services, permitting or police records. Access control systems and zoning should reflect each agency’s needs while enabling transparency and strong color-coding and wayfinding for the community.
4. Align leadership on vision, operations and ownership
The most successful joint-use projects start with a shared mindset. From early planning through operations, alignment among department leaders ensures priorities are heard, space needs are met and long-term responsibilities are clear. Ongoing communication, decision-making protocols and a unified vision of community service all help avoid common challenges like turf battles, siloed operations or scheduling conflicts after move-in.
Real-world impact: Five facilities, five ways to unify government services
A consolidated civic hub that celebrates community pride
Wray Civic Center | Colorado
In the rural community of Wray, a new Civic Center is being planned to bring city hall, police, a community event center and the local history museum together under one roof, creating a vibrant civic anchor for the community. Originally catalyzed by museum funding, the project expanded to become a broader investment in public life, unifying essential services and fostering pride. The site also includes future space for a preschool to help meet childcare needs in the area.
A resilient hub for regional emergency coordination
Lake County Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) Facility | Illinois
Designed to unify critical public safety functions, this net-zero facility houses Lake County’s emergency management agency, a consolidated 911 center (LakeComm) and the joint emergency telephone system board under one roof. The space was purpose-built for seamless communication, faster response times and long-term disaster readiness. With features like solar and geothermal systems, it is the County’s first net-zero building, designed to remain fully operational during outages and emergencies. The ROC sets a new standard for sustainability, resilience and interagency collaboration.
Rethinking public safety for the next generation
Minnetonka Public Safety Facility | Minnesota
Replacing aging civic infrastructure, this modern facility brings together Minnetonka’s police, fire and city hall functions into one centralized campus that better reflects the community’s values and expectations. Thoughtful design balances shared training, fitness and wellness spaces with clearly defined operational zones, supporting both collaboration and efficiency. By prioritizing transparency, flexibility and long-term resilience, the facility enhances recruitment and retention, improves response times and builds lasting community trust in public service.
A civic gathering place for connection and community
White House Community Center | Tennessee
The White House Community Center answers a long‑held vision for a vibrant town center near the city’s library. This three‑story facility brings municipal administrative offices, senior spaces and a large community meeting room together in a welcoming environment that supports civic engagement and local events. Thoughtful public spaces and an inviting main lobby help reinforce the center’s role as a gathering place for residents and civic leaders alike, strengthening community connection and access to city services.
Designed with the community, for the community
Cross Plains Village Hall & Police Department | Wisconsin
From the earliest planning stages to final finish selections, the Village of Cross Plains prioritized community voices in the design of its new co-located facility. Residents helped shape everything from the building’s layout and functionality to exterior materials, reinforcing a shared vision of civic identity. The final design blends secure police and administrative zones with a welcoming village hall atmosphere, reflecting small-town values through thoughtful engagement.
Designing shared spaces that strengthen public service
As communities grow more complex, so must the spaces that serve them. Thoughtfully designed multi-tenant facilities go beyond simply housing government functions; they strengthen coordination, increase public accessibility and demonstrate a community’s shared commitment to safety, transparency and civic pride.
At Wold, we work alongside local leaders to bring these spaces to life. Our multidisciplinary teams combine architecture, engineering and operational planning with deep experience across public safety, emergency management and civic services. Together, we help communities build facilities that are flexible, efficient and ready for what’s next. Let’s start the conversation.
