Municipal buildings are more than just structures; they are critical hubs of public service, innovation, and community support. GPD leads the way in designing and improving municipal facilities to serve communities better while promoting sustainability, operational efficiency, and future readiness.

A Holistic Approach to Municipal Facility Design

Effective municipal facility design requires a comprehensive approach that considers operational efficiency, sustainability, and community impact. GPD’s methodology includes:

• Thorough Assessments: Evaluating existing facilities to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with department personnel to align designs with operational needs.
• Sustainability Integration: Incorporating energy-efficient solutions to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.
• Future-Readiness: Designing facilities that support evolving technology and infrastructure needs.

Case Studies: Transforming Municipal Operations

Cuyahoga Falls: A High-Performance Electric Department Facility

GPD conducted an extensive evaluation of the City of Cuyahoga Falls’ Electric Department facility, identifying the need for a modernized space. The new facility is designed for 24-hour emergency operations, incorporating a generator, uninterrupted power system (UPS), and fiber connectivity for reliability.

Key features include:

• A ‘war room’ for real-time outage monitoring and response coordination.
• Heated floors for energy efficiency and worker comfort.
• A rooftop solar array offsetting 50% of energy consumption.
• Expanded indoor and outdoor storage for essential equipment.
• An indoor training system for utility workers.

City of Canton: Optimizing Sanitation Operations

GPD addressed space constraints and inefficiencies within the City of Canton’s sanitation department by designing a new facility tailored to operational needs. Through workflow analysis and staff interviews, GPD developed a space that enhances both efficiency and working conditions.

Key features include:

• Separate offices for administrative staff and supervisors.
• Dedicated shower and locker rooms for sanitation workers.
• A large, soundproofed garage housing 28 service vehicles.
• An enclosed wash bay for sanitation truck maintenance.

City of Akron: A State-of-the-Art Water Department Facility

Following the demolition of Akron’s existing water distribution office and garage, GPD led the effort to establish a new facility that enhances functionality and sustainability. A detailed feasibility study helped determine the best site and design to support the department’s long-term needs.

Key features include:

• A 30,000-square-foot garage connected to a 10,000-square-foot storeroom, workshop, and offices.
• 20,000 square feet of office space, including a meter office, dispatch center, training areas, and engineering spaces.
• Architectural enhancements like clay masonry and large aluminum windows for durability and aesthetic appeal.
• A 3,000-gallon water tower that collects and processes rainwater for internal use.

Advancing the Future of Municipal Infrastructure

GPD’s approach to municipal building design extends beyond functional spaces—it creates lasting community assets. By integrating sustainability, efficiency, and innovative design, GPD transforms public facilities into forward-thinking infrastructure solutions. These projects exemplify the power of strategic planning and stakeholder engagement in shaping resilient municipal spaces that serve generations to come.