MSHP Troop A Headquarters

Command Central for Missouri State Highway Patrol

Lees Summit, MO

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s new Troop A Headquarters stands as a testament to modern law enforcement infrastructure, combining security, technology, and functionality in a 33,556 SF facility that serves as both a regional police headquarters and critical communications hub for emergency services.

Located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, this $13.67 million project represents a significant investment in public safety infrastructure. The facility houses not only the administrative operations for MSHP Troop A but also operates as a sophisticated 911 call center, making it a vital component of the region’s emergency response network.

The building’s exterior showcases an impressive blend of natural stone and extensive glazing, creating a professional appearance that reflects the importance of the operations within. This architectural approach balances the need for security with transparency, symbolizing law enforcement’s role in serving the community.

Inside, the facility features high-end finishes throughout the front lobby and administrative areas, establishing a professional environment for both staff and visitors. However, the true engineering marvels lie in the specialized spaces designed for law enforcement operations.

The state-of-the-art evidence room represents one of the facility’s most critical components, incorporating advanced security and environmental controls necessary for maintaining the integrity of legal evidence. Equally impressive is the communications center, which serves as the nerve center for 911 operations across the region. This space required extensive coordination of telecommunications infrastructure, backup systems, and ergonomic design to support around-the-clock emergency operations.

Security considerations drove many of the building’s unique features. The entire structure is blast-rated, built on a reinforced concrete foundation designed to withstand potential threats while maintaining operational continuity. A substantial generator system ensures the facility can maintain full operations for over a week during power outages – a critical capability for emergency services.

The facility also incorporates an indoor shooting range, providing officers with year-round training capabilities regardless of weather conditions. Adjacent to this is a forensics room, equipped with specialized ventilation and lighting systems necessary for evidence analysis and processing.

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of construction involved navigating underground utilities that were poorly mapped from previous development. The construction team encountered significant complications when an existing water line, typically found at 4-foot depth, was discovered 30 feet underground. Despite these subsurface challenges and various mechanical complications, the project team maintained the construction schedule and delivered the facility a full month ahead of the contracted completion date.

The successful completion of this complex project demonstrates the intricate coordination required when building specialized law enforcement facilities. From blast-resistant construction to sophisticated communications infrastructure, every element required precise execution to meet the exacting standards necessary for public safety operations.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Municipal
Cost: $13,675,000
Size: 33,556 SF
Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build / Hard Bid
Owner: State of Missouri
Architect: GastingerWalker
Engineer: Phelps Engineering Inc.