San Xavier Sheriff Substation

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For more than 30 years, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department operated out of repurposed free-standing buildings and county facility building – facilities that were hard to find, not purpose-built, and lacked in security and modern amenities. With deputies covering an expansive district that spans urban Tucson and rural desert areas, including portions overlapping the Tohono O’odham Nation’s lands, the County needed a modern, community-facing “front door” that projected safety and welcome while protecting people and its assets. The site had to connect to Valencia Street, anticipate a future County library across a planned public drive, and navigate evolving traffic and easement requirements. Budget and schedule were tight, and delivery had to remain stable through an election cycle.

Through a design-build partnership with Lloyd Construction, the team developed a prototype sheriff substation that can be replicated countywide. A clear, inviting entry creates a strong civic presence, acting as a “lantern” for the County and a beacon for those seeking help. Security was humanized and carefully integrated to feel approachable rather than intimidating. Inside, a central, daylit spine organizes public and secure areas, bringing natural light deep into the building, and serving as a memorial and history wall that celebrates department culture and pride.

Operationally, the substation gives deputies the functionality they lack in adapted facilities: A durable, shield-like exterior of CMU and standing-seam metal provides security, while generous daylight behind secure lines creates a comfortable interior environment.  Parking and circulation control support safe movement on and off patrol.  Inside, open report-writing areas, dedicated sergeant and lieutenant zones, and large debriefing and break rooms oriented toward mountain views give staff space to focus, collaborate, and decompress.  Specialty spaces support the district’s unique needs, including a small garage for UTVs used in remote terrain, PPE and storage areas, on-site drug testing and bloodwork capabilities, and a quiet room for post-incident recovery.  The site is planned to support both current access and future development, with drives, utilities, and entries pre-aligned for a public street and County library, allowing the County to build forward without rework.

Beyond operations, the project establishes a visible and welcoming community presence that communicates, “we’re here for you.” Deputies moved from windowless, outdated spaces into a purpose-designed workplace and report higher satisfaction, pride, and a sense of refuge that supports demanding work. Clear separation of public and secure zones, combined with a hardened envelope, delivers meaningful safety without a militaristic feeling. This balanced approach creates a repeatable prototype for future substations, while built-in provisions for future site development extend long-term County value. Design-build delivery kept the project aligned with budget, schedule, and operational priorities throughout the process.