Grimes Public Safety Center

The Grimes Public Safety Center is a new, approximately 20,000-square-foot, facility constructed on the west side of Grimes, Iowa, to replace the city’s outdated fire station. Serving primarily as the Johnston-Grimes Fire Department’s headquarters, the facility also includes office and conference space for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Acting as Construction Manager Agent, The Weitz Company managed 12 bid packages and successfully delivered the project on schedule, returning construction savings to the owner at completion.

Construction began in September 2024 with site preparation, grading, and underground utility work. Structural steel and precast concrete erection progressed through the winter, followed by enclosure, interior buildout, and MEP rough-ins throughout 2025. The facility reached substantial completion on October 20, 2025, with owner occupancy occurring shortly thereafter.

The facility includes an eight-bay apparatus garage, storage and training areas, and fully equipped living quarters featuring bunk rooms, kitchen and dining spaces, offices, conference and training rooms, laundry facilities, showers, and outdoor patio space. The building utilizes a structural steel frame with insulated precast concrete panels, brick veneer exterior walls, CMU construction in select areas, and a hollow-core precast second-floor deck. A backup generator and automatic transfer switch provide emergency power capabilities, while polycarbonate clerestory glazing introduces natural light into the apparatus and storage areas. Durable finishes, including polished concrete flooring, were incorporated throughout key operational spaces.