The Memphis Police Department (MPD) has opened its newest precinct at 2604 Mt. Moriah Road. What began as a long-term plan to enhance community safety and improve working conditions for officers is now a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the needs of modern policing while serving as a visible investment in the community.
This project, constructed by Zellner Construction with design by Renaissance Group Architects, represents an upgrade from the outdated facility it replaces and a forward-looking commitment to public safety, service, and trust.
From groundbreaking to completion
Ground was broken after years of planning across several divisions of the Memphis City Government. The construction process involved more than just the building itself. Over 106,000 square feet of asphalt and topsoil were removed to prepare the site, which once contained an existing parking lot.
The previous precinct, totaling about 13,000 square feet, included several garage bays used primarily for storage. In contrast, the new building offers over 19,600 square feet of functional office and operational space purpose-built to support officers and improve service delivery.
Spaces that serve officers and the community
Every part of the new precinct was carefully planned by MPD in collaboration with Renaissance Group Architects and executed by Zellner. A key feature is the 2,100-square-foot training and conference room, equipped with smart-screen technology for teleconferencing, interactive training, and community meetings. Its flexible design includes a folding partition, allowing the space to be configured as one large room or divided into two smaller spaces.
The building also contains a 750-square-foot hardened storm shelter, complete with restrooms, that doubles as an additional training room. This feature ensures that officers and staff have a safe, long-term refuge during severe weather while maximizing space efficiency.
Recognizing the importance of wellness, the precinct includes a 880-square-foot fitness room for officers, along with expanded locker rooms featuring walk-in showers and individual lockers. These spaces promote physical and mental health – both essential for effective policing.
Dedicated office areas for each shift reduce distractions and enhance teamwork, while additional data outlets throughout the building allow for flexible technology use and simultaneous work by multiple teams.
Safety, efficiency, and design
The facility is designed to be bright, welcoming, and community-oriented. Architectural details such as Victorian-style police globe lights, distinct brick finishes, and appealing interior tiling ensure the building serves as a civic landmark rather than an imposing structure.
Safety was also prioritized at every stage. The new precinct is fire-resistant, wind-resistant, earthquake-resistant, and bullet-resistant, ensuring the security of officers, staff, and visitors alike.
Energy efficiency was also a guiding principle. High-performance insulation, insulated windows, a computer-controlled HVAC system, and LED lighting maximize comfort and reduce long-term operational costs. The design combines durability with sustainability, lowering the building’s environmental footprint while maintaining high functionality.
A visible investment in public safety
The new Mt. Moriah Police Precinct is an investment in the people of Memphis. The project reflects the city’s broader commitment to prioritizing public safety, improving service delivery, and reinvesting taxpayer dollars into infrastructure that strengthens neighborhoods.
At the ribbon-cutting in August, city leaders and residents alike recognized the precinct as a tangible demonstration of partnership between government, law enforcement, and the community. For officers, it provides the resources, space, and environment needed to perform their duties effectively. For residents, it stands as a symbol of accessibility, trust, and the city’s dedication to building a safer Memphis.
With its modern facilities, resilient design, and community-minded features, the new headquarters for MPD’s Third Division is a beacon of progress and preparedness – serving both those who wear the badge and the citizens they protect.