A new three-story police station and four-level parking structure are under construction in Garden Grove, the first phase of a Civic Center renovation that is expected to take more than three years to complete.
The $152 million Garden Grove Civic Center Revitalization Project involves a 2.75-acre corner of Euclid Street and Acacia Parkway, including Community Center Park. In a later phase, Civic Center Park will be created. The OC Public Libraries system also has plans for the nearby Garden Grove Main Library, which is set to close in January for a year of improvements.
The Civic Center project is headed by the city of Garden Grove, along with project developer Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, design-build contractor Clark Construction Group and architect AC Martin.
“The Civic Center Revitalization Project is a much needed-reinvigoration to our downtown area,” Mayor Steve Jones said in a recent statement. “The project also reflects the growth and progressiveness of our community and the city’s ongoing commitment to providing more resources and amenities to our residents and visitors.”
Garden Grove Police Lt. Vincente Vaicaro described the department’s headquarters, built in 1972, as “out of date” and having been “outgrown.” Officers and units are now split between four different facilities throughout the city, he said.
But the Civic Center “is designed to handle expansion,” Vaicaro said, and this project will let the department bring everyone under one roof, promoting better communication between police units.
“In an emergency, a few seconds could change every incident,” he said.
The 103,000-square-foot public safety facility will come equipped with modern technology and a community room, which can also function as an emergency operations center.
The department’s current headquarters will remain open during construction, the new facility is being built where Community Center Park is at the corner of Acacia and Euclid.
Trees and public art elements in the park are being relocated, and the park’s duck pond was drained and removed in April – its wildlife relocated to a rescue facility.
After the new police station and the attached parking lot are completed – expected by March 2026 – the existing headquarters will be demolished, allowing the development of a 2.8-acre Civic Center Park. Plans don’t include the duck pond, but feature a memorial grove, walking trail, fitness equipment and open green space.
A new police memorial is also planned.
The Civic Center Revitalization Project is expected to be completed and everything open to the public by late 2027.
Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra spoke recently to his hopes for the new police station and Civic Center Park, saying, “We want it to be a place for both officers and community members.”
“We are very grateful to the community of Garden Grove as we, the police department, and the city grow together.”
