West Palm Beach, FL
OLC is the Architect of Record supporting the expansion and enhancement of the City of West Palm Beach’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a critical 24/7 facility responsible for managing 911 calls and hurricane response operations. As an Enhanced Risk Category VI structure, the highest classification for essential facilities, the EOC is designed to remain fully operational during extreme weather events, capable of withstanding wind speeds up to 170 mph. The project involves expanding the existing 11,000 sf EOC building and connecting it to an adjacent 1,800 sf staff support building, located just 140 feet away. This neighboring facility includes office space, sleeping quarters, and locker rooms for EOC personnel. The new design includes a bridge connector linking the two structures and builds upon a 2019 plan developed by another architect. OLC’s approach prioritizes a thorough understanding of existing site conditions, infrastructure continuity, and maintaining uninterrupted operations throughout construction, all while improving resilience and functionality. The total project cost is estimated at $12 million.