In the heart of Richmond’s East End, a transformative public safety project is taking shape: the new Richmond Police Precinct #1. More than just bricks and mortar, this facility represents a strategic investment in community infrastructure, modern policing, and collaborative construction.
The existing Precinct #1, located at 25th & Q Streets, had long outlived its usefulness. With outdated security standards and insufficient space for staff, the need for a replacement had become urgent. The new facility, now rising on Fairfield Way adjacent to the Justice Center, will serve neighborhoods like Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom, and Union Hill — communities with deep histories and evolving needs.
A New, Better Approach
Helping to lay the foundation for the success of this project is the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method. CMAR offers a faster, more collaborative approach to project development and construction, with the added benefit of transferring risk from the owner to the construction team.
The approach fosters trust, collaboration, and cost control from day one, allowing the city to engage Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. and RRMM Architects and early in the design phase.
Trust and relationships are built between people. The Shockey team builds a culture of trust through consistent, conscientious effort, honest feedback, and the knowledge that trust is earned through transparency, accountability, and integrity.
The move away from traditional design-bid-build results in smoother execution and better outcomes. Early communication between parties avoids potential conflicts and keeps projects moving forward.
In Richmond, with a distressed urban neighborhood as the backdrop and high expectations from stakeholders, CMAR proved to be more than just a delivery method for Police Precinct #1 — it provided a strategic advantage.
Benefits of CMAR
Accelerated Project Start
Shockey began sitework early while permits were still in progress, shaving months off the timeline. Shockey provided constructability reviews and value engineering before final design, helping to optimize a limited budget.
Procurement During Design
Shockey executed subcontracts and began materials procurement during permitting and design to improve the schedule.
Effective Permitting Management
The team navigated permitting hurdles while advancing construction, maintaining project momentum.
Cost Control through GMP Budgeting
Shockey, as CMAR, coordinated closely with AECOM to minimize costly change orders.
Problem-Solving via BIM
Leveraging BIM technology, every potential challenge had a solution ready before it was needed in the field.
When the new facility is finished this fall, it will open the door for future economic development and further strengthen the vitality of the community. Construction is scheduled for completion in October 2025, delivering on promises made to trusted repeat clients.