Tampa, Florida (February 1, 2012) – Architects Design Group (ADG), in association with FleischmanGarcia, was recently selected for the design and construction administration of the County’s new Public Safety Complex.

The County’s current 18,000 square-foot Emergency Operations Center is more than 20 years old and is too small to accommodate emergency responders during a significant natural or man-made disaster. In addition, the current facility was only designed to withstand a Category 2 hurricane with wind loads up to 110 mph.

The new facility, tentatively proposed to be located off of Columbus Drive between Falkenburg Road and U.S. 301, is projected to be between 72,500 square feet and cover more than 20 acres. Also included is 29,000 square feet of auxiliary buildings. The complex will consolidate various County functions such as Fire Rescue Headquarters, Fire Rescue Training, Emergency Operations, Emergency Dispatch, Traffic Management, Information Technology, and Code Enforcement.

Located on the west coast of Florida with a real threat of a direct hit from a major hurricane, the new buildings will be designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane and sustained wind loads greater than 155 mph. “The community depends on emergency responders to prepare for and provide response, mitigation, and recovery from emergency incidents,” said Architects Design Group President Ian Reeves. “Disaster situations change continuously and we design these specialized facilities and operations to be survivable in order help the community when they otherwise can’t help themselves,” noted Reeves.

Construction is scheduled to be completed when the 2013 hurricane season begins.

Established in 1971, Architects Design Group is a full-service architectural and planning firm based in Winter Park, Florida that specializes in the innovative design of public sector architecture, including fire rescue, emergency operations centers, police, public safety, municipal, public works, and cultural facilities throughout the United States. The firm is currently working on the Lake County, FL Emergency Operations Center; Brevard County, FL Emergency Operations Center; Springfield, MO Public Safety Coordination Center; Wilmington, DE Emergency Operations Center; and the Evangeline Parish Emergency Operations Center. ADG has received many awards including the AIA Florida Firm of the Year Award and the AIA Orlando Firm of the Year Award. To learn more about Architects Design Group, visit www.adgusa.org.