1st Precinct construction moves along

The landscape at the site of the future headquarters of the Nassau County Police Department’s 1st Precinct, at the corner of Merrick Road and Harrison Avenue, has changed drastically in recent months. The Huntington Learning Center, which sat adjacent to the existing precinct, was demolished, and a three-story brick building was constructed in its place.

Crews completed the exterior work last month, and are now concentrating on interior projects like electrical and plumbing systems, according to county Department of Public Works spokeswoman Mary Studdert. The interior work should continue until early next year, she added.

When the new headquarters is complete — the prediction is now next February — police personnel will move in, and the current headquarters will be demolished the following month, Studdert said. Crews are now using the Kellogg House — a 115-year-old structure across Harrison Avenue that was most recently an antiques store — for its offices and overflow parking in order to keep parking on residential streets to a minimum.

The project follows much discussion and years of proposals from the county. After gathering feedback from residents, the county purchased the Huntington Center property to gain more space, and to preserve the Kellogg House as a community center.
The purchase of the Huntington Center took longer than expected, however, and was not completed until last September. The building was demolished last December, and work on the new precinct began shortly thereafter.

1st Precinct project timeline and county estimates

- September 2014: County completes purchase of Huntington Learning Center property.
-  Dec. 10: Huntington Learning Center is demolished.
-  Jan. 20, 2015: Building foundation is completed.
-  May 5: Precast building erection is completed.
-  May through November: Interior work and installation of mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems.
-  December through January 2016: Interior finish and furniture move-in.
-  February 2016: Police department moves in.
-  March 2016: Existing building demolition and miscellaneous construction.
-  April 26: Project completion.