Demolition Makes Way for DC's $218 million Crime Lab

Today DC officials began demolition work at the Metropolitan Police Department's former First District Headquarters at 415 4th Street, SW, the future site of the District's $218 million Consolidated Forensics Laboratory (CFL). Developed by Whiting-Turner and designed by HOK Architects, the six-story, 287,000 s.f. state-of-the-art crime lab will be situated in the shadow of the new Constitution Center complex near the L'Enfant Plaza Metro.

The new CFL will house the forensic arms of the Metropolitan Police, as well as the Department of Health and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and will be LEED Gold certified when it is completed sometime "in late 2012," according to DC Mayor Adrian Fenty. The First District's MPD headquarters relocated to the Bowen School at 101 M St SW in March to make room for the CFL lab.

CFL Director, Dr. William Vosburg said the new facility will allow for "synergy" between health and safety departments so that they are able to fight crime, identify disease outbreaks, and support public health and safety in general. And who couldn't use a little more synergy these days?

Meanwhile, the search continues for a temporary headquarters for the adjacent Engine 13 Fire House. The Ward 6 fire station will move to the adjoining parcels at 450 6th Street, SW just as soon as Mayor Fenty and the fire chief work out a suitable location for a temporary headquarters.