McFarland Public Safety Center

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The McFarland Public Safety Center stands out by being the first net-zero public building in Wisconsin. The 61,000-square-foot, multi-floor facility houses the village’s fire and rescue, police and municipal court departments.

To reach net-zero status, several innovations were used, including a photovoltaic solar panel array on the roof and geothermal wells, said Taylor Blake, project manager for JP Cullen.

“The geothermal bore field underneath a parking lot that extends over 400 feet into the earth. Their use aligns with McFarland’s commitment to sustainable practices, utilizing the earth’s natural resources for heating and cooling,” Blake said.

The structural components include a combination of steel framing and masonry-bearing walls with a metal roof deck. The exterior wall systems feature a mix of masonry cavity walls and metal panels supported by a combination of masonry and cold-formed steel back-up constructions. Internally, the construction involved metal framing and gypsum board and specialized components such as bullet-resistant transaction windows, millwork, lockers and security systems.

The most demanding aspect of the project was the slab-on-grade pour in the fire station garage, Blake said. The complexity arose from the need for a full-length trench drain in all six bays, requiring various pitches and the added challenge of in-floor heating. Despite the challenge, JP Cullen’s crew executed the pour seamlessly, demonstrating an ability to navigate complex scenarios.

While the center is new, Blake said it was built with future growth in mind. For example, the decision to implement selective underground electrical conduits, as opposed to traditional in-wall conduits, showcased a commitment to forward-thinking infrastructure design, providing both aesthetic and functional advantages.