CU Anschutz Medical Campus Safety and Preparedness Facility

Creating a resilient, future-focused headquarters that enhances safety, preparedness, and sustainability across campus.

Saunders partnered with Anderson Mason Dale to deliver the Campus Safety and Preparedness Facility, a design-build project developed to support the immediate and long-term safety needs of the growing University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The facility consolidates critical public safety functions into a single location, strengthening coordination, operational efficiency, and emergency response capabilities across the campus.

Located along the north frontage of 17th Place between Victor Street and Wheeling Street, the 26,100-square-foot building serves as the centralized headquarters for the campus’s safety and preparedness teams. The facility brings together Police Operations, Electronic Security, Emergency Communications, and Emergency Management under one roof, creating an integrated environment that enhances collaboration and supports a unified approach to campus safety.

Designed to accommodate future growth and evolving operational needs, the facility provides modern workspaces, advanced technology infrastructure, and flexible environments that support day-to-day operations as well as emergency response activities. By consolidating these essential services, the building improves communication, decision-making, and preparedness across the campus community.

Sustainability was a key project objective. The facility was designed with a pathway toward becoming the first net-zero energy building on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, reflecting the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term operational efficiency. The building incorporates sustainable design strategies that reduce energy consumption while supporting occupant comfort and performance.

Working within the framework established by the CU Anschutz Medical Campus 2012 Facilities Master Plan, the project reinforces the character of the campus’s urban edge while enhancing the overall arrival experience. Its prominent location serves as a gateway to the campus and strengthens connections to the campus Art Walk, marking the eastern terminus of this important pedestrian and public space corridor.

The result is a modern, highly functional facility that advances campus safety, supports future growth, and establishes a visible and welcoming presence at one of the primary entrances to the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

This project received LEED Gold Certification in 2023.

Photos courtesy of David Patterson.