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Guardhouse Remodel Project

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The History: The guardhouses were built 25 years ago and serve three primary purposes: controlling access for the Retreat Village, a break room for patrol staff and an office for the community patrol manager/housing for a radio tower. The Grayhawk Operational Review Committee did a thorough assessment of the Raptor and Talon Guardhouses in 2017 to determine whether design flaws were hindering full functionality.

The Challenges: It was determined that there were multiple issues, including but not limited to, guest traffic extending onto Thompson Peak Parkway, an overhang that is too low for vehicle clearance, visibility issues caused by the structure, glare issues, electrical and IT limitations and lack of power backup and shared storage/restroom space.

The Solution: The best course of action was to tear down and rebuild both guardhouses. The Grayhawk Community Association Board approved funding $700,000 of the project total from the Grayhawk Community Enhancement Fund. The Retreat Village Association will fund the remainder of the project from the Retreat Village Community Enhancement Fund.

The Bottom Line:  The remodel will reduce vehicular backup at the gate houses, provision for the current and next-generation of security technology, strengthen human oversight of security and maintain operational security during construction.

Obstacles

  • Guest and vendor traffic at the create is creating traffic backup onto Thompson Peak Pkwy.
  • The low canopy overhang (8'6") forces oversized vehicles to use the resident lane
  • Roof eaves have rot and deterioration and are near limit of roofing warranty
  • Stucco has water damage and signs of age in various several locations
  • Electrical service is not adequate for the facilities
  • Resident lanes have old call box systems that are no longer in use
  • Inadequate HVAC systems are improperly utilized when air escapes due to the sliding door
  • Restrooms are used to store office supplies and computer hardware due to insufficient storage
  • There is a huge glare in the guards' view from early and late-day sun

Solutions

  • Move guardhouse further from the street and add a double-width guest entrance lane to accommodate a higher volume of guests without impeding traffic
  • Increased overhang clearance for trucks so that they do not have to utilize the resident lane
  • Add climate controlled data racks to accommodate computer equipment
  • Add structured conduits for future technological needs
  • Add additional high-definition cameras
  • Improve visibility by increasing window area and implementing glare control
  • Create designated areas for patrol and gate staff to store personal items and take breaks

For Information on the current phase of the guardhouse remodel project, click here.