300 Main Street
Norwich is considering adapting, expanding and reusing the former bank building at 300 Main Street as a modern police headquarters.
The need has been documented for nearly two decades.
The current headquarters at 70 Thames Street has served Norwich Police since 1979. A formal space and needs study completed in 2007 recommended a facility of approximately 57,389 square feet.
Documented concerns have included overcrowding, inadequate office and workspace, insufficient parking, inadequate evidence and storage areas, limited locker and supervisory space, and outdated infrastructure for modern technology.
Adapt, expand and reuse 300 Main Street.
The proposed downtown facility would total approximately 59,066 square feet across the existing building and planned addition.
Project snapshot
Address: 300 Main Street
Proposed total area: 59,066 square feet
Approach: Adaptive reuse, renovation and expansion
Location: Downtown Norwich
Next step: If authorized by voters, the project must go through a competitive bidding process.
$55 million is the proposed ceiling, not a guaranteed final expenditure.
The proposed bond authorization establishes the maximum amount available for the project. The figure may come down through bidding, grants, other funding sources and project savings. It cannot increase without additional voter approval.
Estimated hard construction cost
Includes the physical construction itself, such as concrete, steel, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, walls, doors, finishes, site work, labor and installed building systems.
Estimated Norwich renovation/addition cost
The estimated 2027 average is $867 per square foot for new construction and $957 per square foot for renovation.
Maximum bond authorization
The remaining balance covers soft costs and contingency, including design, engineering, testing, permits, management, insurance, technology, furniture and unexpected conditions.
A long-running public process
More than a building
The proposed location places police personnel, residents and visitors in the heart of downtown and reuses an existing landmark building. Additional information about public-facing spaces and community use will be added as planning continues.
Ask. Learn. Follow the process.
This website is being created as a central location for official project information. Frequently asked questions and responses from the appropriate City officials will be added as the process moves forward.
What is the exact ballot question?
The official language will be posted after it is finalized through the City process.
Will the project necessarily cost the full $55 million?
No. The proposed authorization is a ceiling. The final amount may be reduced through competitive bidding, grants, other funding sources and unused contingency.
Why not remain at 70 Thames Street?
The current facility is approximately 22,000 square feet, while the 2007 needs study recommended more than 57,000 square feet. Multiple reviews have documented space, parking, storage, locker, supervisory and technology limitations.