OKLAHOMA CITY-The Daily Oklahoman reports that construction will begin this summer on a new police headquarters and court complex. It's also hoped that the $50 million will help spur redevelopment of the CBD's western fringe, which is outdated.

The article notes that the court building will be situated at the northeast corner of Couch Drive and Shartel Avenue, while the police headquarters will go north at the southeast corner of Colcord Drive and Shartel. New parking will be constructed between the proposed buildings, where the current police headquarters and court are located. The Daily Oklahoman quotes Deputy Police Chief Tom Jester in saying that the current 40-year-old complex is outdated, cramped and has old mechanical systems.  Scott Dedmon, project architect and principal with ADG Inc., is handling the project's design work.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City planning director Russell Claus is determining how to use the new complex to spur redevelopment of downtown's western edge. “There is a lot of vacant land in the area, a significant amount of which is owned by the city or in association with the city,” Claus said in the article.

“The redevelopment of Main Street would be imminent if we could change the dynamic on those currently vacant or underutilized properties.”

Read more about the municipal development and proposed plans here.