Demolition set for old Raleigh Police Department headquarters

Demolition work is underway to tear down the old Raleigh Police Department headquarters in downtown Raleigh.

The building at West Hargett and McDowell streets has been vacant for 14 years.

On Thursday, construction fencing was installed and windows had been removed so work crews can safely remove asbestos from the building.

In 2010, the Raleigh Police Department moved its headquarters to a building at 6716 Six Forks Road.

In place of the old building, a new, 17-story city hall will be built in the coming years.

City leaders said the East Civic Tower is a $206 million project to consolidate city government offices and services under one roof.

Right now, those departments are scattered across several buildings in downtown Raleigh, which the city pays about $62,000 a month to rent out.

"This is the city’s opportunity to improve the customer service experience," said Priscilla Williams, Raleigh's construction projects administrator. "Rather than navigating through downtown at five different locations, now residents, citizens and visitors alike will be able to come to one location and receive all city services. It’s an exciting time for the city of Raleigh."

The East Civic Tower will include new city council chambers, and the modern building feature glass siding for more natural light.

According to the city of Raleigh, the design is meant to send a message of transparency in city government.

A wrecking ball is slated to demolish the building later this month.

Construction on the new tower is scheduled to start this summer, and the city hopes to have construction finished by December 2026.