City of Palm Beach Gardens to Update and Expand Police, Fire and Admin Spaces

July 5, 2017
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – According to its recent budget, The City of Palm Beach Gardens projects an expenditure of more than $10 million dollars over a five-year period to "ensure the City’s facilities are maintained at the level of service the residents expect from a 'Signature City' such as Palm Beach Gardens." The update and expansion projects are made possible by a one-cent sales tax.

The City selected the architecture firm of Synalovski Romanik Saye (SRS) to design the updates and expansions needed for the aging police and fire departments, city hall, and public recreation facilities.
"We recently met with City officials to work out time-frames and scheduling of the necessary work, and have met with each department to identify project space planning needs," said Merrill Romanik, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, SRS principal and lead architect for the extensive project.

SRS recently designed the 9,100-square-foot Tactical Training Facility for Palm Beach Gardens' Police Department, which houses state-of-the-art preparatory equipment and specialized skills development areas.

Romanik said her firm gained the confidence of the City during "our hallmark work with Dycom Industries at Golden Bear and Dycom at RCA Boulevard. The magnitude of those projects brought us into close contact with the City administration and building and zoning departments on an everyday basis. They appreciated the ease of working with us in meeting code and other building requirements."

Romanik said architectural plans for the City's police headquarters include expansion of the CSI Lab; remodeling of the sallyport; addition of an elevator; relocation of the training/fitness program; reconfiguration of administrative space to include a small conference room; and remodeling of the detectives' area and breakroom.

Also under contract: interior remodeling of all departmental areas within City Hall, enclosure of exterior spaces that are currently under roof only, including the porte cochere, and building expansions to meet current needs, and provide a more open collaborative work environment.

"The option for interior remodeling of City Hall would provide for Fire Rescue administrative staff to be relocated from Fire Station One," Romanik said. "This would allow 4,600 square feet of space at the fire station to be converted for City staff training and wellness services and the City's 'Care Here' program.

"The City asked us to reinvent City Hall on the new 'corporate' model of open, flexible spaces rather than the existing compartmentalized small offices with few opportunities to enjoy natural light. Currently, very few of the staff have windows and natural light, and collaborative opportunities are limited to conference rooms only. As walls are removed, staff members will enjoy a much more interactive and productive environment. Many of the City employees and inspectors have seen the benefits of that corporate model at Dycom, and desire something more along those lines."

Romanik has been associated with SRS since 1992, joining the firm as an intern after earning two master's degrees, Master of Building Construction at University of Florida, Gainesville, and Master of Architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta. With significant expertise in architecture, building construction, and interior design, she envisioned an expanded spectrum of services that offers clients a one-stop shop, and helped launch the firm's Interior Design Studio. She was named a principal in 2001.

Romanik's integrated approach to programmatic planning and client needs, particularly in municipal and high-tech corporate projects, has added a unique dimension to the firm's overall reputation and achievements. Her involvement in municipal projects includes the cities of Weston, Lauderhill, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Sunrise, Hollywood, Dania Beach, Pembroke Pines and more.

As project manager for the two Dycom corporate facilities in Palm Beach Gardens, Romanik was praised by the firm's Christen Lockamy: "Not only are you talented and devoted, but you bring compassion for the people you work with... and energy and joy to our weekly meetings. Thank you for sharing our vision and making this fabulous place come to life. You are a treasure."

Born in Pittsburgh, Romanik came to South Florida as a teenager. She spent her formative years side by side with her father, whose craftsmanship and handiwork inspired her choice of careers. Romanik's membership and certifications include: Registered Architect, Florida; Registered Interior Designer, Florida; National Council of Architectural Registration Boards; American Institute of Architects; International Association of Chiefs of Police; National Fire Protection Administration; and LEED Accredited Professional.