Fort Worth police association getting new building

Before the wrecking crew arrives today to tear down the Fort Worth Police Officers Association building, SWAT teams got a shot at it.

Monday morning, the teams took the opportunity to do training exercises with new explosives.

Demolition of the building at 904 Collier St., on the western edge of downtown, is to start today .

In its place will rise a five-story, energy-efficient building.

“We grew out of this building about 20 years ago,” said Rick Van Houten, president of the POA. “It is time to grow and expand, and to do that we need a building that is capable of offering the services to our members that they need.”

POA members voted unanimously in favor of the $5 million to $6 million project, which the association is paying for. The association will collect revenue by renting out office space, Van Houten said. And the roof and a meeting room will be available to rent for community events.

The building will also have space for training and a gym for officers.

Van Houten said he hopes to be in the new headquarters by Christmas.

This story was originally published February 9, 2015 at 5:53 PM with the headline "Fort Worth police association getting new building."