The new Excelsior Springs Police Department was a design challenge...how to incorporate a new structure which would not only serve the needs of the police department, but also complement the rich historic architecture of surrounding buildings. R. Stephen Rees and Judi Bauer of Gastinger Rees Walker Architects, Kansas City, Missouri, met the challenge by showing respect to the landmark Hall of Waters, which shares the park-like setting with the structure built in 1987.

Like the Hall of Waters, the police station conveys an accomplished sense of scale - the proportion of one element in relation to the whole. The concrete building, echoing the palette of the city hall, is a subdivision of elements into squares, such as fenestration and sidewalk paving. The main floor features a sky-lighted spine above a corridor which runs the entire length of the building.

The new structure was chosen to be included in the souvenir guidebook of historic buildings to emphasize how new structures and in-fill structures can meet the needs of today while complementing architectural designs of yesterday. This can happen when property owners and architects are sensitive to what exists in the surrounding area.