Google Maps screenshot of the Schroeder Hall U.S. Army Reserve Center before the renovations.
Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) East Division personnel will soon call a former U.S. Army reserve center their new home—but not before the community is treated to an open house for the substation this Saturday.
Community members will be treated to tours of the facility, static displays and grilled hot dogs, courtesy of the Long Beach Police Officers Association, according to a release from the city.
“The new East Division Substation will be an integral part of the community, and a testament to the City’s commitment to public safety,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement.
The building was renovated to feature a multi-purpose community room, public waiting and reception areas and an elevator to provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility, the release stated. It will house East Patrol Division officers and Juvenile Investigation detectives and includes office space, renovated locker areas, showers, restrooms and gym facilities.
The facility includes interior and exterior LED lighting, window glazing to improve internal building temperature, a white cool roof to reduce the heat island effect, native and drought tolerant plants and water-saving fixtures. Officials stated the renovation also met the city’s construction recycling requirements.
“I am extremely excited to open this premier east side community facility,” stated Councilwoman Stacy Mungo. “This new home for the LBPD East Division will allow us to better serve our neighbors and more efficiently deploy critical public safety resources.”
The former Schroeder Hall U.S. Army Reserve Center was declared surplus in 2005 through the Base Realignment and Closure process, which increases U.S. military efficiency by reorganizing its bases, officials stated.
“We’re pleased to be moving into our new station,” stated LBPD police Chief Robert Luna. “Our employees have been looking forward to this day. We’re extremely grateful to have a professional environment that enhances our operations and is centrally located for the community we serve.”
The East Division is the largest of the three geographical patrol divisions in Long Beach at 24 square miles, officials stated. It is bounded by Del Amo Boulevard to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, the Orange County border to the east and Cherry Avenue and the city of Signal Hill to the west.
The open house will take place on Saturday, February 20 from 11:30AM to 1:30PM at 3800 East Willow Street.
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