Project Overview
Designed by Urbahn Architects in collaboration with Alfandre Architecture, with a team of engineers and consultants.
The new Ulster County Emergency Communication Center, a highly secure, resilient, and state-of-the-art facility, now under construction in New Paltz, NY, was designed in collaboration with Ulster County, Urbahn Architects, and a talented team of engineers and consultants, this 16,600-square-foot facility will be a cornerstone of regional emergency preparedness and a model for ultra energy-efficient public infrastructure.
This critical facility will house the County’s state-of-the-art 911 Call Center (Public Safety Answering Point – PSAP), an Emergency Operations Center for major emergencies, and a secure, redundancy-enhanced data center that supports critical County services. The building incorporates Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls, a steel-framed and super-insulated roof, and will be served by redundant communications and electrical systems, including Next Generation 911 (NG-911) low-latency fiber optic, radio communications, an energy storage system, and a standby generator housed in a secure, ballistic-rated enclosure.
Purpose of the Facility
- 911 Call Center (Public Safety Answering Point – PSAP): The hub for emergency response communications
- Government Operations Center: Command base for coordinating regional emergencies
Resilient, High-Performance Design
The Emergency Communication Center is engineered for strength, redundancy, and efficiency. Key design features include:
- Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Walls – Super-insulated, storm- and earthquake-resilient, with ballistic protection
- Steel-Framed, Super-Insulated Roof – Built for exceptional durability and energy efficiency
- Geothermal Heating and Cooling (GSHP) – A ground-source system delivering renewable, year-round comfort
- Advanced Energy Recovery Ventilation – Providing healthy indoor air while cutting energy use
- Redundant Critical Systems – Backed-up communications and electrical systems for uninterrupted service
- Fossil Fuel-Free Operation – Fully electric, except for a secure backup generator in a ballistic-rated enclosure
Collaboration & Community Commitment
This project represents a landmark partnership and long-term investment in public safety. On April 15, 2025 — after more than 3 ½ years of planning — the Ulster County Legislature passed resolutions to fund the facility.
The Emergency Communication Center is being delivered through a collaboration of Ulster County, Urbahn Architects (lead architect), Alfandre Architecture (consulting architect), The Palombo Group (construction manager), and a talented team of engineers and consultants.
The chosen site, located just east of the Thruway exit ramp in New Paltz, NY, provides strategic accessibility for emergency personnel and ensures the center can effectively serve the entire county.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, alongside elected officials, emergency personnel, and the project team of Urbahn Architects, Alfandre Architecture, The Palombo Group, and contractors, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Emergency Communications Center.
Progress Images
