As the City of Gulf Shores has grown in size and population, the Police and Justice offices have operated in the same  footprint for decades. There has been additional personnel added but the need for building space has been crucial in recent years. According to a City of Gulf Shores press release, all of that will change very soon.

In a significant step forward for public safety infrastructure, the Gulf Shores City Council has awarded Persons Services Corporation a $20,987,223 contract to transform the former Sacred Heart Medical Office Building into a new Justice Center. The new Justice Center will unite the police department, municipal courts, and jail into one modern complex, addressing critical space and operational needs for law enforcement. In addition, the facility will provide a new incident command center designed to enhance the continuity of operations during natural disasters and other emergencies. 

Persons Services Corporation emerged as the lowest conforming bidder when sealed bids were opened on January 14, 2025. Located on Medical Village Boulevard, the project represents a crucial investment in providing law enforcement with the modern facilities they need to serve and protect the community. 

"Public safety is our top priority. Our current police station is outdated and does not provide modern facilities or resources our police officers deserve," said Mayor Robert Craft. "This new Justice Center demonstrates our commitment to supporting the brave men and women who keep our community safe."

The project stems from a comprehensive city-wide Staffing and Facility Needs Assessment conducted by Matrix Consulting Group in 2019-2020, which identified the current police station and jail as the property most urgently requiring replacement. The project includes a complete renovation of the existing 42,000-square-foot building to accommodate personnel and courts, with a new jail facility to be constructed at the rear of the building. 

Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months, with completion targeted for summer 2026.