NORFOLK, Neb. — The Norfolk City Council has approved Scheele-Kayton Construction to begin work on a significant expansion and renovation of the Norfolk Police Department, a project estimated at $7 million. The upgrades aim to address long-standing needs for more space and improved facilities, as officers have been working in increasingly cramped conditions.

According to Connor Layton, co-owner of Scheele-Kayton Construction, the project will include a two-story addition. "Roughly 14,000 square foot addition is going to add more office space, a new garage, and then revamp the entire existing building," Layton stated. The new construction will not only increase space but also add new bathrooms, a workout room, and additional indoor garage space.

Layton also shed light on the complexities of such a large-scale project. "There is a lot that goes into a construction project some may not even realize," he explained. "People see a big dollar amount. It's like, how could it possibly cost that much. You know, But there's staff, there's the owner equipment that we are to provide. They have a piece that they get. But there's just a lot of stuff that you don't see for just how to how to facilitate and get a project done." Layton emphasized the hidden costs, including engineering, surveying, and testing, which are critical for a successful project.

While an official start date has not been set, Layton indicated that discussions with the city of Norfolk are scheduled for November or December of 2025, with the hope of breaking ground before 2026.