Washington County Sheriff’s Office

Project Scope

Haley Ward, Inc. provided full design services for the new Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Machias, Maine—a critical upgrade to the county’s aging public safety infrastructure. Funded by $6.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations, the project replaces outdated and cramped quarters with a modern facility designed to support current and future law enforcement needs.

The new building will centralize county law enforcement operations by housing the sheriff, chief deputy, patrol deputies, detectives, civil process staff, jail administration, IT personnel, and an office for the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. This consolidation is expected to significantly improve coordination, workflow, and overall efficiency, while also accommodating future growth in response to increasing public safety demands.

Haley Ward’s multidisciplinary team provided structural, civil, and MEP engineering for the project. Mechanical design featured a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system with a Dedicated Outdoor Air Unit (DOAU) to ensure efficient and controlled HVAC performance. Plumbing systems included a hybrid water heater with a pumped recirculation loop for energy-efficient hot water delivery. Electrical design included a new fire alarm system and an emergency generator to ensure uninterrupted operations during power outages.

The structural design consisted of wood-framed construction, pitched roofs, and cantilevered canopies, offering both durability and a welcoming civic presence. Civil engineering efforts addressed stormwater management, site grading, and the design of a new expanded parking area. Additional site features included underground sewer and electrical services, equipment pad placements, and a light well to support natural ventilation.

One of the biggest project challenges was working within a very tight construction budget. Through strategic value engineering, Haley Ward successfully delivered a design that met the county’s operational needs while staying on budget. The result is a well-coordinated, modern public safety facility that will support law enforcement needs in Washington County for years to come. This project highlights Haley Ward’s commitment to providing responsive, community-focused design solutions that balance functionality, efficiency, and long-term value.

Market

• Municipal & County

Services

Project Data