Students unveil repurposed DPS office as medical examiner facility

Students showcased architectural design concepts for converting a former Department of Public Safety office building in Bryan into a regional medical examiner’s office and EMS facility at a public event held Friday, Feb. 7 at the [Brazos Valley Council of Governments] (http://www.bvcog.org/) building.

BVCOG officials have discussed establishing a medical examiner’s office to reduce costs associated with sending autopsy cases to forensic facilities in other parts of the state.

“After researching forensic and EMS facilities in the United States, students created their designs with input from pathologists, physicians, BVCOG officials and architects,” said George J. Mann, holder of the Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA Professorship in Health Facilities Design, who is leading the studio. The former DPS office is located on the southbound feeder road on Highway 6 in Bryan.

The 20 students, who incorporated special air handling and exhaust units, complex mechanical systems and additional elements associated with forensic pathology into their designs, will present models, drawings and programs to area officials and representatives, said Mann.

For further information contact Roger Sheridan, BVCOG’s public safety program manager, at 979.595.2800 extension 240.