Phoenix this week began renovations on 100 West, the future headquarters of the Phoenix Police Department.

The 27-story tower east of Phoenix City Hall is approximately 500,000 square feet and will expand the city’s footprint downtown by creating "a central government hub," officials said in a release.

​“As our city continues to grow, it’s important to me that local government remains accessible and centrally located," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said.

"That’s why it’s great that we’re moving forward on 100 West, which is in close proximity to both bus routes and light rail stations, as well as other government agencies that serve both our residents and visitors alike.”

Officials said the upgraded property is expected to save taxpayers more than $200 million over the cost of new building construction.

The current police headquarters at 620 W. Washington St. opened in 1975 when the city’s population was less than half its current size.

With aging infrastructure and costly repairs needed, city officials said “it is not a viable long-term option.

“Even with those repairs, the building still would be less than half the size recommended in the 2019 Needs Assessment and would not be a modern police facility.”

The new headquarters is designed to accommodate the Phoenix Police Department’s growth needs for the next 20 years, the release stated.