FOWLER, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The City of Fowler will soon look forward to a new senior center and police headquarters after officials broke ground in the center of the city. On Monday, city officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the David T. Cardenas Senior Center and Fowler Police Headquarters at 108 N. 3rd St. The building was proposed on a ballot in 2018 and since then, the city states years of planning brought the initiative to fruition. The $17 million, 16,000-square-foot facility will replace the outdated Edwin Blayney Senior Center and host law enforcement operations for the City of Fowler. Set to be located across the street from Panzak Park, officials say the police headquarters will improve service delivery and provide authorities with more room, having been operating out of town hall previously. Additionally, the David T. Cardenas Senior Center will provide more recreational opportunities for seniors. “This unique opportunity to co-locate our Senior Center and our Police Department further builds trust and forges strong relationships between law enforcement and the residents we serve. The new facility will meet the needs of Fowler for decades to come,” said Fowler Police Chief Michael Reid. The facility was named after David Cardenas who served on the city council since the early 2000s and as mayor of the city for more than a decade. He passed away in March 2022. "Thank you to the mayor [Cardenas] for his vision, for his leadership. Unfortunately, we lost him a few years ago, but his wife and family were here today so I wanna thank them for coming out and for all the hard work they did— because as an elected official, it's not just what we do it's the sacrifice of our families also, so thank you," said Mayor of Fowler Daniel Parra. City officials add the shared facility will also have a large community room for organizations and Fowler residents to meet and an enhanced public safety facility.