(KAIR)--A seven-month renovation project comes to a close, with an an open house now planned to allow the public a first hand look at the expansion of the Atchison Police Department.

Assistant Atchison City Manager, Justin Pregont, during the October 21 meeting of the City Commission, invited the Commissioners to take part in the event. “Exciting news coming out of the Police Department,” Pregont said. “Our renovation project down there is coming to an end. November 1st, from noon until three, there will be an open house downstairs. I believe the Chamber’s going to do a ribbon cutting about 12:15.”

According to a news release from the City, the $1.13 million project includes new office and squad space, a new evidence room, a secure garage space for investigations and vehicle searches, locker rooms, a new customer service window, a new conference room and an overall more secure department.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in September of last year, told MSC News that along with those enhancements, the key reason for the expansion was due to state statute. “ There is a new Kansas statute that says certain interviews done by police must be recorded. We've always lacked the proper space for interview rooms, but specially for proper recording that needs to be done.”

Atchison City Manager Becky Berger, in the news release, said approval of the expansion was unanimously approved by the Commission, which made it a priority.

The majority of the project was funded from General Obligation Bonds sold in May.

The public is invited to the November 1 open house, from 12 noon until 3:00.

Refreshments will be served and guided tours of the department, located at 515 Kansas Avenue, will be provided.