The community is invited to join Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7 for a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of the new downtown Federal Way Police Substation.

“This is an exciting new chapter for our city’s downtown,” Ferrell said. “The substation is a keystone of the city’s investment in revitalizing the downtown core.”

A growing economy has brought new businesses to the downtown, including Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Restaurants and shops in the area are seeing increased business from employees of new arrivals such as DaVita. By July 5, the city of Federal Way will have completed its first downtown park, one block from the substation.

“With new businesses and a park coming to our downtown, the substation will enable our police department to maintain the safe downtown environment we currently enjoy,” Ferrell said.

The substation is strategically located across from the Federal Way Transit Center, said Police Chief Andy Hwang.

“This location is highly visible. People will see more of a police presence and the location reduces response time to key locations downtown,” he added.

The police department has made impressive strides in making and keeping the downtown core safe from crime. In 2010, the department implemented the Special Operations Unit, which was instrumental in reducing crime in the downtown and at the Transit Center.

The substation — located at 31620 23rd Ave. S. — has been generously donated by the property’s owner Pat Rhodes. The 2,000-square-foot office space will provide adequate storage for the Special Operations Unit equipment, and provide critical work and meeting space for the squad. The space provides a welcoming lobby and spacious interview rooms.