Denver is moving toward a $68.2 million rebuild of its District 6 police station, a project prompted by recurring flooding, failing building systems and cramped space for residents and officers. The proposed station and garage would be built at 16th Avenue and Washington Street. The contract went through a courtesy public hearing on Sept. 28, and the last regularly scheduled City Council meeting within its 30-day review period is Oct. 19. Construction could begin in late October or early November, depending on when the city issues a notice to proceed. The contract allows 532 days of construction after that notice. District 6 Commander Kimberly Bowser said the current building was originally a medical facility, not a police station, and was taken over by the department in the mid-1990s. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system failed this year, she said, while heavy rain regularly sends water into the basement. The proposed project includes a larger public lobby, restrooms, dedicated community space, protective canopies and a garage. Bowser said the existing lobby provides little privacy for people making police reports. Peter Fletcher-Haynes, a neighborhood resident of more than 20 years, also said the small lobby makes it difficult to have private conversations when several people are inside. The rebuild is not expected to add officers or automatically improve response times. Bowser said having officers back on the property could make police more visible in the area. Shawn Garcia, who has lived or worked in the neighborhood for 26 years, questioned the cost and said he would like to see continued investment in services for people dealing with addiction. The available project information does not indicate that station funding is being taken from addiction treatment or sober-living programs. A separate old Pharmacy Building on the property is slated for demolition. Its site is not part of the station construction and would be cleared for possible future development. “Our biggest concern is just making sure that we can adequately serve the community,” Bowser said.