New Ramona Sheriff's Substation Project to Begin This Summer

The $37 million, 18,400-square-foot facility is expected to be completed by late 2027 or early 2028.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:21pm

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A new single-story Ramona Sheriff's substation is set to begin construction this summer, with plans for the 18,400-square-foot facility to be completed by late 2027 or early 2028 at a cost of $37 million. The existing substation on Montecito Road will be demolished to make way for the new building, which will feature a similar design to the nearby Ramona Community Resource Center with extensive windows, natural light, and natural and wood elements.

Why it matters

The new substation is part of the county's efforts to modernize and expand law enforcement infrastructure in the Ramona area, which has seen population growth in recent years. The project aims to provide a more secure and community-oriented facility to serve the local Sheriff's department and residents.

The details

The new substation is being designed by San Diego-based SILLMAN Architecture, which also designed the nearby Ramona Community Resource Center. The exterior will be mostly stucco with pops of color including blue, green and grey, and will feature subtle lettering highlighting the Sheriff's motto 'Keeping the Peace Since 1850'. A unique feature will be a hitching post area behind the building to accommodate up to four Sheriff's Mounted Patrol horses, as well as a hardscape feature for community gatherings. Interior plans include a community room near the building's lobby.

  • The existing substation at 1424 Montecito Road is scheduled to be demolished late this summer.
  • Construction of the new substation is expected to begin soon after the demolition of the existing building.
  • The new 18,400-square-foot substation is expected to be completed by late 2027 or early 2028.

The players

SILLMAN Architecture

The San Diego-based architecture firm that designed the new Ramona Sheriff's substation as well as the nearby Ramona Community Resource Center.

Jessica Schwartz

An architect with SILLMAN Architecture who provided details on the design of the new substation.

Julio Medina

The senior project manager with SILLMAN Architecture who discussed balancing the building's attractive facade with law enforcement security needs.

Basil Aruin

A member of the Ramona Community Planning Group who questioned the need for 75 parking spaces at the new substation site.

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What they’re saying

“We tried to find a cost-effective way to give the building an identity and to let people know the Sheriff's have been here a very long time.”

— Jessica Schwartz, Architect, SILLMAN Architecture

“It's a very attractive building, but at the same time it will be a very secure substation.”

— Julio Medina, Senior Project Manager, SILLMAN Architecture

What’s next

The next presentation on the proposed design of the Ramona Sheriff's substation is scheduled for the Ramona Design Review Board at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26 at the Ramona Community Center.

The takeaway

The new Ramona Sheriff's substation is part of the county's efforts to modernize and expand law enforcement infrastructure in the growing Ramona area, providing a more secure and community-oriented facility to serve local residents and the Sheriff's department.